NPR News Now: 12-23-2025 10PM EST

Date: December 24, 2025
Host: Giles Snyder (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers the top U.S. news stories as of late December 23, 2025. Major topics include the Supreme Court’s ruling on National Guard deployment, President Trump’s ongoing opposition to offshore wind power projects, the resumption of student loan collections, a severe weather warning for Southern California, updates on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a fatal shooting at a Delaware DMV, and a surprising boom in baking cookbook sales.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s National Guard Deployment

[00:13]

• The U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold a lower court’s ruling, which blocks President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago.
• Context: The deployment targeted largely Democratic-led cities.
• Political Implications: Seen as a significant legal setback for the Trump administration’s intervention strategies.

2. Trump Pauses Offshore Wind Power Projects

[00:13]–[01:33]

• President Trump’s administration has halted five major Atlantic coast offshore wind projects, citing national security.
• Brian Mann (NPR Reporter): Notes this aligns with Trump’s longstanding opposition to wind power.
  • “TRUMP has opposed wind power for years, and his administration now says five big projects along the Atlantic coast need further review from the Defense Department.” [00:50]
• Four coastal governors (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island) condemned the move as baseless and reckless.
• Economic & Environmental Impact: Delays could cost jobs and increase consumer electricity prices.
• Legal Note: Earlier federal court struck down Trump’s executive order attempting to ban offshore wind, calling it “unlawful, arbitrary and capricious.” [01:26]

3. Resumption of Student Loan Collections

[01:33]–[02:22]

• The Trump administration will resume wage garnishment for student loan borrowers in default in January after a pandemic-induced pause.
• Sequoia Carrillo (NPR Reporter):
  • “The administration says it will resume seizing pay from student loan borrowers in default in January.” [01:45]
• Past attempts to resume collections (including tax refunds and Social Security garnishment) were postponed last May.
• About 1,000 borrowers to get initial notices; numbers will increase monthly.
• Student loan experts warn that this move, coinciding with rising healthcare costs, will strain low- and middle-income earners.

4. Southern California Braces for Wettest Christmas in Years

[02:22]–[02:46]

• Forecasters predict up to 10 inches of rain; risk of flash floods and mudslides is high.
• Hilda Solis (L.A. County Board Chair, via Sequoia Carrillo):
  • “If you haven’t picked up your emergency supplies or sandbags yet, please do so…today if you can, before the heavy rain begins.” [02:38]
• Official warnings to prepare for strong storms statewide.

5. Explosion at Pennsylvania Nursing Home

[02:46]

• A blast at a Pennsylvania nursing home has killed at least two; several more remain unaccounted.
• Governor Josh Shapiro reports ongoing search and rescue; no confirmed cause but a gas leak is suspected.

6. Jeffrey Epstein Investigation: Document Release

[03:40]

• Justice Department released thousands of pages and dozens of videos, most heavily redacted.
• Notable content: Email from a federal prosecutor placing Donald Trump on Epstein’s private jet eight times in the 1990s (contradicting Trump’s past statements).
• No crimes alleged on Trump’s part.

7. Delaware Trooper Shot at DMV

[04:00]

• A Delaware state trooper was killed in an active shooter situation at a DMV office in Newcastle; the suspect was also killed.
• DMV offices statewide closed for investigation.

8. Baking Cookbook Sales Surge in 2025

[04:13]–[04:56]

• Sales of baking cookbooks grew 80% in the past year — a major outlier given a general decline in cookbook sales.
• Brenda Connor (Circana market analyst):
  • “80% growth certainly exceeded my expectations.” [04:25]
• The most popular cookbook: “Sweet Tooth” by online influencer Sarah Fennell.
• Sarah Fennell:
  • “This right here is my favorite holiday snack. It is a salty sweet white chocolate tamarind orange popcorn.” [04:41]
• Pandemic bread-baking has given way to broader dessert and treat trends.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Brian Mann (NPR): “Critics point out the projects all received federal permits after extensive scrutiny by the military.” [01:01]
• Governors’ Joint Statement (via Brian Mann): The pause is "baseless and reckless...further delays will cost jobs and drive up electricity costs for consumers.” [01:10]
• Sequoia Carrillo (NPR): “Student loan experts say the timing of the move colliding with rising health care costs will put added strain on low and middle income borrowers.” [02:18]
• Brenda Connor: “80% growth certainly exceeded my expectations.” [04:25]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:13] Supreme Court blocks Trump’s National Guard deployment
• [00:50] Brian Mann covers the offshore wind project pause
• [01:45] Student loan wage garnishment to resume
• [02:38] Southern California storm preparedness message
• [02:46] Pennsylvania nursing home explosion report
• [03:40] Epstein investigation document revelations
• [04:00] Delaware trooper shooting at DMV
• [04:13] Baking cookbook sales boom discussion

This episode offers a rapid-fire yet comprehensive selection of late-breaking U.S. news with concise reporting and sharp context on political, environmental, and cultural stories.