NPR News Now – December 6, 2025, 1PM EST

Host: Nora Ramm (NPR)
Episode Theme: The latest news updates spanning US Supreme Court cases, Medicare enrollment, EU-Ukraine-Russia financial negotiations, global child mortality, and Florida's black bear hunt.

Supreme Court to Hear Birthright Citizenship Case

[00:17–01:14]

• Main Point: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s effort to restrict birthright citizenship, which traditionally grants citizenship to nearly all children born in the US.
• Background: Trump seeks to limit this right to children with at least one citizen or legal permanent resident parent.
• Reporter Insight:
  • Ron Elving (NPR) notes the court's historic deference to presidents on immigration.
  • Historical context provided, referencing anti-immigration surges in the 1800s and 1920s.
  • Trump’s administration efforts: “closed the southern border and unleashed aggressive deportation efforts.”
  • Notable Quote:
    • “This birthright citizenship case, seeking to change the way we have long understood the Constitution would be his biggest trophy yet.” — Ron Elving [01:06]

2026 Medicare Enrollment: Seniors Face New Cost Dynamics

[01:14–02:13]

• Main Point: Millions of Americans 65+ are deciding between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans for 2026.
• Details:
  • Private insurers offer Advantage plans with low premiums and extra benefits, but costs are projected to rise.
  • Advantage plans may require prior approval, delaying or denying care.
• Expert Perspective:
  • Jeremy Nordquist (Nebraska Hospital Association) highlights:
  • Notable Quote:
    • “A lot of Medicare Advantage plans, you may pay less upfront, but you are taking a bigger financial risk as you age and move forward.” — Jeremy Nordquist [01:49]
• Nationwide Impact: 62 million eligible; approvals can complicate care access.
• Reporter: Maci Byers (Nebraska Public Media), [02:13]

EU Division Over Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Loan

[02:13–03:12]

• Main Point: European leaders are struggling to convince Belgium to allow the use of frozen Russian assets as collateral for a loan to Ukraine.
• Developments:
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen met Belgian PM Bart de Wever.
  • Belgium seeks guarantees it would be reimbursed if Russia reclaims funds.
  • De Wever also demands smaller sums held by other EU states be included.
  • Notable Quote:
    • (Paraphrased) De Wever insists there are not yet solid guarantees from fellow EU governments.
• Further Context: The European Commission hopes for a deal this month.
• Reporter: Terry Schultz (from Brussels), [03:12]

Surge in Child Mortality Expected in 2025

[03:12–04:28]

• Main Point: After decades of declines, global child deaths are expected to rise in 2025 by 200,000, largely due to foreign aid cuts.
• Statistics & Projections:
  • Historically, under-5 deaths halved from 2000 to 2020, now under 5 million per year.
  • Steve Lim (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation) cites 25% cuts in international aid from the US, UK, and France.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “As you can imagine, such large cuts will have substantial consequences on health services.” — Steve Lim [04:18]
• Hardest Hit: Low-income, sub-Saharan African countries.
• Reporter: Gabriela Emanuel (NPR), [04:28]

Florida Resumes Black Bear Hunt After a Decade

[04:28–04:57]

• Main Point: The first sanctioned black bear hunt in Florida in 10 years begins; 172 permits issued. Permits allow hunting with rifles/crossbows, limit one bear per permit.
• Controversy:
  • Opponents’ court challenge failed.
  • Some permit-holders reportedly intend not to hunt, protesting the event.
• Reporter: Nora Ramm (NPR), [04:57]

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• “This birthright citizenship case... would be his biggest trophy yet.” — Ron Elving [01:06]
• “A lot of Medicare Advantage plans, you may pay less upfront, but you are taking a bigger financial risk as you age and move forward.” — Jeremy Nordquist [01:49]
• “As you can imagine, such large cuts will have substantial consequences on health services.” — Steve Lim [04:18]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Supreme Court birthright citizenship case: [00:17–01:14]
• Medicare enrollment changes: [01:14–02:13]
• EU-Russia-Ukraine financial aid dispute: [02:13–03:12]
• Child mortality warnings: [03:12–04:28]
• Florida black bear hunt: [04:28–04:57]

This episode delivers a concise yet comprehensive briefing on several timely policy, health, and environmental issues, accompanied by expert analysis and striking quotes from those directly involved.