NPR News Now — December 22, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major national and international headlines. The stories range from geopolitical tensions and legal developments to domestic energy problems and shifts in the bourbon industry, as well as progress and challenges in medical obesity care. The episode closes by marking the life and achievements of a pioneering figure in the National Park Service.

Key News Highlights and Insights

1. US Coast Guard Pursues 'Dark Fleet' Oil Tanker Near Venezuela

• [00:16–01:23]

• US Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker suspected of evading sanctions near Venezuela.

  • Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly denounced the US actions as "piracy."
  • Venezuela's Vice President has appealed to the UN and other governments for intervention.
  • Iran has expressed solidarity with Venezuela.
  • Maduro amplifies the outcry with slogans and English-language pleas across TV and social media.

  Notable Quote

  "Maduro has called the US Actions high seas piracy and profiteering."
  — Kerry Kahn, [00:43]

  "...Venezuela just wants peace, not war."
  — Repeated by Maduro, via Kerry Kahn, [01:10]

2. Justice Department Restores Image in Epstein Files

• [01:23–02:25]

• DOJ reposts a previously removed photograph from the Epstein Files, which showed a desk with images, including one of President Trump.

  • The photo, and several others, were taken down following victim concern.
  • Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche clarified that photos were reviewed for victim representation.
  • After review, DOJ stated no victims were depicted and restored the photo.

  Notable Quote

  "...the Justice Department posted on X that it had reviewed the photo of the desk and found no evidence that any Epstein victims were depicted. It has been reposted without any alteration or redaction..."
  — Andrea Hsu, [02:12]

3. San Francisco Power Restoration

• [02:25–03:07]

• Massive power outage over the weekend affected about 130,000 customers.

  • The cause is under investigation; initial reports mention a fire at a PG&E substation, but it's unclear if it was the root cause.
  • Outage disrupted transit, traffic, and left driverless taxis stranded.

  Notable Quote

  "The outage paused transit services and caused traffic jams...due to malfunctioning traffic lights and driverless taxis stuck in intersections."
  — Dana Cronin, [02:53]

4. Market & Business Updates

• [03:07–03:47]
• Asian markets and US stock futures are up.
• Jim Beam, a top Kentucky bourbon producer, to pause whiskey production starting January 1.
  • The bourbon industry faces a whiskey surplus, declining domestic demand, and retaliatory tariffs.

5. GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Limitations

• [03:47–04:29]

• About 50% of people taking GLP-1 drugs lose ≥15% of body weight, but one in six sees little benefit.

  • Obesity is influenced by varied biological factors—current drugs may not address all.
  • Future treatments may be increasingly personalized.

  Notable Quotes

  "One tool often is not enough over the lifetime of a person to control or to mitigate the health impact of that condition."
  — Dr. Jennifer Manigouler (Harvard), [04:13]

  "...in a few years, she says, genetic and other tests will make it easier to personalize those treatments."
  — Yuki Noguchi, [04:21]

6. Remembering Betty Reed Soskin

• [04:29–04:55]
• Betty Reed Soskin, the National Park Service’s oldest active ranger, has died at 104.
  • Soskin played a crucial role in commemorating WWII American defense workers, particularly women and those who fought against racial discrimination.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Maduro's use of "peace, not war" messaging: [01:10]
• Justice Department transparency over high-profile documents: [02:12]
• Local color in SF outage disruption—“driverless taxis stuck in intersections”: [02:53]
• Clinical humility on obesity drugs—“one tool often is not enough…” (Dr. Manigouler, [04:13])
• Tribute to Betty Soskin’s legacy: [04:29]

Segment Timestamps

• US–Venezuela sanctions conflict: [00:16–01:23]
• Epstein Files photo controversy: [01:23–02:25]
• San Francisco power outage: [02:25–03:07]
• Market/business updates + bourbon industry: [03:07–03:47]
• GLP-1 drugs & obesity care: [03:47–04:29]
• Death of Betty Reed Soskin: [04:29–04:55]

This episode provides a brisk yet nuanced update for listeners seeking a quick but thorough immersion in the day’s major stories.