Duahli Saikautau

Live from NPR News in New York City, I'm Duahli Saikautau.

The number of casualties from last night's surprise attacks by the U.S.

military in Nigeria is not yet known.

The strikes come a couple of months after President Trump threatened on social media to go into Africa's most populous country, quote, guns a-blazing, unless it did more to protect innocent Christians who he asserts are being persecuted.

NPR Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu reports.

The U.S.

strikes targeted ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria along the border with Niger.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he expects to meet with President Trump on Sunday.

The talks will be aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

NPR's Joannika Kicis reports Russia is examining the latest version of a peace proposal negotiated by the U.S.

In Southern California, more rain is expected today, but it appears the worst may be over, as Steve Vetterman reports.

Iranian state media says authorities there seized an oil tanker that was carrying fuel intended to be smuggled out of Iran and sold at higher prices abroad.

And Piers Ayabachar reports the crew of 16 foreigners was also detained.

For the first time in its 120-year tradition,

Times Square will feature a second ball drop, glimmering in red, white, and blue.

This is to mark the first of many celebrations, big and small, across the country to mark the nation's 250th birthday.

The bipartisan group America 250 is organizing birthday events throughout 2026.

Its chair, Rosie Rios, told reporters, it's going to be the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.

The changes to this year's

New Year's Eve ceremonies will also include a second confetti drop of patriotic colors.