NPR News Now: December 25, 2025, 4 AM EST

Main Theme

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise five-minute update on pressing national news, with a focus on an ICE shooting in Maryland, President Trump's Christmas Eve public calls, escalating political scrutiny of offshore wind energy, a record-breaking Powerball win, reindeer ranching in Illinois, and a historic Christmas Mass at the Vatican.

Key News Stories & Discussion Points

1. ICE Shooting Incident in Glen Burnie, Maryland

[00:19 – 01:11]

• Summary:

  • ICE agents shot two people after approaching a van at 10:50am.
  • One individual in the van was shot; another outside suffered minor injuries.
  • Both taken to University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
  • ICE’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the probe.
  • Governor Wes Moore is monitoring the situation in cooperation with local officials.
  • Glen Burnie highlighted as an area with a fast-growing Latino population and recent increased ICE activity.

• Notable Quote (Field Reporter):
  “ICE has been active in the state, and the agency made more than 700 arrests in Maryland between September and mid October.” – Scott Maccione, [00:56]

2. President Trump’s Christmas Eve Calls and NORAD Santa Tracker

[01:11 – 01:39]

• Summary:

  • President Trump made Christmas Eve calls to children, coinciding with NORAD tracking Santa’s journey.
  • A Kansas child’s call turned amusing when talk of Christmas wishes segued into energy policy and coal.
  • Another child asked for a Kindle; the President praised the child’s intelligence.

• Memorable Moments:

  • Trump jokes: “‘You don't want... Well, coal is... You mean clean, beautiful coal. They had to do that. I'm sorry.’” – President Trump, [01:39]
  • Friendly banter and off-the-cuff remarks typify these interactions.

• Notable Quote:
  “‘You must be a high IQ person. We need more high IQ people in this country.’” – President Trump, [01:47]

3. Offshore Wind Energy Project Halted

[01:48 – 02:52]

• Summary:

  • Dominion Energy is suing over a Trump administration order halting its Virginia offshore wind project, citing national security concerns.
  • Five projects were targeted by recent Interior Department stop work orders.
  • Dominion argues they already underwent security vetting and are losing $5 million per day.

• Notable Quote (NPR Correspondent):
  “The project is expected online next year, generating enough electricity to power around 660,000 homes.” – Michael Copley, [02:44]

4. Powerball Lottery Winner in Arkansas

[02:52 – 03:35]

• Summary:

  • One Arkansas ticket matched all numbers for the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot.
  • Winning numbers: 4, 25, 31, 52, Powerball 19.
  • This is the first Powerball jackpot win since September.

• Memorable Quote (NPR Host):
  “Someone in Arkansas got all of the correct numbers in Wednesday night’s Powerball lottery and won a $1.8 billion prize before taxes and the fees are deducted.” – [02:53]

5. Illinois’ Year-Round Reindeer Ranch

[03:35 – 04:31]

• Summary:

  • Hardee’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, Illinois, has kept reindeer year-round for 30 years.
  • The ranch spans three generations of reindeer and draws significant holiday visitors.
  • Caring for reindeer includes climate accommodations: fans and shade in summer, natural cold resilience in winter.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Her name’s Holly. She has a baby named Jolly, and then Jolly has Dolly.” – Host/Mark Hardy, [03:50]
  • “They're more fun than a cow, I'll put it that way.” – Mark Hardy, [03:58]
  • “Their winter coat is good to 50 below.” – Mark Hardy, [04:10]

6. Historic Christmas Mass at the Vatican

[04:31 – 04:56]

• Summary:

  • Pope Leo delivers his first Christmas Mass as pontiff, celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica – a first since 1994.
  • The pope’s message: “Peace be with you all on this Christmas Day.”
  • Event marks a significant return of tradition and unity for the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.

• Notable Quote (NPR Host):
  “Peace be with you all on this Christmas Day.” – Message from Pope Leo, [04:52]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• ICE Shooting in Maryland: [00:19–01:11]
• Trump’s Christmas Calls & Santa Tracker: [01:11–01:48]
• Offshore Wind Project Legal Action: [01:48–02:52]
• Powerball Jackpot Win: [02:52–03:35]
• Reindeer Ranch in Illinois: [03:35–04:31]
• Vatican Christmas Mass: [04:31–04:56]

This NPR News Now episode delivers a mix of hard news and human-interest stories relevant for a holiday morning—highlighting events with local, national, and global significance in a signature crisp and factual NPR style.