NPR News Now — December 10, 2025, 5PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: December 10, 2025
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode provides a rapid update on the day’s top global and national stories. Key news includes heightened U.S. action against Venezuela, declining public trust in U.S. government data, escalating conflict in eastern Congo, severe weather in the Pacific Northwest, Australia’s social media ban for minors, a Nobel Peace Prize update, and other notable events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker, Escalating Tensions

• [00:18–01:12]

• President Trump announced the seizure of a large Venezuelan oil tanker and signaled more actions ahead, amid the largest U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean in decades.

• U.S. offering $50 million for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest, labeling him a narcotrafficker.

• U.S. considers possible strikes against targets inside Venezuela.

• Venezuela, holding the world’s largest oil reserves, is heavily sanctioned and selling oil at a steep discount, mainly to China.

  “President Trump says the tanker was very large and he promises more news about Venezuela soon.”
  — Quill Lawrence, [00:32]

2. Public Trust in Government Statistics Falling

• [01:12–02:11]

• New report reveals declining trust in key U.S. statistics, especially after President Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics head post-weak jobs report.

• Decline noted especially in adults with graduate degrees and in white, non-Hispanic populations.

• Factors cited: agency staffing cuts, funding shortfalls, and Trump administration’s undermining of data credibility.

  “Congress executive branch really have to prioritize investment in modernizing this system right away if this system is to survive and do its job.”
  — Nancy Potok, American Statistical Association, [01:56]

3. Conflict Escalates in Eastern Congo

• [02:11–03:00]

• Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the strategic town of Uvira after Congolese troops retreated.

• This follows a Washington ceremony where President Trump claimed the conflict was ending.

• The rebel advance is a blow to both the Congolese government and diplomatic efforts.

  “After a week of heavy fighting, M23 rebels were on the outskirts of the town... by the afternoon, the rebel group announced that it had taken full control.”
  — Emmett Livingstone, [02:26]

4. Severe Weather Hits Pacific Northwest

• [03:00–03:17]
• Region braces for further heavy rain, flooding, and evacuations following a powerful storm.
• Effects so far: power outages, flooding, and school closures in Oregon and Washington.

5. Nobel Peace Prize and Venezuela’s Opposition

• [03:17–03:52]
• The daughter of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother’s behalf.
• Speech emphasized fighting for freedom under dangerous conditions.
• Nobel committee acknowledged Machado’s inability to attend due to safety.

6. Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s

• [03:52–04:33]

• Ban on social media use for those under 16 now in effect; over 200,000 TikTok accounts deactivated.

• PM Anthony Albanese calls it “a reform that will change lives.”

• Teens themselves are skeptical about its effectiveness, citing workarounds.

  “Kids will always find a way around it... I don’t think it’ll necessarily be the answer, and I don’t think it’s a brilliant idea.”
  — Elliot Swan, 14, Melbourne, [04:12]

• Digital rights activists are launching a legal challenge; case expected next year.

7. Quick Headlines

• [04:33–04:57]
  • Waymo Robo Taxi Birth: A woman in San Francisco gave birth inside a driverless taxi en route to the hospital; vehicle arrived before emergency services.
  • Stock Market: U.S. markets near all-time highs after Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “President Trump says the tanker was very large and he promises more news about Venezuela soon.” — Quill Lawrence ([00:32])
• “Congress executive branch really have to prioritize investment in modernizing this system right away if this system is to survive and do its job.” — Nancy Potok ([01:56])
• “Kids will always find a way around it... finding VPNs and stuff. I don’t think it'll necessarily be the answer.” — Elliot Swan ([04:12])

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:18 — U.S. actions against Venezuela
• 01:12 — Declining trust in government statistics
• 02:11 — M23 captures town in eastern Congo
• 03:00 — Pacific Northwest storm update
• 03:17 — Nobel Peace Prize news, Maria Corina Machado
• 03:52 — Australia bans social media for under-16s
• 04:33 — Robo taxi birth in San Francisco, stock market update

This concise episode covers significant geopolitical, social, and domestic events, blending expert reporting, direct quotes, and eyewitness perspectives in NPR’s trademark neutral, informative style.