NPR News: 12-04-2025 4PM EST
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Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. Members of Congress have been holding classified briefing with Admiral Frank Bradley over reports that he issued orders for the U.S. military to fire on survivors of an attack on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean September 2nd. Congressman Jim Himes, a Democrat from Connecticut, says he saw video of the strikes and praised Bradley who defended the decisions taken, but Himes says the circumstances themselves are
were disturbing. What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service. You have two individuals in clear distress without any means of locomotion with a destroyed vessel who were killed by the United States.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under scrutiny after The Washington Post citing sources reported Bradley carried out the strike in accordance with Hegseth's orders to leave no one alive. The New York Times is suing the Pentagon and Pete Hegseth. It argues new press restrictions on what media outlets can report about the U.S. military violate its First and Fifth Amendment rights. Here's NPR's David Fokkenflik.
Hegseth's policy is so sweeping that it bans reporters with press passes even from disclosing unauthorized information that is not classified. The Times and NPR and other major news outlets turned in their badges rather than agree to such conditions. Earlier this year, reporters broke stories challenging the official line on U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and on Venezuelan boats. A scoop by The Atlantic led an inspector general to conclude that Hegseth's group chat on Signal about pending U.S.
What recent military actions are being discussed in Congress?
airstrikes in Yemen could have placed American troops in harm's way. This week, the Pentagon has welcomed in a replacement press corps. They include pro-MAGA social media influencers and online conspiracy peddlers. David Folkenflik, NPR News, Washington.
Very few young Americans, just around 13 percent, say the country is headed in the right direction. That is according to a new Harvard University survey of more than 2,000 18 to 29-year-olds out today. NPR's Elena Moore reports it comes as many say they are struggling with rising costs and are dissatisfied with politics.
The latest Harvard Youth Poll presents political challenges ahead of the midterms. More than 6 in 10 young Americans disapprove of Democrats and Republicans in Congress. On the issues, the economy is top of mind, and a plurality want to see the government address inflation. It also asked about political violence and whether certain circumstances make it acceptable. A majority said no, but a smaller, not insignificant portion think it can be justified in some contexts. For example, 28 percent believe political violence is acceptable when the government violates individual rights. Elena Moore, NPR News.
From Washington, this is NPR News. Vaccine advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have delayed controversial votes on changing the current recommendation of universal immunization of newborns against hepatitis B. The hepatitis B virus attacks the liver. There was confusion and disagreement over the language of the votes that led the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to push them to Friday from Thursday. Federal employees are still recovering after the longest ever government shutdown. Adrian Skabalin with member station KNAU reports one non-profit near Grand Canyon National Park wants to boost morale by providing free meals to federal workers.
The Grand Canyon Conservancy is hosting meals for residents of Grand Canyon Village and Tucson throughout the holiday season. Kim Acker, who works for the Interior Department, says she's been through several government shutdowns.
It's hard on your morale, it's hard on your confidence, it's hard on your bank account.
Acker had a medical emergency shortly after she was furloughed.
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