NPR News Now: 12-05-2025 3AM EST

Host: NPR
Date: December 5, 2025
Length: 5 minutes

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This NPR News Now episode delivers a concise roundup of major breaking news and policy developments from the U.S. and around the world, focusing on Afghan refugee policy, military actions in the Pacific, redistricting decisions in Texas and other states, a key arrest related to the 2021 pipe bomb incident, legal updates involving prominent officials, a Western naval pact to counter Russia, and a curious jewelry theft in New Zealand.

KEY STORIES & SEGMENTS

1. U.S. Veterans Alarmed as Afghan Refugee Claims Remain Frozen

[00:21–01:22]

• Lead: The Trump administration’s continued freeze on Afghan refugee claims has American veterans speaking out.
• Details:
  • Many Afghan allies who fought beside U.S. forces, like those assisting Green Beret Thomas Gaza’s unit in landmine removal (2019–2020), remain stranded under Taliban threat.
  • Veterans warn that those identified risk "catastrophically higher" danger, including execution.
  • The asylum halt follows an alleged attack by an Afghan national on National Guard soldiers in D.C., leaving one dead and one injured.
  • Veterans stress the vast majority of Afghan partners are "peaceful and productive."
• Notable Quote:
  • “For the guys who are detected, the risk is catastrophically higher.”
    — Brian Mann reporting for Thomas Gaza, [00:48]
• Reporter: Brian Mann

2. U.S. Southern Command Attacks Suspected Drug Boats—Legal and Moral Fallout

[01:22–02:08]

• Lead: Military operation in the eastern Pacific results in casualties; controversy over rules of engagement.
• Details:
  • Another attack on a boat killed four people; a video shows two survivors dying in a second strike.
  • Dispute over whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered “kill them all”; Navy command denies.
  • Lawmakers upset, worried that innocents may have been killed.
• Notable Moment:
  • Scene of congressional concern and calls for answers after striking suspected drug boats.
• Reporter: NPR News Anchor

3. Supreme Court Sides with Republicans on Texas Gerrymander; Redistricting Showdown Spreads

[02:08–02:31]

• Lead: The Supreme Court allows Texas to proceed with a Republican-backed congressional map amid ongoing national legal battles.
• Details:
  • The Texas map—initiated by President Trump—criticized for entrenching GOP control.
  • California courts soon to rule on a Democratic-friendly map.
  • Missouri, Florida, Indiana, New York, and Virginia also embroiled in redistricting litigation.
  • The impending Louisiana Supreme Court decision could spur further upheaval.
• Notable Quote:
  • “New maps may be coming in Florida, Indiana, New York and Virginia. And an upcoming Supreme Court ruling in a Louisiana case could spark more redistricting.”
    — Hanty Lawang, [02:25]
• Reporter: Hanty Lawang

4. Arrest Made in 2021 D.C. Pipe Bomb Case

[02:31–02:56]

• Lead: Virginia man, Brian Cole Jr., arrested for 2021 pipe bomb plot at D.C. party offices.
• Details:
  • Charged with using an explosive device.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi announces ongoing investigation; search warrants still active.
  • FBI tied the suspect using credit card, cell tower, and license plate data.
  • Bombs never detonated; incident happened on eve of U.S. Capitol attack.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The investigation is ongoing. As we speak, search warrants are being executed and there could be more charges to come.”
    — Lauren Frayer, [02:52]

5. Justice Department Fails to Re-indict NY Attorney General Letitia James

[03:19–03:57]

• Lead: No renewed indictments against Letitia James or James Comey after previous charges thrown out due to prosecutor’s appointment.
• Details:
  • Both deny wrongdoing (James: mortgage fraud, Comey: false statements/obstruction).
  • Prosecutor’s improper appointment led to dismissals.

6. Britain and Norway Merge Naval Forces to Counter Russian Subs

[03:57–04:38]

• Lead: The U.K. and Norway formalize a maritime pact aiming to protect North Atlantic resources against increased Russian submarine activity.
• Details:
  • Two countries combine navies on NATO’s northern flank, focusing on safeguarding undersea cables, oil, and gas pipelines.
  • Russian submarine incursions up 30% since Ukraine invasion.
  • Prime Ministers jointly tour Scottish military base.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “We share waters, we share a strategic environment.”
    — Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, [04:20]
  • “They share fears of Russian attack, [British officials say incursions] have jumped 30% in the past two years.”
    — Lauren Frayer, [04:23]
• Reporter: Lauren Frayer (from London), with Brian Mann quoting Norway PM

7. Bizarre Jewelry Heist in New Zealand: Suspect Swallows Faberge Pendant

[04:38–04:58]

• Lead: Police recover a luxury Faberge pendant swallowed by a thief during an Auckland jewelry theft.
• Details:
  • Suspect detained immediately after theft; pendant retrieved after medical supervision.
  • Headline moment for both police ingenuity and human absurdity.
• Memorable Moment:
  • The unusual image of police waiting for a stolen Faberge pendant to be “retrieved naturally.”

FINAL NOTES

• Financial News: U.S. futures remain flat after hours.
• All stories presented in NPR’s measured, concise news delivery style.
• Episode provides a fast-moving global snapshot, mixing policy, security, politics, justice, and a touch of the surreal.