NPR News Now – Episode Summary
Podcast: NPR News Now
Date: December 13, 2025
Host: Dale Willman
Episode: 3AM EST News Update
Overview
This brisk, five-minute NPR News Now episode provides listeners with the latest updates on major national and international news as of early December 13, 2025. Topics range from changes in federal prosecutorial appointments, newly released documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, notable arrests and political developments in Iran, labor disputes within the TSA, a significant winter weather warning, and highlights from both Wall Street and the world of sports.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Delaware U.S. Attorney Resignation and Legal Turmoil
- Julianne Murray announces resignation as U.S. Attorney for Delaware.
- Her departure comes amid nationwide legal challenges to the legitimacy of Trump-era prosecutor appointments.
- Cited reason: Refusal to let the office become a "political football."
- A recent federal court ruling in New Jersey, which invalidated a Trump appointee, might influence cases in Delaware.
- Murray, previously a Republican Party state leader, will remain in the Justice Department in a different role.
- Her nomination did not move forward after lack of support from Delaware’s Democratic Senators.
Quote (Kerry Johnson, 00:37):
"Julianne Murray says she's leaving her job as U.S. attorney in Delaware because she doesn't want the office to become a political football."
2. New Epstein-Related Evidence and Trump’s Response
- House Oversight Committee (Democrats) released new photos from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, part of a massive trove (95,000+ photos) submitted to Congress.
- President Donald Trump was asked about the released photos, downplaying their significance.
Quote (President Donald Trump, 01:28):
"Well, I haven't seen it, but I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over Palm Beach. He has photos with everybody. I mean, almost there are hundreds and hundreds of people that have photos with him."
- The Trump administration faces a looming deadline to release related Justice Department case files.
3. Arrest of Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi
- Narges Mohammadi, a notable activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been arrested again in Iran.
- She was detained at a memorial for a human rights lawyer, along with other activists and lawyers.
- Mohammadi has previously been released temporarily from Iran’s Evin Prison for health reasons (multiple heart attacks).
- Her continued activism despite health challenges and imprisonment is highlighted.
- Uncertainty remains about whether she’ll be re-incarcerated.
Quote (Jackie Northam, 02:05):
"She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while she was incarcerated at Iran's notorious Evan prison...Her supporters say Mohammadi was at a memorial for a human rights lawyer when police re-arrested her."
4. TSA Screeners’ Union Contract Dispute
- TSA screeners’ union faces potential cancellation as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pushes to end their contract.
- The union cites a legal injunction against previous attempts to dissolve the contract.
- Argument from Noem: TSA screeners’ national security role means they should not be unionized.
- The current contract was set to run through 2031.
5. Wall Street Update
- All major indices closed down on Friday.
- Dow: Down 245 points.
- NASDAQ: Down 398 points.
6. Extreme Arctic Cold Warning
- A “motherload” of Arctic air moving from Canada toward the U.S. will trigger some of the coldest temperatures of the season.
- Expected impact:
- Central and Eastern U.S.
- Daytime highs in single digits in the Midwest; overnight lows below zero.
- More than 200 million Americans expected to be affected.
- Two successive Arctic blasts anticipated.
Quote (Matt Bloom, 03:28):
"A deep pool of frigid air currently building over northern Canada is set to surge into large portions of the central and eastern United States this weekend, bringing some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far."
7. Russian Athletes Return to World Cup Luge
- Russian athletes have obtained U.S. visas to compete in an upcoming World Cup luge race in Lake Placid.
- This marks their first appearance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukrainian athletes protest their participation, even under a neutral flag.
- Each sports federation currently controls Olympic qualifying events.
8. Skiing: Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback Win
- Lindsey Vonn secures her 44th career win at the World Cup downhills in St. Moritz.
- Notably, she overcame a significant time deficit to clinch first place, beating Magdalene Egger by 0.98 seconds.
- Mirham Puchner from Austria finished third.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On U.S. Attorney resignation:
- Kerry Johnson (00:37): "Julianne Murray says she's leaving her job... because she doesn't want the office to become a political football."
- On the Epstein photo release:
- Donald Trump (01:28): "He has photos with everybody. I mean, almost there are hundreds and hundreds of people that have photos with him."
- On Iran’s arrest of Narges Mohammadi:
- Jackie Northam (02:05): "She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while she was incarcerated... Her supporters say Mohammadi was at a memorial for a human rights lawyer when police re-arrested her."
- On the Arctic blast:
- Matt Bloom (03:28): "A deep pool of frigid air currently building over northern Canada is set to surge into large portions of the central and eastern United States this weekend..."
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Resignation of U.S. Attorney in Delaware – 00:17–01:14
- Release of Epstein-related photos & Trump’s reaction – 01:14–01:37
- Arrest of Narges Mohammadi in Iran – 02:05–02:42
- TSA Union Contract Dispute – 02:42–03:00
- Wall Street Recap – 03:00–03:18
- Arctic Weather Warning – 03:28–04:08
- Russian Athletes Return to Competition – 04:08–04:32
- Lindsey Vonn Skiing Victory – 04:32–04:57
This episode provides concise, fast-paced coverage of pressing topics domestically and internationally, balancing reports on political maneuvering, global human rights, labor disputes, severe weather warnings, and sports highlights.