NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-27-2025 8PM EST

Episode Date: December 28, 2025

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This message comes from the NBC News original podcast, Here's the Scoop. Every evening, join NBC News reporters for a deep dive into the day's top stories, from the front page to the zeitgeist in 15 minutes or less. Search, Here's the Scoop to follow now. Live from NPR News, I'm Janine Hurst. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Harney today ahead of his expected meeting tomorrow with President Trump in Florida. Here's Joanna Kikis, reports, despite the peace negotiations, Russia attacked Ukraine's capital overnight, killing at least two people, and injuring more than 30.

Russia attacked Kiev and surrounding areas with hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles, as well as hundreds of strike drones. Speaking to reporters via voice message, Zelensky said Russia showed what it thinks of intensive efforts to end this war. he said. If the American side wants to hold a wartime referendum or elections, we cannot do it under conditions like these. Zelensky has said several times that he is ready to hold a referendum on the latest peace proposal if security is guaranteed for voters. Zelensky said that security guarantees are a main focus of talks with the Trump administration. Joanna Kikisis, NPR News, Kyiv. Abortion and abortion counseling is now banned for veterans in the VA health system.

As NPR Selena Simmons-Stuffin reports, the VA changed its policy after a Justice Department opinion issued Friday. Based on a Department of Justice memo, the VA confirmed to NPR it has put in place a new policy this week where abortion and abortion counseling is banned, except as, quote, life-saving treatment. That's a reversal of a policy during the Biden administration that allowed access in cases of rape and health risks. Kayla Williams is an Army veteran and the former director of the Center for Women Veterans at VA. We are at increased risk of having physical health conditions related to toxic exposures, including various cancers. So barring not only abortion, but also abortion counseling, seems particularly cruel and inhumane. She also notes that women veterans are at increased risk of PTSD, which can cause worse pregnancy outcomes. Selina Simmons-Duffin, NPR News.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of the Northeast after a fast-moving storm hit the area last night. New York City got less than forecast, but more than it's seen in the past couple of years, with around four inches recorded in Central Park. That had some visitors happy, including Jennifer Yokely. I think it was absolutely beautiful. We're from North Carolina, so it was great to come up to New York and see the snow. But...

Morson fell on the north with more than six inches in Waterbury, Connecticut. The winter weather is snarling traffic in the region. Flight Aware says more than 1,300 flights have been canceled and more than 20,000 delayed. Meanwhile, another storm is forecast to quickly intensify over the Upper Midwest tomorrow through the Great Lakes on Monday. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. In Brazil, a judge today issued house arrest orders for 10 people involved in a plot to keep former President Jaya Bolsonaro in power after his 2022 election loss.

This comes after Paraguay arrested and extradited, a former police commander, linked to the plot. The individuals under House arrest had previously faced measures like ankle monitors. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison in September for attempting a coup. The Trump administration initially criticized the proceedings, but has since softened its stance by lifting sanctions. and lowering tariffs on Brazilian exports. Basketball fans tend to skew younger and more diverse than most of the major other major league sports,

and now the NBA hopes to attract more women by working with online creators with predominantly female followings. And Piers Neta Ulibe reports. The nail artist Vivian Zhu Rehi promotes the National Basketball Association on her social media feed. She shows off hand-painted portraits of players that are literally thumbnail size. I grew up in L.A. and now live in the Bay Area.

The Lakers and the Warriors are simply my teens. But I will say I am just a basketball fan in general. Major League sports have noticed what's been called the Taylor Swift effect in bringing female fans to football. Now the NBA is courting female fans with other online collaborations, including with a popular rugmaker and a food artist who uses fried rice as her medium. Netta Ulippi, NPR News. I'm Janine Herf's NPR News in Washington.

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