Read on PBS NewsNews Wrap: Epstein Documents, Moscow Blast, and California Storm Headline Wednesday's Events
A series of significant events unfolded on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, spanning legal investigations, international conflict, domestic tragedy, and severe weather. The Department of Justice announced the discovery of over a million additional documents potentially linked to Jeffrey Epstein, further delaying the release of files mandated by Congress. In Moscow, an explosion killed three people, marking the second deadly blast in the capital in three days. Domestically, investigators are probing a massive explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home that killed two, while a powerful atmospheric river storm threatens Southern California with its wettest Christmas in years.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025, was marked by a confluence of significant national and international events, from ongoing legal investigations and geopolitical tensions to domestic tragedies and severe weather. This news wrap provides a concise overview of the day's major headlines, detailing developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, violence in Moscow, a fatal explosion in Pennsylvania, and a dangerous storm system impacting California.
Justice Department Discovers Massive New Trove of Epstein Documents
In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it has discovered over one million additional documents that are possibly related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ made the announcement via a social media post but did not elaborate on the specifics of when, where, or how this new trove of documents was found. According to the department, processing and preparing these documents for public release will take several more weeks.
This discovery directly impacts the congressionally mandated deadline for releasing all Epstein-related files, which was set for the previous Friday. The new delay has prompted a dozen U.S. senators to urge the Justice Department's inspector general to investigate the reasons behind the ongoing postponement. The scale of the newly found documents suggests the investigation into Epstein's network remains active and complex.
Deadly Explosion Rocks Moscow Amid Ongoing War
International attention turned to Moscow following a deadly explosion that killed three people, including two police officers. This incident represents the second fatal blast in the same area of the Russian capital within just three days. Russian investigators reported that two traffic officers had approached an individual when a device detonated, killing them and a bystander.
The Russian government has blamed Ukraine for the attack, although Kyiv has not publicly commented or claimed responsibility. The explosion occurred in close proximity to the location where a car bomb killed a high-ranking Russian general just two days earlier, intensifying concerns about security and escalating violence within Russia's borders as the war with Ukraine continues.
Investigation Launched After Fatal Nursing Home Explosion in Pennsylvania
Back in the United States, authorities are investigating the cause of a massive explosion at a nursing home in the Philadelphia area. The blast on Tuesday resulted in at least two fatalities and left 20 people injured. The explosion occurred shortly after a utility crew had responded to reports of a gas leak at the facility.
The force of the explosion collapsed parts of the building and was felt in houses blocks away. The victims included one resident and one facility employee. Following an extensive search-and-rescue operation, officials confirmed that everyone was accounted for. Bristol Township Police Chief C.J. Winik Jr. praised the bravery of first responders, stating, "I have never seen such heroism. They were running into a building that I could -- from 50 feet away, could still smell gas." State records indicate the facility was cited for multiple violations, including a lack of proper smoke barriers, during an inspection in October.
Powerful Atmospheric River Storm Threatens Southern California
On the West Coast, a powerful atmospheric river storm began slamming into California, threatening to deliver what could be the wettest Christmas in years for the southern part of the state. The storm system, visible from space earlier in the week, is expected to continue dumping heavy rain through Friday.
The intense precipitation has already led to dangerous conditions, including flooded roads and rushing mudflows in areas like Southern San Bernardino County and Northern Mono County. Coastal regions, including Los Angeles, are under flash flood warnings. Simultaneously, the same storm is bringing significant snowfall to California's mountain ranges, with officials warning of hazardous holiday driving conditions across the state.
Other Notable Developments
In other news, the election authority in Honduras declared Nasry Asfura the winner of its recent presidential race. The contentious vote count, which experienced technical problems and fraud allegations, concluded weeks after the November 30 election. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged all parties to accept the outcome, although Asfura's opponent had not yet conceded.
Finally, U.S. stock markets closed at record highs on this shortened trading day before Christmas. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added nearly 300 points, the Nasdaq gained 50 points, and the S&P 500 also ended at a record high, nearing the 7,000-point milestone.
These events collectively paint a picture of a busy news day, highlighting ongoing legal processes, international conflict, domestic safety concerns, and significant environmental challenges as the year draws to a close.
