NPR News Now — December 26, 2025, 6PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update of major U.S. and global news as of December 26, 2025. Topics include severe weather in New York City, sweeping changes to federal employment under the Trump administration, post-Christmas shopping trends, a stabbing attack in Japan, new research on air pollution and pregnancy, and a brief financial markets recap. The tone remains concise, factual, and urgent—a hallmark of NPR's hourly news briefings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Major Winter Storm Hits New York City

[00:14–01:12]

• Warning & Preparation: NYC braces for its largest snowfall in years (est. 7–8 inches, peaking at 1–2 inches/hour), making travel especially hazardous during a busy period.
• Government Response: Governor declares state of emergency in some counties; Mayor Eric Adams emphasizes city coordination and preparation.
• Action Steps: City issues travel advisory; Hundreds of salt spreaders and plows are pre-deployed by Department of Sanitation.
• Quote:
  • Mayor Adams' intent communicated by reporter:
    “City agencies have been coordinating and are prepared for the winter weather system while they continue to monitor conditions closely.”
    (Sarah Ventri, 00:50)

Massive Federal Job Losses under Trump Administration

[01:12–02:06]

• Scale of Layoffs: Over 300,000 federal employees to lose jobs by year's end—over double the five-year average.
• Administration's Rationale: Trump claims the job cuts are to eliminate “waste, fraud and abuse” and improve government efficiency.
• Criticism & Concerns:
  • Max Steyer (Partnership for Public Service) positions this as harmful to the public interest:
    • Notable Quote:
      “If you look at the facts and if you look at the impact of the actions of this administration, this is a horror show.” (Max Steyer, 01:44)
• Official White House Statement: Trump's “only motivation is improving the lives of the American people and making the country greater than ever before.” (Andrea Hsu paraphrasing, 01:54)

Boxing Day Shopping & Returns

[02:06–03:06]

• Shopping Surge: Post-Christmas day (Boxing Day) sees heavy mall traffic, with returns and bargain-hunting underway.
• Consumer Insights:
  • Many quietly return gifts to avoid embarrassment, while others shop for deals or future holidays.
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • Beverly Barisi, shopping with children:
      “We do like the after Christmas sales, the 50% off we pre buy things this year for next year.” (Beverly Barisi, 02:44)
• Economic Impact: Up to 25% of pre-Christmas purchases could be returned—an estimated $1T in merchandise.

Violent Attack in Japan

[03:06–03:54]

• Incident Details: 38-year-old man arrested after alleged stabbing of eight and injuries to others using suspected bleach at a tire factory.
• Context: Violent crime and specifically knife attacks remain rare but high-profile in Japan, which enforces strict gun laws.
• Motive: No motive disclosed yet.

New Findings: Air Pollution and Pregnancy

[03:54–04:38]

• Research Highlights:
  • Air pollution linked to lower birth weight; early pregnancy (especially first five weeks) is most vulnerable.
  • Study examined 16,000+ mother-newborn pairs across the U.S.
  • Male babies were slightly more sensitive to pollution effects.
• Health Takeaway: Exposure to pollution even briefly during early pregnancy can significantly impact newborn health.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Researchers report that higher air pollution was associated with lower birth weight exposure during early pregnancy, especially the first five weeks, had an even greater impact.” (Jonathan Lambert, 04:11)

Wall Street Markets Recap

[04:38–04:53]

• Closing Numbers:
  • Dow down 20 points
  • NASDAQ down 20 points
  • S&P 500 down 2 points
• Market Note: Holiday-shortened trading week.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NYC Winter Storm Update: 00:14–01:12
• Federal Layoffs & Government Restructuring: 01:12–02:06
• Boxing Day Shopping Trends: 02:06–03:06
• Japan Stabbing Attack: 03:06–03:54
• Air Pollution & Pregnancy Study: 03:54–04:38
• Wall Street Recap: 04:38–04:53

Notable Quotes

• Max Steyer (on administration layoffs, 01:44):
  “I think we are in a battle of narrative...this is a horror show.”

• Beverly Barisi (on shopping post-Christmas, 02:44):
  “We do like the after Christmas sales, the 50% off we pre buy things this year for next year.”

• Jonathan Lambert (on research findings, 04:11):
  “Higher air pollution was associated with lower birth weight exposure during early pregnancy, especially the first five weeks had an even greater impact.”

This fast-paced episode provides a succinct yet comprehensive snapshot of the day’s top stories, with balanced attention to both national and global events and a recurring focus on the intersections of public policy, health, and daily life.