NPR News Now – December 28, 2025, 4PM EST

Episode Overview
This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise round-up of major headlines from around the world, with breaking updates on diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, regional developments in Southeast Asia, U.S. economic infrastructure trends, a major winter storm, wildlife regulations, and the close of Florida’s black bear hunting season.

1. Diplomatic Developments: Ukraine and Gaza

Ukraine Peace Talks

• [00:16] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, aiming to advance peace negotiations to end the war with Russia.
• Trump characterized the mood as optimistic:
  • “We’re going to have a very good meeting today, I think, and I’m also calling President Putin back after the meeting and we’ll continue a negotiation.” — Donald Trump [00:45]
  • He claims both sides want peace: “Too many people are dying.” [00:54]
• Trump also mentions a “very productive telephone call” with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier today and plans further contact.

Gaza Peace Plan Stalled

• [00:54] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is en route to Florida for his own meeting with Trump.
• Discussion continues over Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
• Negotiations are stuck in phase one as Israel refuses progression without Hamas returning the body of its last Israeli hostage. Hamas claims that all those knowledgeable about the body’s location have been killed.

2. Southeast Asia: Ceasefire and Diplomacy

Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire

• [01:34] China applauds a newly brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia following a deadly border dispute.
  • China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, calls it “an important step towards restoring peace.”
  • High-level talks are underway in China’s Yunnan province at the tri-country meeting.
• Context: Over 100 casualties in recent border clashes, including Thai airstrikes as recently as this week.
• China maintains close ties with Cambodia, while Thailand has warmed to Beijing following the Thai king’s historic visit.

“The on and off again border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has flared several times since this summer, and Thailand hit Cambodia with airstrikes as recently as this Saturday after weeks of deadly fighting which killed more than 100 people on both sides.” — Emily Feng [01:57]

3. U.S. Economy: The AI Data Center Boom

Construction Surpasses Office Space

• [02:17] New federal data indicate that construction of AI data centers in the U.S. may soon outpace office buildings, signaling what some analysts describe as a “data center bubble.”
  • Massive investments from “hyperscalers” like Meta, Google, and Oracle.
  • More than $1 trillion projected to be spent on data center infrastructure in coming years.
• Financial caution raised:
  • Over $100 billion in data center deals are structured via special purpose vehicles—financial arrangements that keep liabilities off company balance sheets. These resemble the mechanisms that preceded the dot-com bubble.

“If not for AI data center spending, the U.S. would be close to a recession...” — Bobby Allen [02:42]

“More than $100 billion worth of data center deals are being done through special purpose vehicles, which keeps the spending off tech companies’ balance sheets. The same mechanism was used in the lead-up to the dot-com bubble.” — Bobby Allen [02:55]

4. Major Winter Storm Impacts Travel

• [03:12] A powerful winter storm moves east from the Upper Midwest, bringing rain, ice, and heavy snow.
  • Forecasts predict over a foot of snow in areas across the Upper Great Lakes.
  • Flight Tracker FlightAware reports over 500 U.S. flight cancellations today.

5. Wildlife and Conservation: Shed Hunting Restrictions

Colorado’s Measures Against Wildlife Stress

• [03:51] Colorado bans shed hunting from January to April to reduce stress on deer, elk, and moose.
  • Recent surge in participants, some resorting to aggressive tactics.
  • John Livingston (Colorado Parks & Wildlife): “[It’s gone from] just a few people… to folks even out there on ATVs and side by sides chasing animals around that haven't dropped their antlers yet, hoping to stress them out and get them to drop those antlers.” [04:06]
• Shed antlers are popular for decor, pet toys, and even medicine.

6. Wildlife Management: Florida Black Bear Hunt Concludes

• [04:32] Florida’s black bear hunting season ends today.
  • Since December 6, hunters could take one bear (by lottery permit) with rifle or crossbow.
  • 172 permits issued; some went to opponents of hunting as a protest.
  • State officials have not yet reported how many bears were killed.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “We’re going to have a very good meeting today, I think, and I’m also calling President Putin back after the meeting and we’ll continue a negotiation.”
  — Donald Trump [00:45]
• “The on and off again border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has flared several times since this summer, and Thailand hit Cambodia with airstrikes as recently as this Saturday after weeks of deadly fighting which killed more than 100 people on both sides.”
  — Emily Feng [01:57]
• “If not for AI data center spending, the U.S. would be close to a recession.”
  — Bobby Allen [02:42]
• “[It’s gone from] just a few people… to folks even out there on ATVs and side by sides chasing animals around that haven't dropped their antlers yet, hoping to stress them out and get them to drop those antlers.”
  — John Livingston [04:06]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:16] – Ukraine peace negotiations; Trump, Zelensky, Putin
• [00:54] – Gaza peace process; Netanyahu’s visit
• [01:34] – Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire; China’s mediation
• [02:17] – AI data center construction boom in the U.S.
• [03:12] – Winter storm disrupts travel, heavy snow
• [03:51] – Colorado bans shed hunting for wildlife protection
• [04:32] – End of Florida black bear hunting season

This summary provides a snapshot of fast-moving diplomatic actions, economic tech trends, and local conservation efforts—delivering the essential headlines for listeners on the go.