NPR News Now — December 30, 2025, 11PM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This fast-paced episode of NPR News Now delivers key U.S. and global headlines, featuring breaking developments in the Venezuela conflict, a nationwide flu surge, marijuana rescheduling, a notable federal court decision, CDC action in Minnesota, the memorialization of Tatiana Schlossberg, and an economic update. The broadcast maintains NPR’s signature concise, fact-based tone, rapidly cycling through major stories of national importance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalation in Venezuela Conflict

• [00:18–01:14]
  NPR's Shea Stevens and Tom Bowman report that the Trump administration disclosed a recent CIA drone strike on a Venezuelan unmanned port facility targeting alleged drug boats.

  • Details:

    • The strike targeted land-based infrastructure, marking a change from prior maritime drone attacks.
    • The event signals an escalation of U.S. pressure on Nicolas Maduro’s regime.
    • President Trump has suggested an expanded campaign moving onto land targets.

  • Notable Quote:

    • Tom Bowman [00:55]:
      “This is the first strike on land, clearly ramping up pressure on the Maduro regime. President Trump has already indicated the fight would move to land, so this could be just the first one.”

2. Flu Cases Surge Across U.S.

• [01:14–02:00]
  Gabriela Emanuel explains that the U.S. is experiencing a sharp increase in flu-related hospitalizations, nearly doubling in a week—before Christmas gatherings.

  • Details:

    • Over 19,000 hospitalizations reported in a week.
    • Surge began in the Northeast, now widespread in the Midwest and South, with Western states less affected.
    • Current flu vaccine’s effectiveness is limited but still advised.

  • Notable Quote:

    • Gabriela Emanuel [01:51]:
      “The strain of flu driving up cases is not a great match for this year’s flu vaccine, but experts say the shot provides more protection than no vaccine at all.”

3. Marijuana Rescheduling and Industry Impact

• [02:06–02:57]
  With cannabis moved from Schedule I to Schedule III, marijuana companies anticipate financial relief, but uncertainties remain for researchers and state policies.

  • Details:

    • Sam Brill (Ascend Wellness) notes rescheduling allows for tax deductions, possibly liberating millions for businesses.
    • Administration claims move could also stimulate research.
    • Regulatory experts, like Jillian Schauer, highlight persistent barriers for scientists, such as sourcing research-grade marijuana.

  • Notable Quotes:

    • Sam Brill [02:23]:
      “I’m paying a full tax bill on my gross margin, which no other company does except for people in our industry.”
    • Jillian Schauer [02:47]:
      “There’s a lot that will still be challenging in researching cannabis unless we see a lot of agency policies change and adjust.”

4. CFPB Funding Order

• [03:00–03:19]
  A federal judge demands the Trump administration maintain funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), amid government efforts to dismantle it.
  • Details:
    • CFPB was established after the Great Recession to protect consumers in the financial sector.

5. CDC Halts Child Care Funding in Minnesota

• [03:20–03:50]
  The CDC has suspended child care funding and requested an audit of alleged fraud in Minnesota government programs, following a viral claim concerning Somali-run centers.
  • Details:
    • CDC cites a social media exposé from a right-wing influencer.
    • Governor Tim Walz asserts the state was already investigating and calls the CDC’s move “a blatant attempt to harm his state.”

6. Tatiana Schlossberg Obituary

• [03:51–04:44]
  Julia Simon pays tribute to environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, who passed away at age 35.

  • Details:

    • Schlossberg’s writings highlighted her experience with cancer and concerns about the health care system, including critique of her cousin HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
    • Covered climate resilience topics like seagrass meadows and “sponge cities.”
    • Authored a book on climate solutions; survived by family and two young children.

  • Notable Quote:

    • Julia Simon (reading Schlossberg’s writing) [04:40]:
      “She is survived by her family, including two small children whose faces she wrote live permanently on the inside of her eyelids.”

7. Stock Market Update

• [04:44–04:56]
  U.S. futures are flat after market losses:
  • Dow: -94 points
  • Nasdaq: -55 points
  • S&P: -9 points

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Tom Bowman, on Venezuela escalation [00:55]: “This is the first strike on land, clearly ramping up pressure on the Maduro regime…”
• Gabriela Emanuel, on flu vaccine [01:51]: “The shot provides more protection than no vaccine at all.”
• Sam Brill, on tax changes for marijuana businesses [02:23]: “No other company does [this] except for people in our industry.”
• Jillian Schauer, on research barriers [02:47]: “There’s a lot that will still be challenging in researching cannabis unless we see a lot of agency policies change and adjust.”
• Julia Simon (paraphrasing Schlossberg) [04:40]: “Two small children whose faces she wrote live permanently on the inside of her eyelids.”

Key Segment Timestamps

• Venezuela drone strike escalation: 00:18–01:14
• Flu surge: 01:14–02:06
• Marijuana rescheduling & industry impact: 02:06–02:57
• CFPB funding court order: 03:00–03:19
• Minnesota CDC audit/funding halt: 03:20–03:50
• Tatiana Schlossberg remembrance: 03:51–04:44
• Markets update: 04:44–04:56

This concise news episode rapidly orients the listener to critical current events, reflecting NPR’s commitment to clarity, immediacy, and journalistic breadth.