Morning news brief

NPR | By Leila Fadel,

Steve Inskeep

Published December 23, 2025 at 4:44 AM EST

U.S. says it struck another alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, a judge rules deported Venezuelans be returned to the U.S., top Heritage Foundation officials leaving amid rift in GOP.

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

See stories by Leila Fadel

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.

See stories by Steve Inskeep

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