NPR News Now – December 11, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst (NPR)
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a concise roundup of the major U.S. and global headlines, spanning international diplomacy, domestic politics, economics, and prominent legal cases. Listeners are updated on escalating U.S. actions in Venezuela, political tensions over congressional redistricting, stock market and labor statistics, and two high-profile criminal cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker

• Main Story (00:16-01:09):
  • President Trump announced the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela as part of intensifying pressure on President Nicolás Maduro.
  • The Trump administration accuses Maduro’s regime of narcotics trafficking to the U.S., though critics argue these actions amount to a push for regime change.
  • Notable Insight: Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, commented on the geopolitical implications:
    • Quote (00:43, Richard Haass):
      “It essentially signals the world that in the Western Hemisphere we are going to act, I'll put it diplomatically, with great independence. Some might say critics might use the word impunity…"
    • Haass interprets the move as a signal of U.S. intent to escalate pressure and pursue regime change incrementally.
  • Venezuela is noted as having the world’s largest proven oil reserves (~1 million barrels/day production).

2. Indiana Redistricting Debate

• Segment (01:09-02:18):
  • Indiana Senate is considering President Trump’s call to redraw congressional districts following extended pressure from the White House.
  • The plan, already passed by the Indiana House, could help Republicans gain two more Congressional seats currently held by Democrats.
  • Intraparty tension is evident among Senate Republicans, with some facing threats for wavering.
  • Republican lawmaker Greg Good recounts a “swatting attempt” at his home amid public controversy:
    • Quote (01:58, Greg Good):
      "I intend to keep an open mind until the very end."
  • Trump and Governor Mike Braun are threatening to back primary challenges against opponents within their own party.
  • Broader context: similar redistricting pushes in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina.

3. Economic Updates – Trade, Unemployment, and Stock Market

• Segment (02:18-03:16):
  • The Commerce Department reports an 11% narrowing of the U.S. trade deficit for September, driven by rising exports.
  • Despite economic shifts, unemployment claims rose to 236,000 following a holiday lull – considered indicative of layoffs.
  • Oracle’s stock fell post disappointing earnings, despite large AI sector investments, while company co-founder Larry Ellison remains notably affluent.
    • Quote (02:29, Scott Horsley):
      "Oracle's been investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Despite the dip, co-founder Larry Ellison is still a very wealthy man."
  • Market status (03:08 & 04:45):
    • Dow is up over 185 points, NASDAQ slightly down; updates with the Dow up 204 and NASDAQ down 286 by episode’s end.

4. Charleston Kirk Murder Case

• Segment (03:16-03:38):
  • Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to make his first court appearance. Incident occurred at an outdoor event in Utah in September.

5. Federal Trial of Judge Hannah Dugan

• Segment (03:38-04:45):
  • Jury selection begins in Milwaukee for federal case against Judge Hannah Dugan, accused of helping an individual evade ICE in her courtroom.
  • The trial has become symbolic of the Trump administration’s hardline deportation efforts, highlighting tensions between federal authorities and the judiciary.
  • Quote (04:19, Josh Blackman):
    "I think there's a lot of, you know, scrutinizing every juror. What have they said on social media? What are their views on Trump? What are their views on immigration?"
  • Dugan pleads not guilty, with the case centering on interpretations of judicial protocol versus alleged obstruction.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Geopolitical Signal:
  • Richard Haass (00:43): “We are going to act… with great independence. Some might say… impunity to promote ends, to advance interests as we see them."
• Redistricting Tension:
  • Greg Good (01:58): “I intend to keep an open mind until the very end."
• Marketplace Realities:
  • Scott Horsley (02:29): “Oracle's been investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Despite the dip, co-founder Larry Ellison is still a very wealthy man."
• Jury Scrutiny:
  • Josh Blackman (04:19): “What have they said on social media? What are their views on Trump? What are their views on immigration?”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Venezuelan Oil Tanker & U.S. Policy: 00:16 – 01:09
• Indiana Redistricting Battle: 01:09 – 02:18
• Trade Deficit, Labor, and Markets: 02:18 – 03:16
• Charlie Kirk Murder Case: 03:16 – 03:38
• Judge Dugan Federal Trial: 03:38 – 04:45
• Final Stock Market Update: 04:45

This concise news update provides listeners essential context on fast-moving political, legal, and economic events, with direct commentary from involved experts and officials.