NPR News Now – December 29, 2025, 10AM EST

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This five-minute news update covers major developments in U.S. foreign policy, community aid challenges, the stock market, rising heating costs, and severe winter weather affecting much of the country.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump-Netanyahu Meeting Focused on Gaza Peace Plan

• President Donald Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, aiming to progress his peace plan for Gaza. (00:13)
• The plan’s first phase requires Hamas to return all hostages from the October 7th attacks. Israel is holding back approval until the remains of one final hostage are returned and Hamas yields power and weapons. (00:35)
• Trump wants to show advancement on his plan and may make a significant declaration after the meeting.
• Trump is also considering chairing a peace board and seeking an international force in Gaza. (01:10)

Notable Quote:

• [Eyal Hulata, Israeli Analyst, 00:55]
  “I wouldn’t be surprised if at the end of the meeting in Mar-a-Lago, President Trump will declare that there is an agreement on the board of peace starting to take action and the things are moving ahead.”

2. Funding Crisis for Community Action Agencies Amid Rough Year

• Community action agencies, vital anti-poverty organizations serving 15 million people, are facing "ongoing funding cuts and policy changes" that have left many scrambling. (01:18)
• These agencies, dating back to the 1960s, help clients with essentials like housing, health care, food, and heating. (01:43)
• Executive Director Kelly Had from HAPCAP (southeastern Appalachian Ohio) called the January spending freeze ordered by President Trump "the worst day in her career." (01:43)

Notable Quote:

• [Kelly Had, Executive Director, HAPCAP, via Jennifer Ludden, 01:43] “She called it the worst day in her career. It was when President Trump ordered a freeze on all spending.”

3. Market Update: Stocks and Gas Prices

• Stocks opened lower despite a generally strong year with double-digit gains in all major indexes. The Dow fell approx. 160 points in early trading. (02:10)
• Oil prices ticked up slightly but remain under $60/barrel. (02:24)
• Gasoline prices are at their lowest December average since 2020—$2.83 a gallon. (02:24)
• Lululemon’s founder Chip Wilson launched a hostile bid to change the company’s board amid a sharp drop in share value and CEO search. (02:24)

Memorable Segment:

• [Scott Horsley, 02:24]
  “Crude oil prices rose more than a dollar a, but a barrel of West Texas oil is still selling for less than $60. And gasoline prices continue to fall.”

4. Rising Heating Costs Loom This Winter

• Heating costs are expected to rise three times faster than inflation, with most of the burden on households using electricity or natural gas. (03:07)
• Families using natural gas heating will pay about $50 more; those with electricity, $130 more on average. (03:37)
• Propane or heating oil users may see no increase or even slight savings. (03:37)
• The Energy Information Administration predicts a colder winter and higher spending than previously forecast. (03:37)

5. Widespread Winter Storms Cause Disruptions

• A powerful winter storm is bringing snow, ice, rain, and wind to the Northeast. Some regions could receive over a foot of snow, especially downwind of the Great Lakes. (04:12)
• Wind chills have dropped sharply in North Dakota and Minnesota; southern states are experiencing severe thunderstorms and a sudden temperature drop. (04:36)

Notable Quote:

• [Bob Oravec, National Weather Service Meteorologist, 04:24] “Heavy snows are also likely during the day on Monday from northeastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, western New York State and also northwestern New York State. All these areas are downwind of the Great Lakes.”

6. Repeating Market Update

• As of final mark, the Dow is down 171 points, NASDAQ down 146, S&P 500 down 26. (04:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eyal Hulata (Israeli Analyst) on the Trump-Netanyahu Meeting:
  “I wouldn’t be surprised if at the end of the meeting in Mar-a-Lago, President Trump will declare that there is an agreement on the board of peace starting to take action and the things are moving ahead.” (00:55)

• Kelly Had (HAPCAP Exec., via Jennifer Ludden) on Anti-Poverty Funding Cuts:
  “She called it the worst day in her career. It was when President Trump ordered a freeze on all spending.” (01:43)

• Bob Oravec (NWS) on Northeast Winter Storm:
  “Heavy snows are also likely during the day on Monday from northeastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania, western New York State and also northwestern New York State. All these areas are downwind of the Great Lakes.” (04:24)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:13] Trump hosts Netanyahu; Gaza plan updates, Hamas, international peace board.
• [01:18] Anti-poverty agencies in crisis; spending freeze fallout.
• [02:10] Stock market dips; gas prices fall; Lululemon board shakeup.
• [03:07] Rising heating costs; electricity and gas most affected.
• [04:12] Northeast winter storm; snow, ice, rain, wind; expected impacts.

This concise but information-rich episode brings listeners up to date on crucial developments in U.S. foreign policy, domestic economic issues, and urgent weather conditions at the end of 2025.