NPR News Now: December 26, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Key updates on global politics, U.S. military action, severe weather, wildlife protection, and animal policy.

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of the latest national and international headlines, covering diplomatic efforts around the Ukraine war, a significant U.S. military strike in Nigeria, ongoing severe weather in California, notable wildlife news from Montana, and a new policy regarding feral cats in Hawaii.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine Peace Talks - Possible Breakthrough

• Main Point: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to meet President Trump on Sunday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Russia is reviewing a new U.S.-Ukraine peace proposal.

• Notable Details:

  • Territorial issues remain highly sensitive—especially regarding Donbas.
  • Zelenskyy expresses conditional openness to troop withdrawals if Russia reciprocates.
  • U.S. suggests part of Donbas could become a “free economic zone.”
  • Persistent distrust due to past Russian breaches of ceasefire agreements.

• Quote:
  "A lot can be decided before the new year. Territorial issues remain the most sensitive."
  — Joanna Kakissis reporting on Zelenskyy’s statement ([00:39]).

• Quote:
  "Russia has been trying to occupy the region for more than a decade... and did not respect [peace and ceasefire agreements]."
  — Volodymyr Polit, Ukrainian soldier ([00:59]).

2. U.S. Strike on ISIS in Nigeria

• Main Point: U.S. forces, by Trump’s order, struck ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria in response to attacks on Christians.

• Notable Details:

  • Trump announced the strike on his social media.
  • The attack was requested by Nigerian authorities and confirmed by the Pentagon.
  • Ongoing debate on the nature of militant attacks in Nigeria (religious vs. geographic motivations).

• Quote:
  "The attack on ISIS militants was in response to, quote, targeting and viciously killing of Christians in the country's northwest."
  — Scott Newman, paraphrasing Trump ([01:35]).

• Quote:
  "In his post, Trump wished a merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists."
  — Scott Newman summarizing social media post ([02:16]).

3. Severe Weather in California

• Main Point: California is starting to recover from days of destructive storms; however, issues persist and more storms are forecast.

• Notable Details:

  • Extensive damage includes mudslides, debris flows, road closures, and water rescues.
  • Several fatalities have occurred.
  • More rain is expected around New Year's.

• Quote:
  "Many roads have been turned into a muddy mess. There have also been numerous rock slides and debris flows."
  — Steve Futterman ([02:38]).

4. Grizzly Bear Sighting in Montana

• Main Point: For the first time in 50 years, a grizzly bear has been sighted in a southwestern Montana range.

• Notable Details:

  • Signifies expansion of grizzly population outside of their core Yellowstone/Glacier habitats.
  • Legislative discussions underway about removing federal protections for grizzlies.
  • Last January, U.S. Fish and Wildlife rejected state petitions to delist these bears.

• Quote:
  "The regions around Yellowstone and Glacier national park support the two largest populations of bears in Montana. As their numbers grow, the bears are seeking out new habitat in their historic ranges."
  — Ellis Doolin ([03:33]).

5. Feral Cat Feeding Ban in Hawaii

• Main Point: Hawaii’s Big Island will ban feeding feral cats to protect endangered native species.

• Notable Details:

  • Law takes effect in January, with fines starting at $50.
  • Biologists cite dangers from cats; critics warn the ban may worsen the situation by causing cats to hunt more.

• Quote:
  "Biologists argue the ban is necessary to protect native species from both cat attacks and parasites carried in cat feces. But critics of the ban warn it could push feeding efforts underground and leave hungry cats hunting more, not less."
  — Windsor Johnston ([04:11]).

6. Financial Snapshot

• Stock Market Updates:
  • Dow Jones: Down 48 points (earlier) and down 33 points (later update).
  • S&P: Up a fraction.
  • Brief financial updates interspersed.

Notable Quotes by Segment

| Segment | Quote | Speaker | Timestamp | |----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------| | Ukraine | “A lot can be decided before the new year. Territorial issues remain the most sensitive.” | Joanna Kakissis | 00:39 | | Ukraine | “Russia has been trying to occupy the region for more than a decade... and did not respect [peace and ceasefire agreements].” | Volodymyr Polit (via Joanna Kakissis) | 00:59 | | Nigeria Strike | “The attack on ISIS militants was in response to, quote, targeting and viciously killing of Christians in the country's northwest.” | Scott Newman (paraphrasing Trump) | 01:35 | | Nigeria Strike | “In his post, Trump wished a merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists.” | Scott Newman | 02:16 | | California Wx | “Many roads have been turned into a muddy mess. There have also been numerous rock slides and debris flows.” | Steve Futterman | 02:38 | | Montana Bears | “As their numbers grow, the bears are seeking out new habitat in their historic ranges.” | Ellis Doolin | 03:33 | | Hawaii Cats | “Biologists argue the ban is necessary to protect native species from both cat attacks and parasites carried in cat feces. But critics... warn it could push feeding efforts underground and leave hungry cats hunting more, not less.” | Windsor Johnston | 04:11 |

Important Timestamps

• [00:16] — Ukraine peace talks preview (host and Joanna Kakissis)
• [01:24] — U.S. strike on ISIS in Nigeria (host and Scott Newman)
• [02:26] — California storm impacts (host and Steve Futterman)
• [03:07] — Wall Street update
• [03:33] — Montana grizzly bear sighting and endangered status debate (Ellis Doolin)
• [04:11] — Hawaii feral cat feeding ban coverage (Windsor Johnston)

This summary captures the essential news and perspectives from the broadcast, representing NPR’s impartial tone and attention to complex issues in brief form.