NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-30-2025 2AM EST

Episode Date: December 30, 2025

NPR News: 12-30-2025 2AM ESTLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are both sounding optimistic about phase two of the peace plan for Gaza. As NPR's Franco Ordonez reports, the details are still being worked out, despite ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory and a hostage still missing. That phase includes the disarmament of Hamas, which of course they've been resisting. it also means reconstruction and establishing a new governing structure. But the so-called ceasefire has really been rocky with violence breaking out between Israeli Defense Forces and Gaza militants. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed as a result, many of them children, according to health officials.

Also, while almost all of the hostages have been released, one final hostage has not been returned. NPR's Franco Ordonez. Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is rejecting reports that his nation tried to attack the state home of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. As NPR's Joanna Kikis report, Zelenskyy says that Putin's allies are spreading lies in order to justify stepped-up strikes on Ukraine. Speaking to Russia's state-owned Interfax News Agency, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, accused Ukraine of reckless actions without citing evidence. He said Moscow will now review its negotiating position and retaliate against Ukraine. Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who met with President Trump in Florida on Sunday, called the accusation, quote, another lie from Russia.

In a voice memo to reporters, Zelensky said Russia does not want to end its war on Ukraine. He said, I am sure they are preparing to launch strikes, probably on the Ukrainian capital and probably on government buildings. Everyone, he said, must be on alert. Joanna Kikisis, NPR News, cave. Federal prosecutors want Brian Cole to remain in custody. He's the man accused of planning two pipe bombs on the eve of the January 6th Capitol riot. NPR's Ryan Lucas reports on a new court filing detailing what Cole allegedly told investigators. 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. 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. Ryan Lucas, NPR News, Washington.

This is NPR. President Trump says the U.S. struck a dock facility along the Venezuelan shore, but offered few details. Trump made the comment following reports of an explosion in the South American nation. He says the targeted area housed a facility that had been used to load drug trafficking boats. It's the latest move in Trump's pressure campaign against the government of Nicholas Maduro. Saudi Arabia says it's bombed a port in Yemen after a weapon shipment arrived there from the United Arab Emirates. The incident has raised concerns about escalating tensions between the kingdom and the UAE. Bangladesh opposition leader and former prime minister Kaleta Zia has died at the age of 18. Zia's death came days after her son, returned home after

17 years in exile to lead their BNP party in elections that are scheduled to be held in February. The BBC's Azadei Mashiri has more. Khaledazir made history when she took the helm of Bangladesh's government nearly 35 years ago. Now her death comes less than two months before the very first elections since a long-time rival Sheikh Hasina was ousted. Like Hasina, Zia's premiership had been marred by allegations of corruption. She was jailed for five years when opposition leader in 2018. At 72, she had called the allegations politically motivated, telling her supporters, I will be back, do not worry, and be strong. The BBC's Azaday Mishiri reporting. U.S. futures are flat and after hours trading

on Wall Street following Monday's losses on Asia-Pacific market shares are mostly lower. This is NPR News.