NPR News Now: December 13, 2025, 2AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode Description: The latest headlines and updates from around the world, summarized in five minutes.

Main Theme / Purpose

This episode provides listeners with a concise update on major national and international news stories. Key topics include military leadership changes, ongoing DOJ actions related to voter data, escalating U.S.–EU tensions, preservation lawsuits regarding the White House, an archaeological find in Turkey, agricultural flood challenges in Washington, and a high-profile legal case in Michigan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Southern Command Leadership Change

• [00:17–00:51]
  • Navy Admiral Alvin Halsey stepped down from leadership of the U.S. Southern Command, citing concerns over "controversial attacks on Venezuelan boats."
  • The command oversees U.S. military activities in Central and South America and the Caribbean.
  • Quote (NPR Correspondent, 00:42):

    “That work must continue across the whole of government to deliver at the point of need to respond to shared threats in our neighborhood. The time is now.”

  • The leadership transition occurs amid President Trump increasing pressure on Venezuela.

2. Justice Department Lawsuits Over Voter Data

• [00:51–01:51]
  • The DOJ has intensified efforts to obtain full voter registration data—including sensitive personal information—from Democratic-led states.
  • New lawsuits target Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Nevada, adding to a total of 18 states.
  • A separate lawsuit was filed against Fulton County, Georgia, reportedly to access ballots and records from the 2020 election.
  • Quote (Hansi Lo Wang, 01:10):

    “For months, the Justice Department has been demanding certain states turn over complete copies of their voter registration lists, including any driver’s license numbers and parts of voters’ Social Security numbers.”

3. U.S.–Europe Relations and Democracy Concerns

• [01:51–02:45]
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a warning to President Trump, urging non-interference with European democracy.
  • Tensions are high following the Trump administration's national security strategy, which brands Europe as "a decaying group of nations" and encourages U.S. resistance to certain European policies.
  • Quote (Ruth Sherlock, 02:16):

    “The sovereignty of voters in Europe must be protected and that, quote, nobody else is supposed to interfere.”

  • The EU is developing a "democracy Shield project" to counter foreign (including U.S.) interference online.

4. White House Ballroom Controversy

• [02:45–03:10]
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation is suing the Trump administration to halt plans for a new ballroom at the White House.
  • The lawsuit asserts legal requirements for comprehensive reviews and public involvement before such construction can occur.

5. Obituary: Peter Green, Actor

• [03:10–03:20]
  • Actor Peter Green (noted for "Pulp Fiction" and "La Masque") has passed away at age 60.

6. Archaeological Discovery in Turkey

• [03:20–03:48]
  • Archaeologists found a unique early Christian fresco of Jesus as the Good Shepherd near Iznik, Turkey.
  • Noteworthy is the Roman-style depiction of Jesus "carrying a goat," considered a rare find.

7. Flood Impact on Washington Dairy Farms

• [03:49–04:31]
  • Severe flooding in Washington state forces dairy farmers to relocate cattle, causing stress and disruption to the animals and operations.
  • Quote (Jason Vandercoy, 04:07):

    “They love routine, they love schedules, and they don't like to be moved and trying to figure out a new facility or different feed or even a different milking barn.”

  • Mass evacuations are underway in the affected areas.

8. University of Michigan Football Coach Charged

• [04:31–04:56]
  • Prosecutors allege that Sharon Moore, recently fired University of Michigan football coach, threatened suicide in front of a former staffer with whom he had an affair.
  • He has been charged with stalking and home invasion.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That work must continue across the whole of government to deliver at the point of need to respond to shared threats in our neighborhood. The time is now.”
  — NPR Correspondent on U.S. Southern Command, 00:42
• “For months, the Justice Department has been demanding certain states turn over complete copies of their voter registration lists, including any driver’s license numbers and parts of voters’ Social Security numbers.”
  — Hansi Lo Wang, 01:10
• “The sovereignty of voters in Europe must be protected and that, quote, nobody else is supposed to interfere.”
  — Ursula von der Leyen (via Ruth Sherlock), 02:16
• “They love routine, they love schedules, and they don't like to be moved and trying to figure out a new facility or different feed or even a different milking barn.”
  — Jason Vandercoy (Washington dairy farmer), 04:07

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:17 – Southern Command leadership change
• 01:09 – DOJ lawsuits against states over voter data
• 01:51 – European Commission warns Trump against interference
• 02:45 – Lawsuit over planned White House ballroom
• 03:20 – Discovery of Good Shepherd fresco in Turkey
• 03:49 – Flooding challenges for Washington dairy farmers
• 04:31 – Charges against University of Michigan football coach

Tone:
Direct, factual, and urgent—consistent with NPR’s journalistic style.

Usefulness:
This summary provides a comprehensive and accessible roundup of the episode’s news for listeners and non-listeners alike.