Good morning. I’m Alex Carter, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News on December 20, 2025. I’ll bring you the top stories from politics, business, entertainment, sports, and international news—all in under three minutes.Let’s start with the most controversial release of the year. The U.S. Justice Department has been dropping parts of the Jeffrey Epstein files, but 90% remain heavily redacted. Critics say the selective release leaves key details in the dark, sparking anger from victims, lawmakers, and the public alike.Moving on to business: Delaware’s Supreme Court has reinstated Elon Musk’s disputed $56‑billion 2018 Tesla pay package. The ruling restores the accelerated stock‑based awards that were previously frozen, allowing Musk to receive the money he earned as CEO.In the international arena, the European Union agreed to a $90 billion loan to Ukraine, earmarked for defense and reconstruction. The decision follows a marathon negotiation, with EU leaders pushing back over frozen Russian assets, but ultimately agreeing to support Kyiv against the ongoing conflict.On the battlefield in the Middle East, U.S. jets launched a sustained strike campaign against ISIS targets in Syria after the death of three American service members. The operation, with support from the Jordanian army, aims to eliminate remaining insurgent fighters and reduce regional instability.Turning to the American Southwest, a chilling shooting at Brown University has a suspect who reportedly died days before his body was located. Autopsy reports confirm the individual was found dead days earlier, complicating the ongoing legal and investigative processes for the campus community.Entertainment headlines: In a headline‑making fight, former YouTuber Jake Paul knocked out by former champion Anthony Joshua. Paul suffered a double‑broken jaw in the bout, filing a detailed photo of his injury after the match concluded in a round‑by‑round comeback.Sports fans, we’ve got a dramatic college football story. Alabama overcame a 17‑point deficit to defeat Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide’s resilience was on full display, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason.Back to politics, the Trump administration announced a new deal with nine major drugmakers to drive down Medicare drug prices. The initiative, focused on bulk purchasing and rebate transparency, aims to make essential medications more affordable for seniors nationwide.In international security, U.S. strike teams continued targeting ISIS in Syria, working in tandem with Jordanian forces. The coordinated attacks aim to cripple remaining terrorist cells and prevent a resurgence in the region.Finally, an unexpected business move: Sony acquired a majority stake in the Peanuts franchise for $457 million. The deal will expand the brand’s reach into digital media while preserving the legacy of the iconic characters.That’s all for today's concentrated briefing. Thank you for listening to BTW Daily News. Have a great day.
