NPR News Now – November 29, 2025, 5PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode covers the latest headlines from domestic and international affairs, including U.S. policy moves targeting Venezuela, a shift in federal vaccine regulation, a severe winter storm disrupting post-Thanksgiving travel, box office news on Hollywood sequels, and a major settlement involving Northwestern University.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Moves to Restrict Venezuelan Airspace

• [00:17] President Trump has announced the closure of airspace over and around Venezuela for pilots, as part of the administration’s ongoing pressure against the Maduro government.
• Pressure Campaign:
  • The Trump administration recently justified deadly airstrikes on Venezuelan boats, citing threats of drug smuggling.
  • Trump labeled Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro as a “narco terrorist” (a claim Maduro disputes).
  • On Thanksgiving, Trump suggested further action:

    Donald Trump [01:02]: “People aren't wanting to be delivering by sea, and we'll be starting to stop them by land. Also, the land is easier.”

• Military Context:
  • NPR’s Tamara Keith reported that while training flights are taking place in the Caribbean, “there's no indication military action against Venezuela is imminent.”

    Tamara Keith [01:11]: “A U.S. official… tells NPR training flights are being conducted… but there’s no indication military action… is imminent.”

2. FDA Tightens Vaccine Regulations

• [01:25] FDA announces a stricter approach to vaccine approval and oversight, citing new concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety.
• Claims & Controversy:
  • FDA Commissioner Marty Makary referenced evidence linking COVID vaccines to the deaths of at least 10 children.
  • Top deputy Vinay Prasad made this claim in a widely distributed email, obtained by NPR.
  • However, “independent public health experts” questioned these conclusions and criticized the FDA’s communication as “unsupported and misleading.”

    Rob Stein [01:41]: “Independent public health experts… questioned the claim… citing the administration’s pattern of making unsupported and misleading claims.”

3. Winter Storm Snarls Holiday Travel

• [02:23] A major winter storm impacts areas from South Dakota to Ohio, landing just as Thanksgiving travelers head home.
• Travel Impact:
  • Over 800 flights leaving or arriving at Chicago O’Hare International were cancelled by Saturday afternoon.
  • Andrew Orison, National Weather Service Meteorologist:

    [02:56]: “Tuesday, the travel conditions will be worse as there will be more of a widespread impact for rainfall and also areas getting snow.”

  • Officials urged those in the storm’s path to stay off the roads.

4. Blockbuster Thanksgiving at the Box Office

• [03:11] Holiday moviegoers are flocking to two major sequels: Zootopia 2 and the Oz prequel/sequel Wicked for Good.
• Box Office Highlights:
  • Combined, both films are on track for $250 million over the weekend.
  • Zootopia 2 leads with ~$155 million; Wicked for Good follows with ~$95 million in its second week.
  • Despite impressive numbers, the total lags behind last year’s Thanksgiving record set by Wicked and Moana 2.

    Bob Mondello [03:38]: "That puts them well ahead of the top five hits in most pre pandemic weekends, but behind last year's all time power couple…"

5. Northwestern University Settles With Federal Government

• [04:08] Northwestern will pay $75 million over three years to have federal research funding reinstated.
• Background:
  • Nearly $800 million in grant money was cut last year amid disputes over the university’s handling of antisemitism on campus (a charge the university denies).
  • The agreement ends several investigations and restores hundreds of millions in research funding to the university.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Donald Trump [01:02]: "People aren't wanting to be delivering by sea, and we'll be starting to stop them by land. Also, the land is easier."
• Tamara Keith [01:11]: "A U.S. official not authorized to speak… tells NPR training flights are being conducted in the southern Caribbean, but there's no indication military action against Venezuela is imminent."
• Rob Stein [01:41]: "Independent public health experts… questioned the claim… citing the administration’s pattern of making unsupported and misleading claims."
• Andrew Orison [02:56]: “Tuesday, the travel conditions will be worse as there will be more of a widespread impact for rainfall and also areas getting snow.”
• Bob Mondello [03:38]: "...puts them well ahead of the top five hits in most pre pandemic weekends, but behind last year's all time power couple, the First, Wicked and Moana 2."

Timestamps for Main Segments

• 00:17 — Venezuela airspace closure and regional U.S. military posture
• 01:25 — FDA announces stricter vaccine regulations amid controversy
• 02:23 — Major winter storm affects post-Thanksgiving travel
• 03:11 — Record-breaking Thanksgiving movie box office
• 04:08 — Northwestern University settlement and research funding reinstatement

This concise news recap blends significant national developments, international affairs, public health issues, weather, and culture into a five-minute rundown, embodying NPR’s direct, factual, and accessible news style.