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.