NPR News Now — December 23, 2025, 1 PM EST

Host: Douahlisai Kowtel
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now update delivers the latest national and international headlines, touching on the ongoing release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, President Trump’s responses, the FDA’s approval of a new weight-loss pill, a Russian drone attack on Ukraine, a U.S. military strike in the Pacific, and political upheaval in Taiwan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Files Release and Political Fallout

• Justice Department File Release

  • DOJ released another set of documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein.
  • "Nearly 30,000 documents" include hundreds of references to President Trump—many of which are described by the DOJ as “untrue or sensationalist claims.”
    • [00:13] – [00:41]
  • The files detail:
    • Alleged frequent Trump flights on Epstein’s jet (1993-1996), per an unnamed federal prosecutor ([00:41] Lou Garrett).
    • A 2021 subpoena to Mar-A-Lago in relation to the Ghislaine Maxwell investigation.
    • A mysterious 2019 letter reportedly from Epstein to Larry Nasser mentioning “our president,” though its authenticity is unverified.
    • Ongoing piecemeal release of documents despite Congressional mandate for full transparency by last Friday.

• President Trump's Reaction

  • Trump, recently pictured in new Epstein file releases, shifted focus to Bill Clinton and other figures, suggesting innocent associations with Epstein:
    • Quote:

      "Bill Glenn's a big boy. He can handle it. But you probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago, many years ago, and they're, you know, highly respected bankers and lawyers and others."
      — Donald Trump [01:42]

  • Ongoing lack of clarity about how many files DOJ still retains or when all will be released.
    • [01:58] Douahlisai Kowtel

2. FDA Approves First Oral GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug

• Wegovy Pill Approval
  • FDA approves the first GLP-1-based weight loss medication—Wegovy—available as a daily pill rather than an injection.
    • "The Wegovy pill seems to work about as well as the Wegovy shot."
    • Available early next month at about $149/month out-of-pocket—less than injectable forms.
    • GLP-1 drugs mimic hormones that induce fullness; these medications are revolutionizing obesity treatment.
    • A rival GLP-1 pill is expected to receive approval soon.
      — [02:21] Rob Stein

3. Russia’s Ongoing Attacks on Ukraine

• Major Drone and Missile Attack
  • Record-setting Russian attack leaves parts of Ukrainian regions without electricity.
    • A brief update, no further details.
      — [03:04] Douahlisai Kowtel

4. US Military Action in the Pacific

• Operation Against Suspected Narco Vessel
  • U.S. Southern Command conducted an operation late last night, killing at least one on a low-profile boat.
    • Released 26-second video shows the boat being fired upon and burning.
    • The vessel was allegedly traveling established drug smuggling routes.
    • However, the military provided no direct evidence of smuggling.
    • [03:25] Douahlisai Kowtel

5. Political Turmoil in Taiwan

• Impeachment Proceedings Begin
  • Taiwan's main opposition parties (KMT and TPP) launch impeachment efforts against President Lai Qingde for not implementing a legal amendment.
    • Emily Feng notes the amendment "would have been overturned by the executive branch anyways" but hearings proceed for next week.
    • Final impeachment vote expected in late May.
  • President Lai’s party earlier tried (unsuccessfully) to recall opposition lawmakers.
  • Lai faces criticism for proposing an unprecedented $30B defense budget (targeting $40B by 2030).
  • Opposition lawmakers are actively blocking budget discussions, causing legislative gridlock amid tensions with China.
    — [04:05] Emily Feng

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lou Garrett, on DOJ File Release:

  "These documents continue a piecemeal release by the DOJ despite Congress requiring them to make all the files public last Friday." [00:41]

• Donald Trump, on Epstein Photos:

  "Bill Glenn's a big boy. He can handle it. But you probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago, many years ago, and they're, you know, highly respected bankers and lawyers and others." [01:42]

• Rob Stein, on Wegovy Pill:

  "The Wegovy pill seems to work about as well as the Wegovy shot... GLP1 drugs mimic a natural hormone that makes people feel full and have revolutionized the treatment of obesity." [02:21]

• Emily Feng, on Taiwan’s Political Deadlock:

  "Taiwan's KMT and TPP party say President Lai Qingde did not implement a legal amendment, which would have been overturned by the executive branch anyways, but they’re now moving forward with impeachment hearings..." [04:05]

Timeline of Key Segments

• [00:13] – Epstein files released; DOJ commentary
• [00:41] – Details from released files (Trump flights, subpoenas, letters)
• [01:24] – Trump comments on released Epstein photos, mentions other public figures
• [02:21] – FDA approval of Wegovy pill for obesity, pricing & expectations
• [03:04] – Russian drone and missile attacks leave Ukrainian regions powerless
• [03:25] – U.S. military strike on suspected narco vessel in the Pacific
• [04:05] – Taiwan’s impeachment hearings and defense budget struggle

Tone

Concise, informative, and direct—typical of NPR news bulletins, with brief but impactful direct quotes from involved figures.

This episode concisely covers major news stories with critical context, direct quotes, and a balance of domestic and international news, useful for keeping listeners up-to-date on emerging headlines.