NPR News Now – December 24, 2025, 5PM EST

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise, five-minute snapshot of major headlines from around the United States and the world. Key topics include the ongoing release of Jeffrey Epstein records, a court order for the Department of Veterans Affairs, criticism of recent U.S. military actions in South America, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem amid the Gaza conflict, a deadly nursing home explosion near Philadelphia, and severe holiday weather in California.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Delay in the Release of Jeffrey Epstein Case Files

[00:17 - 01:17]

• The Justice Department has delayed the release of investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein, missing a key congressional deadline.
• Sam Greenglass (NPR): Reports that DOJ received about one million additional potentially relevant documents from the Southern District of New York and the FBI.
• Efforts are focused on redacting sensitive content before release.
• Early batches lack “explosive revelations”; many documents may be duplicates.

“The Justice Department has released hundreds of thousands of records since Friday and now reports receiving a million more documents potentially related to the Epstein case...”
—Sam Greenglass [00:37]

2. Veterans Affairs Ordered to Build Housing in Los Angeles

[01:17 - 02:13]

• A federal appeals court ordered the VA to build 2,500+ housing units for veterans on its LA property.
• For years, land intended for veterans was leased for non-veteran uses, including a private school sports complex.
• Attorney Mark Rosenbaum: Emphasizes the land was specifically donated for disabled veterans’ housing.

“In 1888, 388 acres was given to the predecessor of the VA, with the specific requirement that it become a soldier's home for disabled veterans.”
—Mark Rosenbaum [01:51]

• The ruling could have national implications for other VA-managed lands.

3. Congressional Pushback on Military Strikes in South America

[02:13 - 02:51]

• Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA): Criticizes the Trump administration’s ongoing military strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats (over 100 killed in 29 strikes), citing lack of congressional oversight.
• Kaine has co-authored a bill prohibiting war funding in Venezuela without congressional approval.
• Kaine argues the administration avoided public hearings to mask lack of strategic clarity.

“We're more than 100 days into this set of military actions...but Congress has yet to have a single public hearing...I think the reason for that is they understand that putting this out in the public light of day would convince the American public that the administration doesn't really have a strategy that would be supported.”
—Senator Tim Kaine [02:24]

4. Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem Amid War

[02:51 - 04:10]

• Bethlehem celebrates Christmas with its traditional Scouts parade for the first time since the Gaza war began.
• Locals gather in Manger Square, seeking hope amid ongoing regional conflict.
• Asir Jahjah (Bethlehem resident): Notes people are letting themselves feel hope, needing relief from war-related anxiety.

“People need to release some of the pressure they felt...They will dare to allow themselves some hope this Christmas.”
—As paraphrased by Hadil Al Shalchi [03:29]

5. Deadly Nursing Home Explosion Near Philadelphia

[04:10 - 04:36]

• Ongoing investigation into a deadly explosion at a Philadelphia-area nursing home; gas leak is suspected.
• All missing individuals accounted for; 2 dead, 20 hospitalized.
• Rescuers confirmed the smell of gas during their efforts.

6. Major Storm in California and Emergency Declarations

[04:36 - 04:56]

• Governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency as Southern California faces severe storms.
• Heavy rain and winds threaten flood and mudslide in wildfire-ravaged areas.
• Weather warnings, including whiteout conditions, are issued for much of the state.

Notable Quotes By Timestamp

• Sam Greenglass on Epstein case records:
  “The Justice Department has released hundreds of thousands of records since Friday and now reports receiving a million more documents potentially related to the Epstein case...” [00:37]

• Attorney Mark Rosenbaum on VA land:
  “In 1888, 388 acres was given to the predecessor of the VA, with the specific requirement that it become a soldier's home for disabled veterans.” [01:51]

• Senator Tim Kaine on congressional oversight:
  “We're more than 100 days into this set of military actions...but Congress has yet to have a single public hearing...I think the reason for that is they understand that putting this out in the public light of day would convince the American public that the administration doesn't really have a strategy that would be supported.” [02:24]

• Bethlehem resident via Hadil Al Shalchi:
  “People need to release some of the pressure they felt...They will dare to allow themselves some hope this Christmas.” [03:29]

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Start | End | |------------------------------------------------------------|---------|---------| | Epstein records delay & context | 00:17 | 01:17 | | VA housing court order, Rosenbaum interview | 01:17 | 02:13 | | Senator Kaine on military actions & oversight | 02:13 | 02:51 | | Bethlehem Christmas celebrations amidst Gaza conflict | 02:51 | 04:10 | | Philadelphia nursing home explosion update | 04:10 | 04:36 | | California storm and emergency declaration | 04:36 | 04:56 |

Summary Takeaway

This news installment offers a quick but comprehensive look at significant national and world events, highlighting government transparency debates, veteran welfare, military oversight, community resilience in times of conflict, public safety, and environmental disasters—all delivered with NPR’s straightforward, informative tone.