NPR News Now – December 27, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder, NPR
Episode Theme:
This fast-paced five-minute news update covers severe winter weather across the U.S. Northeast, escalating conflict in Ukraine, a new ceasefire in Southeast Asia, severe flooding in California, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, and the passing of a music icon.

Key News Segments and Discussion Points

1. Major Snowstorm Impacting Northeast U.S.

• [00:12] - [01:27]
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces pre-positioning of utility crews to respond to an ongoing major snowstorm.
    • Quote (Kathy Hochul, 00:28):
      “We are very aggressive about deploying utility crew before a storm hits, so they're pre-positioned and if they need to activate, they can make sure that we get the power on as soon as humanly possible.”
  • Both New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency.
  • Conditions are hazardous for holiday travel, especially for drivers unaccustomed to winter conditions.
    • AAA Northeast’s Mark Scheldrop notes many haven’t changed to winter tires and may not be prepared for longer stopping distances.
    • Quote (Kathy Hochul, 01:06):
      “They follow too closely, they're going too quickly and unexpected things happen on the road and you have to make an abrupt stop and that's when bad things happen.”
    • Plowed roads can still be dangerous due to cold pavement affecting tire traction.

2. Russia’s Drone and Missile Barrage on Kyiv

• [01:27] - [02:23]
  • Ukrainian officials report deadly Russian attacks on Kyiv, with one killed and dozens injured.
  • The escalation comes on the eve of President Zelensky’s planned meeting with President Trump to discuss ending Russia’s invasion.
  • BBC’s Samira Hussein describes sustained assaults with 500 drones and about 20 missiles targeting Kyiv’s infrastructure and residential areas.
    • Quote (Samira Hussein, 01:51):
      “In fact, the air raid sirens have been sounding off. There are still drones that are coming into Ukrainian airspace... There has been damage to some residential buildings here as well.”

3. Thailand and Cambodia Sign Ceasefire

• [02:23] - [03:12]
  • Following three weeks of intense fighting causing over 100 deaths and mass displacement, Thailand and Cambodia agree to a 72-hour ceasefire.
  • The truce calls for an immediate halt to artillery, rocket, and air attacks.
  • The violence stemmed from a border dispute linked to a French colonial-era map.
    • Quote (Michael Sullivan, 02:32):
      “Hundreds of thousands on both sides have been displaced by the fighting prompted by an early French colonial map, Cambodia's then ruler that's been disputed by the Thai side.”

4. Flooding and Mudslides in Southern California

• [03:12] - [03:57]
  • Rainstorm aftermath still presents flash flood risks in Los Angeles despite easing weather.
  • Wrightwood mountain town hit hardest by mudslides, with cars and roads buried, homes damaged.
  • Firefighters rescued more than 100 people in Los Angeles overnight.

5. Israel Recognizes Somaliland’s Independence

• [03:57] - [04:38]
  • Israel becomes the first nation to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
  • Somalia strongly rejects the move, reaffirming Somaliland as its territory.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledges expanded cooperation with Somaliland.
  • The African Union reaffirms its commitment to Somalia’s unity.
    • Quote (Michael Koloki, 03:57):
      “Somalia's government termed Israel's move as an unlawful step, claiming that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia... the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Yusuf, said he rejects any recognition of Somaliland.”

6. Remembering Perry Bemonte of The Cure

• [04:38] - [04:56]
  • The Cure’s longtime member, Perry Bemonte, has died at age 65 following a short illness.
  • The band issued a statement on their official website.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Kathy Hochul (New York Governor):
  “We are very aggressive about deploying utility crew before a storm hits, so they're pre-positioned and if they need to activate, they can make sure that we get the power on as soon as humanly possible.” — [00:28]
• Kathy Hochul (road safety):
  “They follow too closely, they're going too quickly and unexpected things happen on the road and you have to make an abrupt stop and that's when bad things happen.” — [01:06]
• Samira Hussein (BBC):
  “In fact, the air raid sirens have been sounding off. There are still drones that are coming into Ukrainian airspace...” — [01:51]
• Michael Sullivan (NPR):
  “Hundreds of thousands on both sides have been displaced by the fighting prompted by an early French colonial map...” — [02:32]
• Michael Koloki (NPR):
  “Somalia's government termed Israel's move as an unlawful step, claiming that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia...” — [03:57]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Snowstorm & Emergency Declarations: 00:12 – 01:27
• Ukraine Drone and Missile Attacks: 01:27 – 02:23
• Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire: 02:23 – 03:12
• California Flood Aftermath: 03:12 – 03:57
• Somaliland Recognition & Reactions: 03:57 – 04:38
• Perry Bemonte’s Passing: 04:38 – 04:56

This concise but detailed episode covers breaking weather, international conflicts, a historic diplomatic move, and the loss of a music icon—all in NPR’s signature factual and calm tone.