NPR News Now – December 12, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: NPR News Anchors
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on major national and international news developments as of December 12, 2025, with a focus on executive moves around artificial intelligence regulation, legal challenges over language in federal applications for social programs, natural disasters, and new research on children’s development during heat events. Key business headlines and stock market updates round out the briefing.

Key News Segments

1. Trump Administration’s Executive Order on AI Regulation

• [00:20 – 01:21]
• Summary:
  • President Trump has signed an executive order overriding stricter state-level rules on artificial intelligence, particularly targeting legislation in California.
  • This move is framed as a federal preemption, benefiting tech companies while challenging states’ authority.
• Key Points:
  • Silicon Valley companies lobbied the federal government to act.
  • States like California, represented here by Senator Josh Becker, strongly object.
  • California's state attorney general has opposed similar federal efforts and has actively challenged the administration in court.
• Notable Quote:
  • Senator Josh Becker [00:53]:
    “For the Trump administration to do this is just pulling the rug out from under us, and we're not going to let corporate interests and Washington bureaucrats dictate the terms of innovation at the expense of the public.”
• Tone: Tense, adversarial, focused on federal vs. state power.

2. Controversy over Banned Words in Head Start Funding Applications

• [01:21 – 02:20]
• Summary:
  • The Trump administration instructed Head Start programs to remove nearly 200 specific words—including “accessible,” “black,” “minority,” “women,” and “disabilities”—from funding applications.
  • This comes amid a lawsuit from Head Start programs claiming the ban undermines the statutory mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Key Points:
  • The policy was revealed through recent court documents.
  • A Wisconsin Head Start director reported that her funding request was returned with these restrictions.
  • The list even includes crucial terms required for describing intended beneficiaries (e.g., “disabilities”).
• Notable Moment:
  • Emphasis on the contradiction of aiding children with disabilities while banning the word “disabilities.”
• Tone: Critical, highlighting potential impacts on vulnerable populations.

3. Washington State Flooding Emergency

• [02:20 – 03:02]
• Summary:
  • Western Washington is grappling with historic flooding after days of torrential rain.
  • First responders have been conducting water rescues and issuing evacuation warnings.
  • The Skagit River is above major flood stage and still rising; danger levels continue to increase.
• Notable Quote:
  • Robert Ezell, Emergency Management Director [02:47]:
    “As the waters come down here, they're still going to be gaining strength. And as they hit the Burlington, Mount Vernon area, we're still expecting to see about 2ft higher than record flood level.”
• Key Points:
  • Situation remains unpredictable and dangerous.
  • The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings.
• Tone: Urgent, focused on public safety.

4. Magnitude 6.7 Earthquake in Northeastern Japan

• [03:02 – 03:23]
• Summary:
  • A 6.7-magnitude earthquake in northeastern Japan caused small tsunami waves with no reported injuries or major damage.
  • The region is already vulnerable after a stronger, 7.5-magnitude quake earlier in the week.
  • Aftershocks are possible, and local officials remain on alert.
• Tone: Reassuring with notes of caution.

5. Research: Children’s Developmental Risks from Extreme Heat

• [03:23 – 04:32]
• Summary:
  • New research highlights how early-life exposure to extreme heat is associated with children failing to meet key physical and cognitive milestones.
  • The study analyzed nearly 20,000 children and found low-income children are especially at risk, suggesting that climate adaptation measures like air conditioning are crucial.
• Key Points:
  • Developmental milestones affect later mental health and economic success.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jorge Cuartas, NYU researcher [04:14]:
    “Children who experienced higher average monthly maximum…”
  • Jonathan Lambert (paraphrasing Cuartas) [04:17]:
    “Temperatures were less likely to be developmentally on track.”
• Tone: Scientific, concerned, and calls for action to protect vulnerable children.

6. Lululemon CEO Retirement and Market Update

• [04:32 – 04:57]
• Summary:
  • Lululemon shares rose 12% following CEO Calvin McDonald’s announced retirement.
  • The move follows over a year of underperformance, product issues, and external pressures from company founder Chip Wilson.
  • The Dow is up 127 points at the hour.
• Tone: Business-focused, factual.

Memorable Quotes

• Senator Josh Becker [00:53]:
  “For the Trump administration to do this is just pulling the rug out from under us, and we're not going to let corporate interests and Washington bureaucrats dictate the terms of innovation at the expense of the public.”
• Robert Ezell [02:47]:
  “As the waters come down here, they're still going to be gaining strength. And as they hit the Burlington, Mount Vernon area, we're still expecting to see about 2ft higher than record flood level.”
• Jorge Cuartas [04:14], via Jonathan Lambert [04:17]:
  “Children who experienced higher average monthly maximum... temperatures were less likely to be developmentally on track.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• AI Executive Order & State Response: 00:20 – 01:21
• Head Start Funding Application Language Bans: 01:21 – 02:20
• Washington State Flooding: 02:20 – 03:02
• Japan Earthquake Update: 03:02 – 03:23
• Extreme Heat and Child Development Study: 03:48 – 04:32
• Lululemon CEO Retirement & Market Update: 04:32 – 04:57

Overall Tone and Style

The NPR News Now update is brisk, tightly organized, and informative, using a neutral but at times urgent tone. Sources speak with authority and advocacy, especially when addressing contested policy and emergencies. The episode is ideal for listeners seeking rapid awareness of evolving stories with direct quotes from primary stakeholders.