NPR News Now – December 29, 2025, 5AM EST
Host: Louise Schiavone
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major overnight and morning news: key developments in U.S.-brokered ceasefire efforts in Gaza, ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, fatal helicopter collision in New Jersey, the latest in Congressional redistricting, winter weather updates, teen use of AI chatbots, and the state of financial markets as the year ends.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Efforts in Gaza & Ukraine Peace Talks
- President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are meeting at Mar-a-Lago today to advance a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza.
- (00:17) Louise Schiavone: "President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are slated to meet today at the president's Mar a Lago resort in Florida in an effort to advance a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza."
- Trump previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago; they reported "a lot of progress."
- Trump anticipates another call with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon about Ukraine peace negotiations.
- Russian Response:
- (00:47) Luke Garrett: "The Kremlin hasn't publicly weighed in on these peace negotiations, instead calling for more dialogue. Meanwhile, we have seen deadly military attacks by Russia against Ukraine over the holidays."
- Putin rejected Zelensky’s Christmas ceasefire offer; drone and missile strikes by Russia continue.
- (00:58) "Ukraine's president has said these deadly drone missile attacks show Putin is not willing to make peace."
2. New Jersey Helicopter Collision
- Incident Overview:
- Two helicopters collided near Hamilton Municipal Airport; one pilot died, and another is seriously injured.
- (01:21) Frank Langford: "The helicopters collided just before 11:30am near the Hamilton Municipal Airport between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Visibility was good."
- Expert Commentary:
- Video shows one helicopter spinning as it fell. Cause: suspected tail rotor impact.
- (01:42) Jeff Gazetti: "It appears that helicopter was hit on its tail because if you take out the tail rotor, the main rotor will cause the body of the helicopter to just turn round and round and round like a corkscrew."
- Such collisions are "exceedingly rare." NTSB seeking eyewitnesses for investigation.
3. Congressional Redistricting Race
- Republican Advantage:
- As year ends, Republicans hold an edge in redistricting; effort initiated by President Trump aims to help the GOP retain U.S. House control after next year’s midterms.
- State-by-State Developments:
- Texas: Redrawn map may boost GOP by 5 seats.
- California: New map could shift 5 Republican seats to Democrats due to special election.
- Missouri & North Carolina: Each add a seat for GOP.
- Ohio: State law prompts new map, +2 GOP seats.
- Utah: Court-ordered redistricting could help Democrats gain a seat.
- (02:23) Andrew Schneider: "The net effect nationwide is a possible gain of three seats for the GOP."
- Virginia, Maryland, and Florida are still considering redistricting changes in 2026.
- (03:12) "For NPR News, I'm Andrew Schneider in Houston."
4. Winter Weather Updates
- Northeast: Snow and freezing rain create dangerous travel.
- Midwest: Ice, heavy snow; possible blizzard conditions.
- (03:12) Louise Schiavone: "Wintry weather continues to move across the Northeast, with snow and freezing rain making travel treacherous. In the Midwest, a winter storm is delivering ice rain and heavy snow. Blizzard conditions there are possible."
5. Teen Use of AI Chatbots and Associated Risks
- Study Findings: Over 1 in 3 teenagers using AI chatbots are seeking personal companionship, raising developmental and emotional concerns.
- Aura online safety company released the study; 37% of conversations involve violence, including role-play about harming others.
- (03:44) Scott Collins (Aura): "37% of conversations between teens and their chatbot companions involve violence, role-play, that is interaction about harming somebody else, physically hurting them."
- Parent Advice:
- Dr. Jason Nagata (UCSF): Parents need not be AI experts but should engage with their children about tech use.
- (04:12) Dr. Jason Nagata: "Parents don't need to be AI experts. They just need to be curious about their children's lives and ask them about what kind of technology they're using and why."
- Encourage explicit conversations about the risks of chatbots.
6. Financial Markets Recap
- Year-to-date: S&P 500 up nearly 18%.
- Last Friday: All major indexes (S&P, Dow, NASDAQ) dipped slightly in light trading.
- Overseas: Mixed results; Taiwan shares rose.
- (04:28) "With three trading days left, The S&P 500 has climbed nearly 18% this year. On Friday in light trading, the S and P, Dow and NASDAQ were all down less than a tenth of a percent this morning."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On helicopter tail rotor loss:
- (01:42) Jeff Gazetti: "If you take out the tail rotor, the main rotor will cause the body of the helicopter to just turn round and round and round like a corkscrew."
- On teen chatbot risks:
- (03:44) Scott Collins: "Thirty-seven percent of conversations between teens and their chatbot companions involve violence, role-play, that is interaction about harming somebody else, physically hurting them."
- (04:12) Dr. Jason Nagata: "Parents don’t need to be AI experts. They just need to be curious about their children's lives and ask them about what kind of technology they're using and why."
Timestamps for Important Segments
- U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza / Ukraine peace talks: 00:17–01:07
- New Jersey helicopter collision: 01:07–02:06
- Congressional redistricting developments: 02:06–03:12
- Winter storm alerts: 03:12–03:22
- Teen chatbots report & advice: 03:22–04:28
- Market update: 04:28–04:55
This episode distills the pressing morning headlines, with clear reporting and expert input on international affairs, national news, and social trends impacting the country as 2025 draws to a close.