NPR News Now – "NPR News: 12-22-2025 5AM EST"

Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Dave Mattingly

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update delivers concise reporting on major headlines in U.S. and global news, politics, weather emergencies, sports milestones, and financial markets for the morning of December 22, 2025. Stories include new moves on sanctioned oil tankers, developments in the Epstein files, political unity calls amid Republican controversy, severe storms across California and Washington State, College Football Playoffs update, a landmark NCAA Women’s Volleyball win, and Wall Street’s latest trends.

Key Discussion Points & News Highlights

1. U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Sanctioned Oil Tanker

• [00:20] The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker operating in international waters near Venezuela.
  • The vessel is alleged to be operating under a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order.
  • Status: Operation outcome currently unclear.
  • Source: Unnamed U.S. official speaking to NPR.

2. Justice Department Reposts Trump Photo from Epstein Files

• [01:00] After removing several Jeffrey Epstein-related files, the Justice Department has reposted a controversial photograph containing President Trump.
  • Background: Files were temporarily removed at a judge’s request to heed concerns from victims’ advocacy groups.
  • Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s clarification (on NBC’s Meet the Press):
    • [01:10] "The images were pulled down because a judge had told them to listen to concerns from victims and victim rights groups."
  • The Justice Department stated on X (formerly Twitter):
    • [01:22] “No evidence that any Epstein victims were depicted. It has been reposted without any alteration or redaction.”
  • Reporting: Andrea Hsu

3. Republican Party Unity and Misinformation at Turning Point USA

• [01:42] Vice President J.D. Vance calls for Republican unity at Turning Point USA’s national conference in Phoenix—the first since founder Charlie Kirk’s tragic death.
  • J.D. Vance’s message:
    • [02:12] “We have far more important work to do than canceling each other. We have got to build.” (J.D. Vance)
  • Context: Ben Shapiro recently criticized some right-wing figures for spreading conspiracy theories about Kirk’s death and for associating with white nationalist voices.
  • Tucker Carlson, directly singled out for his recent interview with Nick Fuentes, later denied anti-Semitic intent.
  • The party continues to grapple with internal rifts, misinformation, and anti-Semitism controversies.
  • Reporting: Elena Moore

4. Severe Weather: California & Washington State

• [02:45] Nearly all of California is under flood watches and warnings due to an atmospheric river bringing heavy rain and expected Sierra Nevada snow.
• [03:00] In Washington State, Governor Bob Ferguson described ongoing flooding as “truly historic in nature.”
  • [03:00] “This natural disaster that we are facing as a state and that we continue to go through is truly historic in nature.” (Gov. Bob Ferguson)
  • Washington’s flooding this month has caused at least one death and severe property damage.

5. College Football Playoffs Update

• [03:20] The College Football Playoff field is set to eight teams:
  • Miami (10th) vs. Ohio State (2nd) on New Year’s Eve.
  • Quarterfinals on New Year’s Day: Ole Miss (6th) vs. Georgia (3rd); Oregon (5th) vs. Texas Tech (4th); Alabama (9th) vs. Indiana (1st).
  • Championship game scheduled for January 19th, 2026, in Miami.

6. Texas A&M Claims First National Women's Volleyball Title

• [03:56] Texas A&M's women's volleyball team wins its first NCAA National Championship by upsetting second-ranked Kentucky.
  • Outstanding Player: Sophomore Kendall Stowers—her comeback is notable after missing last season due to four concussions.
  • [04:09] Kendall Stowers: “They were with me every single day, regardless of the highs and lows. And genuinely, I feel like the joy that I'm feeling in this moment genuinely is just a testament to everybody around me.”
  • First ever championship match between two Southeastern Conference teams; Texas A&M finished the season 29–4.
  • Reporting: Greg Eklund

7. Wall Street Update & Economic Snapshot

• [04:34] The stock market ended last week strongly:
  • Dow: +183 points, closing above 48,000.
  • Nasdaq: +301 points (>1% gain).
  • Economists point to a rising U.S. unemployment rate in November, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates again in January.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• J.D. Vance urging GOP unity:
  • "We have far more important work to do than canceling each other. We have got to build." [02:12]
• Gov. Bob Ferguson on Washington floods:
  • "This natural disaster that we are facing as a state and that we continue to go through is truly historic in nature." [03:00]
• Kendall Stowers on team support after injuries:
  • "They were with me every single day, regardless of the highs and lows. And genuinely, I feel like the joy that I'm feeling in this moment genuinely is just a testament to everybody around me." [04:09]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:20] – U.S. Coast Guard pursues sanctioned oil tanker
• [01:00] – Epstein files controversy and photo reposting
• [01:42] – J.D. Vance calls for GOP unity at Turning Point USA
• [02:45] – Flood and storm emergency across California and Washington
• [03:20] – College Football Playoff matchups
• [03:56] – Texas A&M wins first women's volleyball national championship
• [04:34] – Stock market and economic outlook

Tone & Style

Direct, fact-based, and impartial—Retaining the clarity, urgency, and brevity typical of NPR’s breaking news delivery, with quotes that reflect the voices and emotional tone of the original speakers.

This NPR News Now morning episode delivers a cohesive, multi-topic briefing for listeners seeking critical updates in national and global affairs.