NPR News Now — December 31, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston, NPR News
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of significant world events as the year comes to a close, highlighting developments in U.S. politics, international conflict, New Year’s celebrations around the world, travel disruptions, entertainment industry news, and public health updates.

Key Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Freezes Child Care Funds to Minnesota

[00:19–01:14]

• Context:
  The Trump administration has frozen federal child care funds to Minnesota following allegations of fraud involving the state-administered child care program.
• Details:
  • Announcement: Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill announced on X (formerly Twitter), stating his agency has “turned off the money spigot and are finding the fraud.” (C, 00:33)
  • Background: A viral right-wing YouTube video spotlighted Minnesota daycare facilities allegedly misusing federal funds.
  • Political Response:
    • Governor Tim Walz (Democrat): "This is a transparent attempt to politicize the issue to hurt Minnesotans and defund government programs that help people." (C, 01:00)
• Takeaway:
  The move is seen as both a response to fraud and a political maneuver with potential impact on families relying on government-supported child care.

2. Russia Strikes Ukrainian Ports; Civilians and Economy Hit

[01:14–02:15]

• Event:
  Russia attacked the Ukrainian Black Sea port city Odessa and surrounding areas, injuring civilians, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting grain exports.
• Details:
  • On the Ground: Russian drones struck overnight, injuring at least six people and causing power outages.
  • Ukrainian Response:
    • President Zelensky: States that Russia’s intent is to “cut off Odessa… hitting ports, killing people and the economy, trying to reduce our exports by sea.” (D, 01:45)
  • Two civilian ships in port to load wheat were hit; a Ukrainian drone struck a Russian gas pipeline at a Black Sea port.
• Economic and Human Impact:
  Ongoing attacks threaten both civilian life and Ukraine's ability to export vital goods.

3. New Year’s Celebrations and Security Worldwide

[02:15–03:08]

• Celebrations:
  • Australia ushered in 2026 with large crowds at Sydney Harbor Bridge and a fireworks display. (E, 02:27: “Happy New Year.”)
  • European cities like Paris prepare for fireworks; people will gather along the Champs-Élysées.
• Times Square, NYC:
  • Security: Mayor Eric Adams describes extensive security measures including plainclothes police, K9 teams, officers on horseback, and restrictions on vehicles and pedestrians. (F, 02:54)
    • Quote: “We will have plainclothes K9 teams, officers on horsebacks, on our trains, subway stations and in helicopters and on boats. Pedestrians and vehicle closures will be in effect.” (F, 02:54)
  • Millions expected for the iconic ball drop.

4. Channel Tunnel Train Service Restored After Major Delay

[03:08–03:56]

• Issue:
  Power failure on Tuesday caused major train delays through the Channel Tunnel.
  • Eurostar reports normal service resuming, but possible delays/cancellations remain.
  • Some passengers were stranded overnight; one was delayed over six hours en route to Amsterdam.
• Wider Impact:
  Disruptions affected both London-Paris and Paris-bound trains.

5. Tough Year for U.S. Nightclubs

[03:56–04:36]

• Closures:
  2025 saw the shutdown of numerous notable American nightclubs across Brooklyn, San Francisco, Los Angeles (Mayan Theater), Cleveland, Chicago, Austin, and the Jersey Shore.
• Industry Challenges:
  • Quote: “It was a hard year.” — Stephen Parker, International Venue Association (H, 04:11)
  • Contributing factors:
    • Economic tightness, reduced patronage and beverage sales.
    • Gentrification.
    • Pressure from corporate entertainment giants like Live Nation and Ticketmaster, with the latter under antitrust scrutiny from the Justice Department (trial in March 2026).
• Cultural Impact:
  The closings reflect shifting nightlife trends and broader economic pressures within entertainment.

6. Public Health Update: Rising Flu Cases

[04:36–04:56]

• CDC Report:
  Flu cases are increasing faster than in recent years, due to a new virus strain.
• Public Health Advisory:
  Emphasized vigilance as the season progresses.

7. Brief Economic Update

[04:56]

• Market Overview:
  Dow futures trading higher; Asian markets mixed as of broadcast.

Notable Quotes

• Jim O’Neill, Acting CDC Director:

  “Turned off the money spigot and are finding the fraud.” (C, 00:44)

• Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN):

  “This is a transparent attempt to politicize the issue to hurt Minnesotans and defund government programs that help people.” (C, 01:00)

• President Volodymyr Zelensky:

  “They definitely want to cut off Odessa... They are hitting ports, killing people and the economy, trying to reduce our exports by sea.” (D, 01:45)

• Mayor Eric Adams (NYC):

  “We will have plainclothes K9 teams, officers on horsebacks, on our trains, subway stations and in helicopters and on boats. Pedestrians and vehicle closures will be in effect.” (F, 02:54)

• Stephen Parker, International Venue Association:

  “It was a hard year.” (H, 04:11)

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• [00:33] Federal funds frozen for Minnesota childcare over fraud concerns.
• [01:14] Russia’s latest attacks on Odessa, Ukraine.
• [02:28] New Year fireworks in Sydney, Australia: “Happy New Year.”
• [02:54] NYC Mayor details New Year’s security measures.
• [03:56] Major U.S. nightclub closures discussed.
• [04:36] CDC warns of rising flu cases.

Summary
This fast-paced NPR News Now episode delivers essential updates on international conflict, politics, festivity, business challenges, and public health, capturing the urgency and complexity of the news cycle as 2025 draws to a close.