NPR News Now – December 19, 2025, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Format: Rapid, five-minute update with national and international news

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now newscast is a snapshot of major global and national headlines as of December 19, 2025. The coverage encompasses developments in Gaza’s food crisis, major changes to U.S. drug and healthcare policy under President Trump, immigration and crime updates, U.S. weather emergencies, gun reform in Australia, and the reopening of Paris’s Louvre Museum. The tone is urgent, factual, and succinct, with expert news reporting and direct quotes from major stakeholders.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

Food Security Update in Gaza

• [00:15–01:14]
  • Korva Coleman introduces a major update: the world’s top food security group says famine is no longer present in Gaza.
  • Hadil Alshelji details the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) findings, which identify a "notable improvement" in food security and nutrition.
  • The improvements are attributed to an October ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
  • The IPC warns the situation remains "highly fragile," with the risk of starvation still looming.
  • The Israeli military disputes the report, claiming compliance with UN aid standards.
  • Notable data: Some Palestinians are able to have two meals daily now.
    • Quote: “The situation is, quote, highly fragile and the Gaza Strip as a whole could still face starvation.” — Hadil Alshelji (00:44)

U.S. Moves to Reclassify Marijuana

• [01:14–01:33]
  • President Trump announces the reclassification of marijuana to a lower risk category after decades as a top-tier controlled substance.
    • Quote: “We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain.” — President Trump (01:33)
  • This federal shift means Medicare is expected to start covering some cannabis products starting next year.
  • The move comes after significant lobbying and public debate.

Federal Moves to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care for Youth

• [01:34–02:48]
  • The Trump administration proposes withholding federal funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics responds forcefully, warning the proposal "misconstrued the current medical consensus" and endangers transgender youth.
  • NPR’s Selena Simmons Duffin reports fears from pediatricians and patients that care will be cut off if the rules proceed.
    • Quote (anonymous pediatrician): “Suddenly we're going into the holiday break and families are going to be sitting at home terrified, not knowing how can protect their children.” (02:29)
  • The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days before any finalization.

Crime & Immigration: Brown University, MIT Shootings/Immigration Policy

• [02:48–03:20]
  • Authorities have found the suspect dead in last week’s shootings at Brown University and MIT.
  • The administration identifies the suspect as a Portuguese immigrant who entered the U.S. via the visa lottery.
  • Announcement: Immediate suspension of the visa lottery for legal immigration.
  • Note: Language here refers to the "Trump immigrant Rather administration," likely a minor transcript error or correction.

Colorado Windstorm & Wildfire Risk

• [03:20–03:56]
  • The National Weather Service issues its “most dire” warning for Boulder, Colorado: wind gusts may reach 100 mph, and wildfires could spread rapidly.
  • Boulder residents advised to stay home; utility companies proactively cut power to 100,000 customers to prevent fire.

Australia Launches National Gun Buyback

• [03:56–04:39]
  • Following a mass shooting in Bondi, Australia, that killed 15, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces a new national gun buyback.
  • Australia presently holds over 4 million firearms—more than during its sweeping 1990s reforms.
  • Key reforms proposed:
    • Buyback of surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms.
    • Firearms surrendered will be destroyed.
    • New limits on gun ownership per person.
    • Gun license restricted to Australian citizens.
    • Quote: “The terrible events at Bondi show we need to get more guns off our streets.” — PM Anthony Albanese (04:14)

Louvre Museum in Paris Fully Reopens

• [04:39–04:56]
  • The Louvre Museum reopens after workers return following a strike over working conditions, which escalated after a jewel robbery earlier this year.

Notable Quotes

• Hadil Alshelji (regarding Gaza):
  • “The situation is, quote, highly fragile and the Gaza Strip as a whole could still face starvation.” (00:44)
• President Trump (marijuana reclassification):
  • “We have people begging for me to do this, people that are in great pain.” (01:33)
• Anonymous Pediatrician (gender-affirming care proposal):
  • “Suddenly we're going into the holiday break and families are going to be sitting at home terrified, not knowing how can protect their children.” (02:29)
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Australia gun buyback):
  • “The terrible events at Bondi show we need to get more guns off our streets.” (04:14)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Gaza famine update: 00:15–01:14
• Marijuana reclassification & Medicare coverage: 01:14–01:33
• Gender-affirming care restrictions: 01:34–02:48
• Brown/MIT shooting & immigration: 02:48–03:20
• Colorado wildfire emergency: 03:20–03:56
• Australia gun buyback: 03:56–04:39
• Louvre Museum reopening: 04:39–04:56

This episode delivers urgent, broad-reaching updates suitable for anyone who wants to stay informed on rapidly evolving news, both in the U.S. and worldwide. The reporting is brisk yet thorough, providing context, responses from experts and officials, and a sense of the developing narrative across multiple pressing issues.