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

Host: Dave Mattingly
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise news update covers major national and international stories, including a Supreme Court ruling on Texas redistricting, Congressional reactions to a controversial U.S. military airstrike, an update on a key January 6th investigation, economic reports influencing Federal Reserve expectations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, and a record-tying performance in NFL football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Upholds Texas Congressional Map

[00:17]

• Reporting by Dan Katz, Texas Public Radio

  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Texas may use its newly redrawn congressional map. The changes, encouraged by President Trump and Republican lawmakers, aim to help the GOP retain House control during the 2026 midterms.
  • Texas Republicans "praised the ruling as a win for conservatives in Texas and nationally."
  • Democrats countered, arguing the map will "weaken representation for communities of color."
  • The decision has led some Congressional incumbents to reconsider campaign plans.
  • Civic and faith organizations are now significant in educating voters on the new districts.
  • The Texas move has prompted California Democrats to advance their own congressional map, potentially gaining up to five seats.
  • Several other Republican-led states are considering further redistricting before the 2026 elections.

  Notable Quote:

  “Texas Republicans praised the ruling as a win for conservatives in Texas and nationally. Democrats said it’ll weaken representation for communities of color.” – Dan Katz, [00:40]

  Liberal Justices Object

  • The Supreme Court's three liberal justices dissented from the order. [01:21]

2. Congressional Briefing on U.S. Military Airstrike in Venezuela

[01:21]

• Reporting by Sam Greenglass

  • Lawmakers viewed classified video footage of a U.S. airstrike on a suspected drug boat off Venezuela in September.

  • The video included a second strike that killed two survivors of the initial attack.

  • Jim Himes (D), ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, strongly criticized the strike:

    Notable Quote:

    “What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in my time in public service.”
    – Rep. Jim Himes, [02:03]

  • Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R) offered a contrasting view:

    Notable Quote:

    “I didn’t see anything disturbing about it.”
    – Sen. Tom Cotton, [02:15]

  • Dave Mattingly further contextualized Cotton’s stance:

    “What’s disturbing to me is that millions of Americans have died from drugs being run to America by these cartels.”
    – Dave Mattingly quoting/rephrasing Cotton, [02:16]

  • President Trump indicated willingness to release the video of the strike.

  • Navy Admiral Frank Bradley, who ordered the strike, testified at the briefing.

3. Arrest for January 6th-Era Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Headquarters

[02:28]

• The FBI has arrested Brian Cole, a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, linked to pipe bombs placed outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters the night before the January 6th, 2021 Capitol attack.
  • Cole faces explosives charges.
  • The arrest resulted from a new analysis of previously collected evidence and data.

4. Economic Update – Unemployment and Interest Rate Outlook

[03:16]

• The latest U.S. employment numbers show new claims for jobless benefits at their lowest in over three years, prompting investors to reconsider the likelihood of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates at next week’s meeting.

5. FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Draw

[03:48]

• Reporting by Becky Sullivan

  • The draw takes place in Washington, D.C. The U.S., as co-host with Canada and Mexico, will learn its group-stage opponents.
  • The tournament expands to a record 48 teams, sorted into 12 groups of four.
  • Advancement rules mean it should be easier to reach the knockout round than in previous tournaments.
  • The U.S. has momentum, "unbeaten in their last five matches, all of them against top 40 ranked opponents."
  • Simply reaching the knockout round is insufficient for the U.S. men’s team’s ambitions; they are aiming for at least the quarterfinals.

  Notable Quote:

  “With the expanded tournament, it should be easier than ever to reach the knockout stage.”
  – Becky Sullivan, [03:48]

• National teams from each host country automatically qualify. [04:27]

6. NFL Thursday Night Football: Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys

[04:30]

• The Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 44-30.
• Running back Jameer Gibbs is now tied with Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns in NFL history (for a player younger than 24), at 47 career touchdowns.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in my time in public service.”
  – Rep. Jim Himes, [02:03]
• “I didn’t see anything disturbing about it.”
  – Sen. Tom Cotton, [02:15]
• “Texas Republicans praised the ruling as a win for conservatives in Texas and nationally. Democrats said it’ll weaken representation for communities of color.”
  – Dan Katz, [00:40]
• “With the expanded tournament, it should be easier than ever to reach the knockout stage.”
  – Becky Sullivan, [03:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:17] Supreme Court Texas redistricting decision
• [01:21] Congressional reaction to Venezuela airstrike
• [02:28] FBI arrests suspect in January 6th-era pipe bomb case
• [03:16] Employment report and Federal Reserve speculation
• [03:48] FIFA World Cup 2026 draw coverage
• [04:30] NFL: Detroit Lions victory and Jameer Gibbs record

Summary Takeaway

This NPR News Now episode highlights the sharp partisan divides and shifting political strategies amid next year’s elections, ongoing scrutiny of U.S. military actions, continued investigations into the legacy of January 6th, an unexpectedly strong job market, high anticipation for the 2026 World Cup, and major NFL milestones—all delivered in a fast-paced, matter-of-fact reporting style.