NPR News Now: 12-28-2025 5PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: December 28, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This edition of NPR News Now delivers rapid updates on major national and international developments, including high-stakes peace talks over Ukraine, major winter weather affecting holiday travel, year-end financial markets wrap-up, a deadly helicopter collision in New Jersey, and an upswing in U.S. movie theater attendance—driven by Gen Z.

Key Discussion Points

1. Ukraine Peace Talks at Mar-a-Lago

• Event: Ukrainian President Zelensky met President Trump in Florida to negotiate a revised 20-point peace plan.
• Notable Quote:
  • [00:40] Donald Trump: "This gentleman has worked very hard and he's very brave and his people are very brave. What they've gone through, no nation, very rarely has a nation ever had it."
• Context:
  • Trump spoke with Russian President Putin prior to the talks.
  • Russia is insisting Ukraine cede territory for a ceasefire—an idea Zelensky has repeatedly rejected.
• Escalation:
  • Zelensky accused Putin of not being "serious about peace" following new Russian attacks on Kyiv, resulting in two deaths and dozens wounded.
• Ukraine's Stance:
  • Zelensky continues to push for U.S. security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression.

2. Severe Winter Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel

• Weather Alert:
  • A powerful cyclone threatens the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region with heavy snowfall during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
  • Forecasts indicate over a foot of snow in some areas, up to two feet along Lake Superior's southern shore.
• Travel Impact:
  • [01:37] Frank Langfit:
    • "As of Sunday afternoon, nearly 180 flights, or more than half, were delayed at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Nearly three quarters were delayed at Minneapolis St. Paul International."
  • The TSA expects almost 2.9 million Americans will be traveling.
• Outlook:
  • The storm is moving east, with freezing rain and a wintry mix expected in the Northeast and New England.
• Memorable Moment:
  • The episode captures the classic intersection of winter weather and holiday travel chaos in real time.

3. U.S. Financial Markets End the Year Up

• Market Summary:
  • 2025 saw initial volatility due to tariff concerns, but markets rebounded to end the year strongly.
• Notable Quote:
  • [02:31] Rafael Naam:
    • "All three major indexes are heading to the end of the year with double digit gains. With the Nasdaq up 22% so far in 2025, the economy appears to have been able to withstand the effects of these import taxes."
• Federal Reserve:
  • Ongoing interest rate cuts have boosted investor optimism.
  • The Fed's recent policy meeting minutes are anticipated this week.

4. Fatal Helicopter Collision in New Jersey

• Incident:
  • A midair collision occurred between two helicopters—an Enstrom F28A and an Enstrom 280C—near Hamilton Municipal Airport, about 35 miles from Philadelphia.
• Casualties:
  • One dead, one with life-threatening injuries.
• Investigation:
  • The NTSB is leading the investigation; cause remains unknown.
• Memorable Visual:
  • [03:11] "Video from the scene shows one rapidly spinning to the ground."

5. Movie Theater Attendance Surges Among Gen Z

• Industry Trend:
  • More Americans attended movies in theaters in 2025 than in 2024, with Gen Z driving growth.
• Key Insights:
  • [04:29] Michael O'Leary (Cinema United Empires):
    • "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."
  • Regular moviegoers (6+ movies/year) are on the rise, up 25% among ages 13 to 28.
• Cultural Note:
  • The cinema offers Gen Z a break from constant connectivity and digital overload.
• Analysis:
  • The resurgence is attributed to enhanced amenities and the social, immersive experience of films.

Notable Quotes & Segments

• Trump Praises Zelensky & Ukraine's Resilience

  • [00:40] "This gentleman has worked very hard and he's very brave and his people are very brave. What they've gone through, no nation, very rarely has a nation ever had it." – Donald Trump

• Travel Disruption Amid Winter Storm

  • [01:37] "Nearly 180 flights, or more than half, were delayed at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Nearly three quarters were delayed at Minneapolis St. Paul International." – Frank Langfit

• Market Resilience Despite Tariffs

  • [02:31] "The economy appears to have been able to withstand the effects of these import taxes." – Rafael Naam

• Gen Z Boosts Cinema Attendance

  • [04:29] "Gen Z is drawn to the larger screen formats. They love the ability, frankly, to order their food from their seat..." – Michael O'Leary

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine Peace Talks – [00:16–01:11]
• Winter Storm & Travel Updates – [01:11–02:22]
• Stock Market Year-End Recap – [02:22–03:11]
• NJ Helicopter Collision – [03:11–04:10]
• Cinema Attendance (Gen Z Trends) – [04:10–04:47]

Summary Flow & Tone

The episode maintains NPR's concise, measured, and fact-focused style, quickly moving from global affairs to local news, financial markets, and pop culture. The tone is calm and authoritative, with select moments of compassion and gravitas in the coverage of conflict, disaster, and tragedy, balanced by the optimistic highlights in markets and entertainment.

This summary covers all major storylines and memorable moments, offering a clear, timestamped guide to each story segment in this newscast.