NPR News Now: December 18, 2025, 3PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers concise coverage of major national and international news stories. Key topics include a federal policy shift on marijuana, the Trump administration’s stance on gender-affirming care, developments in Gaza, a significant New York murder trial, and a government admission of liability in a deadly air collision.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marijuana Reclassified at Federal Level

• [00:15–01:22]
• President Trump signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug under federal law.
  • This move eases federal restrictions and allows for expanded research into medical uses.
  • Trump cited advice from people he respects who are facing significant health challenges.
• Notable Quote:

  "I promise to be the president of common sense, and that is exactly what we're doing. This is really something having to do with common sense, and it's something having to do with the fact that so many people that I respect, people that are having problems, big problems."
  — President Donald Trump [00:48]

2. Restrictions on Gender-Affirming Care and Federal Funding

• [01:22–01:56]
• The Trump administration will withhold Medicaid and Medicare funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care, such as hormones and surgery, to those under 18.
  • Given that most hospitals rely on these funds, the policy’s reach would be extensive.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. criticized such care.
• 27 states already ban gender-affirming care for minors; this move could make it nearly impossible to obtain elsewhere.
• Notable Quote:

  "So called gender affirming care has inflicted lasting physical and psychological damage on vulnerable young people. This is not medicine. It is malpractice."
  — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. [01:43]

3. Israeli Military Action in Gaza

• [01:56–03:08]
• Israeli military mortar struck a residential neighborhood in central Gaza City (Al Samir), wounding at least 11 Palestinians.
  • Mortar exploded in the air; Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson suggested a ground detonation would have been catastrophic.
  • Israeli military stated the mortar “deviated from its target” and is investigating.
  • Since an October ceasefire, over 390 Palestinians reportedly killed in Israeli attacks.
• Notable Quote:

  "If it had exploded on the ground, Basal said, it would have been a catastrophe."
  — Hadil Al Shalchi, NPR News [02:28]

4. Legal Ruling Looms in High-Profile Manhattan Murder Case

• [03:08–04:17]
• Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione (accused of killing a health insurance CEO) seek to exclude much of the evidence due to alleged rights violations during police interrogation and search.
  • Arguments cite lack of Miranda rights and proper warrants.
  • Prosecutors maintain evidence is valid.
  • Judge to decide on admissibility by May; no trial date set.
• Notable Quote:

  "We want to thank everyone for coming and for sitting through a three week mini trial that should have been a half a day."
  — Attorney Karen Friedman Ignifolo [03:56]

5. Federal Government Admits Liability in Deadly Air Collision

• [04:17–04:58]
• U.S. government admits responsibility for a January air collision near D.C. that killed 67 people (Army Black Hawk helicopter and passenger plane).
  • Justice Department cites air traffic controller's failure to alert pilots of converging paths as cause.
  • Admission comes in response to a lawsuit by a victim’s family.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• President Trump framing marijuana reclassification as an act of “common sense.” [00:48]
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. labeling pediatric gender-affirming care as “malpractice.” [01:43]
• The Gaza Civil Defense's account of potentially greater devastation if a mortar had exploded on the ground. [02:28]
• Attorney Friedman Ignifolo’s criticism of the legal process in the Mangione trial. [03:56]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:15] — News begins
• [00:39] — Trump’s marijuana executive order discussion
• [01:22] — Announcement on gender-affirming care funding restrictions
• [01:56] — Report on Israeli strike in Gaza
• [03:08] — Market update and shift to Manhattan murder trial
• [04:17] — Government’s admission in deadly air collision case

This update summarizes pivotal national and global events, highlighting regulatory, legal, and humanitarian developments, and offers direct quotes from major decision-makers for context and clarity.