NPR News Now – December 11, 2025, 1PM EST
Host: Louise Schiavone
Episode Theme:
A rapid update on top headlines in the US and globally, covering health care policy, US political maneuvers, international human rights, legal/criminal news, sports and LGBTQ rights intersections, and weather emergencies.
Key Stories & Discussion Points
[00:14] The Fight Over Affordable Care Act Subsidies
- Senate Stalemate: The federal subsidy extension for the ACA is up in the Senate; neither party’s proposals have enough votes yet.
- “We’re waiting for a final vote on the Democratic measure.” – Louise Schiavone
- Expert Perspective:
- Cynthia Cox (KFF): ACA marketplaces are an “option of last resort” for those ineligible for employer, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage.
- “By definition, ACA marketplaces are an option of last resort ... people already cannot be eligible for employer coverage. They can’t be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.” – Cynthia Cox, [00:40]
- Consequences:
- Without an extension before year’s end, millions could see “significant increases” in health insurance for 2026.
[00:55] Indiana Redistricting Power Struggle
- Trump's Push: President Trump is pressuring Indiana to redraw congressional districts; the House passed a GOP-favored plan, but Senate Republicans remain split.
- “The Indiana House has already passed the redistricting plan that could help Republicans win two seats ... Senate Republicans have been deeply divided on the issue.” – Ben Thorpe, [01:15]
- Tensions & Threats:
- State Sen. Greg Good held a town hall; faced a recent “swatting” incident targeting lawmakers.
- “I intend to keep an open mind until the very end.” – Greg Good, [01:37]
- Trump and Gov. Mike Braun have threatened primary challenges against reluctant Republicans.
- State Sen. Greg Good held a town hall; faced a recent “swatting” incident targeting lawmakers.
- Wider GOP Strategy:
- Trump has already influenced redistricting in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, aiming to shape the 2026 midterms.
[02:01] Maria Corina Machado’s Dangerous Journey for Nobel Peace Prize
- Escape from Hiding:
- Venezuelan opposition leader Machado lived in hiding for a year; endured a dangerous “days long” journey to Oslo.
- “Machado, wearing the same clothes she says she wore during her days long trip out of Venezuela, hugged family and greeted supporters.” – Carrie Kahn, [02:21]
- Venezuelan opposition leader Machado lived in hiding for a year; endured a dangerous “days long” journey to Oslo.
- Commitment to Return:
- “I’ll be back in Venezuela I have no doubt.” – Maria Corina Machado, [02:42]
- She supports Trump’s military buildup in the Caribbean and US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker.
- “These criminals have to be stopped, and cutting the resources of illegal activities is a very necessary step.” – Machado, [02:54]
- Significance:
- Illustrates risks activists face and links Venezuelan internal politics to US foreign policy moves.
[03:07] Markets Update
- “At latest, check the Dow up 629 points. This is NPR News.” – Louise Schiavone
[03:15] Utah Court Appearance in Charlie Kirk Shooting
- First Appearance:
- Tyler Robinson, 22, appears in court facing aggravated murder charges for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university on September 10.
- “Counts against the 22 year old alleged gunman include aggravated murder.” – Louise Schiavone
- Tyler Robinson, 22, appears in court facing aggravated murder charges for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university on September 10.
[03:21] FIFA World Cup, Pride, and Cultural Tensions in Seattle
- Event Collision:
- Egypt vs Iran match scheduled during Seattle's annual Pride Fest; local plans to highlight LGBTQ rights.
- Pushback:
- Football federations from both conservative nations objected to the Pride festivities, citing LGBTQ persecution in their countries.
- “Both countries football federations have objected to the pride festivities. They're raising complaints directly with FIFA ...” – Becky Sullivan, [03:49]
- Football federations from both conservative nations objected to the Pride festivities, citing LGBTQ persecution in their countries.
- Local Response:
- Seattle organizers “intend to move forward as planned” with Pride programming outside the stadium.
- “Seattle organizers tell NPR they intend to move forward as planned with the pride programming outside the stadium that day.” – Becky Sullivan, [04:22]
- Seattle organizers “intend to move forward as planned” with Pride programming outside the stadium.
- Broader Context:
- Highlights friction between global sporting events and local political values, especially on human rights.
[04:30] Pacific Northwest Weather Emergency
- Severe Flooding:
- Heavy rain and winds prompt a statewide emergency in Washington; Skagit County residents ordered to evacuate as flooding nears “historic” levels.
- “Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington State has declared a statewide emergency in Skagit County ... flooding is near historic levels.” – Louise Schiavone
- Heavy rain and winds prompt a statewide emergency in Washington; Skagit County residents ordered to evacuate as flooding nears “historic” levels.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Cynthia Cox (Healthcare): “...ACA marketplaces are an option of last resort ... they can't be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare.” [00:40]
- Sen. Greg Good (Indiana Politics): “I intend to keep an open mind until the very end.” [01:37]
- Maria Corina Machado (Nobel Peace Prize):
- “I’ll be back in Venezuela I have no doubt.” [02:42]
- “These criminals have to be stopped, and cutting the resources of illegal activities is a very necessary step.” [02:54]
- Becky Sullivan (Seattle Pride): “Seattle organizers tell NPR they intend to move forward as planned with the pride programming outside the stadium that day.” [04:22]
Important Timestamps
- 00:14 – ACA subsidies deadlock and stakes
- 00:55 – Indiana redistricting showdown
- 02:01 – Maria Corina Machado’s escape and Nobel Prize appearance
- 03:07 – Stock market update
- 03:15 – Court appearance in Charlie Kirk’s murder
- 03:49 – FIFA World Cup and Seattle Pride tension
- 04:30 – Pacific Northwest extreme weather emergency
Tone & Language:
Clear, factual, and concise in the signature NPR format, balancing urgency with calm analysis and regional/national/global perspectives.
Useful For:
Anyone seeking a rapid, reliable summary of major US and world news developments as of midday December 11, 2025.
