NPR News Now – December 5, 2025, 3PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Correspondents: Martin Kosti, Cesar Huatema Garcia Hernandez, Scott Horsley, Dear Hadid
Duration: ~5 minutes

Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode provides an update on major national and global news as of December 5, 2025. Key topics include the Supreme Court's decision to hear a landmark case on birthright citizenship, Congressional redistricting in Texas, President Trump's remarks on the World Cup and newly created FIFA award, persistent U.S. inflation and anticipated Federal Reserve action, Russia-India oil relations amidst sanctions, and controversy over Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court to Hear Birthright Citizenship Case

• [00:18-01:19]
  • The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear the Trump administration’s challenge to birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizens.
  • President Trump issued an executive order on his first day back in office to withhold citizenship from babies born to those "in the country illegally or on a temporary visa."
  • The administration argues these cases are not covered by the 14th Amendment.
  • Legal Insight:
    • Cesar Huatema Garcia Hernandez, Ohio State Law Professor:

      “It’s a momentous case, one that has ramifications that are hard to fathom to rewrite the way in which citizenship has been conceived of for several generations.” [00:57]

  • So far, lower courts have blocked implementation of Trump’s order.

2. Texas Redistricting and Gerrymandering Decision

• [01:19-01:32]
  • The Supreme Court is allowing Texas to use its redrawn congressional map for the upcoming midterms.
  • The map is seen as favoring Republicans retaining control of the House.

3. Trump and the 2026 World Cup

• [01:32-02:08]
  • President Trump suggests the possibility of moving World Cup matches away from some Democratic-led host cities, citing potential “problems.”
  • Quote - President Trump (at World Cup Draw Ceremony):

    “If they do have a problem by the time we get there, we’ll take care of that problem. We can solve that problem. I’ve proven that in D.C. and everywhere else we went. So we’ll take care of that very easily.” [01:44]

  • During a Kennedy Center event, Trump is awarded a new FIFA Peace Prize for his role in brokering ceasefire agreements in Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
  • Leaders of co-hosting countries, Canada and Mexico, also present.

4. Economic Update: Inflation and Federal Reserve Outlook

• [02:11-03:05]
  • The Commerce Department reports inflation at 2.8% year-over-year for September.
  • Core inflation (excluding food and energy) is slightly down from August.
  • Despite high inflation, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates due to concerns over a weak job market.
  • Scott Horsley, NPR Correspondent:

    “Investors think the Fed is more concerned about weakness in the job market than rising prices right now. So policymakers are expected to lower their benchmark interest rate by another quarter percentage point next week.” [02:41]

  • Consumer sentiment has improved slightly but remains gloomy compared to last year.

5. Geopolitics: Russia-India Oil Relations Amid Sanctions

• [03:15-04:22]
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin announces Russia's readiness to ensure steady fuel shipments to India during his first visit to India since the Ukraine conflict.
  • India has become one of the largest buyers of Russian oil and also re-exports Russian oil products.
  • Recent curbs on Indian purchases followed U.S. tariffs (50% on Indian goods) and strict sanctions on Russian oil.
  • Uncertainties remain about continued shipment due to increased “sanctions-avoiding behaviour on the high seas.”
  • Dear Hadid, NPR Correspondent:

    “India insists the US is imposing a double standard, partly because other major buyers like China, haven’t been punished, while the US and Europe purchase Russian oil products through third countries.” [04:11]

6. Israel Re-Admitted to Eurovision; Backlash from Broadcasters

• [04:22-04:48]
  • Israel is allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest next year.
  • Broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland withdraw in protest, highlighting a "rift among European countries over Israel’s participation because of the war in Gaza." [Lakshmi Singh, 04:30]

7. Market Update

• [03:05, 04:48]
  • The Dow Jones is trading higher, up around 142–160 points during the episode.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cesar Huatema Garcia Hernandez on Birthright Citizenship:

  “It’s a momentous case, one that has ramifications that are hard to fathom to rewrite the way in which citizenship has been conceived of for several generations.” [00:57]

• President Trump on Relocating World Cup Matches:

  “If they do have a problem by the time we get there, we’ll take care of that problem. We can solve that problem. I’ve proven that in D.C. and everywhere else we went. So we’ll take care of that very easily.” [01:44]

• Scott Horsley on Fed Rate Policy:

  “Investors think the Fed is more concerned about weakness in the job market than rising prices right now. So policymakers are expected to lower their benchmark interest rate by another quarter percentage point next week.” [02:41]

• Dear Hadid on India, Oil, and U.S. Double Standards:

  “India insists the US is imposing a double standard, partly because other major buyers like China, haven’t been punished, while the US and Europe purchase Russian oil products through third countries.” [04:11]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 – Supreme Court to Hear Birthright Citizenship Case
• 01:19 – Texas Gerrymandering/Redistricting Ruling
• 01:32 – Trump’s World Cup Remarks & FIFA Prize
• 02:11 – Inflation Report & Federal Reserve Outlook
• 03:15 – Russia-India Fuel Deal Amid Sanctions
• 04:22 – Eurovision Decision on Israel, Broadcaster Boycotts

This episode offers a brisk yet substantive survey of pivotal legal, political, and economic developments, both in the U.S. and internationally, with soundbites and expert commentary bringing each story into sharper focus.