NPR News Now: December 27, 2025, 6AM EST

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a crisp roundup of the morning's top stories, from widespread winter storms in the US to global conflicts and cultural shifts. With reports from various correspondents and brief statements from officials, the five-minute bulletin covers weather emergencies, international updates, domestic security measures, and a unique look at the NBA’s push to engage more female fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Winter Storms and Emergency Response

Major Snowstorm in New York and New Jersey

• Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced that utility crews are prepositioned and ready for rapid response as a severe snowstorm impacts the region.
• Both New York and New Jersey governors have declared states of emergency due to treacherous road conditions.
• The National Weather Service has issued ice and winter storm warnings, with Long Island and Hudson Valley expecting the heaviest snowfall.

Kathy Hochul (00:27):
"We are very aggressive about deploying utility crews. 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."

• Air travel has been heavily disrupted, with more than 800 flights canceled and hundreds delayed, especially across the United States and in weather-drenched Southern California.

Flooding in Southern California

• Despite a lessening of storm intensity, saturated ground is leading to floods, mudslides, and rockslides.
• Some areas remain without power; however, conditions are expected to improve soon.

Steve Futterman, NPR Correspondent (01:17):
"Along with more mudslides and rock slides, some intersections again filled with water and became hard to drive through."

• Dave Gomberg, National Weather Service (01:35):

"We'll start to see the shower activity start to decrease in coverage and intensity."

• The Christmas week was one of the wettest on record in some regions, with over 15 inches of rain in some locations. Several deaths have been reported, and the mountain town of Wrightwood was especially hard hit.

2. International News & Security

Ukraine Attacked Amid High-level Talks

• Kyiv, Ukraine, endured another round of Russian missile and drone attacks overnight.
• The strikes occurred ahead of a U.S. meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled in Florida.

Security in New Orleans for Major Events

• The Department of Defense confirmed the mobilization of 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans for extra security during major events from New Year’s through Mardi Gras.
  • Troops will begin deploying around December 30th.
  • Move prompted by recent terror attacks and foiled plots, as well as prior requests from Governor Jeff Landry for increased federal support.

Mel Bridges, WWNO Reporter (02:42):
"This comes after New Orleans safety officials requested more federal presence in the city during those events, citing the terror attacks on New Year's Day and an alleged terrorist plot that authorities say was recently thwarted."

Southeast Asia: Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia

• After a Trump-brokered ceasefire collapsed, hostilities resumed earlier in the month. A second ceasefire is now in effect, pausing military actions and airspace infringements, and arranging for the repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers after 72 hours of peace.

Deadly Pileup in Japan

• A major pileup on a snow-covered expressway northwest of Tokyo left two dead and over two dozen injured, involving 50+ vehicles.

3. Culture & Sports: The NBA Woos Female Fans

• Noting the NBA's younger, more diverse audience compared to other major sports, the league is working with online creators, especially those with female followings, to broaden its appeal.
  • Collaborations include nail artists, rug makers, and a food artist using fried rice as her medium.

Vivian Zhu Rahee, Nail Artist (04:23):
"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."

• The league’s efforts were likened to the "Taylor Swift effect" seen in professional football, illustrating the growing impact of pop-culture crossovers in sports marketing.

Notable Quotes by Time

• Kathy Hochul, on storm prep (00:27):

  • "We are very aggressive about deploying utility crews. 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."

• Steve Futterman, on LA flooding (01:17):

  • "Along with more mudslides and rock slides, some intersections again filled with water and became hard to drive through..."

• Dave Gomberg, National Weather Service (01:40):

  • "We'll start to see the shower activity start to decrease in coverage and intensity."

• Mel Bridges, on New Orleans security (02:42):

  • "...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."

• Vivian Zhu Rahee, NBA collaboration (04:23):

  • "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."

Important Timestamps

• 00:16: Snowstorm coverage in New York and New Jersey
• 01:17: Floods and mudslides in Southern California
• 02:03: Russian attacks on Kyiv; upcoming US-Ukraine presidential meeting
• 02:24: National Guard deployment to New Orleans
• 03:12: Southeast Asia ceasefire; Japanese traffic accident
• 04:11: NBA’s marketing to women through online creators

Memorable Moments

• The real-time acknowledgment of ongoing severe weather impacts across both U.S. coasts sets a tone of urgency and public service.
• Cultural reporting on the NBA’s embrace of non-traditional influencers offers a nuanced look at evolving fan demographics and marketing strategies in American sports.

This NPR News Now episode efficiently encapsulates the critical developments of the day, blending urgent weather and security alerts with a touch of cultural insight at the close.