Episode Details

Good morning, it’s December 29, 2025, and you’re listening to BTW Daily News. I’m your host, Alex Rivera, bringing you the top headlines that set the tone for this holiday season. First up in politics: President Trump and President Zelenskyy met this week after months of discord over Ukraine aid. Trump touted a joint effort to strengthen the Eastern Front, while Zelenskyy insisted that the talks were a step toward a broader ceasefire, though no concrete timeline emerged. The world watches as Kyiv's future hangs in a delicate balance. Moving to the Middle East, Trump‑Netanyahu’s Mar‑a‑Lago dialogue focused on Gaza. The former U.S. president hinted at a new “peace‑for‑security” framework, but Netanyahu cautioned that any deal must hold Hamas accountable first. The talks were buoyed by calls for humanitarian assistance, yet the region remains tense as bombings in Beirut and Gaza continue. In a related development, the United States has offered Ukraine a fifteen‑year security guarantee. Zelenskyy welcomed the move, noting it strengthens deterrence against Russian advances. Yet analysts warn that the promise may not cover every scenario, and all parties must remain vigilant. Switching gears to the sports beat, the San Francisco 49ers edged the Chicago Bears 42‑38, thanks to Brock Purdy’s five‑touchdown performance. The win keeps the 49ers’ No. 1 seed hopes alive heading into the postseason. Bears’ defense stronger, but they fell short of vivo. The rivalry remains a highlight for NFL Week 17. Across the Pacific in business, South Korean giant Coupang announced a $1.18 billion payout to customers affected by a major data breach. The company will issue $35 gift vouchers to the 33.7 million users, and suing for data protection compliance. The move underscores that cyber security continues to be a top corporate priority. Back to entertainment, the world mourns the passing of Brigitte Bardot, who died at 91. The French icon, famed for “And God Created Woman,” transformed cinema’s depiction of female sexuality. Her legacy remains alive through new biographies, retrospectives, and 110 songs inspired by her style. Internationally, China conducted live‑fire military drills around Taiwan that lasted two days, prompting a rapid response exercise by Taipei’s forces. Beijing warned that any attempt to block its “reunification” would fail, raising concerns in Washington over heightened Pu‑tro‑Asia tensions. The situation underscores a fragile security environment near Taiwan. Seasonal weather moves to the fore: a powerful winter storm is heading across the U.S., bringing blizzard conditions, tornadoes, and heavy snow over the Midwest and Northeast. The National Weather Service warns that travel will be disrupted and suggests residents stay indoors where possible. Local officials are mobilizing emergency supplies while flight cancellations spike. In industrial news, a train derailment in southern Mexico killed 13 passengers and injured nearly a hundred more. A freight service was operating on the Interoceanic line when the train buckled and crashed into a bridge. Mexican authorities have launched a full investigation, citing possible maintenance failures. The incident adds to recent concerns over rail safety in the region. Finally, let’s touch on climate again—an updated report shows that the 2025 North Atlantic shipping season has already seen record‑low ice coverage, potentially affecting maritime routes. Scientists warn that this trend could increase shipping hazards, while meteorologists urge caution for maritime and coastal communities alike.That’s all for today's briefing. Thank you for tuning in to BTW Daily News. Stay informed, stay safe, and have a wonderful holiday season.