NPR News Now — 7PM EST, December 19, 2025

Host: Ryland Barton
Episode Theme: Latest U.S. and global headlines, with a focus on marijuana reclassification, health insurance subsidies, economic outlook, technological influences on youth, and a rare conservation win.

1. Marijuana Reclassified by Federal Government

[00:18 - 01:13]

• Main Point: President Trump has signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 drug, easing restrictions and paving the way for medical research and limited Medicare coverage.
  • Quote (President Trump, 00:39):
    “We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain.”
• Background: Marijuana had been classified as a Schedule 1 drug (akin to heroin) since the 1970s.
• Implications:
  • Lower classification acknowledges medical value and lower risk.
  • Medicare expected to begin covering some cannabis products next year.
  • Many states already allow full legalization, but President Trump says he's “not ready to take that step.”

2. Expiration of ACA Subsidies and Impact on Americans

[01:13 - 02:11]

• Main Point: Congress has failed to renew expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, leading millions to face reduced coverage or no insurance at all.
• Personal Story: Blake Farmer reports on Robert Sorey of Tennessee, who was insured through the ACA but now must pay out-of-pocket.
  • Quote (Robert Sorey, 01:37):
    “I'm not somebody who gets sick super often, thank God. And if I do, generally I go to emergency room where they're gonna bill me later and I can get on a plan, you know what I mean?”
• Financial Impact: Sorey’s insurance would go from $0 to $70/month; 4 million could forgo insurance in 2026.

3. Inflation Update and Economic Sentiment

[02:11 - 02:49]

• Main Point: Inflation slowed slightly in November, but the cost of living remains a significant concern, with the Consumer Price Index up 2.7% year-over-year.
  • Data release was delayed and likely impacted by the recent government shutdown.
• Political Angle: President Trump’s economic approval rating has dropped to 36% (NPR/PBS News/Marist poll).
  • Quote (Scott Horsley, 02:29):
    “Even if prices aren't going up as fast as they once were, though, they're generally not. And that remains a headache for a lot of family budgets as well as a political problem for the White House.”

4. Fatal North Carolina Plane Crash

[02:49 - 03:13]

• Main Point: A business jet crash at Statesville, NC airport killed seven, including retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle and family members.
• Investigative Note: Both NTSB and FAA are investigating the incident.

5. Arms Sales to Taiwan and Response from China

[03:13 - 03:28]

• Main Point: Trump administration announces $10 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, prompting an “angry response from China.”
• Details: Includes rocket and missile systems similar to previous U.S. aid for Ukraine under the Biden administration.

6. Kids, Teens, and AI Chatbot Companionship

[03:28 - 04:34]

• Main Point: A report from digital security company Ara highlights growing use of AI chatbots by minors for companionship, romantic role play, and emotional support.
• Key Findings:
  • 42% of AI use among kids is for ongoing conversation/companionship.
  • Nearly 40% of those conversations involve violent roleplay.
  • Quote (Scott Collins, chief medical officer at Aura, 04:05):
    “It is role play that is interaction about harming somebody else, physically, hurting them, torturing them, fighting them, and a lot of it gets pretty graphic.”
  • Conversations for companionship/roleplay tend to be longer than homework help.
  • Teens spending more time online report higher digital stress.

7. Major Conservation Acquisition for Whooping Cranes

[04:34 - 04:56]

• Main Point: Conservation fund secures 3,300+ acres of habitat for whooping cranes near Port Aransas, Texas—a vital move for one of North America’s rarest birds.
• Additional Impact: Sanctuary to also support other wildlife, from birds to butterflies.

Memorable Quotes

• President Trump ([00:39]): “We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain.”
• Robert Sorey ([01:37]): "I'm not somebody who gets sick super often, thank God. And if I do, generally I go to emergency room where they're gonna bill me later and I can get on a plan, you know what I mean?"
• Scott Horsley ([02:29]): "Even if prices aren't going up as fast as they once were... that remains a headache for a lot of family budgets as well as a political problem for the White House."
• Scott Collins ([04:05]): “It is role play that is interaction about harming somebody else, physically, hurting them, torturing them, fighting them, and a lot of it gets pretty graphic.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Marijuana Reclassification: 00:18 – 01:13
• ACA Subsidy Expiration / Uninsured Americans: 01:13 – 02:11
• Inflation and Consumer Sentiment: 02:11 – 02:49
• NC Plane Crash / Greg Biffle: 02:49 – 03:13
• Taiwan Arms Sale: 03:13 – 03:28
• Kids & AI Chatbots: 03:28 – 04:34
• Whooping Crane Habitat Protection: 04:34 – 04:56

This episode delivers a rapid-fire update on policy changes, human stories behind the headlines, international tensions, tech trends impacting youth, and environmental progress, capturing the complexity of today’s news.