NPR News Now – December 11, 2025, 6AM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Overview:
This episode delivers concise, up-to-date coverage of U.S. political developments on health care, foreign affairs involving Venezuela and Bolivia, a surprising NFL comeback, and a Federal Reserve rate cut.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Senate Set to Vote on Health Care Proposals

[00:20–01:15]

• Context: Enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are about to expire, pushing the Senate to consider two different legislative paths.
• Democrats' Proposal:
  • Goal: A three-year extension of the subsidies.
  • Motivation: Directly tied to ending the recent government shutdown.
  • Quote:
    • "They have to start paying the new rate starting next week, Monday, December 15th. That's why we're doing this vote right now."
      — Sen. Amy Klobuchar [00:50]
• Republicans' Proposal:
  • Details: Would not extend subsidies; instead, grants up to $1,500 in health savings accounts (HSAs) for high-deductible ACA plans.
  • Point of Contention:
    • "Who gets the money? Insurance companies."
      — Sen. Bill Cassidy [01:03]
    • "Under our program, the patient and their families get it."
      — Sen. Bill Cassidy [01:12]
• Outlook: Neither bill is expected to pass.

2. US Seizes Oil Tanker Amid Venezuela Tensions

[01:20–01:59]

• Action: The U.S. seized an oil tanker thought to be transporting oil to Iran, violating sanctions.
  • Led by the Coast Guard, FBI, and Homeland Security.
• Political Fallout:
  • President Trump announced the action.
  • Congress reportedly not briefed.
  • Quote:
    • "Congress is supposed to have a say in when we use military force, and this Congress has not had any say in when we're using military force. And it hasn't had any briefings why we are using military force."
      — Rep. Chrissy Houlihan [01:46]
• Context:
  • Largest U.S. military buildup in Caribbean in decades.
  • Venezuela faces ongoing U.S. pressure, owns the largest proven oil reserves.

3. Bolivia’s Former President Arrested

[02:15–03:14]

• Event: Former President Luis Arce arrested on embezzlement charges, after his party lost the presidential election.
• Political Landscape:
  • The new conservative government promised reforms and anti-corruption.
  • Vice President Edmund Lara (a former officer known for anti-corruption posts on TikTok) congratulated police and hinted at more arrests.
  • Arce's Background:
    • Previously economy minister during Evo Morales’s presidency.
    • Arrest seen by Arce’s supporters as political persecution.
• Quote:
  • "More corruption arrests will be coming at, quote, 'the highest levels.'"
    — Vice President Edmund Lara [02:30]

4. NFL Quarterback Philip Rivers Comes Out of Retirement

[03:19–04:13]

• Story: 44-year-old Philip Rivers, retired NFL quarterback, joins the practice squad for the Indianapolis Colts after injuries left the team without a starter.
• Significance:
  • Colts on verge of playoffs, both main quarterback and backups injured.
  • No guarantee Rivers will play upcoming games, but he’s now the oldest active player in the league.
  • Quote:
    • "It's kind of one of those deals. The door opens and you can either walk through it and find out if you can do it or run from it."
      — Philip Rivers [03:49]
  • His Hall of Fame eligibility will be delayed five more years due to this return.

5. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates

[04:14–04:58]

• Event: Fed cuts rates by a quarter point, down to 3.6%—lowest in nearly three years.
• Context:
  • Aims to boost a slowing job market.
  • Inflation remains higher than the Fed would like.
  • Chair Jerome Powell signals pause on further cuts as the economy is evaluated.
• Market Response: U.S. futures fall modestly after the announcement.

Memorable Quotes & Moment Highlights

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 00:50 | Sen. Amy Klobuchar | "They have to start paying the new rate starting next week, Monday, December 15th. That's why we're doing this vote right now." | | 01:03 | Sen. Bill Cassidy | "Who gets the money? Insurance companies." | | 01:12 | Sen. Bill Cassidy | "Under our program, the patient and their families get it." | | 01:46 | Rep. Chrissy Houlihan | "Congress is supposed to have a say in when we use military force, and this Congress has not had any say in when we're using military force. And it hasn't had any briefings why we are using military force." | | 02:30 | VP Edmund Lara | "More corruption arrests will be coming at, quote, 'the highest levels.'" | | 03:49 | Philip Rivers | "It's kind of one of those deals. The door opens and you can either walk through it and find out if you can do it or run from it." |

Recap & Tone

This NPR News Now episode maintains a brisk, neutral, and informative tone, offering listeners top headlines with essential context and direct quotes from key players. It's ideal for keeping up-to-date with fast-shifting news in politics, international affairs, sports, and the economy—all in under five minutes.