NPR News Now - December 9, 2025, 5AM EST

Host: Dave Mattingly (NPR News)
Episode Theme: Early morning update on the most urgent national and international news stories, with a focus on major political, judicial, and global events.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Trump Administration’s $12 Billion Bailout for Farmers

Main Point:

• The Trump administration will issue $12 billion in one-time payments to U.S. farmers to compensate them for trade war losses.

Details:

• Funds target farmers affected by retaliatory tariffs, especially growers of corn and soybeans.
• Many Midwestern farmers have faced rising supply costs and lower prices for their goods.
• USDA to distribute funds by March (row crop farmers: $11 billion; others: $1 billion).

Notable Quote:

• Richard Oswald (Missouri farmer):

  "They're attempting to replace profit with bailout money. It's not the same as having a good market and making a profit."
  [01:05]

Reporter: Frank Morris (KCUR, for NPR)
Segment Timestamp: [00:15]-[01:14]

2. Federal Judge Overturns Trump’s Wind Energy Ban

Main Point:

• President Trump's executive order blocking new wind energy projects was ruled unlawful.

Details:

• U.S. District Judge Patty Sarris called the order "arbitrary and capricious."
• The order, in effect since January, left projects in limbo for 11 months.
• Coalition of 17 Democratic states, led by NY AG Letitia James, argued the pause violated federal requirements.
• Ruling deemed a "big victory" by state leaders.

Notable Quotes:

• Giles Snyder (NPR):

  "The directive in place since January has left new wind projects in limbo for the past 11 months."
  [01:41]

• Letitia James (NY AG, on social media):

  "A big victory."
  (Paraphrased by reporter)

Reporter: Giles Snyder
Segment Timestamp: [01:27]-[02:22]

3. Ongoing Controversy Over Venezuela Military Airstrikes

Main Point:

• President Trump will defer to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the release of video evidence from U.S. airstrikes on a suspected drug boat off Venezuela.

Details:

• A second strike on survivors of a September attack is under scrutiny.
• Classified briefings have taken place on Capitol Hill.
• Defense Department is still reviewing whether to release the video.

Notable Moments:

• Dave Mattingly notes:

  "Trump originally told reporters the video would certainly be released."
  [02:22]

Segment Timestamp: [02:22]-[02:42]

4. Breaking: Deadly Fire in Jakarta High-Rise

Main Point:

• At least 17 killed in office tower blaze in Indonesia’s capital.

Details:

• Fire started midday on the first floor, spread rapidly.
• Official cause not yet determined.

Segment Timestamp: [02:42]-[03:15]

5. Honduran Ex-President Hernandez Sought After U.S. Pardon

Main Point:

• Honduras seeks arrest of ex-president Juan Orlando Hernandez, days after a pardon by President Trump led to his prison release.

Details:

• Hernandez’s wife says he’s in hiding.
• He was previously serving 45 years for cocaine trafficking.
• Trump says Hernandez was “treated unfairly” and “the people wanted him set free.”

Notable Quote:

• Trump (via Dave Mattingly paraphrase):

  "[Trump] believes Hernandez was treated unfairly by prosecutors in the country and the people there wanted him set free."
  [03:15]

Segment Timestamp: [03:15]-[03:37]

6. New York Archdiocese to Allocate $300 Million for Abuse Settlements

Main Point:

• The Archdiocese of New York will negotiate a $300 million settlement for cases of Catholic Church sexual abuse.

Details:

• Cardinal Timothy Dolan publicly asks forgiveness for "the failing of those who betrayed the trust."
• To pay for settlements, the archdiocese is:
  • Laying off staff
  • Cutting budget by 10%
  • Selling real estate
• The same mediator as in the Los Angeles case will assist.

Notable Quote:

• Cardinal Timothy Dolan:

  "The sexual abuse of minors long ago has brought shame upon our church. I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people."
  [04:02]

Reporter: Sarah Ventri
Segment Timestamp: [04:02]-[04:40]

7. Federal Reserve Set for Possible Rate Cut

Main Point:

• The Federal Reserve opens its policy meeting, with most economists expecting a quarter-point rate cut.

Details:

• Economic context and anticipation noted; no follow-up analysis provided.

Segment Timestamp: [04:40]-[04:54]

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Richard Oswald, Missouri Farmer:

  "It's not the same as having a good market and making a profit."
  [01:05]

• Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archdiocese of New York:

  "[Abuse] has brought shame upon our church. I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust..."
  [04:02]

• Giles Snyder (NPR), on federal wind project ban:

  "The directive in place since January has left new wind projects in limbo for the past 11 months."
  [01:41]

Summary Flow

• The episode moved briskly from economic relief for American farmers and judicial challenges to Trump’s policies, to tense foreign policy events and breaking international news. The update also included significant developments in the Catholic Church’s response to abuse cases and set the stage for anticipated economic decisions.

End of content summary. (Ads and sponsor segments have been omitted.)