NPR News Now — December 27, 2025, 5PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst

Episode Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now episode provides a concise update on key global and U.S. news events. Main topics include Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and international diplomacy, controversy at the Kennedy Center over its name change, winter weather travel disruptions in the Northeast, movie box office trends emphasizing female audiences, and an ongoing ancient Egyptian restoration project.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ukraine War: Russian Attacks and Diplomacy

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and prepared for upcoming talks with U.S. President Trump in Florida.
• Despite ongoing peace negotiations, Russia launched a major attack on Kyiv with missiles and drones, causing at least two deaths and many injuries.
  • Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s disregard for peace efforts, noting, "They responded with a massive attack on Ukraine."
    — Volodymyr Zelenskyy via Joanna Kakissis (00:36)
• Security guarantees remain a key requirement for holding a referendum on the latest peace proposal.
  • "If the American side wants to hold a wartime referendum or elections, we cannot do it under conditions like these."
    — Volodymyr Zelenskyy via Joanna Kakissis (00:53)
• Focus of the talks with the Trump administration is primarily on ensuring safety for Ukrainian voters.

2. Kennedy Center Lawsuit Over Trump Name Change

• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts faces a legal dispute after its board, appointed by former President Trump, voted to rename the institution to include Trump’s name (December 18).
  • Longtime jazz musician Chuck Red canceled his annual Christmas Eve concert in protest and now faces a $1M lawsuit for what the center president called a "political stunt".
    — Richard Grinnell via Chloe Veltman (01:34)
• Legal experts suggest the name change may be unlawful.
• "Red has hosted the center’s Christmas jazz jam since 2006."
  — Chloe Veltman (01:54)
• The Kennedy Center, created in 1964, holds deep historical significance.

3. Holiday Travel Complicated by Winter Storms

• Northeast U.S. travel is heavily disrupted:
  • Over 1,300 flights canceled, 24,000+ delayed.
  • NYC expected 5–9 inches of snow, but sleet/snow mix lowered totals; Central Park still saw 4+ inches—one of the most significant snowstorms in recent years.
    • "Warm air from the Atlantic Ocean... caused a mix of sleet and snow that depressed snow totals here on the ground."
      — Bruce Konvierzer (02:39)
  • Heavier snowfall recorded upstate New York.

4. Female Audiences Drive U.S. Movie Box Office

• Recent box office successes are attributed to female ticket buyers:
  • Hits include "The Housemaid," "Wicked for Good," and films for children like "Zootopia 2."
  • Films targeted at a mostly male audience have flopped.
    • "A lot of movies targeting men this season were bombs like the Smashing Machine, the Running Man and Him. What did much better, Wicked for Good."
      — Netta Uluby (03:31)
  • Some movies ("Wicked for Good") drew 70% female audiences, mirroring the trend.
  • Romantic dramas and music documentaries, notably the Taylor Swift film, saw similar success.

5. Ancient Egyptian Boat Restoration

• Grand Egyptian Museum is in the process of restoring a cedar vessel belonging to Pharaoh Khufu, dating back over 4,500 years.
  • The vessel, thought to be used for funeral or afterlife journeys, will take four years to reassemble.
    • "The king ruled more than 4,500 years ago and built the Great Pyramid of Giza."
      — Jeanine Herbst (04:13)
  • The museum near Cairo houses about 50,000 artifacts.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Zelenskyy on Ukrainian Referendum Amid War:
  "If the American side wants to hold a wartime referendum or elections, we cannot do it under conditions like these."
  — Volodymyr Zelenskyy (00:53)

• Kennedy Center President on Lawsuit:
  "[Seeking] $1 million in damages from Chuck Red for his, quote, political stunt."
  — Richard Grinnell via Chloe Veltman (01:34)

• On Unexpected Winter Weather in NYC:
  "Warm air from the Atlantic Ocean... caused a mix of sleet and snow that depressed snow totals here on the ground."
  — Bruce Konvierzer (02:39)

• Female Audience Impact on Movies:
  "With an audience that's been about 70% female."
  — Netta Uluby, referring to ‘Wicked for Good’ (03:54)

Timestamps Breakdown for Key Segments

• Ukraine War Update/Diplomacy: 00:11–01:21
• Kennedy Center Lawsuit: 01:21–02:24
• Holiday Travel Disruption: 02:24–03:08
• Box Office Trends: 03:08–04:13
• Egyptian Boat Restoration: 04:13–End

Tone & Style

The reporting is factual, concise, and measured, adhering to NPR's authoritative yet accessible tone. Direct quotes from leaders and experts infuse urgency and credibility, while lighter cultural notes (movie trends, museum activities) offer engaging variety within the news roundup.

This summary captures the key news developments and insights from the NPR News Now episode at 5PM EST on December 27, 2025.