NPR News Now — December 5, 2025, 7AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: 5 minutes
Theme: The latest national and international news updates

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode delivers concise updates on significant national and international stories, including a major arrest in the Capitol pipe bomb case, scrutiny over a U.S. military strike in the Caribbean, a contentious CDC vaccine policy vote, challenges facing young Americans, and a high-profile murder trial. The episode also touches on the European Union's actions against social media platform X.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arrest in the January 6 Capitol Pipe Bomb Case

[00:14–01:22]

• Story Summary:
  Thirty-year-old Brian Cole Jr. of Virginia has been arrested in connection with pipe bombs planted near the U.S. Capitol the night before the January 6 attack. The pipe bombs did not explode, and the investigation has lasted nearly five years.

• Investigation Breakthrough:
  The FBI revived the case with a new investigative team, which generated leads that led to the arrest after years with little progress.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dan Bongino (FBI Deputy Director):
    “Folks, you’re not going to walk into our capital city, put down two explosive devices and walk off in the sunset.” ([00:58])

• Next Steps:
  Cole is scheduled to appear in federal court in Washington, D.C., close to the Capitol.

2. Congressional Inquiry into U.S. Military Strike in the Caribbean

[01:22–02:08]

• Background:
  Bipartisan lawmakers seek more information about a September U.S. military strike against an alleged drug boat, which included a second strike that killed survivors.

• Concerns:
  Democrats question the legality and chain of command overseeing the second strike.

• Notable Quote:

  • Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI):
    “The question I have is to what extent the Secretary of Defense influenced the operation and that influence contributed to the outcome.” ([01:51])

• Ongoing Inquiry:
  Lawmakers continue pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for details.

3. Debate Over Universal Hepatitis B Vaccinations for Newborns

[02:08–03:12]

• Current Policy:
  The CDC’s advisory committee is debating whether to end the policy of vaccinating all healthy newborns against hepatitis B.

• Panel Discord:
  Discussion postponed amid disagreement and frustration about shifting language in the recommendation.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Joseph Hibbeln (Committee Psychiatrist):
    “We’re trying to evaluate a moving target and we don’t even have a slide explicitly describing what questions we’re supposed to answer.” ([02:45])

• Divided Views:
  Some members argue the decades-old policy has successfully reduced hepatitis B cases, while others push for change.

4. Young Americans’ Dissatisfaction and Polling Data

[03:12–04:04]

• Survey Findings:
  Only 13% of young Americans think the country is headed in the right direction (Harvard Youth Poll).

• Key Concerns:
  Widespread dissatisfaction with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers; inflation and the economy are the biggest worries.

• Political Violence:
  A majority reject violence, but a significant minority believe it's justified when individual rights are violated (28%).

• Notable Quote:

  • Elena Moore (NPR Correspondent):
    “More than six in ten young Americans disapprove of Democrats and Republicans in Congress... a plurality want to see the government address inflation.” ([03:31])

5. United Healthcare CEO Murder Trial: Miranda Rights Dispute

[04:04–04:54]

• Case Update:
  New York court hearings continue for Luigi Mangione, accused in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

• Key Evidence:
  Bodycam footage shows Mangione requested to stop talking early in his police stop, but was advised of his rights only after 20 minutes.

• Legal Dispute:
  Defense argues that this procedural issue should exclude some evidence from trial.

6. EU Fines Social Platform X for Transparency Violations

[04:54–05:05]

• EU Action:
  The European Union is fining X (formerly Twitter) about $140 million for violating transparency rules and refusing research access to public data.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino:
  “Folks, you’re not going to walk into our capital city, put down two explosive devices and walk off in the sunset.” ([00:58])

• Senator Jack Reed:
  “The question I have is to what extent the Secretary of Defense influenced the operation and that influence contributed to the outcome.” ([01:51])

• Dr. Joseph Hibbeln:
  “We’re trying to evaluate a moving target and we don’t even have a slide explicitly describing what questions we’re supposed to answer.” ([02:45])

• Elena Moore:
  “More than six in ten young Americans disapprove of Democrats and Republicans in Congress... a plurality want to see the government address inflation.” ([03:31])

Useful Segment Timestamps

• Capitol Pipe Bomb Arrest: [00:14–01:22]
• Congressional Inquiry on Caribbean Strike: [01:22–02:08]
• Hepatitis B Vaccine Panel Vote: [02:08–03:12]
• Harvard Youth Poll Results: [03:12–04:04]
• Healthcare CEO Murder Trial Hearing: [04:04–04:54]
• EU Fines X: [04:54–05:05]

This concise, fact-driven episode covers rapidly developing events in Washington, public health controversies, shifting public sentiment among youth, and significant international regulatory news. The delivery retains NPR’s hallmark measured, objective tone and tightly-woven storytelling.