NPR News Now – December 26, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Length: 5 minutes
Theme: A fast-paced recap of the top global, national, and weather developments, highlighting political, economic, and consumer news.

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk summary of top headlines in the U.S. and abroad. Key topics include U.S. military action in Nigeria, prospects for U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy, the agenda facing Congress in the new year, lower gas prices for holiday travelers, severe winter storms across the U.S., and a significant FDA recall.

1. U.S. Launches Military Strikes on ISIS in Nigeria

[00:17 - 01:14]

• Main Points:

  • President Trump has announced military strikes targeting ISIS in northwest Nigeria.
  • These actions were taken in cooperation with the Nigerian government.
  • Trump's messaging emphasizes the defense of Christianity and includes strong rhetoric against "radical Islamists."
  • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth signals continued action is possible.

• Notable Quotes:

  • President Trump [00:40]:

    “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

  • President Trump [00:51]:

    “Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”

  • Tamara Keith, NPR [00:51]:

    “In his own post, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation and said there would be more to come.”

2. US-Ukraine Diplomatic Developments

[01:14 - 01:49]

• Main Points:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hints at a possible imminent meeting with President Trump.
  • Talks are ongoing, with Ukrainian and U.S. officials hoping to achieve progress before year's end, but significant differences with Russia persist.

• Notable Quote:

  • Windsor Johnston [01:14]:

    “Zelenskyy said a lot can be decided before the new year following talks with members of the Trump administration. The Kremlin and Kyiv remain far apart on key demands.”

3. Congressional Outlook for the New Year

[01:49 - 02:18]

• Main Points:

  • The fate of the House Republican majority is uncertain heading into the new year.
  • Lawmakers face a packed legislative agenda and a potential government shutdown.
  • Major campaign issues include affordability, unaddressed urgent needs for families, and rising health insurance premiums following the failure to extend Obamacare subsidies.

• Notable Quote:

  • Claudia Grisales, NPR [01:49]:

    “It's still not clear they're going to keep their majority… and that's in addition to calls for Washington to address an affordability crisis that we expect will dominate on the campaign trail.”

  • Claudia Grisales [02:09]:

    “Spiking premiums for health insurance after Congress failed to extend subsidies for Obamacare plans… will likely add fuel to the fire.”

4. Gasoline Prices Drop Ahead of Holiday Travel

[02:18 - 03:12]

• Main Points:

  • Gas prices are down 19 cents compared to last year; steady declines are driven by OPEC expanding supply.
  • Almost 110 million Americans are expected to drive during the holidays.
  • Lower prices are projected to result in Americans collectively saving nearly $400 million weekly.
  • Public EV charging rates remain steady.

• Notable Quote:

  • Camilla Domonoski, NPR [02:33]:

    “This year, the price of gasoline has been relatively low and remarkably stable. Partly that's because oil prices have been low, thanks largely to the oil cartel OPEC pushing more barrels onto the market.”

  • Camilla Domonoski [02:55]:

    “Gas Buddy estimates that the lower gas prices this year will save Americans collectively nearly $400 million weekly…”

5. Severe Winter Storms Impact California and the Northeast

[03:12 - 04:24]

• Main Points:

  • In California, a storm system begins to ease but continues to cause issues—high surf, potential flash flooding, mudslide risks, and two reported deaths.
  • A winter storm warning issued for New York City and the tri-state area: up to 8 inches of snow expected across several states.
  • It's the second significant snowfall in the region in two weeks.

• Notable Quote:

  • Bruce Konviser, NPR [03:52]:

    “It's expected to be a fast-moving storm. Snow is forecast to spread across the region late Friday afternoon. It should intensify overnight before heading out to sea.”

  • Bruce Konviser [04:08]:

    “Up to 8 inches of snow could blanket the region stretching from northeastern Pennsylvania across northern New Jersey, New York, Long Island and into eastern Connecticut.”

6. FDA Recalls Indonesian Shrimp for Radioactive Contamination

[04:24 - 04:56]

• Main Points:

  • The FDA is recalling over 83,000 bags of frozen raw shrimp from Indonesia, citing radioactive contamination.
  • Affected brands: Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro, sold in supermarkets in multiple states.

• Notable Quote:

  • Windsor Johnston [04:24]:

    “The FDA says recall affects shrimp distributed by direct source seafood and sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands… in several states, including Oregon, Utah, New York and Massachusetts.”

Memorable Moments & Tone

• President Trump's Christmas message tied to military action stood out for its provocative tone and directness ([00:51]).
• The concise yet impactful reporting on Congressional gridlock and potential shutdown highlighted familiar political tensions as a new year looms.

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• U.S. Strikes in Nigeria: 00:17 – 01:14
• Ukraine/Trump Talks: 01:14 – 01:49
• Congressional Outlook: 01:49 – 02:18
• Gasoline Prices: 02:18 – 03:12
• Winter Storm Updates: 03:12 – 04:24
• FDA Shrimp Recall: 04:24 – 04:56

For more hourly updates, visit NPR News Now.