NPR News Now – December 18, 2025, 10AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise update on top U.S. and world news stories, focusing on inflation data, economic and political developments under President Trump, major international business and defense deals, new U.S. healthcare policy proposals, and notable appointments in the Catholic Church.

1. Financial Markets & U.S. Inflation (00:19–01:11)

• Key Points:

  • U.S. stocks opened strong following encouraging inflation data.
  • The Labor Department reported consumer prices in November up 2.7% year-over-year—a slower pace than previous months.
  • The government shutdown impacted inflation analysis, limiting price checks in October.
  • Electricity and natural gas costs saw notable increases, likely affecting winter heating bills.
  • Despite the data, many Americans remain worried about the cost of living, putting pressure on President Trump.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Stocks opened higher this morning after a better than expected report on inflation… The Dow Jones industrial average jumped more than 320 points in early trading.” — Korva Coleman (00:19)
  • “Prices for electricity and natural gas are up sharply from a year ago… likely to raise winter heating bills.” — Scott Horsley (00:46)
  • “Polls show Americans are broadly concerned about the high cost of living. That's putting President Trump, who campaigned on a promise of lower prices, on the defensive.” — Scott Horsley (01:03)

2. President Trump Responds to Economic Concerns & Venezuelan Oil Sanctions (01:11–02:10)

• Key Points:

  • President Trump attributed economic difficulties to his predecessor, blaming the Biden administration.
  • Despite claims from Trump that prices are falling, public opinion polls reveal most Americans do not feel any economic relief.
  • Policy action: Trump announced a ban on all sanctioned oil tankers to/from Venezuela; the U.S. has also seized a non-sanctioned Venezuelan tanker.
  • Potential impact: Could severely reduce oil income for Venezuela and discourage non-sanctioned tankers from doing business.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “President Trump is blaming current economic problems on the Biden administration.” — Korva Coleman (01:11)
  • “If the US does seize more ships, this could have additional consequences. It may just scare away non sanctioned tankers because they may just decide it's not worth the risk.” — Greg Myre (02:02)

3. Israel's Record Gas and Defense Export Deals (02:10–03:14)

• Key Points:

  • Israel approved a $35 billion gas agreement with U.S.-based Chevron to deliver Mediterranean gas to Egypt, with roughly half the proceeds benefiting Israel.
  • The deal aims to boost Israel's economic and regional stability, though Egypt remains publicly silent—energy dependence on Israel may encourage closer ties.
  • Israel also announced its largest defense export: Germany will purchase the Arrow 3 missile defense system for ~$6.5 billion, motivated by security concerns regarding Russia.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it will contribute to stability in the region.” — Daniel Estrin (02:41)
  • “Germany purchased that air defense system, seeing Russia as a growing threat.” — Daniel Estrin (03:09)

4. Trump Administration’s Proposed Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors (03:14–03:56)

• Key Points:
  • The administration is expected to announce two Medicaid/Medicare-related proposals to block gender-affirming care for transgender youth under 18.
  • First: Would bar Medicaid reimbursement to providers offering such care to minors.
  • Second: Would cut off Medicare/Medicaid funding to any hospital providing these services, with potentially sweeping national impact.

5. Presidential Plaques at the White House: An Unconventional Turn (03:56–04:40)

• Key Points:

  • President Trump installed new plaques beneath presidential portraits; many feature personal insults and boastful claims.
  • For example, Joe Biden’s is labeled “by far the worst president in American history.” Hillary Clinton and Ronald Reagan bios are also recast with Trump-centric narratives.
  • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt argues the plaques are “eloquently written descriptions,” many by Trump himself.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “The plaques mounted along the Presidential Walk of Fame are packed with insults, including lines like, quote, sleepy. Joe Biden was by far the worst president in American history.” — Tamara Keith (03:58)
  • “The plaques are eloquently written descriptions of each president and the legacy they left behind… many were written directly by President Trump himself.” — White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, quoted by Tamara Keith (04:28)

6. Catholic Church Leadership Changes in New York (04:40–04:58)

• Key Points:
  • Pope Leo names Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as the new Archbishop of New York City.
  • Hicks, like the Pope himself, is originally from Chicago.
  • He will succeed the retiring Archbishop Timothy Dolan.

Notable Timeline

• 00:19–01:11 – Financial markets & inflation report (Scott Horsley)
• 01:11–02:10 – Trump’s economic stance & Venezuelan oil sanctions (Greg Myre)
• 02:10–03:14 – Israel’s gas & defense deals (Daniel Estrin)
• 03:14–03:56 – U.S. proposals to restrict gender-affirming care funding
• 03:56–04:40 – Trump’s presidential plaques (Tamara Keith)
• 04:40–04:58 – New Catholic archbishop for NYC

Summary Reflection

This edition of NPR News Now highlights the intersection of economic data, contentious political maneuvering, and major international affairs within a tightly formatted five-minute newscast. Memorable moments include Trump’s combative White House plaque initiatives, significant U.S.-Israeli deals, and proposed nationwide healthcare restrictions—underscoring a turbulent period in U.S. and global news.