NPR News Now – 12-23-2025, 9AM EST
Host: Windsor Johnston
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on major news stories from the United States and around the world. The coverage ranges from the latest U.S. economic data and government transparency measures to updates on immigration and mental health policy, as well as international developments involving a mass abduction in Nigeria.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Economy: Delayed GDP Report

• [00:16] NPR reports that the latest GDP figures, delayed by the government shutdown, show 4.3% annual growth for the third quarter.
  • "That means the data is now even more dated than usual." — Windsor Johnston
• The delay stems from the October government shutdown, making the figures less timely for policymakers and analysts.

2. Justice Department Releases Jeffrey Epstein-Linked Documents

• [00:37] The DOJ released nearly 30,000 additional documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Some records contain unfounded claims related to President Trump, submitted ahead of the 2020 election. The DOJ stated these were “reviewed and deemed false.”
• The release is part of a legal obligation and the DOJ's “commitment to transparency.” Previous document releases have included high-profile names such as Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.
  • “The DOJ says it's releasing the records to comply with a legal deadline and as part of its commitment to transparency.” — Windsor Johnston

3. Immigration: Deportation Mishap & Court Orders

• [01:34] Summary of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s situation, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
  • Judge Polazzini in Maryland extended a restraining order that stops Homeland Security from detaining Abrego Garcia while his cases proceed.
• The government has to explain how it would act if the restraining order is lifted.
  • “The government eventually brought him back to the US and charged him with human smuggling. Abrego Garcia denies those allegations and is fighting this and his immigration case across several courts.” — Jimena Bustillo ([01:56])

4. Social Security Administration Call Center Report

• [02:12] An inspector general’s report finds faster call response at Social Security, but millions of people still didn’t get needed help.
  • Staffing shifts and new technology (call-back options) improved reported averages.
• Notably, about 25 million calls ended without resolving the caller’s issues, leading to criticism.
  • “Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, whose questions prompted the report, says changes at the agency created a customer service mess.” — Ashley Lopez ([02:51])

5. Mental Health & The Criminal Justice System in Ohio

• [03:30] Growing share of psychiatric hospital beds in Ohio are taken by criminally charged individuals—over 90% now, compared to about 50% two decades ago.
• Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton comments on the consequences.
  • “It hurts everybody who has someone who needs to get a hospital bed that's not in the criminal justice system.” — Evelyn Lundberg Stratton ([03:47])
• Fewer non-criminal patients can access treatment; the state is trying to expand mental health support in jails.

6. Nigeria: Mass Kidnapping and Release

• [04:07] 130 children and teachers freed after a mass abduction at a Catholic church in Nigeria.
• Some survivors appeared visibly malnourished or shocked upon their return.
• Attempts are underway to reunite them with their families ahead of Christmas. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials haven’t commented on ransom payment, a common practice in the region.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That means the data is now even more dated than usual.” — Windsor Johnston ([00:22])
• “The DOJ says it's releasing the records to comply with a legal deadline and as part of its commitment to transparency.” — Windsor Johnston ([00:50])
• “The government eventually brought him back to the US and charged him with human smuggling. Abrego Garcia denies those allegations and is fighting this and his immigration case across several courts.” — Jimena Bustillo ([01:56])
• “Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, whose questions prompted the report, says changes at the agency created a customer service mess.” — Ashley Lopez ([02:51])
• “It hurts everybody who has someone who needs to get a hospital bed that's not in the criminal justice system.” — Evelyn Lundberg Stratton ([03:47])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:16 – GDP figures and DOJ Epstein document release
• 01:34 – Abrego Garcia deportation, restraining order, and legal updates
• 02:12 – Social Security Administration call center report
• 03:30 – Psychiatric hospitals’ shift to treating mostly criminal defendants in Ohio
• 04:07 – Nigerian mass kidnapping: Hostage release and aftermath

Tone & Language

The episode employs NPR’s signature impartial, fact-based, and accessible reporting style, providing clear updates on complex issues in under 5 minutes. Emotional resonance is present in coverage of human stories, such as the effects of mental health policy and the plight of released captives in Nigeria.

This episode offers a rapid, essential briefing on significant national and international events, packed with informative takeaways, poignant commentary, and up-to-date reporting.