U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela, Iran Protests, Flu Cases Surge

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Up First from NPR 16 min 7 speakers 8 chapters transcribed
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

Michelle Martin 0:00
Good morning and happy New Year's Eve, eh? Oh, that's right. It's that time of year.

What are the details of the U.S. strike inside Venezuela?

Michelle Martin 0:04
You too, Michelle. So are you going to stay up until midnight to welcome 2026 in?
Franco Ordóñez 0:08
I clock into work at midnight, so I will be asleep until then.
Michelle Martin 0:13
Well, not until then, right?

What is the significance of the protests in Iran?

Michelle Martin 0:15
No, I guess up until then. Up until then. Yes, there you go. Okay, yeah, no, me neither.

How is the Iranian government responding to the protests?

Michelle Martin 0:19
What was I thinking? No, me neither. But it being the last day of the year, this is also the last day of NPR's end-of-year fundraising campaign.

How does the new flu strain impact vaccination effectiveness?

Michelle Martin 0:27
Yeah, that's right. And it's not too late to end the year on a high note and invest in a public service that matters to you. Public Radio is about to enter its first full year without federal funding.

What precautions can people take to protect themselves from the flu?

Michelle Martin 0:37
So we really do need your support now more than ever.
Franco Ordóñez 0:39
Yeah, and thank you so much if you're already an NPR Plus supporter or if you've already made a year-end donation.
Michelle Martin 0:45
So many listeners have stepped up and shared their stories of why they support public radio, like Wren in South Carolina who says, I started listening to NPR against my will as a young teen. My dad would have it on in the kitchen in the morning and for my ride to school.

What are the implications of U.S. military actions on Venezuela's stability?

Michelle Martin 0:59
Hmm, that sounds familiar.

How are public health officials addressing the current flu outbreak?

Michelle Martin 1:00
Now, as an adult, I follow the same ritual in a world of shouting. NPR is a calm, steady voice. Thanks for helping to raise me.
Franco Ordóñez 1:08
Well, Wren, you sound like a wonderful human being. It sounds like we did a great job raising you.
Unknown 1:12
I think so, too. I mean, doesn't it? It does. I think so, too.
Franco Ordóñez 1:14
And your support means so much, and we'll keep on doing our best to be that calm voice moving forward in 2026.
Michelle Martin 1:19
You can join the community of public radio supporters today by signing up for NPR Plus.
Franco Ordóñez 1:25
Yes, signing up unlocks a bunch of perks, such as bonus episodes and a lot more from across NPR's podcasts. And you can support public media while you listen.
Michelle Martin 1:32
Join us at plus.npr.org.
Franco Ordóñez 1:38
The U.S. carried out its first known strike inside Venezuela.
Unknown 1:42
There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs.
Michelle Martin 1:46
President Trump says it sends a message to Nicolas Maduro, but critics warn it could escalate the conflict.
Franco Ordóñez 1:51
Ari Martinez, that's Michelle Martin, and this is a first from NPR News. In Iran, protests over the economy are spreading. Security forces are cracking down as anger over inflation and sanctions boil over.
Michelle Martin 2:05
So is this a short-lived protest or the start of something bigger? And flu cases are surging across the U.S., with millions already sick and hospitals bracing for more. A new strain is spreading fast and fewer people are getting vaccinated, which makes this flu season different. How can you prepare? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day. Hello and Happy New Year. It's Michelle Martin from Morning Edition. Thank you to everyone who donated during our end-of-year fundraising campaign. 2025 dealt a big blow to NPR and local stations with the loss of federal funding for public media, but we are so heartened by the outpouring of support, and we will get through this together. Thank you for keeping NPR strong moving into 2026 and beyond.
Franco Ordóñez 2:54
AI data centers use a lot of electricity, and you may be paying for it.
Unknown 3:01
I think it's almost inevitable that ordinary people are going to end up subsidizing the wealthiest industry in the world.
Franco Ordóñez 3:08
On the latest Planet Money podcast, how data centers might be hijacking your electric bill. Listen on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Unknown 3:19
What's in store for the music, TV, and film industries for 2026? We don't know. But we're making some fun, bold predictions for the new year, plus setting some personal pop culture resolutions. Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour in the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Michelle Martin 3:37
President Trump's critics say the American strike on a facility in Venezuela is drawing the U.S. even closer into a more dangerous conflict.
Franco Ordóñez 3:44
Trump gave a few new details this week of the attack against a dock in Venezuela where drugs are allegedly being loaded on boats.
Unknown 3:52
There was a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs. They load the boats up with drugs.

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