NPR News Now — Morning Update: December 28, 2025, 5AM EST

Overview:
This five-minute NPR News Now segment, anchored by Giles Snyder, delivers a fast-paced roundup of key international and domestic news events as of December 28, 2025. The episode spotlights escalating tensions in Ukraine, Myanmar's general elections under military rule, preparations for the 2030 U.S. Census, severe winter weather affecting travel, a natural gas leak in Southern California, Pope Leo’s outspoken opposition to Illinois’ new “right to die” law, and the passing of Latter-Day Saints elder Jeffrey Holland.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine-Russia Conflict and Diplomacy

• Escalation of Attacks:
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounces recent Russian missile and drone attacks, arguing that they undermine ongoing peace efforts.
  • Quote:
    • “This attack is again, Russia's answer on our peace efforts, and it's really showing that Putin doesn't want peace.”
      — Volodymyr Zelensky, [00:32]
• Diplomatic Movements:
  • Zelensky was in Halifax meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney before traveling to Florida for talks with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
  • Despite diplomatic initiatives, “major differences remain on crucial issues.”
• Impact on Ukraine:
  • The most recent assault by Russia targeted Kyiv and other regions, causing widespread power and heating outages amidst winter.

2. Myanmar’s First Phase of General Elections

• Election Under Scrutiny:
  • Myanmar opened polls in the first of three phases for a general election.
  • The election is framed by military rulers as “a chance for a fresh start,” but critics warn it is a facade to legitimize ongoing military rule.
  • Final results due after additional rounds next month.

3. 2030 U.S. Census Preparations

• Major Field Test Planned, Concern Over Participation:
  • The Census Bureau seeks 1,500 temporary workers for a 2026 field test in select states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas.
  • Test activities will include door-to-door canvassing as well as mailed survey invitations starting in March.
• Political Impact:
  • Census data directly affects congressional apportionment, Electoral College votes, and federal funding allocation.
  • Some census advocates worry that increased distrust in the federal government "may discourage many people from participating."
    — Hansi Loang, [01:41]

4. Severe Winter Weather Throughout the U.S.

• Widespread Travel Disruption:
  • Airlines delayed or canceled over 1,000 flights as a fresh winter storm and post-Christmas travel converge.
  • The storm system Ezra is set to deliver heavy snow, winds, and potential thunderstorms across the Great Lakes, Midwest, Mississippi, and Ohio valleys.
• Forecast Highlights:
  • “Massive cold air is expected to send temperatures falling in much of the eastern and southern US ahead of the New Year's holiday.”
    — Matt Bloom, [02:34]

5. Southern California Gas Leak and I-5 Closure

• Brief Crisis, Ongoing Questions:
  • I-5 freeway reopened after a natural gas line rupture; Los Angeles County issued a temporary shelter-in order.
  • Cause of the rupture is not yet confirmed, though local reports suggest a mudslide may be to blame.
    — Giles Snyder, [03:15]

6. Pope Leo Responds to Illinois “Right to Die” Law

• Direct Opposition to Assisted Dying:
  • Following the signing of a law permitting medical aid in dying, Pope Leo expressed his disappointment, reaffirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to life at all stages.
  • Quote:
    • “We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end.”
      — Pope Leo, [04:05]
• Broader Political Engagement:
  • Pope Leo also urged reflection on “the nature and goodness of human life” during Christmas and reiterated his critical stance on U.S. immigration policies, questioning whether current practices represent a “pro-life” ethic.

7. Death of Latter-Day Saints Leader Jeffrey Holland

• Church Mourns Leadership Loss:
  • Jeffrey Holland, a top Latter-Day Saints leader and president-in-waiting, died at 85 from kidney disease.
    — Giles Snyder, [04:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This attack is again, Russia's answer on our peace efforts, and it's really showing that Putin doesn't want peace.”
  — Volodymyr Zelensky, [00:32]
• “We were very clear about the necessity to respect the sacredness of life from the very beginning to the very end.”
  — Pope Leo, [04:05]
• “Massive cold air is expected to send temperatures falling in much of the eastern and southern US ahead of the New Year's holiday.”
  — Matt Bloom, [02:34]
• On the Census:
  • “Some census advocates are concerned, though, that growing distrust in the federal government may discourage many people from participating.”
    — Hansi Loang, [01:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine-Russia escalation & U.S. diplomacy: 00:20–01:19
• Myanmar general election under military rule: 01:19–01:41
• 2030 U.S. Census test preparations: 01:41–02:23
• Winter storm Ezra and travel impacts: 02:23–03:15
• Southern California I-5 gas leak incident: 03:15–03:40
• Pope Leo denounces “right to die” law in Illinois: 03:40–04:40
• Death of LDS elder Jeffrey Holland: 04:40–04:58

Tone:
Concise, urgent, and factual — this episode mirrors the swift, authoritative voice of NPR’s breaking news ethos, with direct quotes underscoring moments of tension or significance.

For Listeners:
This summary covers the full spectrum of urgent news items delivered in the segment, offering context and direct speaker perspectives, ideal for catching up or referencing the key developments of the hour.