NPR News Now – December 27, 2025, 5AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder, NPR
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of top national and international news: A major winter storm battering the Northeast U.S., developments in global conflicts, U.S. housing market challenges, Ukraine-Russia war updates, Myanmar's contested election, and a significant Alzheimer’s research retraction.

1. Northeast U.S. Slammed by Major Snowstorm

[00:13] Giles Snyder reports that the governors of New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as a powerful Alberta Clipper storm hits the region.

Key Points:

• Storm Impact:

  • New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are expecting snowfall totals rising to 5–9 inches in New York City—potentially the city's largest storm since 2022.
  • The snowstorm has gained strength from an atmospheric river that recently hit the Pacific coast.

• Emergency Measures:

  • States of emergency empower governors to prepare agencies, reduce speed limits, and issue emergency declarations as needed.

• Storm Timeline:

  • The storm is expected to clear by Saturday morning.
  • “Even if just 5 inches falls, it would be the biggest snowstorm to fall on Central Park since 2022.” – Bruce Konviser, Reporter ([00:43])

Flight Disruptions & West Coast Flooding ([01:15])

• Over 800 flights cancelled, with hundreds more delayed in the Northeast.
• LA faces continued flash flood risks after heavy rains: “The mountain town of Brightwood seems to have borne the brunt of the damage.”

2. Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Holds

[01:15–02:18]
Michael Sullivan reports on a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following three weeks of deadly fighting.

Key Points:

• Ceasefire Details:

  • Both defense ministers agreed to halt artillery attacks and rocket barrages for 3 days.
  • Over 100 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since fighting reignited in early December.

• Open Questions:

  • “Whether the ceasefire holds is an open question.” – Michael Sullivan ([02:16])

3. U.S. Housing Market Update

[02:18–03:13]
Jennifer Ludden explains President Trump’s intent to address high housing costs in 2026 and current economic factors hampering affordability.

Key Points:

• Market Challenges:

  • Despite more sellers than buyers (gap doubled vs. last year), prices aren’t dropping substantially due to a persistent housing shortage.
  • Home prices have risen over 50% since 2020.
  • Both buyer and seller activity remain depressed by high costs and economic uncertainty; unemployment and foreclosures are rising.

• Expert Insight:

  • “Economists say a severe housing shortage is a key factor keeping prices high and fixing that would take years.” – Jennifer Ludden ([03:10])

4. Ukraine, Myanmar, and Global Politics

[03:13–04:11]

• Ukraine:

  • President Zelensky will visit Florida for further peace talks with President Trump as Russia intensifies missile and drone attacks on Kyiv.

• Myanmar:

  • The country prepares for the first phase of elections since the 2021 military coup, widely seen as neither free nor fair.
  • The military ousted Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking a devastating civil war.

5. Science Corner: Alzheimer’s Paper Retracted

[04:11–04:53]
John Hamilton reports on a prominent scientific retraction.

Key Points:

• Background:

  • A 2017 Alzheimer's study by Sylvain Linnae (University of Minnesota) suggested a form of amyloid beta played a key role in disease progression.
  • The study’s findings could not be replicated elsewhere; allegations of data manipulation surfaced on PubPeer.
  • The journal Science Signaling issued an expression of concern in 2022; Linnae resigned from his university post after an official probe in March 2025.
  • The study was formally retracted this week.

• Quote:

  • “This week, the journal retracted his paper.” – John Hamilton ([04:52])

6. Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Even if just 5 inches falls, it would be the biggest snowstorm to fall on Central Park since 2022.” – Bruce Konviser ([00:43])
• “Whether the ceasefire holds is an open question.” – Michael Sullivan ([02:16])
• “Economists say a severe housing shortage is a key factor keeping prices high and fixing that would take years.” – Jennifer Ludden ([03:10])
• “This week, the journal retracted his paper.” – John Hamilton ([04:52])

7. Segment Timestamps

• [00:13] – Major snowstorm in the Northeast; states of emergency
• [01:15] – Travel disruptions and West Coast flooding recap
• [01:52] – Thailand & Cambodia ceasefire
• [02:18] – U.S. housing market trends
• [03:13] – Update: Ukraine war and Myanmar elections
• [04:11] – Alzheimer’s study retraction

Summary:
This edition delivers sharp synopses of pressing issues: disruptive weather across the U.S., tense ceasefires and fragile peace abroad, a stagnant housing market squeezing Americans, high-stakes international diplomacy, and a milestone in scientific accountability. The reporting is brisk, factual, and maintains the straightforward NPR tone, ensuring listeners stay up-to-date in mere minutes.