NPR News Now: 12-23-2025 1AM EST

Host: Dan Ronan (NPR Newsroom)
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update covers the latest headlines, including congressional pressure over Jeffrey Epstein file disclosures, President Trump’s announcement of new battleships, updates on Southeast Asian conflict mediation, economic news, concerns over a diplomatic appointment, musician Barry Manilow’s cancer diagnosis, and developments following a campus shooting at Brown University.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Congressional Pressure for Full Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files

• Bipartisan Demand: Congress members Ro Khanna (D) and Thomas Massie (R) threaten the Department of Justice (DOJ) with fines and possible arrest of Attorney General Pam Bondi over the slow, heavily redacted release of Epstein case documents.
  • This procedure (arresting a cabinet secretary) was last used roughly 90 years ago.
• Victims Speak Out: Epstein victims express frustration at delays.
  • Quote [00:55]:
    “The only way that justice will be served is to bring these men to light and have everyone see who they are and what they have done to us and to other women, too, who have not spoken yet.” – Marina La Sarda

New Battleship Production Announced by President Trump

• Historic Move: Trump announces the U.S. will produce battleships—the first since WWII.
• Specifications:
  • Ships larger than current destroyers/cruisers.
  • Armed with sea-based nuclear weapons, lasers, and 16-inch guns.
  • Quote [01:39]:
    “These are the best in the world. They'll be the fastest, the biggest and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.” – President Trump
• Timeline: Design phase now; possible construction by early 2030s.
• Context (Steve Walsh report): Battleships were replaced by aircraft carriers; last used in combat in 1991.

Conflict Mediation in Southeast Asia

• Resumed Hostilities: Fighting reignites between Thailand and Cambodia after the collapse of a July truce brokered by President Trump.
  • Both nations blame each other for restarting violence.
  • Recent clashes involve air, drone, and artillery attacks, resulting in soldier and civilian casualties.
• Diplomatic Efforts:
  • Foreign ministers meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Statement [02:44]: Call for “maximum restraint, cease hostilities, and ensure civilians evacuated...can return safely.”
  • China is also mediating.
• Reporter: Ashish Valentine

Economic Update

• Markets: Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P finished higher despite a shortened holiday week.
• Commodities: Also reached a high.

Presidential Appointment Controversy

• Jeff Landry Named Envoy: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry chosen as special envoy to Greenland.
  • Appointment stirs debate and eligibility questions.
  • Report repeated for emphasis.

Barry Manilow’s Cancer Diagnosis

• Public Disclosure:
  • Manilow announces early-stage lung cancer diagnosis.
  • Will undergo surgery; concert dates postponed to February.
  • Diagnosis followed MRI during persistent bronchitis.
  • Quote [03:29]:
    “Could it be magic? Come, come on, come on.” – Barry Manilow (from classic song, used as a lead-in)

Brown University Shooting Aftermath

• Administrative Shake-Up:
  • Chief of police placed on leave as security procedures are reviewed post-shooting (2 fatalities).
  • Former Providence police chief steps in as acting chief.
  • U.S. Dept. of Education investigating possible federal campus security violations.
• Community Impact:
  • Hundreds hold a vigil in Birmingham, Alabama for a victim.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marina La Sarda on Justice for Epstein Victims [00:55]:

  “The only way that justice will be served is to bring these men to light and have everyone see who they are and what they have done to us and to other women, too, who have not spoken yet.”

• President Trump on New Battleships [01:39]:

  “These are the best in the world. They'll be the fastest, the biggest and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.”

• Barry Manilow sings “Could It Be Magic” (lead-in to cancer announcement) [03:29]:

  “Could it be magic? Come, come on, come on.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein Files/DOJ Pressure & Victims Statement: 00:13–01:09
• Battleship Announcement & Analysis: 01:09–02:06
• SE Asia Conflict & Mediation: 02:21–03:02
• Economic Update: 03:02–03:12
• Jeff Landry Envoy Controversy: 03:12–03:29 (repeated for emphasis)
• Barry Manilow Health Announcement: 03:29–03:48
• Brown University Shooting Aftermath: 03:48–04:43

Tone and Style

• Direct, urgent, and factual—typical of an NPR News Now brief.
• Humanizes headlines with direct quotes and brief moments of personal reflection (e.g., victims’ statements, Manilow’s health news).

End of Summary