NPR News Now: December 17, 2025, 8AM EST – Episode Summary

Overview

In this brisk five-minute news update, NPR covers significant political, weather, global affairs, and economic stories dominating the headlines for December 17, 2025. Main themes include new polling on President Trump’s economic approval, dangerous weather in Washington state, the threat of ISIS, corporate takeover drama in entertainment, global poverty estimates, and labor unrest at the Louvre Museum.

Key Stories & Insights

President Trump’s Economic Approval Hits New Low

(00:19–01:11)

• Main Point: President Trump’s economic approval has hit its lowest point in six years, according to an NPR/PBS/Marist poll.
• Details:
  • Only 36% of 1,440 national respondents approve of Trump's handling of the US economy.
  • Notably, Latino approval is even lower at 32%, a significant drop from their support in the 2024 election, correlating with dissatisfaction over persistent high prices.
  • This shift among Latinos signals potential trouble for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms.
• Quote:
  • “Of the 1,440 respondents to the survey, just 36% say they approve of the job Trump is doing on the economy. That's the lowest Marist has recorded for Trump in six years of asking the question.” — Domenico Montanaro (00:30)

Blizzard and Flooding Crisis in Washington State

(01:11–01:41)

• Main Point: Severe weather—including torrential rain, breached levees, and now blizzard conditions—is testing Washington state’s infrastructure.
• Details:
  • The National Weather Service has reported hurricane-strength winds and forecasts predict up to a foot of snow in some regions east and west of Seattle.
  • Nearly 2 feet of rain has already fallen; at least one fatality has occurred.
  • Governor Bob Ferguson highlights the ongoing strain on infrastructure.
• Quote:
  • “It's not a one or two day event, right. We're in for the long haul and all that water is putting a lot of stress on our infrastructure.” — Governor Bob Ferguson (01:32)

Renewed ISIS Threat Following Attacks in Australia and Syria

(01:41–02:55)

• Main Point: Recent violence in Australia and Syria linked to ISIS raises concerns about the group’s resurgence.
• Details:
  • A shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia is under investigation after police found ISIS flags in a suspect’s car.
  • Separate attack in Syria resulted in the deaths of two US troops and an interpreter, also attributed to ISIS inspiration.
  • Analyst Aaron Zelen notes ISIS is weakened but maintains an online presence for inciting attacks.
  • The Pentagon estimates 2,500 ISIS fighters remain in Syria and Iraq.
• Quotes:
  • “ISIS never gives up.” — Aaron Zelen (02:36)
  • “As long as they continue to have the will to fight, they'll use any means necessary to accomplish what they're trying to do.” — Aaron Zelen (02:38)

Corporate Takeover Battle: Warner Bros. vs. Paramount Skydance

(02:55–03:11)

• Main Point: Warner Bros. advises shareholders to reject a hostile takeover from Paramount Skydance, competing against a prior Netflix bid.
• Details:
  • Paramount initiated the takeover bid last week, escalating a bidding war among entertainment giants.
  • Warner Bros. management is currently favoring an existing Netflix offer.

Trump Orders Oil Blockade on Venezuela

(03:11–04:01)

• Main Point: President Trump announces a total oil tanker blockade on Venezuela, citing unsubstantiated claims of theft.
• Details:
  • Announcement made via social media, with allegations that Venezuela stole land and oil from the US — no evidence provided.
  • Military presence in the region has increased; about two dozen boats have been targeted by US forces, again without presented evidence.

New Estimate: Ending Extreme Poverty Costs Less Than Thought

(04:01–04:46)

• Main Point: Researchers suggest eradicating extreme poverty globally could cost about $318 billion a year—less than past estimates.
• Details:
  • Study by UC Berkeley’s Center for Effective Global Action uses AI to analyze expenses in the world’s poorest countries.
  • $318 billion is only 0.3% of global GDP and much less than global spending on alcohol.
• Quote:
  • “Virtually ending extreme poverty would cost roughly $318 billion a year. That's about 0.3% of global GDP, a sum that is a bit more than was spent on foreign aid until recently, but roughly seven times less than what we spend on alcoholic beverages.” — Jonathan Lambert (04:01)

Strike at the Louvre Museum

(04:46–04:58)

• Main Point: Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris continue striking for improved working conditions.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump Polling:
  “That's the lowest Marist has recorded for Trump in six years of asking the question.” — Domenico Montanaro (00:30)
• Weather Crisis:
  “We're in for the long haul and all that water is putting a lot of stress on our infrastructure.” — Governor Bob Ferguson (01:32)
• ISIS Threat:
  “ISIS never gives up.” — Aaron Zelen (02:36)
• Poverty Costs:
  “…a sum that is a bit more than was spent on foreign aid until recently, but roughly seven times less than what we spend on alcoholic beverages.” — Jonathan Lambert (04:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Economy Poll — 00:19–01:11
• Washington State Weather Emergency — 01:11–01:41
• Australia & Syria ISIS Violence — 01:41–02:55
• Warner Bros./Paramount Takeover — 02:55–03:11
• Trump’s Venezuela Blockade Order — 03:11–04:01
• Extreme Poverty Study — 04:01–04:46
• Louvre Strike — 04:46–04:58

This episode delivers a rapid and informative cross-section of pressing events, blending hard news with global and economic perspectives in NPR's signature measured tone.