NPR News Now: December 8, 2025, 10PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Date: December 9, 2025
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced digest of the day’s biggest news stories, including developments in the entertainment industry, changes to federal homelessness funding, Supreme Court deliberations on agency independence, the outcome of a major clergy abuse settlement, a surprising shakeup in college football, and a quirky Disneyland milestone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Streaming Wars Intensify: Paramount vs. Netflix

[00:13–01:16]

• Paramount ups its bid to $108 billion for all of Warner Bros. Discovery (including CNN) after Netflix’s recent deal to buy Warner Bros. Studios and HBO.
• Paramount Chief David Ellison is pushing for this acquisition to better compete with Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and Disney.
• Trump’s Influence: Former President Trump says he will review any resulting deal, reflecting his ongoing sway in media politics.
  • Trump praised CBS News changes under Ellison’s ownership, but later criticized CBS as “worse than ever before under Paramount’s new owners” following a critical interview on 60 Minutes.
• Notable Quote:
  • “President Trump said Sunday he'd be involved in reviewing any deal...you never do know how that will end up.” — David Folkenflick, NPR [00:55]

2. HUD Reverses Course on Homelessness Funding Overhaul

[01:16–02:14]

• HUD (Housing and Urban Development) will revise recent controversial changes to homelessness funding after two lawsuits challenging dramatic cuts to long-term housing aid.
• Risk to Vulnerable Populations: Advocacy groups warned the earlier plan could push 170,000 people back into homelessness.
• Temporary Withdrawal: HUD told the court it would pull back changes for now but reiterated intent to focus on transitional housing and mandated treatment.
• Contested Criteria: New funding rules align with Trump administration policies (e.g., DEI and transgender rights restrictions), drawing lawsuits alleging unconstitutionality.
• Notable Quote:
  • “States, cities, and nonprofits warned that HUD's overhaul could push 170,000 people back into homelessness.” — Jennifer Ludden, NPR [01:32]
  • “Congress has made clear homelessness funding should be based on need and spent on programs with proven success.” — Jennifer Ludden, NPR [02:10]

3. Supreme Court Considers Presidential Control Over Agencies

[02:14–03:11]

• Case: President Trump’s firing of Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter is challenged; she was protected by laws allowing removal only for cause.
• Legal Precedent: The lower court cited the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor ruling, which limits presidential removal powers.
• Solicitor General John Sauer (representing Trump) urges the Court to overturn Humphrey’s Executor.
• Implications: A decision favoring Trump could shift the balance of power, giving the presidency more control over formerly independent federal agencies.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The FTC is one of a couple dozen government agencies designed by Congress to have some degree of independence from the White House under federal law.” — Andrea Hsu, NPR [02:34]

4. Plaintiffs Win Major Settlement in New Orleans Clergy Abuse Case

[03:17–03:39]

• Settlement: New Orleans Archdiocese will pay at least $230 million to hundreds of clergy sexual abuse victims.
• Negotiation Length: Talks have been ongoing since 2020.
• Terms: The deal mandates improved prevention policies and greater transparency in church handling of abuse claims.

5. Historic Upset in College Football Playoff

[03:39–04:34]

• Top Seed: Indiana Hoosiers (historically one of the least successful programs) go undefeated, earning a spot as the top seed.
• Notable Win: Their season capped by a 13-10 victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship.
• Playoff Field:
  • Top four: Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech.
  • First time two “Group of Five” schools (Tulane, James Madison) included.
  • Other contenders: Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Miami.
• Schedule: First-round games on December 19–20; semifinals on New Year’s Eve & Day.
• Notable Quote:
  • “No program in college football history has lost more games than Indiana. But with coach Kurt Signetti at the helm, they went undefeated this season, including a gutsy 13–10 win over Ohio State…” — Becky Sullivan, NPR [03:53]

6. Disneyland Superfan Sets Record

[04:34–04:56]

• Fan Feat: John Allen Hale completes his 15,000th spin on Disneyland’s Radiator Springs Racers ride.
• Remarkable Dedication: Averages 13 rides per visit to the park.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Ryland Barton, NPR: Summing up the episode, “I’m Ryland Barton. This is NPR News from Washington.” [04:55]
• Jennifer Ludden, NPR: “States, cities, and Nonprofits warned that HUD's overhaul could push 170,000 people back into homelessness.” [01:32]
• Becky Sullivan, NPR: “No program in college football history has lost more games than Indiana. But with coach Kurt Signetti at the helm, they went undefeated this season...” [03:53]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Entertainment Industry Merger Battles: [00:13–01:16]
• Homelessness Funding Overhaul Lawsuit: [01:16–02:14]
• Supreme Court: Presidential Power Over Agencies: [02:14–03:11]
• Clergy Abuse Settlement in New Orleans: [03:17–03:39]
• College Football Playoff Developments: [03:39–04:34]
• Disneyland Ride Milestone: [04:34–04:56]

This episode delivers a whirlwind update on U.S. news—from seismic shifts in media ownership to landmark legal cases and feel-good human interest stories—capturing the urgent, matter-of-fact tone of public radio journalism.