NPR News Now: 12-07-2025 3PM EST
Host: Nora Ramm (NPR)
Date: December 7, 2025
Summary:
This five-minute NPR News Now episode covers the latest headlines: U.S. immigration policy towards Somali communities, a new U.S.-U.K. drug pricing and tariff deal, a foiled coup attempt in Benin, new developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict and Netanyahu’s status, Miami mayoral elections as a bellwether, Kennedy Center Honors under Trump’s influence, and President Trump’s challenge to Congressman Henry Cuellar’s party loyalty.
Immigration and Somali Community Statements
[00:13–01:07]
- Border Policy Comments:
- Nora Ramm reports on remarks by Tom Homan, dubbed the “border czar.”
- President Trump referred to Somali immigrants as “garbage” and expressed a wish to expel them.
- Tom Homan: “I don't know what President Trump was thinking when he said he wants Somalis out of the country,” but expresses full agreement with Trump’s policies.
- Emphasizes focus on “public safety and national security threats.”
Key Quote:
“If you're a US citizen, you know you don't have nothing to fear. … If you're a resident alien, you have a felony conviction, by statute, you could be set up for deportation.”
— Tom Homan ([00:42])
- Homan targets criminal records among resident aliens, particularly within Minnesota’s Somali community.
U.S.–U.K. Drug Tariff & Pricing Deal
[01:07–01:59]
- Trade Agreement Summary:
- NPR’s Sidney Lupkin explains a new agreement sparing UK drug exports from “hefty Trump tariffs” for at least three years.
- In exchange, UK’s NHS will pay 25% more for new medicines and reduce drug maker rebates.
- Purpose: Even the global playing field on drug costs and incentivize U.S. investment and jobs.
- Office of the United States Trade Representative cited as the source.
Key Quote:
“UK will increase the prices its health service pays for new medicines by 25% and will reduce rebates paid by drug makers.”
— Sidney Lupkin ([01:41])
Foiled Coup Attempt in Benin
[01:59–02:54]
- Event Overview:
- Reporter Emmanuel Okinwutu covers soldiers appearing on Benin state television, claiming to have deposed President Patrice Talon.
- Gunfire reported near the residence of Talon in Porto-Novo.
- Later, Benin’s government claimed to have restored order; the president is confirmed safe.
- Context: Talon accused of authoritarianism, with recurrent coup attempts in the region.
- Coup attempt follows prior accusations of government crackdown on dissent.
Key Quote:
“Gunshots were heard near the president's residence … but later … the interior minister announced they had regained control … the president was safe.”
— Emmanuel Okinwutu ([02:34])
Israel, Gaza, and Netanyahu Statements
[02:54–03:14]
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expects ceasefire talks with Hamas to move forward.
- Netanyahu says a pardon on corruption charges won’t lead him to quit politics.
Miami Mayoral Election as Political Bellwether
[03:14–03:34]
- Early voting for Miami’s new mayor is underway.
- The race is viewed as an early indicator of broader national political trends ahead of the midterm elections.
- Democrats are hopeful to win after three decades.
Kennedy Center Honors—Changes Under Trump
[03:34–04:31]
- Segment by Elizabeth Blair:
- Kennedy Center Honors recognize lifetime achievement in performing arts; recipients this year include Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford.
- This year’s selection process is significantly influenced by President Trump: “He said he was 98% responsible for selecting the honorees … he will be hosting the event.”
- Past honorees and the traditional, extensive selection process are contrasted with this year’s changes.
Key Quote:
“This year, it's really the President Trump show. He said he was 98% responsible for selecting the honorees.”
— Elizabeth Blair ([04:13])
Trump Criticizes Rep. Henry Cuellar
[04:31–04:56]
- President Trump, having recently pardoned Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar for bribery charges, criticizes Cuellar for not switching parties.
- Cuellar chooses to run as a Democrat, prompting Trump to post: “Oh well, next time, no more Mr. Nice Guy.”
Memorable Quotes
-
“If you're a US citizen, you know you don't have nothing to fear.”
— Tom Homan ([00:42]) -
“UK will increase the prices its health service pays for new medicines by 25% and will reduce rebates paid by drug makers.”
— Sidney Lupkin ([01:41]) -
“Gunshots were heard near the president's residence … but later … the interior minister announced they had regained control … the president was safe.”
— Emmanuel Okinwutu ([02:34]) -
“This year, it's really the President Trump show. He said he was 98% responsible for selecting the honorees.”
— Elizabeth Blair ([04:13])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:13] Border czar Tom Homan on Somali immigration
- [01:07] U.S.–U.K. drug trade deal
- [01:59] Foiled coup in Benin
- [02:54] Netanyahu on Gaza negotiations
- [03:14] Miami mayoral elections
- [03:52] Kennedy Center Honors under Trump
- [04:31] Trump slams Rep. Henry Cuellar
Overall Tone:
Straightforward, rapid-fire reporting typical of NPR News Now. The report maintains a factual, neutral style but pulls in direct quotes for a sense of immediacy and gravity.
Best for:
Listeners seeking an efficient, comprehensive update on breaking headlines and evolving political stories in the U.S. and abroad.
