NPR News Now – December 31, 2025, 3PM EST
Host: NPR News Anchor Amalakshmi Sang
Length: 5 minutes
Episode Overview
This brisk five-minute NPR News Now episode covers late-breaking news and updates from around the world. Major headlines include child care funding turmoil in Minnesota, the anniversary aftermath of a New Orleans terror attack, historic drops in U.S. mortgage rates, a deadly train collision near Machu Picchu, and New Year celebrations in Asia—all delivered in concise, factual segments.
Key News Segments & Insights
1. Minnesota Child Care Funding Suspended Due to Fraud Allegations
[00:14–01:18]
-
The Trump administration suspends child care funding in Minnesota after viral allegations (disputed) of daycare fraud in Minneapolis's Somali communities.
-
Escalating political standoff between Democratic Governor Tim Walz and state Republicans, who allege mismanagement of pandemic-era funds.
Notable Quote:
- "The governor says that he's trying to take some steps, as many steps as he's allowed by law. But Republicans are not satisfied with what he's done." — Minnesota Political Analyst ([00:54])
-
Issue expected to become central in next year’s gubernatorial campaign.
2. New Orleans Terror Attack Anniversary: Security Remains Temporary
[01:18–02:19]
-
January 1 marks one year since a vehicle attack on Bourbon Street killed 14.
-
New Orleans still relies on temporary barriers (bollards, barricades, police) to secure the French Quarter.
-
Permanent security upgrades, including $1.5 million for metal swing gates, are pending city council approval.
Notable Quote:
- "One police official calls a temporary solution to a permanent problem." — Debbie Elliott ([01:35])
3. U.S. Mortgage Rates Drop to 2025 Lows
[02:19–03:10]
-
Freddie Mac’s final 2025 survey:
- 30-year fixed mortgage: 6.15% (down from 6.85% last year, and nearly 7.9% in Oct. 2023)
- 15-year fixed mortgage: 5.44%
-
Although rates are falling, they remain above pandemic-era lows under 3%.
Notable Quote:
- "While current rates are comparatively low, that's likely little comfort to potential home buyers who recall the average lows of less than 3% seen during the pandemic." — Scott Newman ([02:26])
4. Train Collision Near Machu Picchu: 1 Dead, Many Injured
[03:10–04:13]
-
Head-on collision between trains on route between Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru.
-
Single fatality (train driver); at least 30 injured, including American tourists.
-
Rescue hampered by difficult Andean terrain; cause undetermined.
Notable Quote:
- "Peruvian media broadcast images of smashed train cars with broken windows and said that evacuation of the injured was hampered by the mountainous terrain." — John Otis ([03:27])
5. New Year’s Celebrations Begin Worldwide
[04:13–04:53]
-
2026 has arrived in UAE, Armenia, China, and elsewhere.
-
In Beijing, celebrants ring in the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse (starting February 17th) with drumming and horse imagery.
Notable Moments:
- "Happy New Year." — Celebrators in Beijing ([04:21–04:24])
- "Drums boomed on a stage in Beijing as towering im of horses were displayed at the celebrations." — NPR News Anchor ([04:26])
Quick Financial Update
- "The Dow is down now more than 200 points." — NPR News Anchor ([04:53])
Memorable Quotes Recap
-
Minnesota Political Analyst ([00:54]):
"The governor says that he's trying to take some steps, as many steps as he's allowed by law. But Republicans are not satisfied with what he's done." -
Debbie Elliott ([01:35]):
"One police official calls a temporary solution to a permanent problem." -
Scott Newman ([02:26]):
"While current rates are comparatively low, that's likely little comfort to potential home buyers who recall the average lows of less than 3% seen during the pandemic." -
John Otis ([03:27]):
"Peruvian media broadcast images of smashed train cars with broken windows and said that evacuation of the injured was hampered by the mountainous terrain." -
Beijing Celebrators ([04:21–04:24]):
"Happy New Year."
Segment Timestamps
- [00:14] Minnesota child care funding crisis
- [01:18] New Orleans terror anniversary and security
- [02:19] U.S. mortgage rates drop
- [03:10] Deadly train collision at Machu Picchu
- [04:13] Global New Year celebrations
- [04:53] Quick financial update
This episode delivers succinct reporting on political controversy, public safety, economic shifts, international tragedy, and festive milestones, reflecting NPR’s balance of American and global priorities—all in a compact, headline-driven format.
