NPR News Now – December 6, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Luis Schiavone
Duration: ~5 minutes
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest national news, featuring immigration enforcement, vaccine recommendations for newborns, Medicare enrollment updates, airline compliance during the shutdown, Trump’s FIFA Peace Prize, and Georgia’s plan for a massive electricity expansion.

Key News Stories & Insights

1. Federal Immigration Crackdown in New Orleans

[00:14 - 01:12]

• Context:
  Federal immigration agents have conducted numerous arrests in New Orleans, as part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on illegal immigration.
• Details:
  • The Department of Homeland Security hasn’t released exact numbers on arrests.
  • New Orleans’ Mayor Elect Helena Moreno and other leaders are demanding transparency, asking U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino for detainee data.
  • Questions are raised about the true scope of the operation.
    • Quote:
      “We’ve constantly heard on the news claims that this operation is about going after rapists, pedophiles and murderers. But is it really casting a much wider net?”
      — Helena Moreno, Mayor Elect [00:49]
  • Bovino states goal is to make “as many arrests as he possibly can.”

2. Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations for Newborns

[01:12 - 01:45]

• Context:
  A CDC vaccine advisory committee ends the universal recommendation for newborns to get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day of birth, now narrowing it to only babies born to at-risk mothers.
• Public Health Implications:
  • Former CDC Acting Director Dr. Richard Besser urges parents to consult doctors and medical societies.
    • Quote:
      “I recommend that people talk to their child’s doctor and doctors look to the medical societies, the Academy of Pediatrics and others for advice.”
      — Dr. Richard Besser [01:36]
  • Besser notes hepatitis B is “extremely contagious” and worries the new policy may increase cases.

3. 2026 Medicare Enrollment — Rising Costs & Risks

[01:45 - 02:46]

• Context:
  Millions of seniors are navigating Medicare for 2026, with a focus on Medicare Advantage plans.
• Details:
  • Private insurers offer Medicare Advantage with low premiums and extra benefits, but out-of-pocket costs are projected to increase.
  • Expert Insight:
    • Quote:
      “A lot of Medicare Advantage plans, you may pay less up front, but you are taking a bigger financial risk as you age and move.”
      — Jeremy Nordquist, Nebraska Hospital Association President [02:22]
  • Potential for delays or denial of services due to prior approval requirements.
  • 62 million people eligible for these plans nationwide.

4. Airline Flight Reduction Order During Government Shutdown

[02:46 - 03:15]

• Context:
  During the October shutdown, FAA ordered airlines to reduce flights at major airports due to staff shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers.
• Follow-up:
  • FAA investigating airline compliance and may fine airlines up to $75,000 per violation.

5. Trump Receives FIFA Peace Prize

[03:15 - 04:14]

• Context:
  President Trump awarded the inaugural FIFA peace prize, announced during World Cup draw events.
• Details:
  • Trump widely expected to win due to his close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
  • Quote:
    “This is truly one of the great honors of my life.”
    — President Trump [03:44]
  • Critics note Infantino’s visible support of Trump, and the president’s ongoing pursuit of international peace awards like the Nobel.

6. Georgia’s Massive Electricity Expansion Proposal

[04:14 - 04:54]

• Context:
  Georgia Power proposes a $15+ billion investment to grow state electricity capacity by 50% over six years.
• Key Points:
  • One of the largest U.S. buildouts; driven by demand from data centers and artificial intelligence.
  • Public concern over who will bear increased costs for electricity.
    • Political debate centers on protecting “regular customers” from bill increases.

Memorable Quotes

• Helena Moreno: “Is it really casting a much wider net?” [00:49]
• Dr. Richard Besser: “I recommend that people talk to their child’s doctor…” [01:36]
• Jeremy Nordquist: “You may pay less up front, but you are taking a bigger financial risk as you age and move.” [02:22]
• President Trump: “This is truly one of the great honors of my life.” [03:44]

Notable Timestamps & Segments

• [00:14] Immigration enforcement operations in New Orleans
• [01:12] CDC hepatitis B vaccine policy update
• [01:45] Medicare Advantage enrollment and advice for seniors
• [02:46] FAA investigates airline compliance post-shutdown
• [03:15] Trump receives FIFA peace prize; implications and reactions
• [04:14] Georgia Power’s expansion plan and its impact on residents

For listeners: This fast-paced episode summarizes key national developments with direct voices from leaders, experts, and reporters, blending policy impacts with political context on issues shaping daily American life.