NPR News Now: December 10, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Length: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major U.S. and international news, with a focus on President Trump’s recent activities and statements, economic challenges, international affairs, and local elections.

Key News Highlights & Discussion Points

1. President Trump’s Rally in Central Pennsylvania

Reported by Domenico Montanaro
[00:15–01:07]

• Purpose of Rally: Trump aimed to shift public perception of his economic track record.
• Content: Instead of focusing solely on the economy, Trump used the platform to insult political opponents and used derogatory language, especially targeting Black immigrants.
• Economic Messaging:
  • Trump described concerns over affordability as a “con job” by Democrats and downplayed its significance in daily life.
  • Despite his claims, “most people think that Trump is making things worse” regarding the economy (Montanaro, [00:36]).
• Public Perception:
  • Polls show a majority now disapprove of Trump’s economic policies, a reversal from his first term.
  • His tariffs are cited as raising prices and increasing business costs.
• Notable Quote:

  “Presidents often get more credit and blame than they deserve on the economy. But people are saying that Trump's policies, particularly his tariffs, have made prices and the cost of doing business higher.”
  — Domenico Montanaro ([00:36])

2. Impact of Trump’s $12 Billion Aid Package for Farmers

Reported by Kirk Siegler
[01:07–02:05]

• Target Audience: Farmers hurt by the trade war with China and rising inflation.
• Details:
  • The “bridge payments” should arrive early next year.
  • Many farmers, including Kevin Dinert from South Dakota, operate on thin margins due to rising costs and lost export markets.
• Farmers’ Sentiment:

  “As farmers, we want trade, not aid... This gonna... maybe help pay for inputs as we go into the next year.”
  — Kevin Dinert ([01:41])

• Outlook:
  • Most soybeans are unsold, with farmers hoping for better prices if trade deals materialize.

3. Maria Corina Machado and the Nobel Peace Prize

Reported by Julia Carneiro
[02:05–03:06]

• Event: Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado could not attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo but is reported safe and en route.
• Difficult Departure from Venezuela:
  • Machado relayed, “many people had to risk their lives for her to leave Venezuela” ([02:31]).
• Ceremony:
  • Prize presented to Machado’s daughter, met with a standing ovation.
  • Nobel Committee’s Jorgen Vatne Friednes paid tribute to “all who wait in the dark in Venezuela and suffer violence” from Maduro’s regime.
• Notable Moment:
  • The actual phone call as Machado prepares to travel to Oslo captured the tension and relief of her safe departure.

4. President Trump’s Comments on London Mayor Sadiq Khan

Reported by Lauren Frayer
[03:14–04:04]

• Context: In an interview with Politico, President Trump insulted Sadiq Khan.
• Trump’s Statements:

  “He’s a horrible mayor. He’s an incompetent mayor, but he’s a horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor. I think he’s done a terrible job.”
  — Donald Trump ([03:29])

• Underlying Accusation: Trump attributed Khan’s electoral success to increased immigration in London.
• Khan’s Response:
  • He stated Americans are attracted to London due to its liberal values, “the antithesis of Trump’s,” and called Trump “obsessed” with him.
• Notable Quote:

  “The US President who has insulted him in the past many times seems to be obsessed and he doesn't know why.”
  — Lauren Frayer ([03:37])

5. Miami Mayoral Election: Historic Win

[04:04–04:34]

• Result: Eileen Higgins, Democrat and former Miami-Dade County Commissioner, becomes Miami’s first female mayor and first Democrat in 30 years.
• Opponent: Defeated Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who was endorsed by President Trump.

6. Passing of Rod Paige, Former U.S. Education Secretary

[04:34–04:54]

• Legacy: First African American U.S. Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush and superintendent of Houston Public Schools.
• Achievements and Criticism: Instrumental in “No Child Left Behind” education reform, but the policy drew significant criticism for its emphasis on testing.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Public Opinion on Economy:

  “Most people think that Trump is making things worse.”
  — Domenico Montanaro ([00:36])

• Farmers’ Frustration:

  “We want trade, not aid.”
  — Kevin Dinert ([01:41])

• Risk to Leave Venezuela:

  “Many people had to risk their lives for her to leave Venezuela.”
  — Julia Carneiro recounting Machado’s words ([02:31])

• London Mayor Insult:

  “He’s a horrible... incompetent... vicious, disgusting mayor.”
  — Donald Trump ([03:29])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump’s Economic Rally & Public Perception: [00:15–01:07]
• Farm Aid & Farmer Reaction: [01:07–02:05]
• Machado/Nobel Peace Prize: [02:05–03:06]
• Trump on Sadiq Khan: [03:14–04:04]
• Miami Mayoral Election & Rod Paige’s Legacy: [04:04–04:54]

Summary Flow

In this fast-paced episode, NPR’s Korva Coleman delivers a news-packed update focusing on President Trump’s contentious rhetoric and mixed economic record, the plight of U.S. farmers, international heroism and political risk around Venezuela’s Nobel laureate, a personal spat between Trump and London’s mayor, and milestone moments in Miami politics and national education history. The reporting is direct and rooted in quotes and voices from both leaders and ordinary citizens, offering listeners a precise yet rounded snapshot of the morning’s top stories.