NPR News Now – 12-07-2025, 8AM EST

Host: Louise Schiavone
Length: 5 minutes
Date: December 7, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now update covers the latest U.S. military strategy in the war on drug trafficking, reactions to strikes in the Caribbean, a hopeful moment in Bethlehem after years of conflict, political maneuvers over the 2030 U.S. census, dramatic college football upsets, and major developments in entertainment and policing technology. The news is delivered in a matter-of-fact, neutral tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Strikes on Alleged Drug Traffickers (00:15 – 01:03)

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defends ongoing U.S. military strikes against alleged drug traffickers, labeling them "narco terrorists."
• Quote:
  • Pete Hegseth (00:28):

    "These narco terrorists are the al Qaeda of our hemisphere, and we are with the same sophistication and precision that we hunted al Qaeda."

• Controversy:
  • Some Democrats deem the strikes illegal.
  • Calls arise for a full release of strike footage after reports that everyone on a Caribbean boat had been killed.
• Quote:
  • Pete Hegseth responding to allegations (00:54–01:00):

    "Say that everybody on board should be killed? Does anybody here from the Washington Post? I don't know where you get your sources, but they suck. Of course not."

• Strikes are positioned as part of the administration's broader hemispheric defense strategy.

2. Hope and Hardship in Bethlehem (01:03 – 02:14)

• First Christmas Tree Lighting Since Gaza War:
  • For the first time in two years, Bethlehem residents gather for Christmas celebrations, hoping to revive tourism devastated by conflict.
• Report from Hadil Al Shalshi:
  • Hundreds gather at Manger Square; the scene is hopeful but tempered by two years of hardship.
• Impact of War:
  • Bethlehem's unemployment surged from 14% to 65% due to restricted movement and tourism drop.
• Notable Quote:
  • Bethlehem Mayor Meher Qanawati (via Hadil Al Shalshi, 01:46):

    "We will raise our voices with a message of peace that comes from the pain we experience."

• The segment ends with "cautious hope" for peace and economic revival.

3. Congressional Battle Over the 2030 Census (02:14 – 03:11)

• Potential Census Changes:
  • House Oversight Committee (Republican-controlled) advances a bill to exclude non-citizens from the decennial count – a move with major political ramifications.
• Background:
  • The 14th Amendment mandates counting "the whole number of persons." The new bill would exclude green card holders and undocumented individuals.
• Political Context:
  • Mirrors past efforts; follows a social media push from former President Trump.
• Quote:
  • Hansi Lo Wang (02:28):

    "That kind of change would be unprecedented in U.S. history and likely be challenged in court."

4. Major College Football Upsets (03:11 – 04:04)

• SEC Championship:
  • Georgia (#3) defeats Alabama (#10), 28–7, claiming their 16th SEC title.
• Big Ten Shock:
  • Indiana (#2) defeats top-ranked Ohio State 13–10 for its first Big Ten championship since 1967.
• ACC Milestone:
  • Duke wins its first outright ACC title since 1962 (27–20 over Virginia).
• All eyes shift to the upcoming playoffs.

5. Big Moves in Entertainment & Tech (04:04 – 04:53)

A. Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery Deal

• Massive Merger:
  • Netflix finalizes a $72B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, integrating HBO Max into its lineup.
• Senator Elizabeth Warren's Criticism:
  • She labels the deal an "anti monopoly nightmare," warning of higher prices and reduced consumer choice.

B. Facial Recognition in Policing

• Edmonton Police (Canada):
  • Launch a pilot using body cameras with AI face identification tech, aimed at identifying individuals on a "high-risk watch list."
  • Critics express ethical concerns due to the absence of public debate.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Pete Hegseth (on narco terrorists):

  "These narco terrorists are the al Qaeda of our hemisphere, and we are with the same sophistication and precision that we hunted al Qaeda."
  — (00:28)

• Pete Hegseth (on strike allegations):

  "Does anybody here from the Washington Post? I don't know where you get your sources, but they suck. Of course not."
  — (01:00)

• Mayor Meher Qanawati via Hadil Al Shalshi:

  "We will raise our voices with a message of peace that comes from the pain we experience."
  — (01:46)

• Hansi Lo Wang (on census bill):

  "That kind of change would be unprecedented in U.S. history and likely be challenged in court."
  — (02:28)

• Senator Elizabeth Warren (paraphrased):

  • Calls the Netflix–Warner Bros. Discovery deal an "anti monopoly nightmare," warning of higher prices and fewer choices.

Segment Timestamps

• Military Strikes & Hegseth’s Remarks: 00:15 – 01:03
• Bethlehem Christmas & Aftermath of Gaza War: 01:03 – 02:14
• 2030 Census Political Fight: 02:14 – 03:11
• College Football Upsets: 03:11 – 04:04
• Industry & Policing News (Netflix merger, Edmonton AI): 04:04 – 04:53