NPR News Now – 12-06-2025, 4PM EST

Host: Nora Rahm
Length: ~5 minutes
Date: December 6, 2025
Theme: Rapid-fire roundup of major national and international news, with coverage of politics, military strategy, notable legal proceedings, international events, health, and societal trends.

1. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Birthright Citizenship

• [00:19–01:14] Discussion & Context
  • The U.S. Supreme Court announced it will consider President Trump’s proposal to restrict birthright citizenship, potentially limiting automatic citizenship to babies born in the U.S. only if at least one parent is a citizen or legal permanent resident.
  • Historical Background:
    Political resistance to birthright citizenship has a long heritage, with anti-immigration movements in the mid-19th century and the 1920s cited as precedents.
  • Aggressive Immigration Policy:
    Trump’s broader policies have heavily restricted the southern U.S. border and ramped up deportations.
  • Key Insight:
    This court case is seen as Trump’s most significant attempt yet to alter long-standing interpretations of the Constitution.
  • Quote:

    "Should those babies automatically become citizens even if their parents aren't? The longstanding answer's been yes. But there has also been a body of opinion opposed to that." – Ron Elving ([00:44])

2. New Army Command Focused on the Americas

• [01:14–02:07] Announcement and Strategic Implications
  • Creation of the US Army Western Hemisphere Command:
    Launched at Fort Bragg, this new command reflects the Trump administration's growing emphasis on the Americas and border security.
  • The unit’s first commander, General Joseph Ryan, stressed the importance of building a responsive and capable force.
  • Strategic Context:
    This move aligns with the latest national security strategy, prioritizing U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere both in security and economic spheres.
  • Quote:

    "When we succeed, we will be proud to serve in a theater army that is ready for the myriad tasks that our nation's priority theater requires." – General Joseph Ryan ([01:40])

3. High-Profile Murder Trial Pretrial Hearings

• [02:07–02:59] Legal News
  • Case: Luigi Mangione, 27, is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
  • Key Evidence Disputed:
    • Police bodycam showed 20 minutes elapsed before informing Mangione of his right to remain silent—a possible challenge for admission of his statements.
    • Prosecutors also point to a 9mm handgun found in his backpack and a notebook describing rebellion against the "deadly greed-fueled health insurance cartel".
  • Next Steps:
    Hearings are scheduled to continue Monday.
  • Quote:

    "Nearly 20 minutes passed before police informed him of his right to remain silent, which the defense argues means statements he made to law enforcement should be inadmissible at trial." – Sarah Ventri ([02:19])

4. Global and Human Interest Briefs

Ukraine Under Attack Amid Peace Talks

• [02:59–03:21]
  • Russia launched hundreds of missiles and dozens of drones overnight while Ukrainian officials are in Florida negotiating with the U.S. to find a path to end the war.

Deadly Mass Shooting in South Africa

• [03:21–03:48]
  • Police are searching for suspects after a mass shooting at an unlicensed bar near Pretoria. At least 11 people—among them 3 children—were killed, with over a dozen wounded.
  • South Africa continues to face one of the highest murder rates globally.

5. The Centenarian Survey – Secrets to Longevity

• [03:48–04:29] Aging & Lifestyle
  • Survey by United Health Care:
    Number of U.S. centenarians (~100,000 now) is projected to quadruple by mid-century.
  • Findings:
    • 80% report frequent social gatherings with friends and family.
    • 46% engage in strength training weekly.
    • 36% practice stress relief, such as meditation.
    • Almost 1 in 3 have tried AI platforms like ChatGPT, reflecting curiosity about technology.
  • Quotes:

    "46% of people over the age of 100 are saying they're doing some type of strength training on a weekly basis." – Dr. Rhonda Randall ([04:04])

6. Black Bear Hunt Returns to Florida

• [04:29–04:57] Wildlife & Public Policy
  • Legal black bear hunting is permitted in Florida for the first time in a decade, with hunting allowed by rifle or crossbow by permit (172 issued).
  • Some opponents, unable to block the hunt legally, claim to have obtained permits without intent to use them as a protective measure.
  • "Opponents of the sanctioned killing fail to stop the hunt in court. Some say that they applied for permits with no intention of using them." – Nora Rahm ([04:29])

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Ron Elving ([00:44]): "Should those babies automatically become citizens even if their parents aren't? The longstanding answer's been yes. But there has also been a body of opinion opposed to that."
• General Joseph Ryan ([01:40]): "When we succeed, we will be proud to serve in a theater army that is ready for the myriad tasks that our nation's priority theater requires."
• Dr. Rhonda Randall ([04:04]): "46% of people over the age of 100 are saying they're doing some type of strength training on a weekly basis."

This concise but wide-ranging update captures political, legal, military, global, and lifestyle news in just five minutes, providing listeners critical snapshots of ongoing stories.