NPR News Now: December 18, 2025 – 12PM EST

Host: Jeanine Hurst

Episode Overview

This concise news update provides the latest developments in U.S. and world affairs, health policy, economics, and notable obituaries, all delivered in under five minutes. The stories highlight growing international tensions, shifts in domestic social and healthcare policy, the state of inflation, and the passing of legendary journalist Peter Arnett. The episode ends with changes within the Catholic leadership in New York and a quick stock market update.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. U.S. Escalates Pressure on Venezuela with Oil Tanker Ban

[00:11–00:58]

• Main Points:

  • President Trump has ordered a ban on all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, signaling an escalation in U.S. efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
  • According to the monitoring group Tanker Trackers, about 30 of the 80 tankers in Venezuelan waters are now targets due to their inclusion on the U.S. sanctions list.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized a fully loaded sanctioned tanker.

• Notable Quote:

  • “So those 30 could potentially be targets, while the others presumably would not be.”
    — Greg Myre (00:44)

2. Gender-Affirming Care for Youth Targeted by New Policy

[00:58–01:41]

• Main Points:

  • The Trump administration announced measures to effectively end gender-affirming care for minors, with proposed plans to deny federal reimbursement to providers offering this care for those under 18.
  • Health & Human Services (HHS) also terminated seven grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which has criticized recent vaccine policy changes.
  • Terminated grants covered child health areas, including SIDS reduction, autism identification, and prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
  • The AAP is considering legal options in response.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The sudden withdrawal of these funds will directly impact and potentially harm infants, children, youth and their families in communities across the United States.”
    — Mark Del Monte, AAP CEO, quoted by Maria Godoy (01:51)

3. U.S. Inflation Update — Some Cooling, Caveats Remain

[02:22–03:08]

• Main Points:

  • Inflation in the U.S. slowed slightly; November's consumer prices were up 2.7% year-over-year.
  • October’s reading was incomplete due to a government shutdown affecting data collection, possibly distorting November’s figures.
  • Despite a decrease in costs for some food items (like eggs), electricity and natural gas prices have risen, driving up winter energy bills.
  • Persistent inflation is affecting President Trump’s approval ratings.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Analysts warn that also may have distorted the November reading... electricity and natural gas prices are up sharply from a year ago, adding to winter heating bills.”
    — Scott Horsley (02:45)

4. In Memoriam: Journalist Peter Arnett Dies at 91

[03:08–04:06]

• Main Points:

  • Peter Arnett, renowned war reporter, has died at 91 in Southern California.
  • Gained prominence for coverage of Vietnam War; Pulitzer Prize winner in 1966.
  • Became a household name for reporting live from Baghdad for CNN during the 1991 U.S. attack on Iraq.
  • Notable interviews included Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden.

• Memorable Moments:

  • Actual quote from Baghdad:
    • “It's an air raid alert. There have been several today. I think the last three were false alarms.”
      — Unidentified Interviewee, during Arnett’s CNN reporting (03:46)

5. Leadership Change in New York’s Catholic Archdiocese

[04:06–04:54]

• Main Points:
  • Pope Leo appoints Illinois Bishop Ronald Hicks as new head of New York's Catholic Archdiocese, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
  • Dolan, a key conservative voice, recently closed a $300 million fund for victims of clerical sexual abuse.
  • Bishop Hicks has a background in missionary work and child welfare in El Salvador.
  • Installation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral set for February 6th.

Other Key Updates

• Stock Market at a Glance
  [03:08, 04:54]
  • The Dow Jones is up 251 points, NASDAQ up 388, S&P 500 up 73.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Venezuela Oil Tankers:
  “So those 30 could potentially be targets, while the others presumably would not be.”
  — Greg Myre (00:44)

• On Child Health Grant Terminations:
  “The sudden withdrawal of these funds will directly impact and potentially harm infants, children, youth and their families in communities across the United States.”
  — Mark Del Monte, quoted by Maria Godoy (01:51)

• On Baghdad Air Raids:
  “It's an air raid alert. There have been several today. I think the last three were false alarms.”
  — Unidentified Interviewee during Arnett’s reporting (03:46)

• On Inflation Trends:
  “Electricity and natural gas prices are up sharply from a year ago, adding to winter heating bills. Persistent inflation has been a drag on President Trump's approval rating.”
  — Scott Horsley (02:55)

Additional Details

• Tone:
  Direct, fact-based, with an emphasis on the immediacy and potential impact of policy decisions and historical reflection for obituaries.

• Content Focus:
  Fast-moving updates meant to keep listeners informed on unfolding national and international developments, regulatory changes, economic shifts, and significant passings.