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Putin vows to take Ukraine’s eastern region as top US and Ukrainian prepare to meet

December 4, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Ukraine’s top negotiator is scheduled on Thursday to meet in Florida with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, two days after the American’s high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, according to a senior U.S. administration official.

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is also expected to be in the meeting with Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, the official said.

Ahead of the meeting in Florida, Putin reiterated Russia’s demand that Ukrainian troops withdraw from territories they control in the east of the country and allow their annexation by Moscow — a proposal that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

“It all boils down to this — either we will liberate these territories by force, or Ukrainian troops will leave these territories and stop fighting there,” Putin told The Times of India ahead of his planned two-day visit to the country.

“No, they prefer to fight,” Putin said of the Ukrainian armed forces. “Well, now they’ve fought themselves into a corner.”

Putin again claimed the legitimacy of Russian control of eastern Ukraine citing the results of Russian-organized referenda in the occupied regions.

Ukraine, the U.S. and 142 other nations rejected those referenda as illegitimate in a 2022 United Nations resolution. Only Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua and Syria voted against the measure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Wednesday that preparations were underway for further discussions with U.S. officials, but did not disclose when the talks were expected.

“We’re preparing meetings in the United States — after the American team returns from Moscow and following the relevant consultations in Washington — Rustem Umerov, Andrii Hnatov, along with the rest of the negotiating team, will continue discussions with envoys of President Trump,” Zelenskyy said on social media.

Few details were released about what had been discussed during the five-hour meeting between Witfkoff, Kushner and Putin, but post-talks comments made by Washington and Moscow were mostly positive. Both parties acknowledged that more work would have to be done to make the deal acceptable to both Kyiv and Moscow.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin had found some terms “unacceptable,” but added that others were fine for Moscow. And Trump described it as a “reasonably good meeting.”

Trump said Witkoff and Kushner relayed their “impression” that Putin “would like to see the war ended.”

Both Russia and Ukraine continued their long range strike campaigns overnight into Thursday.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 138 drones and two missiles into the country overnight, of which 114 drones were shot down or suppressed. Two missiles and 24 drones impacted across 14 locations, the air force said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces downed at least 76 Ukrainian drones overnight, one of which was destroyed over the Moscow region.

South Korea marks 1 year since failed martial law attempt

December 4, 2025 by WDNY Radio

(SEOUL) — Thousands of South Koreans rallied outside the National Assembly on Wednesday, marking one year since former President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law — a short-lived, failed attempt that citizens and parliament quickly overturned.

The demonstration was organized to commemorate the public resistance that helped reverse the move and to address the aftermath of what officials now call an insurrection.

As K-pop blasted through speakers, attendees held light sticks and chanted, “Reckon with insurrection!” Police estimated about 11,000 people attended the rally, hosted by progressive civic groups.

“It was the first time in the 21st century that a coup occurred in a democratic country like South Korea. Equally unprecedented, unarmed citizens peacefully prevented it,” President Lee Jae Myung said in a speech marking the anniversary. “Ironically, the Dec. 3 coup became an opportunity to show the world the high civic consciousness of our people and the resilience of South Korea’s democracy.”

Lee referred to the movement as a “revolution of light” powered by “K-democracy,” a phrase his administration has embraced to describe what it views as a uniquely resilient democratic tradition rooted in past movements, including the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.

Across the political spectrum, lawmakers marked the anniversary, with the supermajority Democratic Party celebrating by advancing dozens of bills related to the failed martial law attempt, including legislation that would designate Dec. 3 as Democracy Movement Memorial Day.

At the National Assembly complex — the site where troops attempted to enforce martial law — Speaker Woo Won-shik, who led the motions to repeal the order and impeach Yoon last year, led a “dark tour” highlighting key locations from the night, including the lawn where troops landed and a wall he had climbed to enter the building.

Meanwhile, the conservative People Power Party issued a series of apologies, with party leader Song Eon-seog apologizing on behalf of 107 lawmakers who either supported or did not participate in last year’s impeachment proceedings.

The party initially boycotted the first impeachment vote, blocking the measure, but a second vote passed a week later with more than two-thirds support. In total, 25 first- and second-term lawmakers issued their own statement pledging to sever ties with Yoon.

“Yoon’s failed martial law attempt shows how erratic leadership can throw a country into turmoil,” Jungkun Seo, a professor at Seoul’s Kyung Hee University, told ABC News. “But parliament lifted martial law, Yoon was detained, tried, impeached, and the country elected a new president — all in only six months. This demonstrated to the international community that South Korea’s democracy is rock solid.”

Lee, who was leader of the opposition at the time, said he livestreamed from the National Assembly grounds on the night martial law was declared because he believed citizens were the only force capable of stopping the coup.

Thousands gathered outside the building demanding the repeal of martial law, and peaceful candlelight protests continued until Yoon’s impeachment passed.

The honor Jonas Brothers would like to receive will leave them flushed with pleasure

December 4, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Jonas Brothers took part in an age-hold showbiz tradition Wednesday, putting their handprints and footprints in cement at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The next award they have their eyes on isn’t quite so glamorous.

JoBros were inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame earlier this year; they also have a star on Hollywood Boulevard, which they received in 2023. Asked by People what honor they’d like to have next, Joe Jonas said, “A rest stop [named after us] in New Jersey.” His brother Kevin Jonas liked the idea, adding, “That’s the one for me. That’s all I need.”

They wouldn’t be the first musicians to have a rest stop named after them in the Garden State. Famous New Jerseyans Jon Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston and Frank Sinatra have all received that particular honor.

Nick Jonas set his sights a bit higher: “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame one day would be pretty sweet,” he told People.

At the handprint ceremony, Joe shared that the first time the brothers came to LA, the TCL Theater was the first place they went to. “We were just normal kids growing up in New Jersey. You know, we never imagined our hand and feet would one day be a part of Hollywood history,” he said.

The brothers also talked with People about being girl dads; between them, they have five daughters. People asked them what they’ve learned from their girls this year.

“I have learned a lot about princesses,” Nick said.

Joe added, “I’ve learned a lot more about [KPop] Demon Hunters than I ever anticipated knowing.”

Nick, Joe and Kevin also revealed that at this point, they can all French braid their daughters’ hair, with Kevin boasting that he’s “working on the fishtail now.”

Listen to The Struts’ Luke Spiller cover Slade’s ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’

December 4, 2025 by WDNY Radio

While Luke Spiller feared looking back, wondering if it “Could Have Been Me,” he need not worry that he could have been merry.

The Struts frontman has released a cover of the song “Merry Xmas Everybody,” the hit holiday tune originally released in 1973 by the English glam rock band Slade.

“Like so many of us, I have always loved Christmas,” Spiller says in a statement. “For me personally, it’s a time where I often travel back to the United Kingdom and spend quality time with my family after a long year of touring and seeing the world.”

“I grew up listening to [‘Merry Xmas Everybody’] and have such great memories being surrounded by the people I love celebrating the year coming to a close,” he continues. “I wanted to put my own spin on this classic and decided to strip back the music so people can really focus on the lyrics. Slade were an incredible band and have been a huge influence on my own musical journey so I really wanted to do it justice.”

You can watch Spiller’s “Merry Xmas Everybody” video, which features him wearing a Santa suit while biking, walking railroad tracks and making snow angels, on YouTube.

Spiller released his debut solo album, Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes and Wine, in April.

The Struts, meanwhile, spent 2025 celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut album, Everybody Wants, on tour. They also put out a new version of their breakout single, the aforementioned “Could Have Been Me,” featuring Queen‘s Brian May.

Ronnie Wood reflects on his 50 years in The Rolling Stones: ‘What a joy’

December 4, 2025 by WDNY Radio

In celebration of his 50th anniversary as a member of The Rolling Stones, Ronnie Wood recently released a new art collection, Paint it Black, and says his goal was to capture the feeling of him and his bandmates — Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the late Charlie Watts — performing live.

“I wanted to capture the energy of Mick, Keith, me, our late friend Charlie, and the thousands of live shows we’ve been so lucky to play together,” Wood, who painted the artwork from memory, tells Rolling Stone. “I wanted the fans to see what I see when we’re onstage — music and art as one.”

He adds, “My hope is the Stones fans can feel the music when they look at these paintings.”

Reflecting on his tenure with The Stones, Wood says it’s “hard to believe” it’s been 50 years.

“What a joy. I was already chuffed with the bands I’d played in before ’75. But joining the Stones — that felt like coming home,” he says. “I still get a kick out of being a Stone, and it keeps me out of trouble — sometimes.”

Ronnie Wood’s Paint it Black collection is available now.

‘Bel-Air’ actresses share what they want fans to take away from the Banks women

December 4, 2025 by WDNY Radio

The time will soon come for Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones and Akira Akbar to say goodbye to Bel-Air. With their characters Aunt Viv, Hilary and Ashley representing different phases of a woman’s life, they hope each of their storylines can be helpful to women in some way.

Cassandra says she hopes women continue to “feel more beautiful” while realizing that “the more you express what’s going on the inside … the healthier you are physically and mentally.”

Akira wants teenage girls to learn from Ashley “to understand that it’s OK to go through things … and not fully understand who you are because you’re still growing and learning, and eventually you’ll figure things out.”

As for Coco, she hopes the takeaway from Hilary’s storyline is “that social media is edited, and it’s not the realest truth.” She also wants viewers to learn “to not compare your life to what you think somebody else has, because no amount of money, no man, no opportunity is going to stop you from the plights that must occur, and finding yourself is what everyone is trying to do.”

The ladies also shared what they’ll miss about Bel-Air, with Akira mentioning the cast and the “energy they bring to set every day.” “We’re all like one big family,” she says. “So when we’re on set … it doesn’t feel like we’re working. It feels like we are just at home.”

Coco talked about the stability of the show, something she doesn’t experience in the music industry, calling Bel-Air “the most normal” job she’s ever had.

And Cassandra said she’ll miss chatting with Bel-Air showrunner Carla Bank Waddles ahead of each season.

“I think the reason why the show was so impactful to people is that the writers were interested in what was going on in our own chat threads,” she said.

The last episodes of Bel-Air‘s fourth and final season premiere Monday.

Chevelle announces 2026 US tour dates

December 3, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Chevelle has announced a run of 2026 U.S. tour dates.

The four-show outing will make stops in Reno, Nevada, on April 18; Wheatland, California, on April 19; Highland, California, on April 21; and Flagstaff, Arizona, on April 23. Dead Poet Society will also be on the bill.

For all ticket info, visit GetMoreChevelle.com.

Chevelle released a new album, Bright as Blasphemy, in August. It includes the singles “Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)” and “Pale Horse.”

Billie Eilish’s ‘when the party’s over’ video hits 1 billion YouTube views

December 3, 2025 by WDNY Radio

The party certainly isn’t over on Billie Eilish‘s YouTube channel.

Eilish’s video for her song “when the party’s over” has officially crossed the 1 billion views mark. The clip features Eilish sitting in an all-white room in front of a glass of dark liquid. After she drinks the whole glass, the liquid starts to pour out of her eyes.

“When the party’s over” was released as a single off Eilish’s 2019 debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? It’s the third Eilish video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube, following “bad guy” and her Khalid collaboration, “lovely.”

Eilish’s most recent album is 2024’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT.

Judge dismisses defamation ruling for blogger in Megan Thee Stallion lawsuit

December 3, 2025 by WDNY Radio

A judge dismissed a jury’s verdict on Tuesday, holding social media commentator and blogger Milagro Cooper liable for defamation in a lawsuit filed by Megan Thee Stallion in October 2024.

Cooper was found liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and promotion of an altered sexual depiction by a Miami jury on Monday, but Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga dismissed the defamation ruling because the plaintiff did not serve the media defendant with a legal notice before filing the suit, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.

“As a condition precedent to a defamation suit, section 770.01, Florida Statutes, requires a plaintiff to serve a media defendant with written notice specifying the alleged false or defamatory statements at least five days before filing a complaint,” Altonaga stated in her final judgment.

Megan Thee Stallion, whose legal name is Megan Pete, testified during the trial in November that Cooper, who is known on social media as blogger Milagro Gramz, participated in a targeted and coordinated social media campaign to harass, intimidate and defame her.

Pete alleged Cooper was a “paid surrogate” for rapper Tory Lanez and spread lies on his behalf. Lanez was convicted of shooting and injuring Pete in a July 2020 incident.

The judge decreased the damages Cooper owes Pete from $75,000 to $59,000, according to legal documents. Altonaga upheld the other two counts of intentional infliction of emotional distress and promotion of an altered sexual depiction.

“Cooper ultimately prevailed on Ms. Pete’s leading accusation, defamation, and the jury awarded a nominal amount of damages compared to millions of dollars Ms. Pete demanded from Ms. Cooper throughout the course of the litigation,” Cooper’s attorney said in a statement on Wednesday obtained by ABC News.

Pete’s attorneys said in a statement obtained by ABC News after the jury’s verdict on Monday that Cooper is also required to cover costs for the rapper’s legal bills.

“Request for costs and fees shall not be submitted until after any post-trial motions are decided or an appeal is concluded, whichever occurs later,” the judge stated in her final judgment.

ABC News has reached out to Pete’s attorneys, but requests for comments were not immediately returned.

‘Chad Powers’ renewed for season 2 at Hulu

December 3, 2025 by WDNY Radio

Touchdown! Chad Powers has been renewed for season 2 at Hulu.

The original comedy series, which stars Glen Powell as the titular football player, is set to return for a sophomore season on the streaming service.

Chad Powers is based on the Eli’s Places segment from ESPN and Omaha Productions, which found Eli Manning in a prosthetics-heavy disguise as he participated in a walk-on tryout at Penn State. Both he and his brother Peyton Manning serve as executive producers on this series.

Along with Powell, who also co-created the half-hour comedy, season 1 starred Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez and Steve Zahn.

“Eight years after an unforgivable mistake nukes his promising college football career, hotshot quarterback Russ Holliday tries to resurrect his dreams by disguising himself as Chad Powers – a talented oddball who walks on to the struggling South Georgia Catfish,” according to the show’s official synopsis.

Powell shared a celebratory renewal announcement video to his Instagram Story.

“If you ever commented ‘SEASON 2 WHEN???’ this one’s for you,” the caption reads. “Chad Powers is officially renewed for Season 2.”

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.

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