NPR News Now – December 31, 2025, 7PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton, NPR News Team
Summary of Main Theme
A concise five-minute newscast capturing the latest developments in U.S. politics, global affairs, tech industry news, significant recalls, a viral cultural figure’s passing, and the January skywatching forecast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Judge Blocks Bid to De-Fund CFPB

• [00:18]

  • A federal judge has ruled against White House efforts to stop funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
  • Judge Amy Berman’s decision allows the agency to keep receiving funds from the Federal Reserve, even while the Fed is operating at a loss.
  • This ruling temporarily halts attempts by President Trump and Budget Director Russell Vogt to cut off CFPB funding just days before anticipated insolvency.

  Notable Quote:

  • "A federal judge has ruled that the White House cannot stop funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau." – Ryland Barton [00:18]

2. Pipe Bomb Suspect in Court, Motive Revealed

• [00:40]

  • Brian Cole Jr., accused of placing pipe bombs in D.C. the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, appeared in federal court.
  • Prosecutors argue he should remain in custody pre-trial.
  • For the first time, prosecutors link his actions to election grievances:
    • Cole “confessed to building these pipe bombs, to transporting them and planting them,” and said he wanted to "speak up for people who felt that the 2020 election... had been tampered with."

  Notable Quote:

  • "Cole allegedly also told them that he needed to, quote, unquote, speak up for people who felt that the 2020 election... had been tampered with." – Rya Lucas [01:16]

3. Meta’s $2B AI Acquisition

• [01:26]

  • Meta (Facebook’s parent company) announces a $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI firm based in Singapore with Chinese founders.
  • Manus became prominent after an AI demo showing advanced personal assistant capabilities (portfolio analysis, booking travel, screening candidates).
  • Meta intends to integrate Manus tech into Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and will halt Manus operations in China post-acquisition.
  • Mike Allen notes this is part of a broader industry push toward powerful, autonomous AI agents.

  Notable Quote:

  • "They are AI tools that can perform real world tasks and serve as a kind of automated personal assistant with little or no human guidance." – Bobby Allen [01:51]
  • "A Meta spokesperson says once the deal is complete, Manus services and operations will be shut down in China." – Bobby Allen [02:09]

4. Mass Protests in Somalia Over Somaliland Recognition

• [02:19]

  • Tens of thousands protest across Somalia after Israel formally recognized the breakaway Republic of Somaliland.
  • Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but lacked official recognition until now.
  • At a UN Security Council meeting, Somalia’s government and the Turkish president condemned Israel's move as destabilizing and illegal.

  Notable Quote:

  • "Demonstrators chanted slogans rejecting Israel's recognition of Somaliland." – Michael Kaloki [02:36]

5. Beef Recall in Idaho

• [03:11]
  • Nearly 3,000 pounds of raw ground beef recalled due to potential E. coli contamination.
  • 16 oz vacuum-sealed packages from 4 Forward Farms, produced December 16, use/freeze by January 13.
  • No illnesses reported so far—the contamination discovered during routine USDA testing.

6. Viral Fresco Restorer Cecilia Jimenez Dies

• [03:54]

  • Cecilia Jimenez, who infamously “botched” a fresco of Jesus in her Spanish church in 2012, dies at age 94.
  • Despite initial ridicule (the restoration was likened to a “werewolf or a monkey”), the viral incident turned her town into a tourist destination.
  • Jimenez overcame early anxiety and was ultimately celebrated by her community.

  Notable Quote:

  • "The results ended up looking a little fuzzy, with people comparing the new portrait to a werewolf or a monkey." – Andrew Limbong [04:07]
  • "Although Jimenez was originally ridiculed... she eventually became a local celebrity." – Andrew Limbong [04:23]

7. Celestial Events: Supermoon and Meteor Shower

• [04:35]
  • January will see both a supermoon and the Quadrantid meteor shower compete for skywatchers’ attention.
  • Meteor shower peaks Friday night/Saturday morning; viewing will be minimal (<10 meteors/hour) due to bright moonlight.
  • Next supermoon won’t appear until late 2026.

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• 00:18–00:40 — CFPB Funding Ruling
• 00:40–01:26 — Pipe Bomb Suspect Motive (Rya Lucas)
• 01:26–02:19 — Meta Buys AI Firm Manus (Bobby Allen)
• 02:19–03:11 — Somalia Protests, Somaliland Recognition (Michael Kaloki)
• 03:11–03:54 — Idaho Ground Beef Recall
• 03:54–04:35 — Cecilia Jimenez & “Ecce Homo” Fresco Viral Story (Andrew Limbong)
• 04:35–04:56 — Supermoon vs. Meteor Shower in January

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Cole allegedly also told them that he needed to, quote, unquote, speak up for people who felt that the 2020 election, which Donald Trump lost, had been tampered with." – Rya Lucas [01:16]
• "They are AI tools that can perform real world tasks and serve as a kind of automated personal assistant with little or no human guidance." – Bobby Allen [01:51]
• "The results ended up looking a little fuzzy, with people comparing the new portrait to a werewolf or a monkey." – Andrew Limbong [04:07]

Tone & Language

• The tone is direct, factual, and concise with short, information-rich reports.
• Quotes and reporting style reflect NPR’s even-handed, accessible delivery.

Summary Prepared For:
Listeners seeking a concise yet thorough update on key global and national stories as of the last week of December 2025.