Overview of NPR News: 12-06-2025 1PM EST
A roundup of the day’s top national and international headlines from NPR News (hosted by Nora Rahm). Stories covered include the Supreme Court taking up a case on birthright citizenship tied to former President Trump, 2026 Medicare enrollment choices and costs, a stalled EU push to use frozen Russian assets as collateral for loans to Ukraine, heavy Russian attacks on Ukraine amid talks in Florida, a forecasted rise in global child deaths linked to foreign-aid cuts, a controversial Florida black-bear hunt, and a note about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth facing questions over alleged strikes and information-sharing.
Key stories and takeaways
Supreme Court to hear birthright-citizenship challenge
- The Supreme Court agreed to hear a lawsuit challenging the constitutional guarantee that people born in the U.S. are citizens (birthright citizenship).
- The suit seeks to limit automatic citizenship to children with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident — a major change if upheld.
- NPR’s Ron Elving notes the Court has often shown deference to presidential policies; if the Court sides with the challenge, it would be a landmark victory for former President Trump’s immigration agenda.
- Historical context: anti-immigration sentiment has surged at prior points in U.S. history (mid-1800s, 1920s).
Medicare enrollment for 2026 — traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
- Millions aged 65+ are finalizing Medicare choices for 2026.
- Medicare Advantage plans (private plans) often advertise low monthly premiums and extra benefits, but analysts expect premiums and out-of-pocket costs to rise nationally next year.
- Jeremy Nordquist (Nebraska Hospital Association): Advantage plans can look cheaper initially but may expose seniors to greater financial risk over time; prior authorization requirements can delay or deny care.
- Nationwide about 62 million people are eligible to choose Medicare Advantage.
EU talks on using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine stall
- European Commission proposed using frozen Russian assets as collateral for a loan to Ukraine until reparations could be paid.
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever resisted, citing insufficient guarantees from other EU governments that Belgium would be protected if Moscow successfully reclaimed funds.
- De Wever also wants frozen assets held in other EU countries included; so far, other governments have not pledged those amounts. The Commission hopes for a deal this month.
Russia launches heavy missile/drone attack on Ukraine as talks continue
- Ukrainian officials reported hundreds of missiles and dozens of drones launched overnight.
- The strikes occurred while Ukrainian negotiators were in Florida for a third day of talks with U.S. (referred to here as Trump administration) officials seeking a path to end the war.
Global child mortality forecast to rise in 2025
- New forecasts from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) suggest about 200,000 more children under five will die in 2025 than in 2024, reversing two decades of progress.
- Researchers attribute the increase largely to roughly 25% cuts in foreign aid from countries such as the U.S., U.K., and France, which weaken health services—especially in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Steve Lim (IHME) emphasized large aid cuts will have substantial consequences for health services.
Florida black-bear hunt resumes with rifles and crossbows
- For the first time in 10 years Florida has allowed a sanctioned black-bear hunt using rifles and crossbows.
- 172 permits issued; each permit allows the holder to kill one black bear.
- Opponents failed to block the hunt in court; some activists reportedly obtained permits as a form of protest.
Other note: Pete Hegseth under pressure
- NPR Politics Podcast teased coverage of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth facing scrutiny over alleged strikes on drug boats and sharing operational plans in a group chat; potential consequences were posed but not detailed in the bulletin.
Notable quotes
- “Should those babies automatically become citizens... the longstanding answer has been yes.” — NPR summary on birthright citizenship history.
- “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 forward.” — Jeremy Nordquist, Nebraska Hospital Association.
- “Such large cuts will have substantial consequences on health services.” — Steve Lim, IHME, on foreign-aid reductions and child mortality.
What to watch next / follow-ups
- Supreme Court proceedings and eventual ruling on the birthright-citizenship case.
- Finalized Medicare Advantage premiums, plan benefit changes, and enrollment decisions for 2026.
- EU internal negotiations and any agreement to use frozen Russian assets as collateral for Ukraine loans.
- Progress and outcomes from the Ukraine negotiations in Florida and further developments in the conflict after the missile/drone attacks.
- Full IHME report details and country-level impacts of foreign-aid cuts.
- Outcomes and reactions to the Florida bear hunt and any related legal or political fallout.
Who’s speaking / production notes
- Host: Nora Rahm
- Reporters mentioned: Ron Elving, Macy Byers (Nebraska Public Media), Terri (Terry) Schultz (Brussels), Gabriela Emanuel, Steve Lim (IHME quoted), Jeremy Nordquist.
- Episode promoted companion coverage on the NPR Politics Podcast for additional context on Pete Hegseth.