NPR News Now — December 11, 2025, 8PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR News, Washington)
Length: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now presents major global and national headlines, including U.S. actions against Venezuelan oil shipping and related sanctions, a federal court ruling on the National Guard in California, a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, severe weather in the Pacific Northwest, legal developments in Brazil concerning former President Bolsonaro, a significant archaeological discovery in Britain, and recognition of Haiti’s compa music by UNESCO.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Oil Tanker near Venezuela

Reported by: Quill Lawrence

• [00:00–01:09]

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the FBI and Coast Guard seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, long sanctioned for smuggling crude oil from Venezuela and Iran.
  • U.S. agents boarded the vessel by helicopter and executed a seizure warrant.
  • The U.S. has imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry and is taking a harder stance on President Nicolás Maduro, accused by the U.S. of narco-trafficking.
  • The U.S. has deployed the largest naval fleet off the Venezuelan coast in decades and put out a $50 million reward for Maduro’s arrest.
  • Pro-democracy activist Maria Corina Machado recently escaped from hiding and is traveling to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

  “She said US Agents executed a seizure warrant on board and that the tanker has been sanctioned for years and is known to smuggle crude oil from Venezuela and also Iran.” – Quill Lawrence [00:40]

2. Federal Judge Curbs Trump Administration’s Use of National Guard in California

Reported by: Kat Lansdorf

• [01:09–02:09]

  • A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must halt its federal deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles, restoring control to California.
  • President Trump took over the state’s National Guard in June 2025, deploying over 4,000 troops to protect federal immigration facilities, against Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. Still, about 100 remain.
  • The administration tried to send California Guard troops into Portland, Oregon.
  • Judge Breyer’s ruling reinforces the limits of federal authority over state troops, quoting concerns about “unchecked power.”

  “…‘hold unchecked power to control state troops would wholly upend the federalism that is at the heart of our system of government.’” – Judge Charles Breyer, quoted by Kat Lansdorf [01:52]

3. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates; Markets Rally

Reported by: Scott Horsley

• [02:09–02:58]

  • Stocks rallied after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%, with the Dow up nearly 500 points (1%).
  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the move aims to support a sluggish job market despite persistent inflation above the 2% target.
  • The vote showed dissent: two members wanted to hold rates, while Trump’s new appointee pushed for a larger 0.5% cut.

  “Everyone should understand that we’re committed to 2% inflation and we will deliver 2% inflation. But it’s a complicated, unusual, difficult situation.” – Jerome Powell [02:32]

4. Pacific Northwest Faces More Flooding and Storm Damage

[02:58–03:14]

• Another severe storm is forecast for the Pacific Northwest, already causing extensive rain, flooding, power outages, and school closures in Oregon and Washington.

5. Brazil Bill Could Shorten Bolsonaro’s Prison Time

[03:14–03:31]

• Brazil’s lower house advanced legislation that could reduce ex-President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence. Bolsonaro was convicted for his role in an attempted coup following the 2023 elections, which included riots by supporters.
• The proposal now moves to Brazil’s Senate for further consideration.

6. Oldest Evidence of Fire-Making by Early Humans

Reported by: Nate Rott

• [03:31–04:31]

  • Archaeologists in Britain discovered a 400,000-year-old hearth with fire-cracked flint and iron pyrite, indicating early human — likely Neanderthal — use of deliberately kindled fire.
  • This pushes evidence for ancient fire-making back by 350,000 years.

  “The iron pyrite and fire cracked flint unearthed in a 400,000 year old hearth in eastern Britain gives us the earliest example yet.” – Nate Rott [03:56]

7. Haiti's Compa Music Added to UNESCO Cultural Heritage List

[04:31–04:51]

• Haiti’s compa, a rhythm-driven dance genre originated in the 1950s, was recognized by UNESCO, offering a morale boost amid Haiti’s ongoing political and social crises.
• Haiti’s former foreign minister described the recognition as “an ode to joy.”

Notable Quotes

• “Everyone should understand that we’re committed to 2% inflation and we will deliver 2% inflation. But it’s a complicated, unusual, difficult situation.” — Jerome Powell, Fed Chair [02:32]
• “…‘hold unchecked power to control state troops would wholly upend the federalism that is at the heart of our system of government.’” – Judge Charles Breyer, quoted by Kat Lansdorf [01:52]
• “The iron pyrite and fire cracked flint unearthed in a 400,000 year old hearth in eastern Britain gives us the earliest example yet.” – Nate Rott [03:56]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker: 00:00–01:09
• Judge Overrules Federalization of California National Guard: 01:09–02:09
• Federal Reserve Rate Cut & Market Response: 02:09–02:58
• Pacific Northwest Storm Update: 02:58–03:14
• Brazil Considers Reducing Bolsonaro’s Sentence: 03:14–03:31
• Archaeological Discovery: Early Human Fire Use: 03:31–04:31
• Haiti’s Compa Music Added to UNESCO List: 04:31–04:51

This episode succinctly delivers a mix of urgent global developments and cultural milestones, blending straightforward reporting with a quick, informative pace. It is well-suited for listeners eager to stay up-to-date on major events in just five minutes.