NPR News: 12-23-2025 4PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: December 23, 2025, 4PM EST

Host: Lisa Kowtel
Date: December 23, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

---

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now presents the latest headlines and developments from around the world, focusing on a range of urgent topics: the release of new DOJ files concerning Jeffrey Epstein and references to President Trump, a landmark Johnson & Johnson baby powder verdict, severe weather threats in California, former Senator Ben Sasse’s cancer diagnosis, and recent escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files and Trump References

[00:30–01:37]

• DOJ Releases New Epstein Documents:
  The Justice Department has issued a further batch of files tied to Jeffrey Epstein, including hundreds of mentions of former President Trump.
• Nature of Files:
  DOJ specifies that the nearly 30,000 documents released contain "untrue or sensationalist claims about Trump."
• Notable Insights from Documents:
  • A 2020 email alleges Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet more frequently than previously disclosed (1993–1996).
  • A 2021 subpoena to Mar-a-Lago sought employment records for the Ghislaine Maxwell investigation.
  • A 2019 letter, supposedly from Epstein to Larry Nassar, makes reference to "our president," though authenticity is unverified.
• Ongoing Disclosure:
  DOJ continues staggered releases despite Congressional instructions to make the files fully public.

Quote (Luke Garrett, 01:00):
“Flight logs show Trump had flown on Epstein’s private jet many more times than previously reported between 1993 and 1996.”

---

2. Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $1.5 Billion in Baby Powder Verdict

[01:37–02:36]

• Historic Ruling:
  Jury awards $1.5 billion to a Baltimore woman, the largest single verdict so far in ongoing talc-related cases.
• Findings:
  Jury found J&J exposed the plaintiff to asbestos through its baby powder, leading to an incurable cancer (mesothelioma).
• Legal and Corporate Response:
  • Attorney Jessica Dean criticizes J&J’s conduct and priorities.
  • J&J will appeal, while approximately 67,000 related lawsuits are pending.
  • J&J switched its US baby powder formulation to cornstarch in 2020.

Quote (Jessica Dean, 02:10):
“The willingness to sacrifice future people’s health, protect their pocketbook when they have unreal resources is gross.”

---

3. Severe Holiday Storm Threatens Los Angeles

[02:36–03:11]

• Storm Forecast:
  Up to 10 inches of rain expected with serious risks of mudslides, flooding, and even tornadoes in some areas.
• Officials Urge Preparedness:
  LA County Supervisors and Sheriff stress need for emergency readiness (sandbags, supplies).

Quote (Hilda Solis, 02:50):
“If you haven’t picked up your emergency supplies or sandbags yet, please do so today if you can, before the heavy rain begins.”

Quote (Sheriff Robert Luna, 03:04):
“We’re nearing the end of 2025, and 2025 didn’t start off that great for LA county with the fires, and we're ending it with floods.”

• Weather Service Warning:
  High winds, localized severe thunderstorms, and a small tornado risk along the northern coast.

---

4. Former Senator Ben Sasse’s Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

[03:11–04:31]

• Announcement and Background:
  Former Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska reveals a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
• Senate and Post-Senate Career:
  • Elected in 2014, served two terms.
  • Known for critical stance against President Trump, especially after January 6.
• Personal Note:
  Sasse left his University President post post-2024 due to his wife's health. Shared reflections on his limited time left:

Quote (Sasse via Sam Greenglass, 04:21):
“This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad.”

---

5. Russia-Ukraine Escalation and International Appeals

[04:31–05:09]

• New Attacks:
  Major Russian drone and missile attacks leave some Ukrainian regions without power.
• Ukrainian Military Achievement:
  Reports confirm Ukraine used an underwater drone to destroy a Russian submarine, marking a first in this conflict.
• Calls for Ceasefire:
  Pope Leo is appealing to Russia for a Christmas Day cessation of hostilities; Russia has so far refused.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Flight logs show Trump had flown on Epstein’s private jet many more times than previously reported between 1993 and 1996.”
  —Luke Garrett, [01:00]

• “The willingness to sacrifice future people’s health, protect their pocketbook when they have unreal resources is gross.”
  —Jessica Dean, Attorney, [02:10]

• “We’re nearing the end of 2025, and 2025 didn’t start off that great for LA county with the fires, and we’re ending it with floods.”
  —Sheriff Robert Luna, [03:04]

• “This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad.”
  —Sen. Ben Sasse (via Sam Greenglass), [04:21]

---

Closing Notes

This episode delivers a fast-paced and concise snapshot of urgent developments across politics, public health, severe weather, and international conflict—providing essential context and direct commentary from both subject matter experts and affected individuals.

Transcript

[Monarch/Shopify Sponsor]

This message comes from Monarch. Take control of holiday spending with Monarch, the personal finance tool that brings your entire financial life together in one dashboard. Get a full year for half. Off with promo code [e-mail] Understand where your money has been and where it's heading in 2026 and beyond with their latest AI features built on the collective wisdom of certified financial planners and Financial Advisors. Get 50% off with code [e-mail].

[Lisa Kowtel]

Live from NPR News in New York City. I'm DOA Lisa Kowtel. The Justice Department has released another batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These contain hundreds of references to President Trump. The DOJ says the nearly 30,000 documents contain, quote, untrue or sensationalist claims about Trump. More on this from NPR's Luke Garrett.

[Luke Garrett]

In a 2020 email, an unidentified federal prosecutor said flight logs show Trump had flown on Epstein's private jet many more times than previously reported between 1993 and 1996. Another file shows a 2021 subpoena to Mar A Lago for employment records during the investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co conspirator and a convicted sex offender. Other documents include a 2019 letter supposedly sent by Epstein to convicted sex offender Larry Nasser, the US Gymnastics team doctor. The letter mentions our president, though it's unclear whether the DOJ verif this was in fact written by Epstein. These documents continue a piecemeal release by the doj, despite Congress requiring them to make all the files public last Friday. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

[Lisa Kowtel]

A jury has ordered Johnson and Johnson and its subsidiaries to pay $1.5 billion to a Baltimore woman after finding the company liable for exposing her to asbestos through baby powder. WIPR Scott Maccioni reports. It's the largest win for a single person in a talc related case.

[Scott Maccioni]

The Baltimore Circuit Court jury found that the company knew that its baby powder products caused mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer. Jessica Dean, an attorney on the case, says Johnson and Johnson consistently lied about the safety of the product.

[Jessica Dean]

The willingness to sacrifice future people's health, protect their pocketbook when they have unreal resources is gross.

[Scott Maccioni]

The company says it will appeal the $1.5 billion verdict. About 67,000 people are suing Johnson and Johnson over cancer diagnos. The company moved from talc to cornstarch based baby powder in the US in 2020. For NPR News, I'm Scott Moscione in Baltimore.

[Lisa Kowtel]

For holiday travelers in the Los Angeles area, a Christmas storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain causing potential mudslides and widespread flooding. Hilda Solis is chair of the LA County Board of Supervisors.

[Jessica Dean]

If you haven't picked up your emergency supplies or sandbags yet, please do so today if you can, before the heavy rain begins.

[Lisa Kowtel]

At the same briefing, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna added this we're nearing the.

[Robert Luna]

End of 2025, and 2025 didn't start off that great for LA county with the fires, and we're ending it with floods.

[Lisa Kowtel]

The National Weather Service warns of dangerous conditions with high winds, severe thunderstorms locally, and even a small chance of tornadoes along the northern coast. You are listening to NPR News from New York City. Former Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska says he has advanced pancreatic cancer. Sasse was among the few Republican senators to openly criticize President Trump during his first term in the White House. NPR Sam Greenglass reports.

[Sam Greenglass]

Sasse says he learned the diagnosis last week and that it's terminal. Elected to the Senate as a first time political candidate in 2014, he won a second term in 2020 after the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Sasse was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump of incitement of insurrection. Sasse resigned halfway through his term to assume the presidency of the University of Florida. He left that job in 2024 after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy. This week, Sasse wrote on social media that he has a lot less time than he'd prefer and that, quote, this is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad. Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.

[Lisa Kowtel]

Parts of regions in Ukraine were left completely without power early today after another record drone and missile attack by Russia. Meanwhile, the Kyiv Independent reports Ukrainian forces for the first time destroyed a Russian submarine using an underwater drone earlier this month. A video on the news outlet's website appears to show the destruction of the submarine. In related news, Reuters reports Pope Leo plans to appeal to Russia to respect at least Christmas Day as a day of peace. Pope Leo told reporters he feels much sadness that Russia has refused a ceasefire request. This is NPR News from New York.

[Monarch/Shopify Sponsor]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Shopify. Start selling with Shopify today. Whether you're a garage entrepreneur or IPO ready, Shopify is the only tool you need to start, run and grow your business without the struggle. Go to shopify.com npr.