Up First from NPR - Coast Guard Pursues Tanker, Epstein Files Release, Immigration Court No-Shows

The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker in the Caribbean that it says has links to Venezuela. The Department of Justice has released a limited number of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And, an analysis by NPR finds thousands of immigrants without legal status aren’t showing up to immigration court, leading to a rise in deportation removals.

(00:00) Cold Open
(01:37) Introduction
(02:34) Coast Guard Pursues Tanker
(06:53) Epstein Files Release
(10:42) Immigration Court No-Shows

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tara Neill, Anna Yukhanonov, Lisa Thomson and Adriana Gallardo.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

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WSJ What’s News - What’s Next in the Fight Over Healthcare Subsidies

A.M. Edition for Dec. 22. Congress breaks for the holidays without renewing enhanced ACA subsidies. The WSJ’s Sabrina Sidiqui explains what could break the impasse, as millions face higher healthcare premiums and lingering uncertainty. Plus, after seizing a second tanker over the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard hunts another ship involved in moving Venezuelan oil. And a former Tesla staffer who clashed with Elon Musk shakes up the race to run General Motors. Daniel Bach hosts.


Listen to the full interview with Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack on WSJ’s Take On the Week

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Start Here - The DOJ Releases (Some of) the Epstein Files

The Justice Department releases a limited portion of files pertaining to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, while some lawmakers argue that the DOJ failed to meet its deadline. The U.S. seizes another ship near Venezuela. And a San Francisco power outage reveals a shortcoming in Waymo’s self-driving taxis.

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The Daily Detail - The Daily Detail for 12.22.25

Alabama

  • State lawmaker says Ella Cook of Mountain Brook was quiet but also  brave
  • State Senator Orr not convinced the W.Alabama Corridor is good idea
  • Eagle Forum of AL decries the Trump admin for re-classifying marijuana
  • 1819 News CEO talks about priority of stopping mass migration to US
  • Mobile police arrest 32 and take various drugs off streets in Operation Jingle

National

  • DHS says 2.5M illegals have left the US via self-deportation or arrests
  • US Coast Guard seizes 3rd Venezuelan oil tanker using false flag of Panama
  • DOJ sends out Todd Blanche to explain the doc release re: Jeffrey Epstein
  • DOJ also appealing two cases dismissed by judge against James Comey & Leticia James
  • Dr. Oz of Medicare/Medicaid says federal funds will be pull from MN after fraud scandals
  • GA election board violated state law when certifying the 2020 election results after 300K early votes not properly signed

Global News Podcast - BBC speaks to civilians suffering in rebel-held Myanmar

The BBC has gained rare access to rebel-held parts of Myanmar, where thousands of civilians have been displaced in an air and ground offensive by the country's military government. The attacks in Myanmar's western Chin State come ahead of the country's first general election since the army overthrew the government in 2021. Also: Israel’s security cabinet officially recognises 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. And: Spaniards prepare for their annual Christmas lottery, known as "El Gordo". The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

The Journal. - Drug Cartels’ New Weapon: Chinese Money Launderers

Federal officials say Chinese money launderers moved more than $300 billion in illicit transactions through U.S. banks and other financial institutions in recent years. WSJ’s Dylan Tokar explores the rise of these highly lucrative schemes and former federal prosecutor Julie Shemitz takes us inside the federal investigation to bring them down. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:


- The Money Laundering Behind TD Bank's $3 Billion Fine

- Mexico's New Cocaine Kingpin is Cashing In



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PBS News Hour - Health - As medication costs rise, decreasing insurance coverage has deadly consequences

The rising cost of health care is among Americans’ biggest worries, according to recent year-end polls. Insurance coverage for prescription drugs has been decreasing as their prices have been increasing. As PBS Wisconsin’s Marisa Wojcik reports, not all health plans are created equal. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Newshour - US pursuing another Venezuelan oil tanker

There are reports that the US coastguard may be trying to intercept another oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, but why is US oil firm Chevron still operating in the country?

Also in the programme: Israel's security cabinet approves 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank; and an elegy for the US penny that is no longer being produced after 230 years.

(Photo: Government supporters participate in a protest against US President Donald Trump's order to blockade sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, in Caracas, Venezuela on 17 December 2025. Credit: Reuters/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)

Consider This from NPR - We use our smartphones for just about everything – why not voting?

Entrepreneur, political strategist and philanthropist Bradley Tusk argues his new online voting tech could revolutionize participation in American elections. He is hellbent on making online voting a reality - even at a time when much of the election establishment thinks that is a very bad idea. NPR's Miles Parks speaks with Tusk about how Tusk's organization, the Mobile Voting Project, is pushing a major technology makeover for American democracy.


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Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Avery Keatley. It was edited by Ben Swasey and Sarah Robbins. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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Newshour - Thousands gather at Bondi Beach to pay their respects

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has been booed at a ceremony in Sydney to remember the fifteen people who died in the Bondi Beach shooting. A minute's silence was held across the nation to mark the time that the attack began, and candles were lit.  Tens of thousands of people gathered at Bondi Beach to pay their respects to those who were killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish celebration a week ago.

Also in the programme: The US seizes another oil tanker in the Caribbean; and Morocco prepares for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations. (Photo: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the 'Light Over Darkness' vigil honouring victims and survivors of a deadly mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, in Sydney, Australia, December 21, 2025. CREDIT: REUTERS/Hollie Adams)