NPR News Now: December 18, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: Rapid updates on U.S. and global news focusing on economics, health care, student well-being, government actions, international relations, and space exploration.

1. Overview

The December 18, 2025, 9AM NPR News Now episode delivers the latest reports on inflation, congressional health care debates, college student food insecurity, abrupt grant terminations involving vaccine policy, accountability in a tragic airline accident, U.S.-China diplomatic tensions over arms sales to Taiwan, and an inclusive landmark in human space flight.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

U.S. Economy: Inflation Update

• Consumer Price Report:
  • Consumer prices in November rose by 2.7% compared to last year.
  • Below some economists' predictions, but higher than the Fed’s 2% target.
• Context: Ongoing inflation pressures suggest continued financial strain for U.S. households.
  • (00:19)

Health Care Legislation & ACA Subsidies

• House Passes Package:

  • Healthcare provisions backed by Speaker Mike Johnson passed in the House, but without Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy extension.

• Bipartisan Move for Subsidies:

  • Four Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote to extend ACA subsidies for three years.
  • Speaker Johnson highlights understanding, not defiance, in bipartisan actions.

• Potential Impact:

  • Without congressional action on pricing relief, many relying on subsidies may see healthcare costs spike January 1st.
  • (00:19 – 01:10)

  Notable Quote:

  "It's not an act of defiance. I understand what they're doing. I understand that every member has a different district with different dynam and different demographics, and some of them felt like it was a really important thing to have a vote on the floor."
  — Speaker Mike Johnson (00:56)

Student Food Insecurity during Finals

• Prevalence:

  • 2 in 5 college students face food insecurity.

• Campus Response:

  • Pantries like Penn State Harrisburg's see more visitors as grocery prices rise.
  • Students stock up ahead of winter break; stress and hunger are linked during finals.

• Student Perspective:

  • Working students may still need pantry support due to tight budgets.

  Notable Quotes:

  "We try to really supply the students with whatever we possibly can."
  — Amy Wheeler, Penn State Harrisburg Food Pantry (01:45)

  "I mean, hey, gotta eat."
  — Miles Perry, student (02:06)

  • (01:33 – 02:16)

Health and Human Services (HHS) Cancels Grants

• Action:

  • HHS terminated seven grants to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) following criticism of federal vaccine policy changes.

• Impact:

  • Grants affected initiatives on SIDS, autism identification, fetal alcohol prevention.
  • Mark Del Monte (AAP CEO) warns of direct harm to child health services.

• Response:

  • AAP exploring legal recourse; HHS has not commented.

  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, CEO of AAP (02:33)

  • (02:16 – 03:13)

Accountability in a Deadly Airline Crash

• Findings:
  • FAA and U.S. Army share blame for a January crash killing 67 after Black Hawk helicopter collides with passenger jet at Reagan National Airport.
  • Federal government suggests possible additional liability by jet pilots and airlines.
  • (03:13)

U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan Stirs Tension with China

• Details:

  • U.S. approves $11 billion in weapons sales (missiles, rockets, drones) to Taiwan—the largest ever.
  • U.S.: Intended for credible deterrence, not shifting military balance.
  • China condemns, warning it “pushes Taiwan Strait closer to war”; promises U.S. efforts "will absolutely not succeed".
  • President Trump plans China visit in April, but the impact is unclear.

  Notable Quote:

  "The US attempt to aid Taiwan's independence with arms will only backfire, and its attempt to use Taiwan to contain China will absolutely not succeed."
  — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry (04:01)

  • (04:01 – 04:40)

Space Exploration: Blue Origin Launch

• Milestone:
  • Blue Origin to launch a crewed rocket, with Michaela Benthaus as first wheelchair user in space.
  • Reflects expanding accessibility in space missions.
  • (04:40)

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:56 | Mike Johnson | "It's not an act of defiance. I understand what they're doing..." | | 01:45 | Amy Wheeler | "We try to really supply the students with whatever we possibly can." | | 02:06 | Miles Perry, student | "I mean, hey, gotta eat." | | 02:33 | Mark Del Monte, AAP CEO | "...will directly impact and potentially harm infants, children..." | | 04:01 | Guo Jiakun, China | "...will only backfire...will absolutely not succeed." |

4. Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | U.S. economy, inflation update | 00:19 | | Health care, ACA subsidies debate | 00:19–01:10 | | Student food insecurity | 01:33–02:16 | | HHS terminates child health grants | 02:16–03:13 | | Airline crash accountability | 03:13 | | U.S.–Taiwan arms deal, China reaction | 04:01–04:40 | | Blue Origin crewed spaceflight with disabled astronaut | 04:40 |

5. Tone and Language

The episode maintains NPR's balanced, factual, and concise reporting style. Direct quotations from newsmakers and affected individuals convey the human impact behind the headlines, while correspondents provide clear context for fast-moving developments.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a brisk, comprehensive briefing on top domestic and international stories of the hour.