NPR News Now: 12-27-2025 10PM EST

Date: December 28, 2025
Host: Jeanine Herbst

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on major global and national news stories, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, upcoming diplomatic meetings between world leaders, sweeping changes to U.S. student loan systems, significant Northeastern winter weather developments, the notable influence of female moviegoers on the box office, and an ambitious archaeological restoration project in Egypt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv & Diplomatic Push for Peace

[00:11–01:21]

• Russia escalated attacks on Ukraine: An overnight missile and drone strike hit Kyiv, resulting in at least two deaths and dozens of injuries.
• Diplomatic developments: Ukrainian President Zelensky is en route to meet President Trump in Florida to discuss a new peace plan.
  • Stopover in Canada: Zelensky met with PM Mark Carney, who announced "additional economic aid" to help Ukraine, particularly in leveraging further financing from the IMF.
  • Canadian support: Carney reaffirmed the "need to maintain pressure on Moscow" and expressed hope for a "just and lasting peace".

Notable Quote:

• Dan Karpenchuk [00:54]:

  "Carney also said under Zelenskyy's leadership, there is the possibility of a just and lasting peace. He also reaffirmed Canada's commitment to Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Moscow to negotiate."

• Upcoming U.S.-Ukraine talks: Trump and Zelensky are set to review a 20-point peace plan that includes security guarantees and an economic agreement.

2. Sweeping Changes to the U.S. Student Loan System

[01:21–02:16]

• Major overhauls in 2025, more coming in 2026:
  • Republicans have restructured repayment and borrowing plans.
  • The Biden-era SAVE repayment plan is set for shutdown; around 7 million borrowers must move to a new system.
  • The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduces:
    • Borrowing limits for graduate students.
    • Consolidation from several repayment options to just two.
• Widespread borrower uncertainty: 12 million Americans are either late or in default on their student loans.

Notable Quote:

• Cory Turner [01:36]:

  "Republicans have overhauled a lot from repayment plans to how much Americans can borrow in the first place."

3. Northeast Winter Storm & Flight Chaos

[02:16–03:30]

• Unexpected snowfall in NYC: Central Park received around 4 inches—more than in recent years.
  • Visitor Jennifer Yokley (from North Carolina) expressed delight at seeing the snow.

  Jennifer Yokley [02:29]:
  > "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."

• Higher accumulations north of NYC: Waterbury, CT, saw more than 6 inches.
• Travel disruption: Over 1,300 flights canceled, 20,000+ delayed.
• Forecast: Another winter storm expected to intensify over the Midwest and Great Lakes, potentially bringing heavy snow and ice.

4. Female Audiences Drive Movie Box Office Success

[03:30–04:13]

• Changing audience dynamics: Many recent hits—like “Housemaid” and “Wicked for Good”—were propelled by female ticket buyers.
  • “Wicked for Good” drew an audience that was 70% female.
• Contrast with male-targeted releases: Movies aimed primarily at men (“Smashing Machine”, “Running Man”, “Him”) performed poorly.
• Other female-driven successes: Latest “Downton Abbey,” "Regretting Youg,” and Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Notable Quote:

• Neta Ulubi [03:53]:

  "With an audience that's been about 70% female. Other successful films over the past few months with a largely female audience include the last Downton Abbey movie, the romantic drama Regretting Youg, and the Taylor Swift film promoting her album, the Life of a Showgirl."

5. Restoration of Pharaoh Khufu’s Boat in Egypt

[04:13–04:53]

• Historic reconstruction: A cedar wood funerary boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu is being reassembled at the Grand Egyptian Museum near Cairo.
  • The restoration is a public project, expected to take four years.
• Significance: Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid, ruled more than 4,500 years ago.
• Purpose of the boats: Believed to be for the king’s funeral or afterlife journey.
• Grand Egyptian Museum: Home to nearly 50,000 artifacts.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• [00:54] Dan Karpenchuk:

  "Carney also said under Zelenskyy's leadership, there is the possibility of a just and lasting peace.”

• [01:36] Cory Turner:

  "Republicans have overhauled a lot from repayment plans to how much Americans can borrow in the first place."

• [02:29] Jennifer Yokley:

  "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."

• [03:53] Neta Ulubi:

  "With an audience that's been about 70% female. Other successful films over the past few months with a largely female audience include the last Downton Abbey movie, the romantic drama Regretting Youg, and the Taylor Swift film promoting her album, the Life of a Showgirl."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Russia-Ukraine News & Diplomatic Talks: 00:11 – 01:21
• U.S. Student Loan System Changes: 01:21 – 02:16
• Northeast Storm & Air Travel Disruption: 02:16 – 03:30
• Female-Driven Box Office Success: 03:30 – 04:13
• Khufu Boat Restoration in Egypt: 04:13 – 04:53

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a brisk but thorough run-down of world events, domestic policy shifts, American weather & travel alerts, entertainment trends, and archaeological efforts—all as heard on this NPR News Now edition.