NPR News Now – December 24, 2025, 6PM EST

Episode Overview
This brief NPR News Now episode covers major headlines from across the U.S. and around the globe in just under five minutes. Top stories include a powerful winter storm threatening Southern California, updates on the Justice Department’s release of Epstein documents, a multi-state food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters, contentious Honduras election results, the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, and a record Powerball lottery jackpot.

1. Major Winter Storm Threatens Southern California

Timestamps: 00:17–01:06
Key Points:

• The National Weather Service warns Southern California to expect its wettest Christmas in years, with heavy rains and risk of flash flooding.
• Warnings issued for Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles counties; high winds further north in the Sacramento Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.
• The storm could cause disruptions for holiday travelers both on roads and in the air, with heavy snow expected in the Sierra Nevada.

Notable Segment:

“Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years, warning drivers to stay off the roads in the coming days.”
— Joel Rose (00:32)

2. Epstein Files: DOJ Delays and Redaction Issues

Timestamps: 01:06–02:17
Key Points:

• The Justice Department says the release of Epstein-related files will take several more weeks, citing discovery of over a million additional documents.
• Many released documents are heavily or improperly redacted, with some redactions easily bypassed by copying and pasting.
• So far, no significant new details have emerged, but the process has raised transparency concerns and questions about DOJ procedures.
• DOJ claims commitment to full transparency and says it is working under a protocol for review.

Notable Segment:

“Parts of the Epstein document released from the Justice Department include hastily redacted information that could be easily read by simply copying and pasting…”
— Ashley Lopez (01:39)

3. Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Oysters

Timestamps: 02:17–03:14
Key Points:

• CDC investigates a Salmonella outbreak spanning 22 states, with over 60 cases—many requiring hospitalization.
• Illness associated with raw oysters; the strain of Salmonella involved is rarely seen in previous outbreaks.
• Cases have increased since November; health officials stress that only proper heat kills Salmonella, not hot sauce or lemon.
• Those with severe or persistent symptoms should seek medical attention.

Notable Segment:

“Hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill salmonella, and they recommend that people with symptoms such as high fever or diarrhea over several days seek healthcare immediately.”
— Ping Huang (02:31)

4. Honduras Election Declared for Nasseri Amid Controversy

Timestamps: 03:14–03:50
Key Points:

• Nasseri, a candidate supported by President Trump, declared the winner of Honduras’s November 30 election, following delays and fraud allegations.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges respect for the outcome and calls for peace during the transition.

5. Humanitarian Crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo

Timestamps: 03:50–04:31
Key Points:

• UNHCR reports dire conditions for those fleeing renewed conflict in eastern DRC; food, water, shelter, and healthcare are all in dangerously short supply.
• Fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces leads to more than 84,000 people fleeing to Burundi in two weeks, overwhelming aid sites.

Notable Segment:

“The agency warns that there is not enough food and water to cater for those who have fled, citing that they are also facing inadequate shelter and healthcare provision.”
— Michael Kaloki (03:50)

6. $1.7 Billion Powerball Jackpot Up for Grabs

Timestamps: 04:31–04:56
Key Points:

• The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot has reached $1.7 billion—the fourth largest in U.S. history.
• Odds of winning are about one in 292 million.

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• On the winter storm:

  “Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years, warning drivers to stay off the roads…”
  — Joel Rose (00:32)

• On document transparency:

  “Parts of the Epstein document released from the Justice Department include hastily redacted information that could be easily read by simply copying and pasting…”
  — Ashley Lopez (01:39)

• Food safety advice:

  “Hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill salmonella, and they recommend that people with symptoms… seek healthcare immediately.”
  — Ping Huang (02:31)

• Congo’s humanitarian emergency:

  “…not enough food and water to cater for those who have fled… facing inadequate shelter and healthcare provision.”
  — Michael Kaloki (03:50)

Episode At-a-Glance

• Extreme weather threatens California travel and safety.
• Epstein file release slowed by massive document trove and transparency missteps.
• Raw oyster-linked Salmonella outbreak hits 22 states—public health alert.
• Honduras election declared for Trump-backed Nasseri; calls for peace.
• Congo crisis: Tens of thousands displaced, UN appeal for aid.
• Powerball fever: $1.7B jackpot draws nationwide attention.

This episode delivers concise yet critical updates on ongoing issues, packed with public health warnings, international headlines, and a note of holiday excitement about an historic lottery drawing.