NPR News Now – December 12, 2025, 6PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton
Summary:
This five-minute NPR News Now episode covers major political, social, environmental, and human interest stories from across the U.S. and abroad, highlighting key legal and political shifts, environmental emergencies, international conflict, and the unique story of a rescued turtle.

1. Top Federal Prosecutor in Delaware Resigns

[00:15–01:08]

• Key Points:

  • Julianne Murray, Delaware's top U.S. attorney, is stepping down amidst controversy over the legality of Trump-era federal prosecutor appointments.
  • Courts—including a recent federal appeals decision in New Jersey—are challenging the legitimacy of these appointments, which could affect Delaware next.
  • Murray, a former state Republican Party leader, will remain with the Justice Department in another role.
  • Delaware's Democratic senators refused to support her permanent nomination, effectively ending her prospects.

• Notable Quote:

  • “She doesn't want the office to become a political football.” – Kerry Johnson [00:32]

2. HUD Investigates Boston for Alleged Housing Discrimination

[01:08–02:02]

• Key Points:

  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) accuses Boston of discriminating against white residents in affordable housing by giving preference to Black and Latinx families.
  • HUD Secretary Scott Turner condemns what he calls an “ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit or need.”
  • Boston, defending itself, points to historic progress in affordable housing.
  • Former HUD civil rights lawyers allege the agency is interfering in fair housing cases—not just against minorities.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Racial preferences are unconstitutional.” – HUD statement as summarized by Jennifer Ludden [01:35]
  • “HUD Secretary Scott Turner calls this a, quote, ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit or need.” – Jennifer Ludden [01:25]

3. Mass Evacuations and Flooding in Washington State

[02:02–03:03]

• Key Points:

  • Heavy rain has caused extensive flooding and record river levels; about 78,000 residents remain under evacuation advisory in Skagit County.
  • Mount Vernon’s flood wall successfully protected the community.
  • Emergency assistance has been granted by the federal government after Governor Bob Ferguson’s request.
  • FEMA will provide resources for flood response, with further dangerous weather expected over the weekend.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The flood wall in the city of Mount Vernon managed to protect the community from historic flooding.” – Noel Gaska [02:19]

4. U.S. Stock Market Decline

[03:03]

• Key Points:
  • S&P 500 dropped over 1%.
  • Nasdaq dropped 1.6%.

5. Russia’s Postwar Plans in Donbas and Ukraine’s Response

[03:14–03:37]

• Key Points:
  • Russia announces that its police and National Guard will stay in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region even if the war ends, a move Ukraine rejects.
  • Russia insists on a Ukrainian troop withdrawal before agreeing to any ceasefire.
  • Ukraine reports progress in retaking territory.

6. The Story of Roccolina the Turtle

[03:39–04:34]

• Key Points:

  • Roccolina, a box turtle, was found in a New York home after nearly 50 years of isolation, mostly eating cat food.
  • Chris Leone of Garden State Tortoise in NJ reunites Roccolina with a hatchling for the first time since the 1970s.
  • Roccolina’s health has improved; supervised meetings are ongoing as part of building a turtle colony.

• Memorable Moments:

  • [03:49] “She’s literally nose to nose.” – Chris Leone
  • [04:03] “She’s like sniffing its little butt.” – Chris Leone
  • [04:08] “A lot of people think that turtles and tortoises are solitary by nature, but they absolutely occur in colonies and groups in nature.” – Chris Leone

7. Skydiver Survives Harrowing Accident

[04:34–04:53]

• Key Points:
  • Australian investigators release footage of a skydiver whose parachute became entangled on a plane’s tail at 15,000 ft.
  • The skydiver freed himself with a hook knife, sustaining only minor injuries; all others aboard were unharmed.

This concise episode covers urgent developments in law, public policy, emergency response, financial markets, global conflict, animal welfare, and extraordinary survival, reflecting NPR’s signature range and impartial reporting.