NPR News Now – December 10, 2025, 3AM EST
Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme: A fast-paced roundup of major U.S. and international news headlines, with an emphasis on politics, policy, public health, and global affairs.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. President Trump on Inflation & Economic Claims
- Trump at Pennsylvania Rally:
- President Trump claims Democrats are using the issue of affordability “to embarrass him.”
- Trump announces that consumer prices are coming down, crediting his tariffs.
- Quote (Trump, 00:31):
“A Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings is 25% less under Trump than it was a year ago under Biden. That's, that's a good start. We're bringing it down and we're coming down more. We're coming down a lot more.”
- Trump disputes poll data showing persistent inflation concerns, calling them “fake.”
2. Federal Reserve Expected to Cut Interest Rates
- Interest Rate Cut Anticipated (00:45):
- The Fed is expected to lower the benchmark interest rate to stimulate a sluggish job market.
- Internal disagreement within the Fed—some committee “hawks” prefer holding rates steady due to concerns about inflation.
- Complicating Factors:
- Data gaps from a six-week government shutdown have left the Fed working with limited economic data.
- November jobs and inflation data delayed, set to arrive after the Fed’s current decision.
- Analysis by Scott Horsley (00:59):
- Offers background on Fed actions, dissenting views, and the impact of federal data delays.
- Key Quote (Scott Horsley, 01:09):
“The Fed is working with less information than usual since the six week government shutdown prevented federal workers from collecting data on inflation and unemployment in October.”
3. Missouri Redistricting and Election Consequences
- Referendum on Congressional Map (01:40):
- Opponents of Missouri’s new congressional districts submit over 300,000 petition signatures—three times the threshold—to force a statewide referendum.
- Republicans hope the new GOP-friendly map will help retain their House majority, with several states following suit ahead of next year’s midterms.
4. Abortion Rates and Policy Workarounds
- Rise in Abortions Despite Bans (02:19):
- Reports show abortion rates have risen slightly this year, driven by medication abortions.
- Telehealth Role: 25% of abortions are now provided via telehealth, including in states with bans.
- Expert Perspective (02:41):
- Dr. Allison Norris:
“Findings make clear that abortion bans haven't stopped people from needing or obtaining abortion care.”
- The FDA plans another review of the abortion pill mifepristone, despite evidence of its longstanding safety and effectiveness.
- Dr. Allison Norris:
5. Miami Mayoral Election
- Historic Win for Eileen Higgins (02:59):
- Democrat Eileen Higgins elected as Miami’s first Democratic mayor in nearly 30 years.
- Defeats Trump-endorsed Republican Emilio Gonzalez.
6. Deadly US Naval Action and Video Release Debate
- Venezuela Incident (03:13):
- U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats under scrutiny after a deadly second attack in the Caribbean.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth weighing whether to release video footage of the incident.
- Survivors of the first attack were killed clinging to the wreckage in the second.
7. Passing of Rob Page, First Black Education Secretary
- Rob Page Remembered (03:50):
- Rob Page, 92, dies; served as Bush’s choice for the nation’s first Black education secretary.
- Praised by former President George W. Bush as "a leader and a friend who was not satisfied with the status quo."
- Led Houston Schools and influenced the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, which established universal testing and school accountability.
- Quote (Giles Snyder, 03:58):
"Page's work in Houston influenced the Bush administration's signature No Child Left Behind education policy..."
8. Pope Leo XVI Criticizes U.S. Foreign Policy
- Concerns over Transatlantic Alliances (04:32):
- Pope Leo XVI voices concern over the Trump administration distancing the U.S. from European partners.
- On the U.S. Ukraine peace plan:
“What he's read indicates a huge change in what was a true alliance.”
- Pope met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Rome.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- President Trump on Thanksgiving prices:
“A Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings is 25% less under Trump than it was a year ago under Biden.” (00:31)
- Dr. Allison Norris on abortion access:
“Findings make clear that abortion bans haven't stopped people from needing or obtaining abortion care.” (02:41)
- Scott Horsley on Fed decisions:
“The Fed is working with less information than usual since the six week government shutdown prevented federal workers from collecting data on inflation and unemployment in October.” (01:09)
- Pope Leo XVI on U.S.-Europe alliance:
“[The US peace plan for Ukraine] indicates a huge change in what was a true alliance.” (04:32)
Timeline of Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:15 | Trump addresses economic policy and claims credit for price drops | | 00:45 | Federal Reserve expected rate cut; dissent among committee members | | 01:40 | Missouri congressional redistricting faces referendum challenge | | 02:19 | Abortion rates increase; telehealth circumvents state bans | | 02:59 | Eileen Higgins elected as Miami mayor | | 03:13 | U.S. defense secretary on Venezuela boat attack video release | | 03:50 | Rob Page, first Black education secretary, remembered | | 04:32 | Pope Leo XVI critiques U.S. foreign policy and Ukraine peace plan |
Takeaways
- The episode spotlights ongoing political tensions around inflation, redistricting, and abortion.
- Policy debates are shaped by old and new data, with the federal government struggling with information gaps.
- Shifts in leadership and policy (Miami mayoral election, education legacy, U.S. foreign approach) signal deeper cultural and political change.
NPR News Now delivers a concise but nuanced overview for listeners who want to stay informed on major developments in U.S. and world affairs.