NPR News Now – December 24, 2025, 9PM EST

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This episode delivers a concise roundup of current events, focusing on major legal, political, and public safety news in the United States and internationally. Key topics include a significant Supreme Court decision on National Guard deployments, new Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump, U.S. sanctions on European officials regarding speech suppression, a deadly explosion in Pennsylvania, severe weather forecasts for California, a controversial vaccine study in Africa funded by the CDC, and anticipated record holiday travel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Rules Against Trump’s National Guard Deployment

• [00:14 – 01:16]
  • The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 against President Trump’s attempt to federalize the National Guard in Chicago, overruling both lower courts and the administration's emergency appeal.
  • Reasoning: The majority found that, “the government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws of Illinois.”
  • The unsigned opinion does not set precedent but is one of the few times the conservative majority has ruled against President Trump in the current term.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “The government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws of Illinois.” – Supreme Court (unsigned opinion), read by Kat Lonsdorf [00:52]
  • Analysis: The report underscores the constitutional limits on presidential use of military force within the states and the ongoing legal conflict over executive power.

2. New Epstein Files Released, Trump Mentioned

• [01:16 – 01:53]
  • The Justice Department released documents relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Among the revelations: Prosecutor emails state Donald Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet eight times in the 1990s, although Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing.
  • The DOJ noted that some allegations in the documents are unfounded.
  • Insight: This news links together past controversies involving high-profile figures, clarifying what has and hasn’t been substantiated.

3. U.S. Sanctions Former EU Officials Over Speech Suppression Allegations

• [01:53 – 02:35]
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa bans against five European officials accused of “trying to suppress speech.”
  • Targets include Thierry Breton, former EU Commissioner and key figure behind internet regulation, and members of NGOs countering digital hate/disinformation.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Is McCarthy’s witch hunt back to our American friends? Censorship isn’t where you think it is.” – Thierry Breton’s response [02:31]
  • Context: The U.S. claims these individuals violate new visa rules designed to protect free speech, with a specific focus on Big Tech regulations and online censorship.

4. Fatal Nursing Home Explosion Near Philadelphia

• [02:35 – 03:13]
  • Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reported an explosion, likely caused by a gas leak, at a nursing home outside Philadelphia.
  • At least two people have died, with several still missing; search and rescue efforts continue.
  • First responders rescued numerous patients and staff; structural collapse saw the first floor fall into the basement.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “We believe preliminarily that it was a gas leak that led to that.” – Governor Josh Shapiro [02:43]
    • “The explosion was really quite catastrophic.” – NPR Field Reporter [02:47]
  • Impact: The event has prompted urgent emergency response and underscores ongoing safety concerns in elder care facilities.

5. Southern California Braces for Wettest Christmas in Years

• [03:13 – 03:50]
  • Forecasts predict up to 10 inches of rain over the Christmas holiday, raising alarms over flash flooding and mudslides.
  • Sierra Nevada may face whiteout driving conditions.
  • Significance: Weather concerns are amplified for holiday travel and residents in high-risk areas.

6. CDC-Funded Vaccine Study Sparks Ethical Debate

• [03:50 – 04:37]
  • The CDC is funding a controversial study in Guinea Bissau to observe side effects of hepatitis B vaccination in newborns—some receive the vaccine, others do not.
  • Despite overwhelming evidence (>400 studies) of the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, the withholding of the vaccine in a high-risk country faces criticism.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Some experts criticize the withholding of a well studied life saving vaccine in a country where nearly one in five people are infected.” – Jonathan Lambert, NPR [04:28]
  • Controversy: Esteemed by some (including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.), the researchers’ methods are disputed by much of the scientific community.

7. AAA Predicts Record Holiday Travel

• [04:37 – 04:53]
  • Over 120 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Christmas and New Year’s holidays, with the majority opting to drive.
  • Impact: Infrastructure and traffic safety warnings are implied as a result of these historic numbers.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Supreme Court on Military Deployment:
  “The government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws of Illinois.”
  — Supreme Court, read by Kat Lonsdorf [00:52]

• Thierry Breton on U.S. Sanctions:
  “Is McCarthy’s witch hunt back to our American friends? Censorship isn’t where you think it is.”
  — Thierry Breton [02:31]

• Governor Shapiro on Nursing Home Blast:
  “We believe preliminarily that it was a gas leak that led to that.”
  — Gov. Josh Shapiro [02:43]

• On Ethics of Vaccine Trials:
  “Some experts criticize the withholding of a well studied life saving vaccine in a country where nearly one in five people are infected.”
  — Jonathan Lambert [04:28]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Supreme Court on Trump/National Guard – 00:14–01:16
• Epstein Files/Trump Mentions – 01:16–01:53
• U.S. Sanctions on EU Officials – 01:53–02:35
• Pennsylvania Nursing Home Explosion – 02:35–03:13
• California Weather Warnings – 03:13–03:50
• CDC Hepatitis B Vaccine Study Debate – 03:50–04:37
• AAA Holiday Travel Projections – 04:37–04:53

This episode provides a brisk yet comprehensive survey of headline news, pairing on-the-ground developments and high-level legal decisions with commentary from NPR reporters and direct statements from principal figures, all delivered in NPR’s signature balanced, information-driven tone.