NPR News: 12-29-2025 7PM EST

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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.

What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

Ryland Barton 0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton.

What did President Trump and Netanyahu discuss regarding the Israel-Gaza peace plan?

Ryland Barton 0:04

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showered each other with praises after an hours-long meeting at Mar-a-Lago. NPR's Franco Ordonez reports they discussed getting to the complicated second phase of Trump's 20-point Israel-Gaza peace plan.

Franco Ordonez 0:20

With the Prime Minister by his side, President Trump said that he hopes to reach phase two of the Gaza plan very quickly. We came to a lot of conclusions. A lot of conclusion and conclusions.

What are the details surrounding the Capitol riot pipe bomb suspect?

Franco Ordonez 0:33

And there's very little difference. and what we're looking at, and where we want to be, where we want to go. That phase includes the disarmament of Hamas, starting reconstruction of Gaza, and establishing a new governing structure. Trump pressed Hamas to disarm in order to move things forward, adding that there are several countries, and not just Israel, that are ready to, quote, wipe out Hamas if they don't. Franco Ordonez, NPR News.

Ryland Barton 1:03

Federal prosecutors want the man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C.

How is the Northeast preparing for severe winter weather?

Ryland Barton 1:08

the night before the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot to remain in custody pending trial. In a new court filing, prosecutors also detail some of what Brian Cole Jr. told investigators after his arrest earlier this month. NPR's Ryan Lucas has more.

Ryan Lucas 1:23

Prosecutors say Cole agreed to speak to investigators after his December 4th arrest. Court papers say Cole initially denied making the pipe bombs, but later acknowledged that he both built them and placed them near the Republican and Democratic National Party headquarters.

What military drills is China conducting around Taiwan?

Ryan Lucas 1:38

He also allegedly told investigators that, quote, something just snapped, end quote, after the 2020 presidential election and the claims that it was stolen. He allegedly said that if the vote was indeed stolen, then someone needed to, quote, speak up. Cole allegedly said he didn't like the Republican or Democratic Party, but he wanted to do something to them because they were in charge. He also denied his actions were directed at Congress. Cole is due back in court Tuesday.

What are the latest updates on U.S. humanitarian aid contributions?

Ryan Lucas 2:05

Ryan Lucas, NPR News, Washington.

Ryland Barton 2:07

Nasty weather continues to batter much of the Northeast, with Arctic air expected to reach as far south as Florida. A state of emergency is in effect for New York State and Vermont is bracing for flash floods. NPR's Brian Mann reports.

Brian Mann 2:19

The winter storm has brought a mix of wind, rain, snow and ice, forcing road closures, canceling and delaying airline flights. New York Governor Kathy Hochul says non-essential state employees should stay home whenever possible Tuesday, with whiteout conditions expected in much of the state.

What were the most checked-out books of 2025 according to public libraries?

Brian Mann 2:35

Thousands of line crews are in the field trying to restore power to electric customers on On social media, Vermont Governor Phil Scott warned of the possibility of flash floods throughout the state, urging people to, quote, remain vigilant and be prepared. According to the National Weather Service, more heavy snow is expected in the Great Lakes region through midweek, with Arctic air likely to hit the eastern two-thirds of the country, including Florida.

Ryland Barton 2:58

It's NPR. The Chinese military says it's conducting live fire drills around Taiwan to warn against what it calls external interference, The drills come after Beijing expressed anger at what could be the largest ever U.S. arms sale to Taiwan. Taiwan called China the biggest destroyer of peace. The U.S. is pledging $2 billion for U.N. humanitarian aid, even as President Trump continues to slash foreign aid funding. It's a tiny fraction of what the U.S. has contributed in the past, but reflects what the administration says is a generous amount that will maintain the U.S. status as the world's largest humanitarian donor. Western donors have cut billions of dollars in funding this year, prompting drastic cuts in spending and jobs.

Ryland Barton 3:43

Public libraries around the country are releasing their most checked-out lists for the past year. As NPR's Netta Ulaby reports, one of the most popular books in 2025 was the novel The Women.

Netta Ulaby 3:53

The Women by Kristen Hanna came out last year. It's about a U.S.