NPR News Now: 12-10-2025 10AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: December 10, 2025
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise update on top U.S. and global news stories, including political developments, Supreme Court arguments, business news, major weather events, and a note on the upcoming meteor shower.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. President Trump’s Pennsylvania Rally

Reported by: Tamara Keith

• Topic: President Trump’s latest rally in central Pennsylvania.
• Discussion Points:
  • The rally was billed as focused on cost of living, but Trump often digressed, discussing history, using foul language to denigrate Black immigrants, and commenting on his cabinet members’ appearances.
  • Trump downplayed public concerns about affordability, stated he had “inherited a mess,” and deflected blame to previous administrations.
  • He claimed things are improving, especially gasoline prices, referencing an 8-cent drop per gallon over the past year, but this is offset by continuing high grocery, utility, and healthcare costs.
• Notable Quote:
  • Tamara Keith (00:39): “He mocked the preoccupation with affordability. He says that he inherited a mess. In other words, don't blame me, blame the former guy. And he says things are already cheaper… But that's not really enough savings to make up for higher grocery prices and utility bills and health care costs.”

2. Supreme Court & the Death Penalty Dispute

Reported by: Kristen Wright

• Topic: Supreme Court hearing in a case with major death penalty implications.
• Key Details:
  • The core issue: Whether executing people with certain disabilities violates constitutional rights.
  • The precedent: Execution of people with intellectual disabilities was barred in 2002, but the current case, out of Alabama, centers on how such disability is defined and the role of IQ scores.
  • Defendant Joseph Clifton Smith argues his disability should exempt him from execution; the state disputes his status based on “borderline” IQ.
  • Advocates push for a holistic evaluation, not just a number.
  • The decision could affect how courts in multiple states approach the death penalty.
• Notable Quote:
  • Kristen Wright (01:21): “Advocates say, though, that determination should be holistic, not a single number.”

3. Elon Musk on the “Doge” Entity & Federal Jobs

• Summary:
  • Elon Musk commented on his controversial Doge entity (which cut federal jobs) on the Katie Miller Podcast.
  • Musk said the project was only “a little bit successful” and he would decline to lead it today, preferring to focus on his businesses like Tesla.

4. Financial Markets & Business Updates

Reported by: Scott Horsley

• Federal Reserve Interest Rates:
  • The Fed is expected to cut its interest rate by a quarter point to support a weakening job market while watching inflation.
  • Labor Department: Private sector wages/salaries rose 3.6% in a year; prices rose 3% within the same period.
• Stock Highlights:
  • Cracker Barrel stock fell after sales dropped and its forecast was lowered. The company is still recovering from an unpopular logo change.
  • Pepsi shares increased on announcements to lower prices and shrink their product mix.
• Notable Quote:
  • Scott Horsley (02:31): “The Fed is widely expected to cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point today. The central bank's hoping to cushion a sagging job market, but policymakers are also keeping a watchful eye on inflation.”

5. Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan Opposition Leader

• Summary:
  • Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded opposition activist Maria Corina Machado the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Machado, who is under a travel ban and barred from running in Venezuela’s election, could not attend—her daughter accepted instead.
  • Machado claims she is en route to Oslo despite hiding in Venezuela.

6. Severe Weather Across the U.S.

Reported by: Giles Snyder

• Pacific Northwest:
  • Washington State faces power outages and flooding caused by “atmospheric river” rains; emergency operations at highest alert.
  • Governor Bob Ferguson addressed the public via social media.
  • Oregon also affected.
• Great Lakes/Northeast:
  • A separate storm (“clipper system”) brought 65 mph winds to the Dakotas.
  • Heavy snow (up to a foot) forecast for the Lakes, Appalachians, and prone Northeast regions.
• Notable Quote:
  • Giles Snyder (03:59): “Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson says the state's emergency operations center has moved to its highest activation level because of ongoing rain and wind.”

7. Geminid Meteor Shower Approaching Peak

• Details:
  • The Geminid meteor shower will peak after dark Saturday night in North America.
  • The American Meteor Society advises the best visibility through mid-December.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Tamara Keith (00:39):
  “He mocked the preoccupation with affordability. He says that he inherited a mess. In other words, don't blame me, blame the former guy.”

• Kristen Wright (01:21):
  “Advocates say, though, that determination should be holistic, not a single number. The ruling could have implications on how courts in several states apply the death penalty.”

• Scott Horsley (02:31):
  “The Fed is widely expected to cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point today. The central bank's hoping to cushion a sagging job market, but policymakers are also keeping a watchful eye on inflation.”

• Giles Snyder (03:59):
  “Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson says the state's emergency operations center has moved to its highest activation level because of ongoing rain and wind.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Rally & Cost of Living: 00:13 – 01:03
• Supreme Court & Death Penalty: 01:03 – 01:58
• Elon Musk & Doge Entity: 01:58 – 02:31
• Financial and Business News: 02:31 – 03:13
• Nobel Peace Prize to Machado: 03:13 – 03:59
• Severe Weather Coverage: 03:59 – 04:40
• Meteor Shower Preview: 04:40 – 04:56

Summary

This tightly packed episode of NPR News Now delivers coverage of President Trump’s unpredictable rally, a consequential Supreme Court case on the death penalty, business updates on the Fed and major corporations, weather emergencies, international political recognition, and a heads up for stargazers. Each segment is crisp, factual, and gives listeners a quick but thorough understanding of the day’s most relevant developments.