NPR News Now: December 30, 2025, 6AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston, NPR
Duration: ~5 minutes
Date: December 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise update on major developments in international relations, U.S. policy, economic shifts, crime, and weather events. The broadcast covers President Trump's latest warning to Iran and discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, upcoming minimum wage increases across the U.S., a notable humanitarian aid pledge, developments on a terrorism-related case in Australia, and a powerful winter storm impacting the northern United States.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.-Iran-Israel Tensions

[00:20–01:24]

• President Trump's Warning to Iran
  President Trump, hosting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, reiterated his threat to destroy Iran’s nuclear program if Iran attempts to restart or rebuild it.
• Quote:

  "I hope they're not trying to build up again, because if they are, we're going to have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup."
  — Donald Trump [00:35]

• The warning follows earlier statements about obliterating Tehran’s nuclear capabilities should key enrichment sites restart.
• Context: Israeli media highlight concerns of Iran stockpiling long-range missiles, with Netanyahu's visit coinciding with U.S. efforts to revive the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

2. Minimum Wage Increases in 2026

[01:25–02:12]

• Wide-ranging State and Local Increases
  • More than twelve states, plus many cities and counties, will raise their minimum wage as of January 1, 2026.
  • The federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 since 2009.
• Motivations Behind the Increases:
  The raises are attributed to new state laws, cost-of-living adjustments, and voter ballot measures, as workers struggle to keep up with rising prices.
• Quote:

  "Supporters say raising the minimum wage reduces hunger and poverty, while critics note it can also lead to job cuts."
  — Jennifer Ludden [01:49]

• Disparities:
  About 20 states, many in the South (where most Black workers live), are retaining the lowest wage rates.

3. U.S. Pledge of Humanitarian Aid

[02:13–03:08]

• $2 Billion for UN Humanitarian Work
  • The Trump administration pledges $2B to the United Nations for aid work in 17 countries, plus the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.
• Recipients:
  Includes El Salvador, Ukraine, South Sudan, Syria, Bangladesh, and nine African countries.
• Notable Absences:
  Afghanistan, Yemen, and Gaza are not on the list.
• Quote:

  "The State Department says this contribution will shield tens of millions of people from hunger, disease and the devastation of war next year."
  — Gabriela Emanuel [02:50]

• Comparison:
  The amount falls sharply from previous years, where U.S. contributions to similar causes reached as high as $17 billion.

4. Sydney Terror-Related Investigation

[03:09–04:25]

• No Evidence of Wider Terror Cell
  • Following an attack at a Jewish holiday event in Sydney that killed 15, police find no indication the accused men were part of a terrorist cell.
• Details:
  Accused: 24-year-old Navid Akram (in custody) and his father, Sajid Akram (deceased). Both had traveled to the Philippines before the attack but showed no evidence of training or organized direction.
• Quote:

  "There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack. However, I want to be clear. I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism."
  — Chrissie Barrett, Australian Federal Police Commissioner [04:05]

• The investigation is ongoing.

5. Severe Winter Storm: ‘Bomb Cyclone’

[04:26–04:57]

• Impact and Warnings
  • A rapidly intensifying winter storm, labeled a “bomb cyclone,” is sweeping the northern U.S., causing blizzard conditions, travel hazards, and power outages from the Plains to the Great Lakes.
• Notable Detail:
  Temperatures in the central U.S. have plunged by 50 degrees in a single day.
• Safety Alert:
  The National Weather Service warns of whiteout conditions and potential travel shutdowns.

Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump [00:35]:
  "I hope they're not trying to build up again, because if they are, we're going to have no choice but very quickly to eradicate that buildup."
• Jennifer Ludden [01:49]:
  "Supporters say raising the minimum wage reduces hunger and poverty, while critics note it can also lead to job cuts."
• Gabriela Emanuel [02:50]:
  "The State Department says this contribution will shield tens of millions of people from hunger, disease and the devastation of war next year."
• Chrissie Barrett [04:05]:
  "There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack. However, I want to be clear. I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.-Iran-Israel tensions: 00:20–01:24
• Minimum wage increases: 01:25–02:12
• Humanitarian aid pledge: 02:13–03:08
• Sydney terror case investigation: 03:09–04:25
• Winter storm coverage: 04:26–04:57

This episode offers a rapid yet comprehensive look at significant global and domestic issues as 2025 draws to a close, reflecting on political stances, economic challenges, humanitarian priorities, and urgent weather concerns.