NPR News Now – December 28, 2025, 2AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise round-up of major world news events, focusing on international conflict, U.S. immigration policy changes, regional ceasefires, political developments, entertainment industry trends, and incidents with global impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Russian Attack on Kyiv and Zelenskyy–Trump Meeting

[00:14–00:51]

• Event: Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack on Kyiv, targeting both energy infrastructure and residential buildings.
• Impact: At least one person killed, others injured; damage to key utilities.
• Timing: Attack occurred a day before Ukraine's President Zelenskyy is set to meet U.S. President Trump in Florida.
• Response: Zelenskyy, while meeting with Canada’s prime minister, condemned the attack.
  • Quote:
    • Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

      "This attack is again Russia's answer on our peace efforts, and it's really showing that Putin doesn't want peace."
      [00:41]

2. Trump Administration’s Stripping of Deportation Protections

[00:51–01:51]

• Event: The Trump administration removes legal status for 1.6 million immigrants, the largest rollback of deportation protections in U.S. history.
• Programs Affected: Especially targets those under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which covers approximately 1 million people from countries facing war, disasters, or instability.
• Key Details:
  • TPS is being ended for 10 countries; more could follow next year, possibly leaving the U.S. without a single TPS recipient for the first time since 1990.
  • The administration’s argument: TPS and similar parole programs were always meant to be "temporary."
• Reporting:
  • By Jimena Bustillo.
    • Quote:
      • "TPS for six more countries expire next year, and if they're not extended, the U.S. may have no one under the program for the first time since it was created in 1990."
        — Jimena Bustillo [01:44]

3. Ceasefire Between Thailand and Cambodia

[01:51–02:45]

• Event: Both countries agree to halt artillery, rocket, and air attacks after three weeks of fighting that killed over 100 people.
• Details:
  • Fighting was triggered by disputes over an old colonial border map.
  • The ceasefire’s durability is uncertain and depends on both sides maintaining the truce.
  • Hundreds of thousands remain displaced.
• Reporting:
  • By Michael Sullivan from Chiang Rai, Thailand.
    • Quote:
      • "The 72 hour lull is dependent on both sides honoring the ceasefire."
        — Michael Sullivan [02:32]

4. Elections Begin in Military-Controlled Myanmar

[02:45–03:12]

• Context: Myanmar has been under military rule since the coup in 2021 that ousted President Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Details:
  • The current election—Myanmar’s first since the coup—is being conducted in three phases, expected to end by late January.
  • Critics claim the elections are merely an attempt to legitimize the military regime.

5. Surge in Moviegoing in 2025, Driven by Gen Z

[03:13–04:15]

• Event: Cinema attendance is up in 2025, especially among Generation Z (ages 13-28).
• Findings:
  • Gen Z increased cinema visits by 25%.
  • “Habitual moviegoers”—those who see movies in theaters at least six times per year—are leading the charge.
• Appeals for Gen Z:
  • Prefer large screens, comfortable recliners, and amenities like ordering food from seats.
  • Moviegoing offers a respite from constant digital engagement.
• Reporting:
  • By Mandalit del Barco, with commentary from Michael O’Leary, president & CEO of Cinema United.
    • Quotes:
      • Michael O’Leary:

        "Gen Z is drawn to the larger screen formats. They love the ability, frankly, to order their food from their seat. They also like the big, comfortable, modern, state of the art recliners." [03:49]

6. Italy Arrests Charity Workers Over Funding to Hamas

[04:15–04:34]

• Event: Italian police arrest nine people associated with three charities suspected of sending over $8 million to groups in Gaza, the West Bank, or Israel linked to Hamas.
• Backdrop:
  • Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the EU.

7. Deadly Bus Accident in Guatemala

[04:35–04:53]

• Event: A bus plunged into a deep ravine, killing 15 and injuring at least 15 more.
• Notes:
  • Rescue took two hours, and road accidents are noted as common in Guatemala.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Russian attack in Ukraine:

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

    "This attack is again Russia's answer on our peace efforts, and it's really showing that Putin doesn't want peace." ([00:41])

• On TPS removals:

  • Jimena Bustillo:

    "TPS for six more countries expire next year, and if they're not extended, the U.S. may have no one under the program for the first time since it was created in 1990." ([01:44])

• On the fragile Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire:

  • Michael Sullivan:

    "The 72 hour lull is dependent on both sides honoring the ceasefire." ([02:32])

• On Gen Z cinema trends:

  • Michael O’Leary:

    "Gen Z is drawn to the larger screen formats. They love the ability, frankly, to order their food from their seat. They also like the big, comfortable, modern, state of the art recliners." ([03:49])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:14] Russia attacks Kyiv; Zelenskyy response
• [00:51] U.S. strips 1.6 million immigrants of legal status
• [01:51] Thai-Cambodian ceasefire
• [02:45] Myanmar holds first elections since 2021 coup
• [03:13] Gen Z cinema attendance rises
• [04:15] Italian police arrest charity workers over Hamas funding
• [04:35] Fatal bus accident in Guatemala

This episode delivers rapid, impactful global updates, highlighting trends and crises likely to shape world news in the days ahead.