NPR News Now: December 27, 2025, 8AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: 5 minutes

Overview

This edition of NPR News Now covers the major events and breaking news for December 27, 2025. Key topics include severe winter weather in the Northeast, escalating deaths in ICE custody, continued Russian attacks on Ukraine, weather-related hazards in California, upcoming controversial elections in Myanmar, and an unexpected holiday hit at the movie box office.

Major News Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Severe Winter Storm Hits Northeastern US

[00:18–01:10]

• Impact: Heavy snow overnight in the Northeast, with nearly a foot in some areas of Connecticut and New York; ice impacts Pennsylvania.
• Transportation: Officials urge residents to avoid road travel.
  • Quote:

    "We're asking the public if they can stay off the roads, if they can stay home and stay safe. That's going to be the best bet for everybody."
    — Josh Morgan, Connecticut Dept. of Transportation [00:44]

• Local Response:
  • Overnight parking bans instituted in cities and towns.
  • Some Kwanzaa gatherings rescheduled due to travel and storm hazards.
• Flight Delays/Cancellations:
  • Over 800 cancellations nationwide, most notably at New York City airports.
  • Hundreds of delays ripple across the country.
• Reporter Attribution: Matt Dwyer (Hartford), Giles Snyder

2. Spike in Deaths in ICE Custody

[01:10–02:19]

• Numbers:
  • A record number of people (approx. 66,000) held in ICE detention—up 70% since Trump took office.
  • Deaths in custody rise to ~30 for 2025, nearly triple the 2024 figure (11 deaths).
• Expert Analysis:
  • Concerns Raised: Rapid population increases at certain detention centers are linked to higher incidences of medical emergencies and deaths.
    • Quote:

      "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."
      — Austin Coker, Syracuse University [01:54]

• ICE Statement:
  • ICE claims that the death rate "averages less than 1%," but does not clarify methodology.
• Reporter Attribution: Martin Kosti

3. Russian Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine

[02:19–03:15]

• Current Situation:
  • Drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and the region kill at least one and injure dozens.
  • Ukrainian officials report 500 drones and 20+ missiles launched.
  • Infrastructure and residential building damage reported in Kyiv.
• Diplomatic Context:
  • Attacks occur a day before President Zelensky’s scheduled meeting with President Trump in Florida to discuss ending the war.
• Ukrainian Stance:
  • Zelensky asserts Russia’s continued bombardment signals lack of interest in peace.
• Notable Quote:
  • "In fact, the air raid sirens have been sounding off. There are still drones that are coming into Ukrainian airspace."
    — Samira Hussein, BBC [02:43]
• Reporter Attribution: Samira Hussein (BBC)

4. Los Angeles Flooding & Mudslides

[03:15–03:30]

• Update:
  • Heavy rains have subsided, but flash flood risk remains.
  • Wrightwood, a mountain town, suffered the worst damage from flooding and mudslides.
• Reporter Attribution: Giles Snyder

5. Myanmar’s Controversial Election

[03:30–04:01]

• Election News:
  • Myanmar is set for its first general election phase since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi four years ago.
  • Opposition and observers doubt the election's fairness amid ongoing civil war.
• Context:
  • Civil war instigated by the coup continues to devastate the country.
• Reporter Attribution: Giles Snyder

6. Holiday Surprise at the Box Office

[04:01–04:51]

• Unexpected Hit:
  • "Marty Supreme," a ping pong movie starring Timothee Chalamet, leads the “also-rans” due to a viral publicity stunt.
  • Stunt: Chalamet climbed the Las Vegas Sphere to yell "Marty," turning the structure into a giant illuminated orange ping pong ball and going viral.
• Box Office Expectations:
  • "Avatar: Fire and Ash" was expected to lead; "Marty Supreme" exceeded modest projections.
• Quote:

  "It's only a matter of time before I'm staring at you from the cover of a Wheaties box."
  — Timothee Chalamet (in-film quote) [04:19]

• Reporter Attribution: Bob Mondello

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Josh Morgan on public safety during the storm:
  "We're New Englanders. We're prepared for the storm." [00:38]
• Austin Coker voices concern about ICE deaths:
  "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." [01:54]
• Samira Hussein highlights ongoing attacks in Ukraine:
  "In fact, the air raid sirens have been sounding off. There are still drones that are coming into Ukrainian airspace." [02:43]
• Timothee Chalamet’s lighthearted meta-reference (film quote):
  "It's only a matter of time before I'm staring at you from the cover of a Wheaties box." [04:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|------------| | Winter storm in Northeast | 00:18–01:10| | ICE deaths spike | 01:10–02:19| | Ukraine under attack | 02:19–03:15| | Los Angeles flash flood risk | 03:15–03:30| | Myanmar election update | 03:30–04:01| | Holiday movie box office surprise | 04:01–04:51|

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