Key Takeaways
- The Justice Department has released 30,000 pages of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, memos, and letters, which contain hundreds of references to President Trump.
- The Supreme Court has ruled that National Guard troops must stay out of Chicago, citing the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military’s ability to execute laws on U.S. soil.
- The U.S. economy grew faster than expected from July through September, driven by spending on artificial intelligence and consumer spending.
- The holiday season evokes a sense of yearning, as reflected in classic holiday songs like Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and Judy Garland’s version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
Introduction to Today’s Top Stories
The Justice Department has released a trove of new documents related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files, which include flight logs, memos, and letters, contain hundreds of references to President Trump. While Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the documents raise questions about his relationship with Epstein and how much he knew about Epstein’s activities. It is worth noting that the credibility of some of the documents is unclear, with the DOJ claiming that one of the files is fake.
The Supreme Court’s Ruling on National Guard Troops
The Supreme Court has ruled that National Guard troops must stay out of Chicago, citing the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military’s ability to execute laws on U.S. soil. The decision was made in response to an emergency appeal by the president, who had sought to deploy troops to the city. The court’s ruling, which was decided 6-3, states that the president failed to explain why the situation in Chicago warranted an exception to the law. While the ruling does not set precedent, it may influence lower court judges who are considering similar cases in other cities.
The U.S. Economy’s Surprising Growth
The U.S. economy grew faster than expected from July through September, according to a delayed report from the Commerce Department. The agency’s report on the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) was released this month, rather than in October, due to the government shutdown. Two factors contributed to the growth: spending on artificial intelligence and other technologies, and consumer spending. Despite recent polling showing growing uncertainty about their financial prospects, Americans continue to spend, driving economic growth. However, a new Conference Board report on consumer confidence found that sentiment declined for the fifth consecutive month, as Americans worry about inflation, the political landscape, and the labor market.
The Holiday Season and Classic Holiday Songs
The holiday season evokes a sense of yearning, as reflected in classic holiday songs like Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and Judy Garland’s version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Slate music critic Carl Wilson spoke with Morning Edition about why the holiday evokes this sense of longing, and why these songs still resonate. The songs’ enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to capture the complexities of human emotion. As the year comes to a close, NPR photojournalists are sharing a collection of images that defined 2025, capturing the biggest headlines and quiet, powerful human scenes across the U.S.
A Look Back at 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth taking a look back at some of the biggest stories of 2025. From the release of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein to the Supreme Court’s ruling on National Guard troops, it’s been a year marked by significant news events. The U.S. economy’s surprising growth is also a notable trend, driven by spending on artificial intelligence and consumer spending. As we head into the new year, it’s clear that there will be plenty of exciting and challenging stories to come.
Word of the Week: Yule
Today, the word "yule" conjures up images of cozy Christmas cheer, but Yuletide traditions got their start in wild parties and animal sacrifice. On this week’s Word of the Week, dive into the pagan origins of Yule festivals. The history of the word "yule" is a fascinating one, reflecting the complex and often surprising evolution of language and culture. By exploring the origins of words like "yule," we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which language shapes our perceptions of the world.
Christmas Eve Services and Exhibits
The Middle Collegiate Church, a centuries-old space in New York City, will hold its first Christmas Eve service tonight after a six-alarm fire destroyed the building in 2020. The church officially reopened on Easter this year. Meanwhile, at the Ground Zero Hurricane Katrina museum in Waveland, Miss., an exhibit showcasing letters written to Santa in the wake of the storm tells stories of resilience and recovery. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity. As we celebrate the holiday season, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the ways in which we can come together to support one another and build stronger, more resilient communities.