NPR News Now – December 10, 2025, 7PM EST
Podcast: NPR News Now
Host: Ryland Barton
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: A snapshot of significant current events in U.S. politics, education and labor, environment, immigration, culture, and astronomy.
Overview
This concise NPR News Now episode covers major headlines for December 10, 2025. Highlights include President Trump’s renewed criticism of European allies, a unique Boulder program training students in the building trades, changes in EPA climate policy, weather updates for the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, immigration detention concerns, a feature on the nation’s biggest nutcracker collection, and a preview of the upcoming Gemini meteor shower.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. U.S.–Europe Relations & Ukraine Peace Plan
Reported by Mara Liasson (00:18–01:11)
- President Trump’s new criticism of European allies: In an interview with Politico, Trump called Western European democracies "weak and decaying" and blamed them for immigration crises and failure to halt the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Trump emphasized what he sees as a Russian advantage in the conflict:
- Quote: “It’s not easy with Russia because Russia has the upper hand.” – Donald Trump [00:51]
- Trump is urging President Zelensky of Ukraine to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan. Key reported details:
- Plan would require Ukraine to cede territory, limit its military, and restrict sovereignty in line with some Russian demands.
- The move could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy toward both European allies and Ukraine.
2. High Schoolers Address Housing & Skilled Trades Gap in Boulder
Reported by Sam Fuqua (01:11–02:06)
- Innovative housing program: Boulder Valley high school students help build modular homes for low-income residents.
- Homes constructed in a student-run factory, set up by city partnership (school district, city, Habitat for Humanity).
- Recognized as the first three-way program of its kind in the U.S.
- Tackles both local affordable housing needs and national shortage of skilled construction labor; U.S. reportedly needs 500,000 more workers in the trades.
- Hands-on learning: Students earn course credit and jumpstart construction careers.
3. EPA Reframes Climate Change Messaging
Reported by Jeff Brady (02:06–03:03)
- Trump administration shifts EPA website content:
- The “Causes of Climate Change” page now spotlights natural sources (e.g., volcanic activity, Earth’s rotation) over human-driven ones.
- The previous version, reflecting scientific consensus on fossil fuels and global warming, is now archived.
- EPA statement: Agency no longer “takes marching orders from the climate cult,” says spokesperson Bridget Hirsch.
- Quote: “The Trump EPA is focused on protecting human health and the environment, not left wing political agendas.” – EPA Spokesperson Bridget Hirsch [02:33]
- Trump’s climate skepticism is called out (“Trump has called climate change a hoax”).
4. Severe Weather Updates
Reported by Ryland Barton (03:03–03:17)
- Pacific Northwest: Powerful storms bring heavy rain and rising rivers.
- Midwest: Prepares for expected winter storm.
5. Immigration Detention & Child Welfare
Reported by Ryland Barton (03:17–03:47)
- Legal scrutiny over child detention:
- About 400 immigrant children have reportedly been detained beyond the legally recommended 20-day maximum in Texas family detention center.
- Some children claim to have been held for up to 168 days.
- Advocates are questioning Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s authority for such lengthy detentions.
6. Largest U.S. Nutcracker Collection
Reported by Vanessa Romo, voices Arlene Wagner (03:47–04:36)
- Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, Washington: Over 9,000 handcrafted nutcrackers housed.
- Founded by Arlene Wagner, now 101 years old; her collection began with a keepsake from her time running a ballet company.
- Quote: “That was the whole idea of starting the museum was to let other people enjoy what we enjoy.” – Arlene Wagner [04:15]
7. Gemini Meteor Shower Preview
Reported by Ryland Barton (04:36–04:56)
- Gemini meteor shower peaks this weekend.
- Characterized by bright yellow meteors visible worldwide; best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Occurs when meteors burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating fiery trails.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On U.S.–Europe Relations:
- “Europe doesn’t know what to do.” – Donald Trump [00:41]
- “They have to play ball.” – Donald Trump [00:43]
- On EPA Website Shift:
- “This agency no longer takes marching orders from the climate cult.” – EPA Spokesperson Bridget Hirsch [02:39]
- On Collecting Nutcrackers:
- “That was the whole idea of starting the museum was to let other people enjoy what we enjoy.” – Arlene Wagner [04:15]
Timestamps & Segments
- 00:18 – President Trump criticizes Europe; new Ukraine peace plan
- 01:11 – Boulder student-built housing program
- 02:06 – EPA downgrades human role in climate change website
- 03:03 – Powerful storms in Northwest; Midwest winter storm
- 03:17 – Immigration child detention length & legal questions
- 03:47 – Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum founder Arlene Wagner turns 101
- 04:36 – Gemini meteor shower peaks this weekend
Tone & Style
The reporting is succinct, factual, and balanced, in classic NPR style—offering a clear window into major developments without editorializing, while still capturing direct quotes from officials and figures in the news.
This summary provides a thorough yet concise overview of December 10th’s NPR News Now 7PM broadcast, encapsulating all major topics and voices of the day.