NPR News Now – December 27, 2025, 7PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: December 28, 2025
Duration: 5 Minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode provides concise updates on major global and national stories from the past day, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and international diplomacy, record deaths in U.S. immigration detention, major student loan changes for 2026, the death of a senior Mormon leader, and a milestone in grizzly bear recovery in Montana. The tone is factual, urgent, and succinct, reflecting NPR's trusted news delivery.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Russia-Ukraine War: Diplomacy and Aid

Segment: 00:14–01:20

• Summary:
  Russia launched missiles and drones at Kyiv, killing at least 2, injuring dozens. Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Canada en route to a meeting with U.S. President Trump, seeking further international support and negotiating a new peace plan.

• International Aid:
  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announces new economic assistance to help Ukraine unlock IMF financing and reiterates Canada’s resolve to press Moscow into negotiations.

• Diplomacy Update:
  Zelensky updates Carney on ongoing diplomatic efforts with the U.S., aiming for a "just and lasting peace" via a 20-point plan including security guarantees and economic agreements.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dan Karpenchuk (01:01):
    "Under Zelensky's leadership, there is the possibility of a just and lasting peace."

2. Record Deaths in U.S. Immigration Detention

Segment: 01:20–02:15

• Summary:
  Deaths in ICE custody reach highest level since 2005, with 30 fatalities in 2025 versus 11 in 2024. The detained population now stands at 66,000—a 70% increase since President Trump took office.

• Expert Analysis:
  Austin Coker (Syracuse Univ.) expresses grave concerns about overcrowding leading to medical emergencies.

• ICE Statement:
  ICE claims in-custody deaths average “less than 1%”, but there’s little transparency on calculation methods.

• Notable Quote:

  • Austin Coker (01:50):
    "I'm concerned that the rapid increase in the detained population at specific detention centers is creating the preconditions for more immigrants to have medical emergencies and ultimately to die while they're in ICE custody."

3. Major Federal Student Loan Changes for 2026

Segment: 02:15–03:09

• Summary:
  Sweeping changes hit federal student loans, including the shutdown of the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan and the introduction of new borrowing limits and consolidated repayment options, as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

• Borrower Impact:
  About 7 million affected by the SAVE plan ending; borrowers face uncertainty about repayment structures. Delinquency/defaults are rising: 12 million Americans are late or in default.

• Upcoming Changes:
  Starting July, borrowing limits for grad students and new borrowers, and just two repayment plans will be available.

• Notable Quote:

  • Cory Turner (02:39):
    "Earlier this month, the Trump Admin unveiled a proposed agreement to shut down the Biden Era Save repayment plan next year."

4. Death of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Leader

Segment: 03:09–03:53

• Summary:
  Jeffrey Holland, next in line to head the Mormon church, dies at 85 (kidney disease complications). He was a former BYU president and senior church official. Henry Eyring, 92, is now next in line.

• Legacy:
  Holland was an influential doctrinal voice, notably instructing colleagues in 2021 to "defend marriage as being between a man and a woman.”

5. Grizzly Bear Sighting in Montana—A Conservation Milestone

Segment: 03:53–04:46

• Summary:
  A grizzly bear is spotted in a Montana range absent of them for over 50 years. Wildlife experts tie this to successful bear population recovery efforts, although Congress debates ending federal grizzly protections in Montana and Wyoming.

• Legislation:
  Montana and Wyoming officials request delisting grizzlies, but U.S. Fish & Wildlife rejected this in early 2025.

• Notable Moment:

  • Ellis Julin (04:08):
    "State wildlife officials confirmed the bear sighting ... the first time a grizzly has been spotted there since bear recovery began in the 1970s."

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Dan Karpenchuk (01:01):
  "Under Zelensky's leadership, there is the possibility of a just and lasting peace."
• Austin Coker (01:50):
  "I'm concerned that the rapid increase in the detained population at specific detention centers is creating the preconditions for more immigrants to have medical emergencies and ultimately to die while they're in ICE custody."
• Cory Turner (02:39):
  "Earlier this month, the Trump Admin unveiled a proposed agreement to shut down the Biden Era Save repayment plan next year."
• Ellis Julin (04:08):
  "State wildlife officials confirmed the bear sighting ... the first time a grizzly has been spotted there since bear recovery began in the 1970s."

Timeline of Key Segments

• Russia-Ukraine conflict & diplomacy: 00:14–01:20
• ICE custody deaths report: 01:20–02:15
• Student loan changes preview: 02:15–03:09
• Mormon leader’s death & succession: 03:09–03:53
• Montana grizzly bear resurgence: 03:53–04:46

This episode delivers succinct, factual reporting on significant international developments, national policy shifts, and notable U.S. news, with quotes and data points to inform listeners rapidly and thoroughly.