NPR News Now – December 5, 2025, 11AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman | NPR
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme:
The episode covers breaking national news, major business developments, international sports, and local community challenges—all within a brief, informative update.

Main Stories & Discussion Points

1. CDC to Limit Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations at Birth

• Summary:
  The CDC’s advisory committee has voted to restrict its longstanding recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. The proposal is to inoculate only babies whose mothers test positive for the virus, while other parents are advised to consult with their doctors instead.

• Public Health Expert Response:

  • Experts express surprise and concern at the change, emphasizing that newborns can contract hepatitis B from sources other than their mothers.
  • The vaccine is credited with a significant reduction in liver ailments and cancer among children.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Public health experts are shocked. They say babies can still get infected with hepatitis B from other people and should get the vaccine when they're born.” — Korva Coleman, [00:43]

2. Netflix to Acquire Key Warner Bros. Discovery Assets

• Summary:
  Netflix intends to purchase significant parts of Warner Bros. Discovery, specifically targeting HBO Max and the Warner Brothers studio. Other assets, like CNN, will be spun off and are not included in the deal.

• Regulatory Scrutiny Expected:

  • The size of the merger suggests likely antitrust reviews from both federal and state authorities.
  • Concerns raised about market concentration and potential for higher fees for streaming customers, given fewer options in the market.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Netflix is seeking the HBO Max streaming service and the Warner Brothers studio. Other cable properties, such as CNN, are not part of the deal and would be spun off.” — Korva Coleman, [00:44]
  • “Even if the federal government didn't intervene, state attorneys general might well want to scrutinize this...The likelihood is prices could go up.” — David Folkenflick, [01:19]

3. Meta’s Metaverse Layoffs, Shift Toward AI Initiatives

• Summary:
  Meta (formerly Facebook) will cut up to 30% of its Metaverse division workforce as the company pivots further into artificial intelligence (AI) development.

• Context & Rationale:

  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s original vision for the Metaverse has not materialized as anticipated.
  • Meta plans to invest more heavily in AI glasses and expanded AI data centers, even as some experts worry about excessive investment in AI infrastructure.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “When Facebook changed its name to Meta in 2021, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said it was a way to reframe the company's ambitions in what's known as the Metaverse. But that reality never came to pass, even if the name change stuck.” — Bobby Allen, [01:53]
  • "Meta will be putting new energy into developing AI glasses." — Bobby Allen, [02:13]

4. Expanded 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Draw Approaches

• Summary:
  Washington, D.C. will soon host the draw for the largest FIFA Men’s World Cup ever, with 48 teams. The U.S. team is set to learn its group-stage opponents for the 2026 tournament.

• Competition Format:

  • Teams will be divided into 12 groups of four.
  • The top two or three teams per group progress to the knockout stage.
  • Expanded format makes it more accessible for teams to advance beyond the group stage.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The draw has always played a big role in any team's chances at the World Cup, although with the expanded tournament, it should be easier than ever to reach the knockout stage.” — Becky Sullivan, [02:54]

5. FBI Arrest in 2021 D.C. Pipe Bomb Case

• Summary:
  Authorities have arrested a suspect in the nearly five-year-old D.C. pipe bomb case, where devices were planted outside Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters and did not detonate. The suspect is set to appear in federal court.

6. Congressional Briefing on U.S. Military Strike in Caribbean

• Summary:
  Lawmakers from both parties were briefed on a controversial U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, raising further questions about a second strike that killed survivors.

• Key Point:

  • Navy Admiral Frank Bradley testified that he "did not receive orders to kill everyone on board."

7. Afghan Refugee Tension and Support in Bellingham, Washington

• Summary:
  Community groups in Bellingham are scrambling to support Afghan refugees after an Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lochinwald, was accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers in D.C. President Trump responded by freezing Afghan asylum claims.

• Refugee Fears:

  • Refugees in Bellingham fear increased detention or deportation.
  • Community volunteers emphasize refugees' positive contributions.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “They're constantly looking out the window. Are they coming for me tonight? Am I next?” — Jeremy Darrow, [04:33]
  • “President Trump froze Afghan asylum claims after the D.C. shooting and has questioned whether Afghan refugees contribute in positive ways to American life.” — Brian Mann, [04:38]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:18] CDC Hepatitis B vaccine policy change
• [00:44] Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
• [01:39] Meta layoffs and AI investment
• [02:32] FIFA Men's World Cup draw and tournament expansion
• [03:10] Stock market update, D.C. pipe bomb arrest, U.S. military strike briefing
• [04:09] Afghan refugee community fears and case aftermath

Memorable Moments

• The shock among public health experts over the CDC’s proposed vaccination change
• Strong regulatory concerns over the Netflix-Warner Bros. media merger and how it could affect streaming prices for everyday Americans
• Community voices expressing deep anxiety and hope regarding Afghan refugees’ futures in the U.S.

Tone:
Concise, urgent, and informative—mirroring NPR’s news delivery style while giving voice to expert and community concerns on topics spanning health, media, business, sports, national security, and immigration.

For listeners seeking more than headlines, this episode delivers a succinct briefing touching on major shifts in public health, big tech’s evolving priorities, blockbuster business deals, and the human dimensions of policy controversy at home and abroad.