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NPR News Now

NPR News: 12-22-2025 7AM EST

22 Dec 2025

Transcription

Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

0.031 - 17.314 Unknown

Support for NPR and the following message come from the estate of Joan B. Kroc, whose bequest serves as an enduring investment in the future of public radio and seeks to help NPR produce programming that meets the highest standards of public service in journalism and cultural expression.

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18.577 - 42.762 Windsor Johnston

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill say they're frustrated after the Justice Department released only some of its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Top Democrats argue the move violates the Epstein Transparency Act, but they say it's unlikely Congress will take legal action against the DOJ. NPR's Luke Garrett reports.

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42.775 - 49.987 Jamie Raskin

Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin is the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee. He tells CNN he can't launch a suit against the DOJ.

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It's not clear that we've got standing to do that. Speaker Johnson would clearly have standing to do that on behalf of the whole House of Representatives.

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57.238 - 63.248 Jamie Raskin

But House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries tells ABC News the DOJ is required by law to explain themselves.

63.228 - 76.352 Unknown

The statute requires the so-called Department of Justice at this moment, within 15 days, to provide a written explanation to Congress and to the American people as to why they've withheld certain documents.

76.473 - 84.207 Jamie Raskin

The Justice Department has defended its partial release of the Epstein files and the removal of around a dozen files. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

84.187 - 109.283 Windsor Johnston

An official has told NPR that the U.S. is tracking another oil tanker suspected of violating sanctions on Venezuela. The pursuit comes as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement against tankers helping Venezuela avoid international sanctions. Congress has left Washington for the holidays without a deal on what to do about Obamacare tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year.

109.323 - 115.037 Windsor Johnston

Republican Senator Rand Paul tells ABC News he opposes extending those credits.

Chapter 2: What are the latest updates on the Jeffrey Epstein case?

141.477 - 148.787 Windsor Johnston

GDP data for the third quarter comes out this week on Wall Street. NPR's Rafael Nam has more.

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149.688 - 169.915 Rafael Nam

On Tuesday, the U.S. is set to release an important report card detailing how much the economy grew in the July to September period. It's backwards looking, so it's not going to provide the latest snapshot of the economy. Nonetheless, the GDP report is coming at a time when Americans are not feeling great about the economy.

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169.895 - 191.923 Rafael Nam

Recent polls have shown the cost of living and affordability are becoming a top concern at many households. That's putting a lot of pressure on President Trump, who's aggressively defending his economic record. And it means this GDP data could attract even more attention in the days leading up to Christmas. Rafael Nam, NPR News.

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192.324 - 213.365 Windsor Johnston

On Wall Street, Dow futures are trading higher at this hour. This is NPR. A massive power outage left large parts of San Francisco in the dark this weekend, cutting electricity to about 130,000 customers. Officials say some of the outages were caused by a fire that broke out at a PG&E substation.

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213.845 - 234.729 Windsor Johnston

The blackout darkened much of the city's north side, including areas around Golden Gate Park, before spreading to other neighborhoods. Avatar Fire and Ash is falling short of early box office expectations. NPR's Bob Mondello reports the science fiction movie is the third installment of the Avatar franchise.

235.089 - 239.113 Bob Mondello

The Avatar threequel is definitely dominating the weekend at cinemas.

239.134 - 242.838 Rand Paul

You want to spread your fire across the world, you need me.

242.858 - 266.777 Bob Mondello

But it's not hot enough to be setting records. At $88 million for its first three days in North America and another $257 million overseas, It's running more than 20% behind Avatar Way of Water two years ago. Second place finisher David, which tells the biblical story of David and Goliath, will take in $21 million, the highest opening ever for a faith-based animated film.

267.061 - 280.114 Bob Mondello

And Timothee Chalamet's Marty Supreme will easily set this year's record for per-theater average, with more than $145,000 in ticket sales at each of its six theaters. Bob Mondello, NPR News.

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