NPR News Now: December 30, 2025, 2AM EST

Host: Shae Stevens, NPR
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest major global and U.S. news – evolving developments in Gaza peace efforts, new allegations in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, updates on the Capitol riot investigation, military actions by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, and the death of a key Bangladeshi political leader.

Key News Segments & Insights

Gaza Peace Plan Developments

[00:18-01:09]

• President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu express optimism about "phase two" of a Gaza peace plan.
• Phase two components:
  • Disarmament of Hamas (currently resisted by the group).
  • Postwar reconstruction.
  • Establishing a new governing structure in Gaza.
• The ceasefire is described as "rocky," with continued clashes between Israeli forces and Gaza militants:
  • "Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed as a result, many of them children, according to health officials." – Franco Ordonez, NPR Reporter (00:55)
• Nearly all hostages have now been released, except one.

Ukraine-Russia Tensions & Propaganda

[01:09-02:15]

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denies Ukrainian involvement in an alleged attack on Russian President Putin’s residence:
  • Zelensky asserts that Russia’s accusations are "another lie from Russia." – Joanna Kakissis, NPR Reporter quoting Zelensky (01:49)
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claims, without evidence, that Ukraine attempted reckless actions.
• Lavrov promises a review of Russia’s negotiating stance and unspecified retaliation.
• Zelensky warns that Russia may be preparing renewed strikes, particularly on "the Ukrainian capital and probably on government buildings."
  • "Everyone... must be on alert." – Zelensky via Joanna Kakissis (02:03)

Capitol Riot Pipe Bomb Case Update

[02:15-03:14]

• Brian Cole, accused of planting two pipe bombs on January 6 eve, is the focus of a new federal court filing.
• Prosecutors say Cole at first denied involvement but then confessed to building and placing the bombs near both the Republican and Democratic National Party headquarters.
• Alleged motive:
  • "Something just snapped after the 2020 presidential election and the claims that it was stolen." – Ryan Lucas, NPR Reporter (02:46)
  • Cole claimed he acted out of frustration with both major parties: "He didn't like the Republican or Democratic Party but... wanted to do something to them because they were in charge."
  • Cole denies any intent to target Congress specifically.
• Next court appearance set for Tuesday.

U.S. Strike in Venezuela & Middle East Escalation

[03:14-04:10]

• President Trump confirms a U.S. strike on a dock facility in Venezuela (details scant):
  • Target: an area used for loading suspected drug trafficking boats, marking a continued "pressure campaign" against President Nicolas Maduro's regime.
• Saudi Arabia bombs a port in Yemen following claims of a weapons shipment from the UAE, sparking concerns over rising Gulf tensions.
• Bangladesh:
  • Opposition leader and ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia dies at 80.
  • Her son recently returned from exile to lead the BNP in upcoming elections.
• Historical note:
  • "Khaleda Zia made history when she took the helm of Bangladesh's government nearly 35 years ago. Now her death comes less than two months before the first elections since her longtime rival Sheikh Hasina was ousted."
    – Azadeh Mashiri, BBC Reporter (04:12)
  • Zia's time in office was dogged by corruption charges (which she called politically motivated):
    • "I will be back. Do not worry and be strong." – Khaleda Zia to supporters, quoted by Azadeh Mashiri (04:36)

Financial Markets Brief

[04:43-04:56]

• U.S. futures are flat in after-hours trading, following earlier losses in Asia-Pacific markets.

Notable Quotes

• "The so-called ceasefire has really been rocky with violence breaking out between Israeli Defense Forces and Gaza militants. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed as a result, many of them children, according to health officials."
  — Franco Ordonez, 00:55

• "[The reported attack is] another lie from Russia."
  — President Zelensky, quoted by Joanna Kakissis, 01:49

• "Everyone... must be on alert."
  — President Zelensky, via Joanna Kakissis, 02:03

• "Something just snapped after the 2020 presidential election and the claims that it was stolen."
  — Brian Cole, paraphrased by Ryan Lucas, 02:46

• "I will be back. Do not worry and be strong."
  — Khaleda Zia, quoted by Azadeh Mashiri, 04:36

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Gaza Peace Plan/Conflict: 00:18–01:09
• Ukraine-Russia Accusations: 01:09–02:15
• Capitol Riot Pipe Bomb Investigation: 02:15–03:14
• U.S./Venezuela Strike, Saudi/Yemen Strike, Bangladesh Politics: 03:14–04:43
• World Markets Brief: 04:43–04:56

Tone and Style

The episode maintains NPR’s signature fact-based, even-handed reporting style, with concise, direct updates on rapidly developing global stories. Foreign correspondents provide measured context, and the tone stays serious and urgent, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the reported events.