NPR News Now – 12-28-2025, 7PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: December 29, 2025

Overview

This five-minute NPR News Now update brings top international stories, U.S. policy developments, advances in telemedicine, the passing of a cultural icon, and global security concerns. Key reports cover the Trump-Zelensky peace talks, China’s mediation in Southeast Asia, AI-powered healthcare, Brigitte Bardot’s death, and Russian-Iranian space cooperation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump-Zelensky Meeting: Progress on Ukraine Peace Proposal

Reporter: Danielle Kurtzleben
[00:15–01:10]

• Main Takeaway: President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky met at Mar-a-Lago, making progress on a peace proposal for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
• Specific Issues:
  • Troop withdrawal from the Donbas region
  • Fate of a Russian-occupied nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine
• Process Updates:
  • Trump had conversations with Russian President Putin before, and planned another after, the meeting.
• Notable Quote:
  • President Trump on reaching a deal:

    “So if it went really well, you know, maybe a few weeks, and if it went poorly longer, and if it went really poorly, it's not going to happen. That would be a shame.”
    (Donald Trump, 00:52)

2. China Mediates Southeast Asian Ceasefire

Reporter: Emily Feng
[01:10–02:06]

• Ceasefire: Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire after recent armed clashes, facilitated in part by China.
• China’s Role:
  • Hosted both sides’ top diplomats in Yunnan province, which borders Southeast Asia.
  • China praised the ceasefire as a crucial step toward peace.
• Conflict Context:
  • Recent fighting has caused over 100 deaths and included Thai airstrikes on Cambodia.
  • China’s close economic ties with Cambodia; Thailand’s recent diplomatic overtures to China.
• Notable Quote:
  • China’s top diplomat Wang Yi:

    “An important step towards restoring peace.”
    (Emily Feng paraphrasing Wang Yi, 01:22)

3. Virtual Primary Care Grows Amid Doctor Shortage

Reporter: Martha Beebinger
[02:06–03:09]

• Situation: Few primary care doctors have spurred major health networks, like Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts, to expand AI-assisted telemedicine.
• How It Works:
  • Patients can see doctors remotely, 24/7.
  • An AI agent gathers intake information and suggests a treatment plan for the doctor.
• Expert Views:
  • Dr. Helen Ireland, program manager:

    “We also realize that a certain subset of those patients may say, hey, I actually like this virtual primary care thing. In those cases, we'll offer the patient the opportunity to stay partnered with that PCP for the long term.”
    (Dr. Helen Ireland, 02:44)

  • Concerns among doctors: Virtual care may undermine traditional primary care and is seen as unsuitable for those with complex or chronic conditions.

4. Brigitte Bardot, Iconic Actress, Dies at 91

Reporter: Elizabeth Blair
[03:09–04:09]

• Life & Legacy: French actress Brigitte Bardot, major sex symbol in the 1950s–60s, has died at her home in southern France at age 91.
• Career Highlights:
  • Starred in renowned French films, worked with directors like Jean Luc Godard.
  • Noted for her beauty, sexual openness, and as a pop-culture icon.
  • Married four times and linked romantically to figures like Serge Gainsbourg.
• Activism:
  • Outspoken animal rights advocate; founded major organization.
• Controversies:
  • Fined multiple times for comments deemed inciting racial hatred concerning Islam.
• Notable Description:

  “In the buttoned up 1950s, Brigitte Bardot was a revelation. Blonde mane, lush lips, gorgeous figure and sexually liberated.”
  (Elizabeth Blair, 03:30)

5. Russian Launches Iranian Satellites – Deepening Ties

[04:09–04:53]

• News: Russia launched three Iranian communication satellites, each with up to five years' lifespan.
• Geopolitical Context:
  • The collaboration highlights strong Russia-Iran ties.
• US Response:
  • The (former) Trump administration claimed such launches violate a UN resolution concerning ballistic missile technology.

6. Market Snapshot

[04:53]

• Futures Update:
  • Dow: +28 points
  • Nasdaq: +7 points

Memorable Quotes

• Donald Trump:

  “So if it went really well, you know, maybe a few weeks, and if it went poorly longer, and if it went really poorly, it's not going to happen. That would be a shame.”
  (00:52)

• Dr. Helen Ireland:

  “…a certain subset of those patients may say, hey, I actually like this virtual primary care thing. In those cases, we'll offer the patient the opportunity to stay partnered with that PCP for the long term.”
  (02:44)

• Elizabeth Blair (on Brigitte Bardot):

  “In the buttoned up 1950s, Brigitte Bardot was a revelation.”
  (03:30)

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Time | |----------------------------------------------------|----------| | Trump-Zelensky Ukraine Peace Proposal | 00:15–01:10 | | China Facilitates Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire | 01:10–02:06 | | AI-Powered Virtual Primary Care | 02:06–03:09 | | Brigitte Bardot’s Death and Legacy | 03:09–04:09 | | Russia Launches Iranian Satellites | 04:09–04:53 | | Market Summary | 04:53 |

This concise, information-rich update captures global diplomatic efforts, technological shifts in healthcare, cultural milestones, and geopolitical developments in just five minutes. Ideal for listeners seeking a well-rounded news snapshot.