NPR News Now – December 31, 2025, 4AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major national and international news stories, marking the end of 2025. Key topics covered include a significant federal court case with immigration implications, Federal Reserve policy signals, political unrest connected to Middle East diplomacy, notable obituaries, and a light-hearted segment on sparkling wine trends in the Pacific Northwest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tennessee Federal Court: DOJ Accused of Vindictive Prosecution

[00:20–01:24]

• Summary:
  A federal judge in Tennessee, Waverly Crenshaw, contends there is evidence the Department of Justice’s prosecution of Kilmore Abrego Garcia may be vindictive, as the investigation only commenced after the Supreme Court ordered his return to the U.S.

• Details:

  • Abrego Garcia became a “top priority” for prosecution days after his return from mistaken deportation.
  • His case highlights the controversy around the current administration’s immigration enforcement.
  • The DOJ maintains its charging decisions were based solely on facts and standard procedure.
  • Next court hearing is scheduled for late January.

  Notable Quote:

  • Mariana Bacallau:

    “The charges against Abrego Garcia…were made a ‘top priority for the DOJ’ a few days after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered him return to the U.S.” [00:42]

2. Federal Reserve Signals Pause After Rate Cuts

[01:24–02:20]

• Summary:
  Recently released minutes from December's Federal Reserve meeting suggest the central bank may take a break before making future cuts, despite lowering rates to buoy a weakening labor market.

• Details:

  • Most Fed committee members anticipate further cuts if inflation continues to moderate, but remain non-committal about timing.
  • Internal divisions: Vote was not unanimous, with one member advocating a half-point cut and two wishing to pause.
  • The Federal Reserve is balancing an uptick in unemployment (now at 4.6%) and persistent inflation above their 2% target.

  Notable Quote:

  • Scott Horsley:

    “The central bank's caught between worries about a softening job market, with unemployment climbing to 4.6%, and inflation that remains stubbornly above the Fed's 2% target.” [01:56]

3. Somalia Protests Israel's Recognition of Somaliland

[02:20–03:15]

• Summary:
  Widespread protests erupted across Somalia after Israel became the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland’s independence, an action Somalia’s government and regional partners have condemned.

• Details:

  • Demonstrators in Mogadishu and elsewhere decry Israel's acceptance of Somaliland as a threat to regional stability.
  • Somaliland declared independence in 1991, but remains unrecognized internationally until now.
  • The issue drew emergency attention at the UN Security Council, and Turkish President Erdogan labeled Israel’s decision “illegal.”

  Notable Quote:

  • Michael Kaloki:

    “Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has until now not been officially recognized as an independent state by any country.” [02:40]

4. Notable Obituaries: Ben Nighthorse Campbell & Isaiah Whitlock Jr.

[03:15–04:11]

• Ben Nighthorse Campbell (aged 92):
  • Served Colorado as both Democrat and Republican, maverick reputation, strong Native American advocacy, left Congress in 2005.
• Isaiah Whitlock Jr. (aged 71):
  • Prolific actor, best remembered as a corrupt senator on HBO’s The Wire, known for his signature catchphrase.

5. Sparkling Wine Trends in the Northwest

[04:11–04:56]

• Summary:
  A seasonal story explores the surge in popularity of sparkling wines from Washington State and neighboring regions, highlighting their affordability and versatility for various occasions.

• Details:

  • Wines ranging from $16 to $20 are experiencing high demand.
  • Local winemaker Gilles Nicole recommends enjoying sparkling wine casually, including with everyday meals.
  • Northwest producers offer a variety of styles, from traditional labor-intensive to modern, lower-priced methods.

  Notable Quote:

  • Gilles Nicole:

    “Truth of the matter is, it’s a beautiful sparkling wine can be as simple or as complicated as you want it, but you open the bottle, you pour a glass and you drink it.” [04:34]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• [00:42] Mariana Bacallau details the DOJ's swift prioritization of the Abrego Garcia case post-Supreme Court mandate.
• [01:56] Scott Horsley summarizes the Federal Reserve’s current dilemma.
• [02:40] Michael Kaloki contextualizes Somaliland’s decades-long struggle for recognition.
• [04:34] Gilles Nicole offers a charming reminder: sparkling wine doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions.

Episode Tone & Style

The tone remains calm, factual, and brisk, as expected from NPR's signature news format. The serious news topics are balanced by a lighter segment about wine, adding variety to the episode's content.