NPR News Now – December 11, 2025, 9AM EST

Main Theme:
A concise roundup of the morning’s top news stories: updates on Ukraine peace efforts, shifting sentiments among young U.S. voters, severe flooding in Washington, a scandal involving University of Michigan’s football coach, and an unusual prison drone incident.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Urgent Ukraine Peace Talks

• Summary:
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is participating in critical talks with about 30 country leaders via video, focusing on the ongoing peace process.
• Key Points:
  • Zelensky has been visiting European allies as peace plan negotiations continue between Europe and the U.S.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz states the sticking point is what “territories and concessions” Ukraine might make (00:36).
  • European leaders hope to finalize proposals with President Trump in Europe soon, pending his response (00:57).
  • Quote:
    “A critical moment is how European leaders describe it.” — Lauren Frayer (01:07)
• Timestamps:
  • Ukraine Peace Talks: [00:14]–[01:13]

2. Young Voters Disenchanted with Politics

• Summary:
  A University of Chicago survey reveals deep dissatisfaction among young Americans (ages 18–42) with both major parties.
• Key Points:
  • 6 in 10 young Americans have negative views of both Democrats and Republicans.
  • Economic concerns—high cost of living, especially food and healthcare—dominate their worries.
  • Almost one-third of respondents think they will be financially worse off than their parents.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “There is a real sense that these individuals and these parts of the administration are not delivering.” — Jeanine Herbst (01:51)
• Timestamps:
  • Young Voter Sentiment: [01:13]–[02:09]

3. Flood Emergency in Western Washington State

• Summary:
  Authorities warn of evacuations as record rainfall causes rising rivers and threatens low-lying areas.
• Key Points:
  • Unhoused people and their pets have been rescued and sheltered.
  • Governor Bob Ferguson seeks a federal disaster declaration from President Trump to address the emergency.
  • The National Weather Service reports that the area faces several more days of heavy rain.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • “We're providing obviously shelter beds, meals, dry clothes, you know, a place for their pets.” — Michael K., Camp Hope (02:14)
    • “The next few days are going to be very critical.” — Capital One/Carvana Announcer, quoting Governor Bob Ferguson (02:44)
• Timestamps:
  • Flood Journal: [02:09]–[02:53]
  • Weather Forecast: [02:53]

4. University of Michigan Football Coach Fired Amid Scandal

• Summary:
  Head football coach Sharon Moore is dismissed after an investigation into misconduct and hours before his arrest for alleged assault.
• Key Points:
  • Moore was terminated with cause for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
  • After his dismissal, he was arrested; police are withholding details pending investigation.
  • Moore previously led the team to a winning record but faced NCAA sanctions.
• Timestamps:
  • Coach Scandal: [03:14]–[03:59]

5. Drone Smuggling Incident at South Carolina Prison

• Summary:
  Authorities stopped a drone attempting to deliver a crab and steak dinner—plus contraband—into Lee Correctional Institution.
• Key Points:
  • The drone carried crab legs, steak, marijuana, cigarettes, and seasoning in a Piggly Wiggly bag.
  • This marks the first time “meal fixings” were part of a drone drop; drugs are a more frequent cargo.
  • Officials note drones are an escalating challenge for contraband prevention.
  • Memorable Detail:
    • “This one with the meal fixings, that's a first.” — Prison officials, paraphrased by Jeanine Herbst (03:59)
• Timestamps:
  • Prison Drone Incident: [03:59]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Ukraine Peace Talks:
  “A critical moment is how European leaders describe it.” — Lauren Frayer (01:07)

• On Young Voters and Economy:
  “There is a real sense that these individuals and these parts of the administration are not delivering.” — Jeanine Herbst (01:51)

• On Emergency Efforts:
  “We're providing obviously shelter beds, meals, dry clothes, you know, a place for their pets.” — Michael K. (02:14) “The next few days are going to be very critical.” — Gov. Bob Ferguson, cited at (02:44)

• On Unusual Contraband:
  “This one with the meal fixings, that's a first.” — (03:59)

Financial Markets Quick Update

• US Futures: Dow up slightly, Nasdaq down about half a percent — [02:53], [03:59]

Segment Timestamps

• Ukraine Peace Talks: [00:14] – [01:13]
• Young Voter Survey: [01:13] – [02:09]
• Washington Flood Emergency: [02:09] – [02:53]
• Financial Markets: [02:53], [03:59]
• Michigan Football Scandal: [03:14] – [03:59]
• Prison Drone Drop: [03:59]

Tone:
Factual, concise, with a touch of dry wit in reporting quirks (e.g., the prison meal incident).

This summary brings you up to date on the main headlines delivered by NPR News Now at 9AM EST on December 11, 2025.