NPR News Now — October 6, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Ryland Barton (NPR)
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of top national news stories covering immigration enforcement controversies, the ongoing government shutdown, major Supreme Court cases, a new truck tariff announcement, COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, the Nobel Prize in Medicine, and tonight's supermoon.

1. Illinois vs. Federal Immigration Enforcement

Segment: 00:24 – 01:14

• Key Points:

  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker publicly condemns President Donald Trump for escalating violence in Chicago, connecting it to federal crackdowns on crime and illegal immigration.
  • Chicago and Illinois are actively suing to prevent Trump from deploying National Guard troops to the city.
  • The White House defends the move, citing "ongoing violent riots and lawlessness".
  • ICE agents have begun targeting predominantly immigrant and Latino neighborhoods.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican) blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown, urging Senate action on a stopgap measure.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities.”
    — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (01:42)

2. Government Shutdown & Legislative Gridlock

Segment: 00:54 – 01:14

• Key Points:
  • The federal government remains shut down for a sixth straight day.
  • A stopgap spending bill has passed the House but is stalled in the Senate.
  • Democrats want to extend expiring health insurance subsidies; Republicans push to maintain current spending levels.

3. Supreme Court Opens Term: Big Cases Loom

Segment: 01:14 – 02:26
Reporter: Nina Totenberg

• Key Points:

  • The Supreme Court begins a new term with a notably conservative majority.
  • Major cases include:
    • Presidential power over independent regulatory agencies.
    • Review of Trump’s expansive tariffs.
    • A challenge to remaining provisions of the Voting Rights Act.
    • The legality of Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Bottom line, the court could end up overturning a nearly century-old decision that established independent regulatory agencies with fixed terms and barred the president from firing agency directors except for misconduct.”
    — Nina Totenberg, NPR (01:51)

4. New Truck Tariffs Announced

Segment: 02:26 – 03:14
Reporter: Danielle Kurtzleben

• Key Points:

  • President Trump announces a new 25% tariff on imported medium and heavy-duty trucks, effective next month.
  • The White House cites national security as the justification for the tariffs, referencing precedent set by earlier tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods.
  • These tariffs are distinct from country-specific tariffs currently under Supreme Court review.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Trump made the announcement in a social media post, saying the tariff would apply to medium and heavy-duty trucks. Those types of trucks are larger than standard passenger pickups and include vehicles like delivery trucks and semis.”
    — Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR (02:40)

5. CDC Changes Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccines

Segment: 03:14 – 03:56

• Key Points:
  • The CDC no longer recommends COVID-19 vaccination for the general population, now leaving the decision to patients and healthcare providers.
  • The change comes from a new advisory panel appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
  • Previously, annual boosters were advised for all Americans aged six months and older.

6. Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded

Segment: 03:56 – 04:38
Reporter: Rob Stein

• Key Points:

  • Three scientists—Mary Brunko, Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan)—win the Nobel for discoveries about immune system regulation.
  • Their research explained “peripheral immune tolerance,” highlighting the role of regulatory T cells in preventing autoimmune reactions.
  • The trio will share over $1.1 million in prize money.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “The Nobel committee says the trio made groundbreaking discoveries that explain the function of cells. The committee calls the immune system’s security guards cells called regulatory T cells.”
    — Rob Stein, NPR (04:23)

7. Tonight’s Supermoon

Segment: 04:38 – 05:00

• Key Points:
  • The first supermoon of the year rises tonight, appearing slightly larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth.
  • Two additional supermoons are expected later in November and December.

Memorable Moments

• Direct condemnation by Governor Pritzker marking federal/state conflict (“Donald Trump is using our service members as political props…” – 01:42)
• Supreme Court facing potential to overturn century-old administrative precedents.
• The CDC’s reversal on blanket COVID-19 vaccine guidance spurred by a new leadership panel.
• Real-time breaking science news: Nobel Prize awarded for immune system research.

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