NPR News Now – December 27, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest U.S. and world news, spotlighting extreme weather in Southern California, flight disruptions, National Guard deployment in New Orleans, holiday retail sales trends, the NBA targeting female fans, and key international headlines.

Southern California Storms and Flooding

[00:11–01:12]

• Key Points:

  • Post-Christmas heavy rains have lessened in Southern California but caused continued flooding, mudslides, and rockslides due to already saturated ground.
  • Several deaths reported, with extensive damages especially in the mountain town of Wrightwood.
  • Power outages persist in some areas, but the weather is expected to improve in the coming days.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Steve Futterman: “The storms may be less intense, but with the ground and hillsides already waterlogged… it didn't take much to cause new flooding, along with more mudslides and rockslides.” [00:25]
  • Dave Gomberg, National Weather Service: “We'll start to see the shower activity starting to decrease in coverage and intensity.” [00:49]
  • Steve Futterman: “This has been one of the wettest Christmas weeks ever. Some areas have received more than 15 inches of rain. There have been several deaths.” [00:54]

National Weather and Travel Disruptions

[01:12–01:49]

• Key Points:
  • Thousands of U.S. flight delays and cancellations due to winter storm Devon, impacting the Great Lakes and Northeast.
  • Anticipated travel challenges heading into the holiday weekend.

National Guard Deployment to New Orleans

[01:12–02:19]

• Key Points:

  • 350 National Guard troops to be mobilized in New Orleans through February to support law enforcement for major events including New Year's, Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras.
  • Deployment begins around December 30, driven by local officials’ requests after terror-related incidents and threats.
  • This is distinct from ongoing federal immigration enforcement in southeastern Louisiana.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Mel Bridges: “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.” [01:49]

Holiday Retail Sales: Record-Setting but Uneven

[02:19–02:55]

• Key Points:

  • Record holiday sales, but the gains were not evenly distributed—highest among wealthier Americans.
  • Interviews with small business owners highlighted supply shortages due to unexpectedly strong demand.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Alfred Mai, ASM Games: “It honestly blew my mind because we just sold out of inventory like a few days ago. The sales just exceeded all my expectations.” [02:38]
  • Alina Selyuk (NPR): “I had this question, like, did sales exceed his expectations because his expectations were too low or because people spent with abandon, and he said it's probably both.” [02:45]
  • Alina Selyuk: “The amount of money spent was not spread evenly across income brackets. The wealthiest Americans spent more this year… those with less money and more concerns over the shape of the economy spent much less.” [02:55]

NBA’s Push to Attract More Female Fans

[03:16–04:13]

• Key Points:

  • The NBA is collaborating with online content creators, especially those with female followings, to reach new audiences.
  • Highlights include social media art featuring NBA players (even as tiny as thumbnails) and partnerships with creators in crafts and culinary arts.
  • League is seeking to replicate the “Taylor Swift effect” of growing female engagement in sports.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Vivian Zhu Rahee (artist): “I grew up in LA and now live in the Bay Area. The Lakers and the Warriors are simply my team. But I will say I am just a basketball fan in general.” [03:44]
  • Netta Uluby (NPR): “Major league sports have noticed what's been called the Taylor Swift effect… now the NBA is courting female fans with other online collaborations.” [03:53]

International Headlines

[04:13–04:54]

• Ukraine-U.S. Meeting

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.

• Japan Factory Attack

  • A man stabbed eight and injured seven more with suspected bleach at a rubber factory in central Japan; five are in serious condition. Motive and identity remain unknown.

Notable Moments & Timestamps

• SoCal Storm Update: “This has been one of the wettest Christmas weeks ever.” [00:54]
• Retail Insights: “We just sold out of inventory like a few days ago.” [02:38]
• NBA’s New Strategy: “Major league sports have noticed what's been called the Taylor Swift effect in bringing female fans to football.” [03:53]
• Briefing on Zelenskyy–Trump Meeting: “Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he'll meet on Sunday with US President Donald Trump in Florida. Zelenskyy told journalists… the two leaders will be discussing security guarantees for Ukraine…” [04:13]

Overall Tone

Straightforward, concise, and informative, sticking closely to NPR’s factual and balanced news delivery style. News segments are brisk, and key facts are delivered without sensationalism or editorializing.