NPR News Now – 12-24-2025 3PM EST

Host: Dwahalisai Kautel
Release Date: December 24, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This brief news update covers major headlines of the hour, focusing on U.S. Justice Department developments regarding Jeffrey Epstein documents, the latest potential peace negotiations in Ukraine, accessibility challenges for travelers with disabilities, rising global tensions over U.S. visa bans, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and a preview of Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas address.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Justice Department & Jeffrey Epstein Documents

[00:17–01:10]

• The Trump administration has missed a legal deadline to release all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

• The Justice Department reports receiving over a million more documents from the Southern District of New York, which are to be reviewed and released.

• Political Response: Pressure from both political parties for full disclosure continues.

• Only an initial batch of documents has been released, angering critics further.

• The ongoing drip of documents is described as "embarrassing for the president and potentially a lot of other people."

  Notable Quote

  • "The contents of the files appear to be, if nothing else, embarrassing for the president and potentially a lot of other people."
    — Sarah McCammon, NPR Politics Correspondent [00:59]

2. Ukraine Peace Negotiations

[01:10–02:08]

• President Volodymyr Zelensky states willingness to consider troop withdrawals from Eastern Ukraine as part of a peace deal.

• Ukraine opposes withdrawing troops from Donbas, but U.S. negotiators push for demilitarization to establish a free economic zone.

• Zelensky’s condition is reciprocal withdrawal by Russian troops.

• The proposed plan includes NATO-style security guarantees and international forces stationed at the conflict line.

• Dispute remains between the U.S. and Ukraine about control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

  Notable Quote

  • "Zelensky says he might agree if Russia also pulls back its troops in the region."
    — Joanna Kakissis, NPR Reporter in Kyiv [01:39]

3. Hotel Accessibility for Wheelchair Users

[02:08–03:09]

• Despite 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, many wheelchair users still face major barriers in hotels.

• NPR survey of 200 wheelchair users finds recurring problems:

  • Reserved accessible rooms not available on arrival
  • Allegedly “accessible” rooms often have features that don’t work (e.g., small showers, beds too high)

• Hotel industry spokesperson claims commitment to accessibility, but problems persist.

  Notable Quote

  • "These should be easy things to fix. But the problems continue."
    — Joseph Shapiro, NPR News [02:49]

4. International Response to U.S. Visa Bans

[03:09–03:57]

• EU, France, and Germany sharply criticize U.S. visa bans placed on five prominent Europeans who combat disinformation.
• Accusations of intimidation and censorship by the U.S. against European efforts to regulate digital space.
• German Justice Ministry: “The rules by which we want to live in the digital space in Germany and in Europe are not decided in Washington.”

5. DRC Refugee Crisis

[03:57–04:38]

• The UNHCR highlights dire conditions for those fleeing conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo:

  • Severe shortages of food, water, adequate shelter, and healthcare

• Ongoing fighting between Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces

• Recent surge: Over 84,000 people fled to Burundi in two weeks, overwhelming aid facilities

  Notable Quote

  • "The agency warns that there is not enough food and water to cater for those who have fled, citing that they are also facing inadequate shelter and healthcare provision."
    — Michael Kaloki, for NPR News in Nairobi [04:07]

6. Upcoming Papal Christmas Message

[04:38–04:57]

• Pope Leo XIV to deliver his Christmas midnight Mass homily to 1.4 billion Catholics, expected to focus on peace—especially in regions experiencing war.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "DOJ has been under a lot of pressure, at least from some members of both parties, to disclose more information."
  — Sarah McCammon [00:46]
• "President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's open to pulling back troops...if Russia also pulls back its troops in the region."
  — Joanna Kakissis [01:39]
• "These should be easy things to fix. But the problems continue."
  — Joseph Shapiro [02:49]
• "The agency warns that there is not enough food and water to cater for those who have fled..."
  — Michael Kaloki [04:07]
• German rebuke: “The rules by which we want to live in the digital space in Germany and in Europe are not decided in Washington.” [03:26]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein Document Release: 00:17–01:10
• Ukraine Peace Talks: 01:10–02:08
• Accessibility in Hotels: 02:08–03:09
• US–EU Visa Dispute: 03:09–03:57
• DRC Refugee Crisis: 03:57–04:38
• Papal Christmas Message Preview: 04:38–04:57

Tone & Style

• Factual, concise, with direct attributions.
• The news is reported in NPR’s signature calm and impartial delivery, blending global headlines and domestic updates with brief, clear analysis.

This episode delivers a snapshot of the day’s crucial stories for listeners needing an up-to-date, balanced look at world affairs in just five minutes.