NPR News Now: December 18, 2025, 8AM EST – Episode Summary
Overview
This five-minute update delivers a fast-paced roundup of the latest developments in U.S. politics, economic news, significant legal rulings, and culture. Key stories cover President Trump’s economic messaging amid persistent inflation, a controversial FCC investigation, ongoing searches related to the Brown University mass shooting, defense policy advances in Congress, a historic Oscar broadcast shift, and a major federal appeals court decision on horse racing regulations.
Main News Stories & Key Points
1. President Trump Addresses the Economy
- Speaker: Korva Coleman (00:17), Deepa Shivaram (00:40)
- President Trump delivered an address from the White House, promising an upcoming economic boom and putting blame for current economic problems on former President Joe Biden.
- Key Point: Despite claims of improvement, inflation rates remain roughly at 3%, the same level as when Biden left office.
- Public Mood: Americans remain pessimistic about the cost of living.
- Quote:
- Deepa Shivaram: “His message overall is essentially telling people to just hang on and wait. He says costs of goods like gas are going down… but it's not done yet.” (00:40)
- Upcoming Data: A delayed government consumer price report is expected soon.
2. FCC Chair Investigated Over Media Actions
- Speaker: Korva Coleman (00:58), David Folkenflick (01:19–01:59)
- Senate panel questioned FCC Chair Brendan Carr after he launched investigations into media networks disliked by President Trump, specifically pressuring Disney over Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC program.
- Memorable Exchange:
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar: “Do you think it is appropriate to use your position to threaten companies that broadcast political satire?” (01:30)
- Carr’s Stance:
- Brendan Carr: “I think any licensee that operates on the public airwaves has a responsibility to comply with the public interest standard.” (01:38)
- Republican Sen. Ted Cruz emphasized that free speech should be protected, regardless of party affiliation.
- Discussion Point: The FCC’s status as an independent agency was questioned; the agency’s website was updated to align with new leadership’s position.
3. Brown University Mass Shooting Investigation
- Speaker: Korva Coleman (01:59), Ben Burke (02:30)
- Authorities are searching for a second person in connection to the Brown University mass shooting, following new footage and images released.
- Details: The suspected shooter is described as a heavyset man in a dark medical mask; the second person was in close proximity before the attack.
- Quote:
- Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez: “How close? Close enough that we feel that we need to speak with them.” (02:55)
- Impact: Two students killed, eight hospitalized; no known motive yet.
4. Markets & Defense Policy Bill
- Speaker: Korva Coleman (03:08)
- Markets Update: Dow and Nasdaq futures up in pre-market trading.
- Defense News: The Senate passed a $900 billion defense policy bill, with a 4% pay raise for troops and revamped procurement processes. The Pentagon announced a recent strike on a suspected drug boat, resulting in four deaths.
5. Academy Awards Move to YouTube
- Speaker: Korva Coleman (03:08), Netta Ulaby (03:49)
- Starting in 2029, the Oscars will be broadcast exclusively on YouTube, ending a 70+ year run on network television (ABC since 1976).
- Context:
- Ratings for the Oscars have declined for decades, though last year saw a 4% increase.
- Nearly 20 million watched last year’s broadcast.
- Quote:
- Netta Ulaby: “The news is being reported as a shocker in Hollywood industry publications… Academy leaders in a statement said this new partnership will expand access to the largest worldwide audience possible.” (03:49)
6. Federal Appeals Court on Horse Racing Regulation
- Speaker: Korva Coleman (04:27)
- A U.S. appeals court upheld a federal law giving a private nonprofit oversight of thoroughbred racing.
- Backdrop: Three states challenged the law as unconstitutional, but the court sided with federal regulation efforts for safety and integrity in horse racing.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Deepa Shivaram (00:40):
“His message overall is essentially telling people to just hang on and wait. He says costs of goods like gas are going down… but it's not done yet.” - Senator Amy Klobuchar (01:30):
“Do you think it is appropriate to use your position to threaten companies that broadcast political satire?” - Brendan Carr, FCC Chair (01:38):
“I think any licensee that operates on the public airwaves has a responsibility to comply with the public interest standard.” - Police Chief Oscar Perez (02:55):
“How close? Close enough that we feel that we need to speak with them.” - Netta Ulaby (03:49):
“The news is being reported as a shocker in Hollywood industry publications… Academy leaders... said this new partnership will expand access to the largest worldwide audience possible.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:17 — White House: President Trump’s economic speech
- 00:40 — Deepa Shivaram’s analysis on economic sentiment
- 00:58 — Consumer price report preview
- 01:19 — FCC Chair’s Senate hearing and media network investigations
- 02:30 — Brown University shooting update and suspect search
- 03:08 — Markets, Senate defense bill, and Pentagon action
- 03:49 — The Oscars moving to YouTube (Netta Ulaby report)
- 04:27 — Federal appeals court ruling on horse racing oversight
This episode swiftly covers the intersection of politics, economy, legal shifts, and culture, giving listeners a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the day’s top headlines and controversies.
