NPR News Now – 12-26-2025 3PM EST

Host: Doua Khalil
Date: December 26, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview:
This episode provides a concise update on major world and national events, covering U.S. military action in Nigeria, Congressional activity, an impending winter storm in New York, new research on air pollution and pregnancy, and efforts to end border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

1. U.S. Strikes ISIS Militants in Nigeria

[00:14–01:19]

• Key Points:
  • President Trump confirmed that the U.S. conducted overnight military strikes targeting ISIS in northwest Nigeria.
  • The strikes follow previous threats by Trump to intervene if Nigeria did not do more to protect Christians.
  • Nigeria’s government officially supported the U.S. action. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tugar discussed the operation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio beforehand.
  • There has been criticism and confusion over whether Nigeria gave full consent or was merely consulted.
  • Ongoing concerns remain about violence targeting both Christians and Muslims.
• Notable Quote:
  • Emmanuel Akinwotu: “Nigeria has faced pressure from US Officials who claim Christians are facing a genocide from armed groups who security experts say target both Christians and Muslims.” [01:01]

2. Congressional Drift and Delegation of Power

[01:19–02:06]

• Key Points:
  • Congress commenced 2025 with an ambitious agenda, but has since ceded significant power to President Trump, including authority over government spending.
  • Only a single major legislative package, dubbed “the one big beautiful bill,” was passed. Its economic impact is still uncertain.
  • The president took executive control during a government shutdown and clawed back billions in Congressional allocations.
  • Warnings loom about another potential shutdown and the intensifying affordability crisis.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Claudia Grizales: “Congress ceded a lot of its power to the president this year.” [01:45]
  • Claudia Grizales: “That included… triggering the clawback of billions of spending that had been approved by Congress.” [01:58]

3. Major Winter Storm Approaches New York City

[02:06–03:11]

• Key Points:
  • A winter storm warning is active for New York City, with expected snowfall of 7–8 inches and peak rates of up to 2 inches per hour.
  • The storm is “front loaded,” with most snow falling in the first 5–7 hours, coinciding with a busy travel weekend.
  • Mayor Eric Adams reported coordinated preparations, including travel advisories and the pre-deployment of hundreds of salt spreaders and plows.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sarah Ventri: “The city is expecting somewhere around 7 to 8 inches of snow…most of the snow will happen in the first five to seven hours. This makes things particularly challenging on what is a busy travel weekend.” [02:32]

4. Air Pollution During Pregnancy Linked to Low Birth Weight

[03:11–04:12]

• Key Points:
  • New research finds that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, especially during the first five weeks.
  • A nationwide dataset of over 16,000 mother-newborn pairs was used.
  • Male newborns are slightly more affected by exposure than females.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jonathan Lambert: “Researchers report that higher air pollution was associated with lower birth weight. Exposure during early pregnancy, especially the first five weeks, had an even greater impact.” [03:48]

5. Thailand–Cambodia Peace Talks Amid Border Clashes

[04:12–04:53]

• Key Points:
  • Thailand’s Prime Minister Anu Thin Janvirakul announced the defense minister’s upcoming peace talks with Cambodia after deadly border clashes (40–80 reported killed, hundreds of thousands displaced).
  • The U.S. confirmed its support for the dialogue, with Defense Secretary Marco Rubio ready to facilitate.
  • Negotiations are being hosted in Kuala Lumpur under the ASEAN chair.
• Notable Quote:
  • Doua Khalil: “Officials from both sides have been meeting since Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. That is the chair of ASEAN.” [04:45]

Memorable Moments & Language

• The tone throughout is urgent but measured, emphasizing direct reporting and expert analysis.
• Claudia Grizales’ phrase “one big beautiful bill” encapsulates both the branding and the ambiguity of Congressional action this year.
• Sarah Ventri emphasizes the unique dangers of a front-loaded blizzard just after the holidays.

Timestamps

• U.S. Nigeria Airstrikes: 00:14–01:19
• Congress Ceding Power: 01:19–02:06
• NYC Winter Storm: 02:06–03:11
• Air Pollution and Birth Weight: 03:11–04:12
• Thailand-Cambodia Peace Talks: 04:12–04:53

For Listeners

This NPR News Now episode delivers succinct updates on global conflict, U.S. governance, environmental health, and local weather—serving as an efficient briefing on pressing issues as of late December 2025.