NPR News Now – December 26, 2025, 10PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides a concise five-minute update on national and international events as of December 26, 2025, at 10PM EST. Key topics include: widespread flight disruptions in the U.S. due to severe winter weather, U.S. military action in Nigeria targeting ISIS, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, South Korea’s shift in adoption policy, the death of musician Perry Bamonte, and a quick look at Wall Street markets.

Major News Stories and Key Discussion Points

1. Severe Winter Weather Disrupts U.S. Holiday Travel

• Summary:
  A major winter storm strikes the eastern U.S. during a peak travel period, causing mass airline cancellations and delays.
• Details:
  • Winter storm advisories cover Michigan, the Mid Atlantic, and southern New England.
  • New York City prepares for heavy snow, with hundreds of flights canceled at NYC and New Jersey airports.
  • Airlines most affected: JetBlue, Delta, and American.
  • High winds cause additional delays in San Francisco.
  • Over 47,000 flights planned on one of the year’s busiest travel days.
• Notable Quote:

  “Winter storms are disrupting one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season.” — Joel Rose [00:52]

2. U.S. Airstrikes in Northwest Nigeria

• Summary:
  President Trump announces airstrikes against ISIS in Nigeria, claiming the action was a response to attacks on Christians.
• Details:
  • Strikes targeted ISIS militants overnight in northwest Nigeria.
  • President Trump describes the response as "powerful and deadly" and warns more strikes may follow.
  • Nigerian officials emphasize militants attack all religious groups, not only Christians.
  • There’s debate over whether Nigeria gave explicit consent.
  • Conflict has lasted over a decade, affecting both Christian and Muslim communities.
• Notable Quote:

  “Trump said more strikes would follow. Nigeria’s government has come out in support of the operation… but has faced criticism and questions on whether Nigeria gave consent or was simply consulted.” — Emmanuel Akimotu [01:48]

3. Israel Recognizes Somaliland

• Summary:
  Israel officially recognizes Somaliland, the first country to do so, triggering condemnation from regional neighbors.
• Details:
  • Netanyahu invites Somaliland’s leader to Israel; pledges cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology.
  • Both agree to exchange ambassadors.
  • Somalia, Egypt, and Turkey condemn the move, citing threats to international peace.
  • Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991; now expresses intent to join the Abraham Accords.
• Notable Quote:

  “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited the leader of Somaliland to visit Israel and says he'll seek immediate cooperation on agriculture, health and technology.” — Michelle Keleman [02:32]

4. South Korea to End Foreign Adoption

• Summary:
  In response to UN concerns over past abuses, South Korea announces it will phase out foreign adoption of Korean children by 2029.
• Details:
  • United Nations cites failure to ensure accurate records and reparations for victims of adoption-related abuses and fraud, especially in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • South Korea faces international pressure for comprehensive reform.
• Notable Quote:

  “South Korea says it will phase out foreign adoptions by 2029.” — Jeanine Herbst [03:35]

5. Tribute to Perry Bamonte of The Cure

• Summary:
  Perry Bamonte, longtime member of The Cure, passes away; celebrated for his influence and artistry.
• Details:
  • Bamonte joined The Cure as a full member in 1990, playing on key albums including “Wish.”
  • Left the band in 2005, later reuniting for tours.
  • Last performed with the group in late 2024.
  • The Cure describes him as "quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative."
• Notable Quote:

  “He played keyboard and six string bass on several albums, including the 1992 commercial hit Wish.” — Isabela Gomez Sarmiento [04:09]
  “[The Cure wrote that he was] ‘quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative.’” — Isabela Gomez Sarmiento [04:30]

6. Markets Update

• Summary:
  Wall Street closes lower.
• Details:
  • Dow Jones down 20 points.
  • Nasdaq also down 20 points.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Severe Winter Weather & Travel Disruptions: 00:16 – 01:10
• U.S. Airstrikes in Nigeria: 01:10 – 02:19
• Israel Recognizes Somaliland: 02:19 – 03:09
• South Korea Ends Foreign Adoption: 03:09 – 04:03
• Tribute to Perry Bamonte: 04:03 – 04:43
• Markets Update: 04:43 – 04:53

Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s assertive tone on military action in Nigeria [01:10 – 02:19].
• The groundbreaking diplomatic development between Israel and Somaliland [02:19 – 03:09].
• The poignant tribute to Perry Bamonte and the band’s words about his legacy [04:20 – 04:43].

Full Transcript Attribution:
All quotes and reporting by NPR correspondents: Jeanine Herbst (host), Joel Rose (travel), Emmanuel Akimotu (Nigeria), Michelle Keleman (Israel/Somaliland), Isabela Gomez Sarmiento (feature obituary).