NPR News Now — December 12, 2025, 7PM EST
Overview
This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of the day’s major stories in five minutes, diving into breaking political developments, health care policy debates, ongoing global health controversies, notable cultural updates, and environmental concerns affecting regional industries.
Key Stories and Discussion Points
1. Indiana Lawmakers Reject GOP-Friendly Congressional Map
- (00:14–01:16)
- Context: Indiana state legislators voted against redrawing congressional maps to favor Republicans—a proposal actively pushed by former President Trump to bolster Republican control ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- Details:
- The map would have potentially won Republicans two more House seats from Indiana.
- The state senate, however, objected, citing concerns for the nation's welfare and principles of democracy.
- Senate leaders confirmed the issue will not be revisited before the upcoming midterms.
- Notable Quotes:
- Sen. Spencer Deary: “Living in a free, constitutional republic means we empower voters to make those decisions and we accept their will no matter what.” (00:54)
- Sen. Mike Young: “We’ve cost our nation. We don’t know how much, but we’ve cost our nation.” (01:03)
2. Expiration of ACA Subsidies and Congressional Stalemate
- (01:16–01:59)
- Context: Enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are set to expire, risking significant insurance premium hikes for millions.
- Details:
- The Senate voted on competing plans to address health care costs—both failed.
- There is continued debate over the ACA's merits, with Republicans criticizing its affordability yet recognizing its political resilience.
- Noted that ACA subsidies remain broadly popular with voters across party lines.
- Notable Quotes:
- Sam Greenglass: “The Affordable Care act has been controversial from the jump. Republicans have tried over and over to repeal it, but have struggled to come up with an alternative.” (01:34)
- “Polling has shown that the ACA subsidies are incredibly popular with voters across party lines.” (01:50)
3. WHO Reiterates Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism, Clash with U.S. Policy
- (01:59–02:54)
- Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirms there is no link between vaccines and autism, countering recent changes in U.S. government messaging under President Trump.
- Details:
- The CDC updated its language to say it cannot rule out a link, a move echoed and amplified by Trump.
- WHO, referencing a new review of 30+ studies from the past 15 years, maintains vaccines are safe.
- WHO credits vaccines with saving at least 154 million lives over 50 years.
- Notable Quotes:
- Tedros Adhanam (WHO Director General): “This is the fourth such review of the evidence—all reached the same conclusion, vaccines do not cause autism.” (02:37)
4. Eurovision Winner Returns Trophy in Protest
- (02:54–03:41)
- Context: The 2024 Eurovision winner from Switzerland, Nemo, relinquishes their trophy in protest against Israel’s inclusion in the contest amid ongoing actions in Gaza.
- Details:
- Nemo made the announcement via Instagram.
- Five countries plan to boycott the upcoming contest over Israel’s participation.
5. Mike Lindell Announces Gubernatorial Run
- (03:41–03:53)
- Context: MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, known for promoting false claims about the 2020 election, announces his candidacy for Minnesota governor in 2026.
- Details:
- Lindell aims to challenge incumbent Democrat Tim Walz.
- His advocacy for Trump-era claims has led to legal and financial troubles.
6. Mariah Carey’s Christmas Classic #1 Again
- (03:53–04:29)
- Context: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey returns to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, continuing its December tradition.
- Details:
- The song has become an annual chart-topper since 2019.
- It has now held #1 for a cumulative 19 nonconsecutive weeks, tying the all-time record.
- Notable Quotes:
- Stephen Thompson: “All I Want for Christmas is You has now topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 very non-consecutive weeks. That ties an all-time record…” (04:17)
7. New England Shrimping Industry Shutdown Extended
- (04:29–04:53)
- Context: Regulators extend the moratorium on shrimp fishing in New England for another three years due to unsustainable population levels.
- Details:
- Waters have become inhospitable due to rising temperatures.
- Industry has been shut down since 2014.
Notable Quotes Recap
- Sen. Spencer Deary (Indiana State Senator):
“Living in a free, constitutional republic means we empower voters to make those decisions and we accept their will no matter what.” (00:54) - Tedros Adhanam (WHO Director General):
“Vaccines do not cause autism.” (02:37) - Stephen Thompson (NPR):
“All I Want for Christmas is You has now topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 very non-consecutive weeks. That ties an all-time record…” (04:17)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Indiana Redistricting Vote: 00:14–01:16
- ACA Subsidies & Senate Debate: 01:16–01:59
- WHO vs. Trump on Vaccines: 01:59–02:54
- Eurovision Protest: 02:54–03:41
- Lindell Gubernatorial Run: 03:41–03:53
- Christmas Song Chart Record: 03:53–04:29
- Shrimping Industry Moratorium: 04:29–04:53
Tone & Delivery
Consistent with NPR's straightforward, factual, and unhurried news reporting, this episode balances coverage of serious policy stories with cultural updates and regional news, offering a panoramic view of the day’s events in just five minutes.