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.