NPR News Now – December 24, 2025 (2 PM EST)
Host: Doua Lisa Kowtao

Episode Overview

In this concise update, NPR delivers the latest breaking stories in under five minutes. This episode covers major developments including a court order for veterans' housing in Los Angeles, Congressional tension over Jeffrey Epstein documents, a nationwide drop in crime, the release of abducted children in Nigeria, bittersweet Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, and the soaring Powerball jackpot.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Federal Order for Veterans’ Housing in Los Angeles

[00:17–01:18]

• Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been ordered by a federal appeals court to construct over 2,500 housing units at its Los Angeles location.

• Context: Veteran groups have fought for years, as the land—originally donated in 1888 specifically for housing disabled veterans—had been leased out for other purposes, including as a sports complex for a private school.

• Significance:

  • Attorney Mark Rosenbaum, who represented the veterans, highlights the original intent of the land donation.
  • The case could set a precedent impacting other VA properties nationwide that have been similarly leased.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mark Rosenbaum: “388 acres was given to the predecessor of the VA, with the specific requirement that it become a soldier's home for disabled veterans.” [00:59]

2. Congressional Tensions Over Epstein Files

[01:18–01:57]

• Issue: Lawmakers pressure Attorney General Pam Bondi over delayed release of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

• Action: Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) indicates Congress may escalate pressure, possibly seeking judicial intervention or establishing a bipartisan committee to review redactions.

• Justice Department’s Position: Says delays are to prevent accidental identification of victims.

  Notable Quote:

  • Ro Khanna: “We also plan to go to the Southern District of New York, asking the judge who ordered these releases that have a special master see what should be redacted or not, or to create a congressional committee, a bipartisan committee, to see what should be redacted or not.” [01:41]

3. Sharp Drop in U.S. Crime Rates

[02:14–03:02]

• Data: The Real Time Crime Index reports a significant dip in crime across nearly 600 jurisdictions for 2025, with murders down 20%.

• Analysis: Reporter Meg Anderson notes cyclical trends (previous surges in 2020–2021) and the complex, multifactorial nature of crime fluctuations—with the pandemic highlighted as a key destabilizing factor.

• Additional Insight: Some researchers point out that the Trump administration’s immigration policies may have eroded trust in local police, reducing crime reporting.

  Notable Quote:

  • Meg Anderson: “Part of the reason why murders are way down is sort of a like what goes up, must come down situation. The huge decreases we're seeing now were preceded by huge increases.” [02:36]

4. Hostages Freed in Nigeria

[03:02–04:07]

• Event: All 130 schoolchildren and teachers abducted a month ago from a Catholic school in Niger State have been released by armed gangs.
• Scenes of Reunion: Parents joyfully reunited with children, casting immediate concern over their physical and mental well-being.
• Victims: Most of the children were ages 10–17.

5. Christmas in Bethlehem Amid War

[04:07–04:48]

• Situation: First major Christmas celebration in Bethlehem since the Gaza war began.

• Atmosphere: Hopeful yet bittersweet, with hundreds attending parades and ceremonies in Manger Square.

• Sentiment: Residents express the importance of allowing themselves hope and relief despite ongoing regional conflict.

  Notable Quote:

  • Hadil Al Salchi: “People need to release some of the pressure they felt. She said that pressure was from worry over what's happening to Palestinians during the war in Gaza. Those in Bethlehem today said they will dare to allow themselves some hope this Christmas.” [04:35]

6. Powerball Jackpot Update

[04:48–04:54]

• Announcement: The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1.7 billion.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Mark Rosenbaum on veterans’ land: “388 acres was given to the predecessor of the VA, with the specific requirement that it become a soldier's home for disabled veterans.” [00:59]
• Ro Khanna on Epstein files release: “We also plan to...create a congressional committee, a bipartisan committee, to see what should be redacted or not.” [01:41]
• Meg Anderson on crime trends: “Part of the reason why murders are way down is sort of a like what goes up, must come down situation.” [02:36]
• Hadil Al Salchi on Christmas in Bethlehem: “People need to release some of the pressure they felt...they will dare to allow themselves some hope this Christmas.” [04:35]

Timestamps: Segment Highlights

• [00:17] – Veterans’ housing court order in LA
• [01:18] – Congressional efforts over Epstein documents
• [02:14] – 2025 crime rate data and analysis
• [03:02] – Hostages freed in Nigeria
• [04:07] – Christmas in Bethlehem
• [04:48] – Powerball jackpot news

Tone & Style

Direct, factual, and attentive to national and world affairs, with moments of empathy and observation reflecting the emotional tone of the stories.

End of Summary for NPR News Now, Dec 24, 2025 (2 PM EST).