NPR News Now — December 22, 2025, 11AM EST

Episode Overview

This episode provides listeners with a concise roundup of major global and domestic news headlines. Key topics include renewed U.S. interest in Greenland, international tensions over Venezuelan oil shipments, journalistic standards at CBS, global whiskey market shifts, deep-sea species discoveries, and the legacy of National Park Service figure Betty Reid Soskin.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Renewed Interest in Greenland

[00:16–01:17]

• President Trump's Actions:
  Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to pursue U.S. interests in Greenland.
• International Response:
  Denmark and Greenland jointly reaffirmed their territorial sovereignty, rejecting any U.S. takeover.
  • "[They] demand respect for their territory after Trump announced that he's appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to be a special envoy." — Michelle Kellerman [00:34]
• Public Sentiment in Greenland:
  Although most Greenlanders desire independence from Denmark, the idea of joining the U.S. is broadly rejected.

Notable Quotes:

• "Polls there show that while most Greenlanders want independence from Denmark, an overwhelming majority reject the idea of joining the U.S." — Michelle Kellerman [01:08]

2. U.S.-China Tensions over Venezuelan Oil Ships

[01:17–02:12]

• Events:
  The U.S. is pursuing the seizure of a third Venezuelan oil tanker, prompting criticism from China.
• China's Response:
  China’s Foreign Ministry labels the U.S. action a violation of international law and reiterates opposition to unilateral sanctions.
  • "China opposes all unilateral and illegal sanctions." — Emily Feng [01:43]
• Venezuelan Position:
  Venezuela calls the U.S. engagement “outright piracy.”
• Trade Impact:
  Venezuela now supplies about 4% of China’s crude oil imports.

3. CBS’s Pulled Report on El Salvador Prison Abuse

[02:12–03:02]

• Background:
  CBS’s 60 Minutes did not air a promoted segment investigating abuse at an El Salvador prison where hundreds of Venezuelan migrants had been sent by the Trump administration.
• Editorial Decision:
  CBS News’ new editor in chief, Bari Weiss, pulled the story, citing insufficient readiness and a need for more substantial reporting.
  • "If the story's not ripe, I'm not going to put it on the air, even if it's already been promoted." — Paraphrased from Bari Weiss, via David Folkenflick [02:53]

4. Economic Headlines

[03:02–03:47 and 04:26–04:55]

• Wall Street Update:
  Stocks are up at the time of reporting—Dow by 186–207 points, NASDAQ by 107–108, S&P up 31.
• Bourbon Industry Slowdown:
  Jim Beam to pause production due to surplus, falling U.S. demand, and tariff pressures.

5. Discovery of New Deep-Sea Species

[03:47–04:26]

• Research Effort:
  Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences retrieved monitoring devices from Guam’s deep reefs, identifying about 20 potential new species.
• Methodology:
  DNA sequencing confirms discoveries are genuinely new species.
  • "We confirmed everything with genetics, so we sequence the DNA of the species before we even make absolute fear that they're new." — Luiz Rocha [04:07]
• Ongoing Expedition:
  The team is now retrieving additional devices from across the Pacific over the next two years.

6. Betty Reid Soskin’s Passing

[04:26–04:55]

• Legacy:
  Soskin, who died at 104, was the National Park Service's oldest active ranger and helped create a WWII national park honoring marginalized defense workers.
• Achievement Highlight:
  Soskin’s role was pivotal in honoring women and minorities overcoming discrimination during wartime America.

Memorable Quotes

• "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders." — Joint statement, Denmark and Greenland, via Michelle Kellerman [00:54]
• "China opposes all unilateral and illegal sanctions." — China's Foreign Ministry, via Emily Feng [01:43]
• "If the story's not ripe, I'm not going to put it on the air, even if it's already been promoted." — Bari Weiss, paraphrased by David Folkenflick [02:53]

Timestamps: Important Segments

• U.S.-Greenland Envoy Announcement: [00:16–01:17]
• China Criticizes U.S. Over Venezuelan Oil Tankers: [01:17–02:12]
• CBS Pulls El Salvador Prison Abuse Story: [02:12–03:02]
• Bourbon Industry & Market Update: [03:02–03:47]
• Deep-Sea Species Discovery: [03:47–04:26]
• Betty Reid Soskin Tribute: [04:26–04:55]

This NPR News Now episode offers a fast-moving but thorough summary of the day's top stories, reflecting geopolitical tensions, economic trends, scientific advances, and the celebration of an extraordinary American life.