NPR News Now — November 13, 2025, 4PM EST

Overview

This episode of NPR News Now provides concise updates on top U.S. and international news. Major stories include the end of the longest government shutdown in history, increased violence in the West Bank, notable stock market fluctuations, the resolution of a mining accident in West Virginia, a legal challenge over California’s congressional map, the crossover of Halloween and Christmas music on the charts, and an unusual animal rescue in Boston.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Government Shutdown Ends (00:24–01:10)

• Summary:
  The federal government reopens after a record 43-day shutdown. While federal employees are relieved to return, many remain concerned about future instability due to a temporary funding extension.

• Reporter: Jenny Abamu (WAMU)

• Notable Insights:

  • Ian Morgan, a worker at the National Institutes of Health, expresses both relief and unease.

    “I got in this morning to saying, well, you know, if since this has only been extended a short period of time, here's some resources just in case this happens again.” (00:54 — Jenny Abamu, quoting Ian Morgan)

  • Colleagues are preparing support resources (food, monetary aid) with the funding deadline looming on January 30.

2. West Bank Mosque Arson and Settler Violence (01:22–02:21)

• Summary:
  Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque outside Nablus in the West Bank, following recent condemnations by some Israeli leaders. The incident occurs amid a spike in settler violence.

• Reporter: Kat Lahnsdorf

• Notable Insights:

  • Attackers left Hebrew graffiti:

    “We are not afraid and keep condemning.” (01:39 — Kat Lahnsdorf)

  • The U.N. cites unprecedented daily averages of settler attacks, especially during the Palestinian olive harvest.
  • Senior Israeli and U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have voiced concern, but most attacks remain unpunished.

3. Stock Market Pullback Post-Rally (02:21–03:07)

• Summary:
  Markets, including the Dow and Nasdaq, fell after hitting record highs. The lack of fresh economic data due to the shutdown adds to investor caution.

• Reporter: Rafael Nam

• Notable Insights:

  • The Dow had previously surpassed 48,000 points for the first time.
  • Tech shares led the declines; analysts attribute the drop to investors “catching a breath” after a prolonged rally.

    “[It] was one of those days where there's no one major thing that can fully explain the market declines… a day for investors to catch a breath after the record-setting rally we've seen in markets.” (02:33 — Rafael Nam)

4. Coal Miner Found After Flood (03:07–03:32)

• Summary:
  West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey announces the recovery of missing foreman Steve Lipscomb, lost in a flooded mine near Charleston since Saturday.

• Details:

  • The flooding occurred after a crew hit a pocket of water.

5. California Congressional Map Lawsuit (03:32–04:01)

• Summary:
  The Justice Department joins a lawsuit to block California’s newly approved congressional map. The case heightens the partisan stakes leading into the next election cycle.

• Key Points:

  • The legal fight might determine control of the U.S. House.
  • Sets up a confrontation between the Trump administration and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a prominent 2028 presidential hopeful.

6. Music Charts: Halloween and Christmas Overlap (04:01–04:42)

• Summary:
  The transition from Halloween to Christmas music on Billboard charts is happening faster each year, with some songs from both holidays re-entering the rankings.

• Reporter: Stephen Thompson

• Memorable Quotes:

  “If you think the Christmas season starts earlier every year, there's data to back you up.” (04:01 — Stephen Thompson)

  • Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and other spooky tracks re-entered the top 10.
  • Mariah Carey, Wham, and Michael Bublé’s Christmas albums also climbed back onto the charts, even before Halloween decorations had been taken down.

7. Alligator Rescue in Boston (04:42–05:04)

• Summary:
  Wildlife officials rescued a small alligator along the Charles River, likely an escaped illegal pet.

• Host: Ryland Barton

• Details:

  • The reptile was captured safely and is awaiting a permanent home.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the government shutdown’s toll:

  “I was so hard on myself about every little thing or every, you know, imperfection.”
  (00:06 — Padma Lakshmi, from an NPR Wildcard segment)

• On the unpredictability of government work:

  “People are acutely aware that this could happen again.”
  (00:54 — Jenny Abamu, reporting on NIH employees)

• On record violence in the West Bank:

  “It's the latest in what the UN says is an average of eight settler attacks a day in the West Bank, an all-time high that has coincided with the Palestinian olive harvest.”
  (01:39 — Kat Lahnsdorf)

• On the pace of holiday music:

  “But a fair bit of Christmas music also reenters this week's charts as fans started streaming their favorites while pumpkins were still on their doorsteps.”
  (04:01 — Stephen Thompson)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | End | |------------------------------------------|---------|---------| | Government Shutdown Ends | 00:24 | 01:10 | | West Bank Mosque Arson | 01:22 | 02:21 | | Stock Market Pullback | 02:21 | 03:07 | | West Virginia Mine Recovery | 03:07 | 03:32 | | California Redistricting Lawsuit | 03:32 | 04:01 | | Halloween–Christmas Music Crossover | 04:01 | 04:42 | | Boston Alligator Rescue | 04:42 | 05:04 |

This concise but thorough bulletin episode keeps listeners informed of important developments in government, world affairs, business, culture, and even the unexpected—all delivered with NPR's hallmark clarity and balance.