NPR News Now — 12-26-2025 5PM EST

Host: NPR News (Jeanine Herbst)
Date: December 26, 2025
Episode Purpose:
A concise 5-minute summary of the day's most significant global and national news, delivered in NPR’s clear and authoritative tone.

Main Theme

This episode provides listeners with a rapid overview of pressing international developments—US airstrikes in Nigeria, increased security measures in New Orleans, crime trends across the US, an update on South Korea's adoption policies, and France's push for recognition of its electronic music heritage.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. US Strikes Against ISIS Militants in Nigeria

• [00:20] President Trump confirmed US strikes coordinated with Nigeria targeted ISIS militants after attacks on Christians.
• Contested Victim Narrative: Nigerian officials underscored that militants had attacked various religious groups, not just Christians.
• Local Insight:
  • Emanuele Akinwotu (from Lagos):
    • Describes geography as the dominant factor behind insecurity, rather than religion. However, he notes Christians are "definitely being targeted," particularly in northern and central Nigeria, and acknowledges debate over the extent compared to other groups.
    • Quote [00:43]:

      “Really, the most dominant factor for insecurity is geography and not religion. That’s not to say that Christians don’t face specific threats. Christians are definitely being targeted. It’s definitely been a very difficult period for Christians, especially in northern central Nigeria, as insecurity in the country has gotten worse. But whether they are being targeted more than other groups are, I think that’s heavily disputed.”
      — Emanuele Akinwotu

2. US National Guard Deployment to New Orleans

• [01:09] 350 National Guard troops will be mobilized for New Orleans security through February, in light of recent and upcoming large events (New Year’s, Sugar Bowl, Mardi Gras).
• Background: Deployment follows requests for increased federal presence after terror attacks and a recently thwarted terrorist plot.
• Connection to Broader Security Initiatives: This deployment is separate from ongoing federal immigration actions in Louisiana.
• Quote [01:37]:

  “A spokesperson for the Louisiana National Guard confirmed deployment should start around the 30th. This comes after New Orleans safety officials requested more federal presence...citing the terror attacks on New Year’s Day and an alleged terrorist plot that authorities say was recently thwarted.”
  — Mel Bridges (WWNO)

3. Crime Rate Drops Nationwide in 2025

• [02:07] Both property and violent crime rates, especially murders, declined significantly in 2025 (murders down about 20% per the Real Time Crime Index).
• Pattern:
  • Crime dropped across both urban and rural America, regardless of political leaning.
  • Recent fall reverses large increases during 2020–2021, which analysts attribute to pandemic-induced instability.
  • Government services, policing, and social supports were reduced during the pandemic, heightening crime.
• Expert Analysis:
  • John Roman (NORC, University of Chicago):
    • Violence operates like an epidemic—with potential for positive or negative cycles.
    • Quote [03:02]:

      “If epidemics cause things to spiral up, they should create virtuous cycles on the way down.”
      — John Roman

4. South Korea to Phase Out Foreign Adoptions

• [03:12] South Korea announces it will phase out international adoptions by 2029, following UN investigations into historic abuses and record-keeping failures.
  • Prompted by growing pressure over fraud and human rights abuses in its adoption system, especially during its 1970s–80s peak.
  • Response to international scrutiny for transparency and responsibility in its adoption program.

5. France’s Electronic Music Scene Nears UNESCO Recognition

• [04:14] France has added electronic music to its national Intangible Cultural Heritage list—the first step toward UNESCO recognition.
  • The scene, known as “French touch”, spans genres and has a legacy through artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Justice, Air, and Daft Punk.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron supports the move to elevate France’s global cultural prestige.
  • Quote [04:14]:

    “Electronic music has officially been added to France’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Spanning across house, electro, disco and rock, the country's electronic music scene goes back more than half a century.”
    — Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Emanuele Akinwotu [00:43]:
  “Really, the most dominant factor for insecurity is geography and not religion... But whether they are being targeted more than other groups are, I think that’s heavily disputed.”

• Mel Bridges [01:37]:
  “A spokesperson for the Louisiana National Guard confirmed deployment should start around the 30th. This comes after New Orleans safety officials requested more federal presence...citing the terror attacks on New Year’s Day and an alleged terrorist plot...”

• John Roman [03:02]:
  “If epidemics cause things to spiral up, they should create virtuous cycles on the way down.”

• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento [04:14]:
  “Electronic music has officially been added to France’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Spanning across house, electro, disco and rock, the country's electronic music scene goes back more than half a century.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Strikes in Nigeria: 00:20 – 01:09
• National Guard in New Orleans: 01:09 – 02:07
• Crime Rate Decline: 02:07 – 03:12
• South Korea Adoption Policy: 03:12 – 04:14
• France’s Electronic Music: 04:14 – 04:54

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The reporting is brisk and factual, with NPR’s signature calm and even delivery—balancing global unrest, hopeful crime trends, cultural milestones, and policy change. Listeners leave informed on today’s key headlines, each delivered with context and expert insight.