NPR News Now — December 25, 2025, 11PM EST
Host: Dan Ronan, NPR
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest national and international news, including updates on the Jeffrey Epstein files, severe weather impacting California, a nationwide dip in crime rates, a tragedy in Nigeria, and an investigation into a deadly explosion in Pennsylvania.
Main News Stories & Key Points
1. Justice Department Delay in Jeffrey Epstein Files Release
- Summary: The Justice Department has not met Congress's deadline to release all records concerning Jeffrey Epstein, citing a massive influx of new documents.
- Details:
- Over a million additional documents related to Epstein received from the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI.
- Lawyers are actively redacting sensitive information for upcoming releases.
- Initial record batches lack any “explosive revelations”; some records might be duplicates.
- Lawmakers who advocated for transparency have expressed frustration over the missed December 19 deadline.
- Notable Quote:
“The Justice Department wrote on social media that lawyers are working around the clock to make required redactions…”
— Sam Gringlass (00:43)
2. Severe Winter Storm in California
- Summary: A major storm brings heavy rain and flash flood threats to Southern California, while dangerous weather affects the broader region.
- Details:
- The wettest Christmas in recent years is anticipated for Southern California.
- Flash flood warnings include Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties.
- Northern California faces high winds, rain, and potential flooding; Sierra Nevada expects heavy snow.
- Severe weather could disrupt travel along the West Coast.
- Notable Quote:
“Forecasters say Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years, warning drivers to stay off the roads in the coming days.”
— Joel Rose (01:29)
3. Significant Decline in U.S. Crime Rates
- Summary: New Real Time Crime Index shows marked drops in violent and property crimes nationwide, notably a 20% decrease in murder rates.
- Details:
- Covers nearly 600 jurisdictions across the country.
- Reductions span all tracked crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, vehicle theft, and burglary.
- The decline follows a surge in crime during 2020-2021, attributed in part to pandemic-related destabilization.
- Notable Quote:
“Part of the reason why murders are way down is sort of a like what goes up, must come down situation… And it’s rarely just one thing that causes crime to rise or fall. But the pandemic was a huge destabilizing event…”
— Meg Anderson (02:36)
4. Suicide Bombing at Nigerian Mosque
- Summary: At least five dead and many injured in a rare suicide bombing in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, during Christmas Eve prayers.
- Details:
- The first attack of this kind in years in Maiduguri, a city historically targeted by Boko Haram.
- The city has seen relative peace due to heavy military presence, but surrounding rural areas report increasing militant activity.
- No group has claimed immediate responsibility, but the attack aligns with past militant tactics.
- Notable Quote:
“The city has been largely fortified by a heavy military presence, but in recent months, local officials have warned that in rural areas across the region, militants have a growing foothold.”
— Emmanuel Akimotu (03:38)
5. Deadly Nursing Home Explosion in Pennsylvania
- Summary: Ongoing investigation into a fatal blast at a Bucks County, PA, nursing home; natural gas suspected.
- Details:
- Two fatalities, including an employee.
- Around 120 residents have been relocated.
- Utility crew responded to reports of natural gas odor before the incident.
- Notable Quote:
“Utility crews had been called to the facility shortly before the blast because of a report of a smell of natural gas.”
— Dan Ronan (04:10)
6. Stock Market Update
- Summary: On a holiday-shortened session, U.S. stocks ended the day slightly higher.
- Details:
- Dow gained 0.6 of a point.
- NASDAQ rose by 0.2%.
- S&P increased by 0.10 of a point.
Memorable Moments & Tone
- The tone throughout the episode is brisk, factual, and focused on rapid delivery of national and global news.
- The episode provides essential context and direct, unembellished reporting, characteristic of NPR News Now.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Epstein Files Update: 00:11 – 01:13
- California Winter Storm: 01:13 – 02:02
- U.S. Crime Rate Decline: 02:02 – 03:02
- Nigerian Mosque Bombing: 03:02 – 04:06
- Pennsylvania Nursing Home Explosion: 04:06 – 04:38
- Stock Market Brief: 04:38 – 04:52
This tightly packed news update highlights the most urgent events of the day, providing listeners with a succinct but informative briefing on major stories in less than five minutes.
