NPR News Now — Episode Summary

Episode: NPR News: 12-05-2025 1PM EST
Host: Lakshmi Singh (NPR)
Date: December 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This brisk, five-minute NPR News Now episode covers the latest major U.S. and international developments. The episode features stories on major shifts in U.S. health policy discussions, Supreme Court decisions affecting election law, high-profile EU regulatory actions against social media platforms, updates from the 2026 World Cup draw, and diplomatic and cultural flashpoints involving Israel and Eurovision.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. CDC Advisory Committee Reconsidering Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination ([00:14]-[01:15])

• Background:

  • Current CDC guidance recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all infants within 24 hours of birth.
  • Public health experts cite strong evidence for its effectiveness in preventing liver disease.

• What’s New:

  • An advisory committee, organized by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is reviewing whether this blanket approach is truly necessary.
  • Some members question both the need and safety of vaccinating all newborns due to hepatitis B's typical transmission routes (sex, drug use).

• Notable Quote:

  • “Some members of this CDC committee argue that there’s insufficient evidence that giving all newborns the vaccine when they’re so young is really necessary…”
    — Health Correspondent ([00:48])

2. Supreme Court Permits Texas’ Mid-Decade Redistricting for 2025 Midterms ([01:15]-[02:14])

• Key Update:

  • The Supreme Court will allow Texas to use its new redistricting map for the upcoming Congressional midterms.
  • This does not guarantee Republican control as President Trump intended, but it sets a precedent for other states.

• Implications:

  • The court's decision signals an “arms race” of mid-decade redistricting nationwide, as both parties maneuver for electoral advantage.
  • States such as California, Virginia, Maryland, Missouri, and North Carolina are all poised to follow Texas’ lead.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The signal that gets sent with this case is going to reverberate in the legal challenges to California… and other mid-decade redistricting maps…”
    — Travis Crum, law professor ([01:46])

3. EU Fines X (formerly Twitter) Under the Digital Services Act ([02:14]-[03:12])

• Details:

  • The European Union has fined X $140 million for breaching the new Digital Services Act (DSA) on multiple counts.
  • A key issue was X's change to the “blue checkmark” system, making it purchasable rather than a verified marker of identity, potentially increasing the risk of scams.

• Other Concerns:

  • Transparency failures, especially muddled verification and restriction of data access for researchers, were cited.
  • X must respond within 60–90 days with remedies.

• Notable Quote:

  • “It deceives users. Anyone can pay to obtain the verified status, and X does not meaningfully verify who is behind it.”
    — European Commission Spokesperson ([02:54])

4. 2026 World Cup Draw & Trump’s FIFA Peace Prize ([03:15]-[04:05])

• World Cup Headlines:
  • U.S., Canada, and Mexico hosted the final group draw for the largest-ever World Cup (48 teams in 12 groups).
• Political Highlight:
  • Donald Trump, present at the ceremony, was awarded FIFA’s first Peace Prize for brokering multiple ceasefires (Israel/Hamas, Cambodia/Thailand, Rwanda/DRC).
  • Trump contends he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for these efforts.

5. Eurovision Allows Israel to Compete; Boycotts Follow ([04:05]-[04:45])

• Latest Developments:

  • Eurovision’s decision to let Israel participate sparked the withdrawal of Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia.
  • Countries cited Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, which has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths, as the reason for their boycott.

• Reactions:

  • Israeli singer Neta Barzilai called Eurovision’s decision “brave,” drawing cheers.
  • President Isaac Herzog said the choice showed “solidarity and fellowship.”

• Notable Quote:

  • “We must continue to shine and speak up.”
    — Neta Barzilai, Israeli Eurovision winner ([04:33])

6. Financial Markets Update ([04:45]-[04:53])

• Snapshot:
  • Dow up 168 points, S&P up 19, NASDAQ up 70.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “[There’s] insufficient evidence that giving all newborns the vaccine when they’re so young is really necessary…” — Health Correspondent ([00:48])
• “The signal that gets sent with this case is going to reverberate in the legal challenges to California.” — Travis Crum, law professor ([01:46])
• “It deceives users. Anyone can pay to obtain the verified status, and X does not meaningfully verify who is behind it.” — European Commission spokesperson ([02:54])
• “We must continue to shine and speak up.” — Neta Barzilai ([04:33])

Timestamps (Key Segments)

• CDC Hepatitis B Policy Review: 00:14–01:15
• TX Supreme Court Redistricting Decision: 01:15–02:14
• EU Fines X (Twitter): 02:14–03:12
• 2026 World Cup Draw & Trump’s Peace Prize: 03:15–04:05
• Eurovision Israel Participation & Boycotts: 04:05–04:45
• Stock Market Update: 04:45–04:53

This episode delivers rapid, crisp updates on policy shifts, global events, digital regulation, culture, and markets—conveyed in NPR’s signature tone: factual, calm, and clear.