NPR News Now – December 10, 2025, 12PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers the latest headlines as of noon EST on December 10, 2025. Major stories include updates on U.S. economic policy, President Trump's claims on the economy, challenges faced by Afghan veterans in the U.S., Ukraine's firm stance on territorial integrity, new developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, and an innovative student-led housing initiative in Colorado.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Reserve's Final 2025 Meeting: Uncertain Policy Ahead

[00:17–00:51]

• The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter point at its final meeting this year.
• Future actions for 2026 are unclear due to gaps in data — a result of delays from the "historically long government shutdown."
• Insight: The central bank is navigating with "limited information about inflation and jobs," making economic policy decisions more challenging.

2. President Trump Responds to Economic Criticism

[00:51–01:18]
Reporter: Tamara Keith

• At a rally in Mount Pocono, PA, President Trump dismissed reports of declining voter confidence in his economic leadership.
• Trump criticized concerns about affordability, blaming previous administrations for the "mess" and claiming conditions have already improved, especially in gas prices.
• According to GasBuddy, gas prices are down by about 8 cents per gallon from last year, but this "isn't enough to offset higher grocery, utility, and healthcare costs."
• Quote:
  • Tamara Keith [01:05]: “He mocked the preoccupation with affordability... he says things are already cheaper. In particular, he talks a lot about gas prices. ...But that's not really enough savings to make up for higher grocery prices and utility bills and health care costs.”

3. Afghan CIA-Linked Veterans Struggle in the U.S.

[01:18–02:23]
Reporter: Brian Mann

• Many Afghan soldiers who fought under CIA leadership have struggled after fleeing to the U.S.
• They report a lack of support in navigating immigration, leading to uncertainty about asylum or work visas.
• Some feel let down by "fake promises" from U.S. authorities.
• At least four suicides among these veterans have been reported.
• Quote:
  • Dawoud (anonymous Afghan veteran) [01:59]: "It's like that feeling of like you did something, but nobody is appreciating and the promise that was given to you by your employer was a fake promise."
• The CIA declined to comment.

4. Ukraine Refuses to Cede Territory in War Negotiations

[02:23–03:13]
Reporter: Joanna Kakissis

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after a series of European meetings, used WhatsApp to affirm Ukraine's refusal to surrender land in any peace deal with Russia.
• Zelenskyy insists Russia is pushing for territorial concessions, but Ukraine's constitution forbids changing the country's borders.
• He underscores the need for U.S. mediation:
  • Quote:
    • Zelenskyy (via Kakissis) [02:54]: "If Russia wants us to give up our territories, we will defend our interests."
• Notable Detail: Zelenskyy’s press engagements are limited to WhatsApp messages due to his packed travel schedule.

5. Grand Jury Transcripts Unsealed in Jeffrey Epstein Case

[03:18–04:06]

• A judge has ordered the release of secret grand jury transcripts from Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case.
• Additional materials on Epstein and former associate Ghislaine Maxwell will also be unsealed, granted by two other judges.
• The new law passed by Congress enables this move toward greater transparency.
• Background: Epstein was found dead by suicide in New York in 2019; Maxwell is serving a sentence for sex trafficking.

6. Student-Built Affordable Housing in Boulder, Colorado

[04:06–04:50]
Reporter: Sam Fuqua

• High school students in Boulder are constructing modular homes for low-income residents in a unique three-way partnership.
• Homes built in a factory by students earn them course credit and trade experience, addressing both housing scarcity and skilled labor shortages.
• The program involves the Boulder Valley School District, the City of Boulder, and Habitat for Humanity.
• Memorable Moment:
  • [04:06] (Background sound): “Ready up there.”
• An industry group notes that 500,000 more workers are needed in the U.S. building trades.
• Quote:
  • Fuqua [04:26]: “Students get hands-on experience building homes, course credit, and a head start on careers in the building trades.”

7. Market Update

[04:50–04:57]

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up by 206 points at midday.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Tamara Keith [01:05]: “He mocked the preoccupation with affordability... he says things are already cheaper. In particular, he talks a lot about gas prices. ...But that's not really enough savings to make up for higher grocery prices and utility bills and health care costs.”
• Dawoud (Afghan veteran, via Brian Mann) [01:59]: "It's like that feeling of like you did something, but nobody is appreciating and the promise that was given to you by your employer was a fake promise."
• Joanna Kakissis relaying Zelenskyy [02:54]: "If Russia wants us to give up our territories, we will defend our interests."
• Sam Fuqua [04:26]: “Students get hands-on experience building homes, course credit, and a head start on careers in the building trades.”

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic Covered | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cut | | 00:51 | President Trump on declining economic confidence | | 01:18 | Afghan veterans’ immigration struggles | | 02:23 | Ukraine refuses to cede land to Russia | | 03:18 | Jeffrey Epstein case transcripts to be unsealed | | 04:06 | Boulder students build homes for low-income residents | | 04:50 | Market update: Dow Jones up 206 points |

This concise news roundup captures essential developments in U.S. and global affairs, including economic uncertainty, political disputes, justice initiatives, and innovative community projects.