U.S. strikes ISIS; Congress recap; holiday spending : NPR

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The U.S. has carried out a “deadly strike” against Islamic State fighters in northwest Nigeria, as announced by President Trump. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that the strike targeted “ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries!”

• 🎧 The recent attack marks a significant shift in U.S. military involvement in Nigeria, according to NPR’s Emmanuel Akinwotu on Up First. The timing of the strike on Christmas Day holds religious significance. While ISIS has gained control in rural areas and is one of several militant groups in Nigeria, experts suggest that the targeted group is not among the main ones attacking Christians. Akinwotu raises the question of whether the strikes aim to protect Christians as stated by the president, or to weaken ISIS in the region.

Holiday spending has exceeded expectations, despite surveys indicating low economic confidence among Americans. Record-breaking sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday led to a nearly four percent increase in spending in November and December, as estimated by Mastercard.

• 🎧 “The affluent segment is driving a significant portion of the spending,” reports NPR’s Alina Selyukh. While some consumers opt for more budget-friendly choices like T.J. Maxx or thrift stores, luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren continue to thrive. Selyukh attributes much of the spending growth to rising wages, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the job market in the upcoming year.

Congress kicked off 2025 with ambitious goals: bolstering the economy, tackling the border crisis, enhancing the military, and more. However, throughout the year, Congress relinquished a considerable amount of authority to Trump. Lawmakers passed a historically low number of bills while Trump dismantled government components and reclaimed billions in previously allocated funds.

• 🎧 Nearly 30 House Republicans have opted not to seek reelection next year, notes NPR’s Claudia Grisales. Speaker Mike Johnson faced internal opposition when he virtually shut down the House during a 43-day standoff. With a potential government shutdown looming in January and escalating healthcare premiums, affordability is poised to dominate the campaign trail. Grisales points out that Republicans are not guaranteed to retain their majority.

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