NPR News Now: December 28, 2025, 6PM EST
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme: A concise roundup of major world and U.S. news, featuring diplomatic developments, legal investigations, AI in entertainment, and box office updates.
Main Theme
This edition offers listeners a rapid summary of noteworthy global and national events, focusing particularly on U.S.-Ukraine peace talks, escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, questions about political conduct in the U.S. government, the rise of AI collaborations in entertainment, and the latest box office results.
Key News Highlights & Discussion Points
1. Trump–Zelensky Talks Move Toward Ceasefire in Ukraine
[00:18–01:17]
- Recent Talks: President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Florida to discuss a revised 20-point ceasefire proposal in Russia’s ongoing war.
- Optimism on Progress:
- Trump (00:32): “You can say 95%, but I don't like to say percentages. I just think we're doing very well. We're very, we could be very close. There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we're doing very well. We've made a lot of progress today, but really we've made it over the last month.”
- Security Guarantees:
- Zelensky pressed for concrete U.S. security assurances to prevent further Russian aggression.
- Next Steps:
- Zelensky (00:57): “We agreed that our teams will meet in upcoming weeks to finalize all all discussed matters. And we agreed with President Trump that he will host us and maybe in Washington, European leaders and Ukrainian delegation, yes, in January and Ukraine is ready for peace.”
- Diplomatic Outreach: Both leaders engaged with European counterparts, and Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Zelensky meeting.
2. Somaliland Recognition Sparks Diplomatic Tension
[01:17–02:14]
- Emergency UN Meeting: Somalia called for an urgent UN Security Council discussion after Israel formally recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland.
- Regional Backlash:
- Michelle Kellerman (01:35): “More than 20 Arab and African states have joined Somalia in condemning the move, calling Israel's recognition a blatant disregard to international law.”
- Underlying Concerns: Speculation arose about possible plans to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland, though Somaliland's authorities deny Gaza was discussed.
- Broader Context:
- Somaliland aims to join the Abraham Accords, broadening diplomatic normalization with Israel—a topic reportedly addressed in Trump’s talks with Israeli PM Netanyahu.
3. Alleged Hatch Act Violations by Trump Administration
[02:14–03:13]
- Legal Complaint: Advocacy group Democracy Forward requests an investigation into possible illegal partisan activity by Trump administration officials during the government shutdown.
- Details of Allegations:
- Andrea Hsu (02:32): “They point to messaging on government websites and out of office email replies blaming Democrats for the shutdown, sometimes referring to them as the radical left.”
- Challenges in Enforcement:
- The Office of Special Counsel, which investigates Hatch Act violations, saw its leadership replaced by President Trump earlier in 2025, raising questions about the impartiality and future of the complaint.
- Agency Statement: The Office of Special Counsel described 2025 as “one of the most productive and impactful years in its history.”
4. Generative AI Enters Entertainment Mainstream
[03:13–04:24]
- Major Industry Shifts: Generative AI moved beyond novelty status in 2025, becoming central to entertainment industry operations and deals.
- Key Collaborations:
- Chloe Veltman (03:33): Universal Music Group ended legal strife with AI music platform Udio by forming a partnership poised to launch a customizable, licensed music subscription service in 2026.
- Disney revealed a $1 billion investment in OpenAI, planning to license Marvel and Pixar characters for user-created video projects with AI technology.
- Ongoing Legal Battles: Despite partnerships, many lawsuits remain active as artists and media firms contend that AI companies exploited their intellectual property without permission or compensation.
5. Weekend Box Office Results
[04:24–04:56]
- Big Winners:
- Number One: Disney’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” topped charts with $64 million, amassing over $4.5 billion worldwide (budget: $400 million).
- Runner-Up: Disney’s 3D animated “Zootopia” sequel earned $20 million.
- Industry Implication: Disney continues its box office dominance with high-budget, high-return franchises.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Trump on Ukraine Progress (00:32):
“There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we're doing very well. We've made a lot of progress today, but really we've made it over the last month.”
- Zelensky on Peace Talks (00:57):
“Ukraine is ready for peace.”
- Michelle Kellerman on Somaliland Recognition (01:35):
“More than 20 Arab and African states have joined Somalia in condemning the move, calling Israel's recognition a blatant disregard to international law.”
- Andrea Hsu on Hatch Act Complaints (02:32):
“They point to messaging on government websites and out of office email replies blaming Democrats for the shutdown, sometimes referring to them as the radical left.”
- Chloe Veltman on AI Mainstreaming (03:33):
“Universal Music Group settled its copyright infringement lawsuit with the AI music creation platform Udio in October and announced a partnership... Disney announced earlier this month it would invest $1 billion in OpenAI.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:18 — Ukrainian ceasefire talks: Trump and Zelensky optimism
- 01:17 — Somalia seeks UN action after Israel recognizes Somaliland
- 02:14 — Trump administration faces Hatch Act investigation
- 03:13 — Generative AI and entertainment industry deals
- 04:24 — Disney’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash” tops the box office
This NPR News Now segment efficiently encapsulates major headlines for December 28, 2025, offering essential coverage for listeners in under five minutes.