NPR News Now – Episode Summary

Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode: NPR News: 12-05-2025 6PM EST
Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Ryland Barton (with reports from Ryan Lucas, Franco Ordonez, Joel Rose, Anna King)
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the top headlines from around the US and the world, focusing on judicial developments related to January 6th, an unprecedented FIFA peace prize for President Trump, major changes in air traffic control infrastructure, the passing of architectural icon Frank Gehry, a controversial congressional redistricting effort in Indiana, federal cleanup disputes in Washington state, and a milestone antitrust lawsuit in NASCAR involving Michael Jordan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. January 6th Capitol Pipe Bomber Case

[00:00 – 00:58]

• Brian Cole Jr. appears in federal court after his arrest for alleged pipe bomb placement near the US Capitol, ahead of the January 6th riots.
• After a 5-year FBI probe, Cole’s first appearance involves confirmation he understands the charges.
• Cole reportedly told investigators he believed in 2020 election conspiracies.
• He will return for a detention hearing later in the month.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Prosecutors said Cole spoke with law enforcement for more than four hours Thursday following his arrest...Cole told investigators he believed conspiracy theories that the 2020 election was stolen." — Ryan Lucas [00:24]

2. President Trump Awarded FIFA Peace Prize

[00:58 – 01:51]

• Donald Trump receives the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, presented during the World Cup group draw.
• Trump, known for touting his conflict-resolution efforts, thanks FIFA for one of his “great honors.”
• The decision is seen as expected due to Trump’s relationship with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, who has supported Trump’s Nobel aspirations.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "President Trump accepted the FIFA peace prize during the World cup draw..." — Franco Ordonez [01:12]
  • "This is truly one of the great honors of my life." — President Trump [01:22]
  • "Critics cite Trump's close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino..." — Franco Ordonez [01:25]

3. FAA’s Air Traffic Control Overhaul

[01:51 – 02:45]

• The FAA appoints Peraton, a Northern Virginia security company, as the project manager for a vast, $12.5 billion air traffic control upgrade.
• The upgrade aims to replace decades-old technology criticized for failures and outdated infrastructure.
• Aviation leaders caution that full modernization may require another $20 billion.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Peraton will act as the single integrator to manage the massive project...industry leaders say $12.5 billion is just a down payment..." — Joel Rose [02:04]

4. Frank Gehry Dies at 96

[02:45 – 03:00]

• World-renowned architect Frank Gehry (designer of the Guggenheim Bilbao and Disney Concert Hall) passes away at 96.
• His signature bold curves and unconventional structures redefined architecture.

5. Indiana’s Congressional Redistricting Push

[03:00 – 03:43]

• Indiana’s House passes a redistricting bill that could gain the GOP two seats.
• The bill heads to the state Senate amidst uncertainty over its passage.
• The effort aligns with President Trump’s national strategy to boost Republican chances in future Congressional races.
• Hoosier lawmakers face direct pressure from the White House to comply.

6. Hanford Nuclear Cleanup Debate

[03:43 – 04:18]

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright tours key sites in Washington State, including the Hanford nuclear cleanup site.
• Senator Patty Murray questions the Trump administration’s commitment to Hanford funding, especially a costly new plant for tank waste treatment.
• Secretary Wright dismisses rumors of federal backtracking as “complete nonsense.”
• He denies knowledge of delays concerning a planned massive solar farm at Hanford.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Some crazy story leaked out there...that somehow we were undermining and planning not to do it. Complete nonsense was never true." — Secretary Wright [03:56]

7. Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Antitrust Testimony

[04:18 – 04:44]

• NBA legend Michael Jordan appears in a landmark NASCAR antitrust case, advocating for fairer revenue sharing similar to the NBA's model.
• Jordan argues that NASCAR's current financial structure shortchanges teams and drivers.

8. Market Update

[04:44 – 04:54]

• The US stock market nears its all-time high, closing out a busy news day.

Notable Quotes & Moments (Chronological with Timestamps)

• Brian Cole Jr. Conspiracy Belief:

  • “Cole told investigators he believed conspiracy theories that the 2020 election was stolen.” — Ryan Lucas [00:24]

• Trump Accepts FIFA Peace Prize:

  • “This is truly one of the great honors of my life.” — President Trump [01:22]

• On FIFA-White House Ties:

  • “Critics cite Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino...” — Franco Ordonez [01:25]

• FAA Overhaul Funding Issue:

  • “Industry leaders say $12.5 billion is just a down payment and that it will likely take an additional $20 billion to complete the work.” — Joel Rose [02:23]

• Energy Secretary Dismisses Funding Rumors:

  • “Complete nonsense was never true.” — Secretary Wright [03:56]

Episode Timeline & Timestamps

• [00:00] Brian Cole Jr. court appearance on pipe bomb charges
• [00:58] President Trump awarded FIFA peace prize
• [01:51] FAA announces air traffic control overhaul manager
• [02:45] Frank Gehry’s death at 96
• [03:00] Indiana passes controversial congressional redistricting bill
• [03:43] Hanford cleanup and federal funding dispute
• [04:18] Michael Jordan testifies in NASCAR antitrust case
• [04:44] Stock market update

This episode offers a brisk but substantial snapshot of the day’s most significant news, punctuated by revealing statements from government officials and public figures. The stories reflect ongoing national debates about justice, political influence, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and equity in sports and economics.