NPR News Now – December 26, 2025, 2PM EST

Host: Doualisai Kowtow
Duration: 5 minutes
Location: New York City

Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major domestic and international news. Key topics include U.S. economic growth, political retirements ahead of the 2026 midterms, National Guard deployments in New Orleans, nationwide gasoline prices, the latest Wall Street trends, U.S. military operations in Nigeria, and historic municipal elections in Somalia.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Economic Outlook and Political Implications

• [00:15–00:48]
  • Republican strategist Alex Conant praises the White House and Federal Reserve's handling of the economy.
  • High Q3 GDP growth reported, creating optimism for 2026.
  • Conant links strong economic performance to potential Republican success in the 2026 midterms.
  • Possible government shutdown in January could cause more Congressional retirements: "a record 11 senators and 44 House Congress are either retiring or not running for re-election." (Doualisai Kowtow, 00:48)

“If the economy is strong and people start perceiving that it is strong, Republicans should be fine in the midterm.”
— Alex Conant, 00:43

2. Congressional Retirements

• [00:48–01:03]
  • Retirements at a historic high, tracked by NPR’s Congressional Retirement Tracker.
  • Potential shutdown in January may lead to more departures by both parties.

3. National Guard Deployment in New Orleans

• [01:03–02:03]
  • Report by Mel Bridges, WWNO
  • 350 National Guard troops to be deployed for enhanced security during major events (New Year's Eve, Sugar Bowl, Mardi Gras).
  • Deployment comes after city officials’ request, following terror attacks and a thwarted plot.
  • This deployment is distinct from separate federal actions on immigration in southeastern Louisiana.

“A spokesperson for the Louisiana National Guard confirmed deployment should start around the 30th. This comes after New Orleans safety officials requested more federal presence...citing the terror attacks on New Year's Day and an alleged terrorist plot that authorities say was recently thwarted.”
— Mel Bridges, 01:38

4. U.S. Gasoline Prices and Holiday Travel

• [02:03–02:58]
  • Report by Camila Domonoski
  • Gasoline prices have fallen $0.19 compared to last year, remaining stable despite holiday travel surges.
  • OPEC increasing supply attributed to price stabilization.
  • 110 million Americans expected to travel by car, saving nearly $400 million weekly in fuel.
  • Public electric vehicle charging holds steady at $0.38/kWh.

“Instead of rising in the summer, the national average was basically a straight line. Partly that's because oil prices have been low, thanks largely to the oil cartel OPEC pushing more barrels onto the market.”
— Camila Domonoski, 02:27

5. Wall Street Update

• [02:58–03:07]
  • Markets slightly down after Christmas: S&P and Nasdaq -0.1%, Dow -0.2%.

6. U.S. Military Strikes in Nigeria & Political Messaging

• [03:07–04:05]
  • Nigerian government clarifies recent U.S. airstrikes were not religiously motivated, contrasting statements made by former President Trump.
  • U.S. military confirms strikes against Islamic State in northwestern Nigeria, an area plagued by extremism and kidnappings.

“Trump said merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorist, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
— Doualisai Kowtow quoting Trump, 03:36

7. Historic Elections in Somalia

• [04:05–04:48]
  • Report by Micah Koloki, Nairobi
  • African Union celebrates Somalia’s first direct municipal elections since 1969.
  • Over 1,000 candidates vied for council seats; high voter turnout observed.
  • Elections seen as a critical precursor to national general elections but critics note risks of militant attacks.

“Direct elections have not been held in Somalia since 1969... Long queues of voters were witnessed during yesterday's polls...”
— Micah Koloki, 04:19

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US Economy and GOP Prospects: 00:15–00:48
• Retirement Tracker & Political Climate: 00:48–01:03
• National Guard in New Orleans: 01:03–02:03
• Gasoline Prices & Holiday Travel: 02:03–02:58
• Wall Street Recap: 02:58–03:07
• US Strikes in Nigeria, International Reaction: 03:07–04:05
• Historic Somali Elections: 04:05–04:48

Memorable Quotes

• “If the economy is strong and people start perceiving that it is strong, Republicans should be fine in the midterm.”
  — Alex Conant, 00:43

• “A spokesperson for the Louisiana National Guard confirmed deployment should start around the 30th. This comes after New Orleans safety officials requested more federal presence...citing the terror attacks on New Year's Day and an alleged terrorist plot that authorities say was recently thwarted.”
  — Mel Bridges, 01:38

• “Instead of rising in the summer, the national average was basically a straight line. Partly that's because oil prices have been low, thanks largely to the oil cartel OPEC pushing more barrels onto the market.”
  — Camila Domonoski, 02:27

• “Trump said merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorist, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
  — Doualisai Kowtow quoting Trump, 03:36

• “Direct elections have not been held in Somalia since 1969... Long queues of voters were witnessed during yesterday's polls...”
  — Micah Koloki, 04:19

Conclusion

The episode delivers brisk, up-to-the-minute reporting, touching on U.S. economic optimism and its political implications, increased national security efforts in New Orleans, relief at the gas pump, global flashpoints in Nigeria and Somalia, and the shifting landscape of Congress ahead of a major midterm election year.