NPR News Now: December 13, 2025, 1AM EST

Main Theme

This episode brings together key headlines from U.S. and international politics, U.S. transportation policy, criminal justice, global human rights, animal behavior research, and sports. The tone remains factual, concise, and urgent, typical of NPR's news briefings.

1. Trump's Political Influence on the Decline

• Discussion:
  • Indiana Republican senators reject Trump's redistricting proposal, citing offense at his language and demeanor.
  • This marks a significant political defeat for Trump, reflecting broader indicators of waning influence.
• Insights:
  • Trump's second-term approval ratings are at record lows.
  • There’s bipartisan fatigue and political distancing even within his party.

Notable Quote:

• "The fact is Trump is at the nadir of his popularity in the second term. He's in the 30s, according to a lot of polls."
  — Domenico Montanaro [00:34]

Timestamps:

• 00:17–01:02: Segment covers Trump’s political weakness and party reaction.

2. U.S.-Brazil Relations and Sanctions Reversal

• Discussion:
  • The Trump administration lifts sanctions imposed on Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes and his wife.
  • Sanctions were previously justified as a reaction to supposed persecution of Bolsonaro.
  • Tariffs imposed on Brazil are being gradually lifted; diplomatic ties between Trump and Lula are improving.
• Insights:
  • Bolsonaro began serving a 27-year sentence for trying to overturn Brazil’s election.
  • New legislation in Brazil might shorten Bolsonaro’s sentence.

Timestamps:

• 01:02–02:01: U.S. policy shift, Brazil’s political climate, and evolving international relationships.

3. Threatened Federal Funds: New York Drivers Licenses for Immigrants

• Discussion:
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation threatens to withhold $73 million in highway funds from New York State.
  • Dispute centers on the state's practice of issuing commercial driver’s licenses to immigrants whose legal status may have lapsed.
• Insights:
  • More than half of a sample of 200 licenses reportedly issued illegally, according to federal investigators.
  • New York denies wrongdoing, calling federal claims a political stunt.

Notable Quote:

• "State officials insist they are following all federal rul and called Duffy's allegations a, quote, stunt that does nothing to make our roads safer."
  — Joel Rose [02:36]

Timestamps:

• 02:01–02:54: Federal-state clash over transportation policy and immigration enforcement.

4. Criminal Justice: Memphis School Shooting Case

• Discussion:
  • Joel Bowman pleads guilty to aggravated assault and burglary after firing at a contractor outside his former Jewish school in Memphis.
  • Sentenced to eight years probation.
  • The incident occurred when classes were not in session; Bowman was later shot by police.

Timestamps:

• 02:54–03:10: Judicial outcome and public safety recap.

5. International Human Rights: Iranian Nobel Laureate’s Arrest

• Discussion:
  • Reports emerge of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi being detained at a memorial for a deceased human rights lawyer.
  • Supporters say she and other activists were violently detained.
  • Uncertainty over whether she’ll be returned to prison, from which she was previously released for medical reasons.

Timestamps:

• 03:10–03:34: Human rights tensions in Iran.

6. Animal Behavior Discovery: Dolphins and Killer Whales Cooperate

• Discussion:
  • New research uses drones and cameras attached to animals to study surprising teamwork between orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
  • Orcas and dolphins appear to coordinate hunting salmon, with orcas helping dolphins access food they normally couldn't handle alone.
• Insights:
  • The footage suggests orcas "eavesdrop" on dolphin echolocation during hunts.
  • Both species benefit: orcas break apart large salmon, and dolphins eat the scraps.

Notable Quote:

• "The footage finds the orcas following the dolphins down deep. The orcas get quieter, perhaps eavesdropping on the dolphins, echolocation zeroing in on the prize."
  — Amy Held [03:50]

Timestamps:

• 03:34–04:36: Science in action, with ecological implications for marine food webs.

7. Sports Highlight: Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback Victory

• Discussion:
  • Lindsey Vonn, age 41, secures her 44th World Cup downhill win at St. Moritz, her first since 2018.
  • Achieved a substantial margin of victory over second-placed Magdalena Egger.

Timestamps:

• 04:36–04:57: Athletic triumph and milestone achievement.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Trump’s Low Approval:
  "He's in the 30s, according to a lot of polls."
  — Domenico Montanaro [00:34]

• Federal vs. State Immigration Dispute:
  "State officials insist they are following all federal rul and called Duffy's allegations a, quote, stunt..."
  — Joel Rose [02:36]

• Animal Cooperation:
  "The orcas get quieter, perhaps eavesdropping on the dolphins, echolocation zeroing in on the prize."
  — Amy Held [03:50]

Conclusion

This concise newscast traversed major developments in U.S. politics, international affairs, legal actions, human rights activism, surprising animal behavior, and sports. Emphasis was placed on the evolving balance of U.S. political power, shifting federal-state dynamics, global human rights challenges, and a striking example of interspecies cooperation. The pace is brisk, with information-rich reporting characteristic of NPR News Now.