NPR News Now – December 13, 2025, 11AM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Episode Length: ~5 minutes
Main Theme: The latest global and national news highlights, focusing on U.S. domestic challenges, international crises, legal developments, and sports accomplishments.

1. Flood Damage in Washington State

[00:17–01:20]

• Overview:
  Floodwaters have started to recede across parts of Washington after days of record rainfall. While there have been no reported fatalities, significant damage, especially to the agricultural sector, has occurred.

• Agricultural Impact:

  • Over 1,000 acres of blueberries and raspberries are now underwater in Skagit and Whatcom counties.
  • The flood may kill some berry plants or completely uproot others.
  • Key Concern: Drip tape (used for irrigating blueberries) is at risk—if clogged with sediment or ruined, it could cost thousands of dollars per acre to repair:
    • Anna King: “Most blueberries are irrigated with drip tape or tube. When submerged in floodwaters loaded with sediments, they can get clogged or ruined. That could cost thousands of dollars per acre to replace or fix.” [00:47]
  • Dairy cattle have been moved to higher ground.
  • The only feed mill for dairies in Whatcom County has flooded.

2. Health Care Bills Fail in the Senate

[01:20–02:00]

• Summary:
  Two opposing health care bills, one from Democrats and one from Republicans, were rejected by the U.S. Senate—setting the stage for further uncertainty and likely increases in healthcare premiums for over 20 million Americans.

• Political Dynamics:

  • The impasse is a setback for President Trump, who faces resistance even within his own party.
  • Insightful Quote:
    • Don Gonyea: “The Affordable Care Act has always been a place where Democrats and Republicans butt heads, but this current fight… gets to the core of these differences. So Republicans would rather have health savings accounts or give money directly to individuals to use on the healthcare of their choice. And we're just at an impasse.” [01:40]
  • Democrats suggested a three-year extension of enhanced ACA subsidies.
  • Republicans proposed letting funding expire, favoring expansion of healthcare savings accounts and market reforms.

3. Legal Challenge to U.S. Visa Fee Hike

[02:00–03:12]

• Summary:
  Twenty states, led by California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s dramatic increase in H1B visa fees for foreign workers.

• Key Details:

  • The lawsuit, submitted to federal court in Boston, targets a new $100,000 fee per worker (up from several thousand dollars previously).
  • Plaintiffs argue the hike violates federal law.
  • It is at least the third ongoing legal challenge to this policy, with opposition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unions, and employers.
  • President Trump justifies the fee as a protectionist measure for American workers.

4. Russia Targets Ukraine’s Power Infrastructure

[03:12–03:48]

• Summary:
  Fresh Russian missile strikes have left parts of Ukraine without electricity. Attacks hit at least five regions, including the strategic port city of Odesa.

• Broader Context:

  • Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately trying to cripple the power grid.
  • These strikes come as U.S.-led peace talks are underway.

5. Famine and Funding Crisis in Sudan

[03:48–04:28]

• Summary:
  The UN World Food Programme is set to cut food rations in Sudan due to a severe lack of funding.

• Key Points:

  • $2.9 billion is urgently needed to aid 20 million people.
  • Ongoing fighting between the RSF and Sudanese army continues after more than two years, now creating the world’s largest displacement crisis.
  • Famine was declared in two Darfur cities after 18 months under siege.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Michael Kaloki: “The reduction in food rations… is as a result of severe funding shortages. The United Nations recently issued an appeal for funds, noting that $2.9 billion is required to provide… aid to 20 million people.” [03:53]

6. Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback in Alpine Skiing

[04:28–04:56]

• Summary:
  American skiing star Lindsey Vonn, aged 41, continues her return to the World Cup circuit after knee surgery.

• Highlights:

  • Placed second in a downhill race in Switzerland just after a historic performance.
  • Downhill is described as “the fastest and most dangerous event in Alpine skiing” by Windsor Johnston [04:44].

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Anna King on Berry Crop Losses:
  “Most blueberries are irrigated with drip tape or tube. When submerged in floodwaters loaded with sediments, they can get clogged or ruined. That could cost thousands of dollars per acre to replace or fix.” [00:47]

• Don Gonyea on Health Care Gridlock:
  “And we're just at an impasse.” [01:59]

• Michael Kaloki on Sudan Crisis:
  “The United Nations recently issued an appeal for funds, noting that $2.9 billion is required to provide the life saving aid to 20 million people.” [03:55]

For Listeners

This brief but information-packed episode covers urgent weather events, ongoing U.S. political gridlock, high-stakes legal battles, global conflict, humanitarian crises, and notable sporting achievements—offering a concise but detailed snapshot of December 13, 2025, at 11AM EST.