NPR News Now: 12-13-2025, 4PM EST

Summary of Episode
This NPR News Now segment, anchored by Windsor Johnston, delivers a concise, five-minute update on major headlines from December 13, 2025. The episode covers critical national security news, shifting political sentiments among young Americans, regional climate disaster impacts, a Hollywood milestone, an astronomical event, and highlights from the world of sports.

Key News Headlines and Insights

1. ISIS Attack in Syria and U.S. Response

• Overview: President Trump vows retaliation after an ISIS gunman killed two American service members and one U.S. civilian in Palmyra, Syria, where U.S. personnel supported counterterrorism operations.
• Details:
  • Attack occurred just over a year after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al Assad.
  • The perpetrator was killed by partner forces; three other U.S. troops injured.
  • The new Syrian president expressed devastation over the incident.
• Quote:
  • President Trump: “This was an ISIS attack on U.S. and Syria.” (Reporter relay, 00:54)
• Timestamps:
  • [00:14] – News introduction
  • [00:36] – Lydia Calitri’s report

2. Young Voters Disenchanted Ahead of 2026 Midterms

• Overview: A new University of Chicago survey reveals bipartisan dissatisfaction among young Americans, with economic concerns at the forefront.
• Details:
  • Survey sampled 5,000+ people aged 18-42.
  • About 60% have unfavorable impressions of both major political parties.
  • 90% worry about costs of food and healthcare.
  • Around a third fear they'll be worse off financially than their parents.
• Quotes:
  • Kathy Cohen: "This latest poll finds that roughly 6 in 10 young Americans have unfavorable impressions of both parties." (01:39)
  • Nell Greenfield Boyce: "There is a real sense that these individuals and these parts of the administration are not delivering." (01:53)
• Timestamps:
  • [01:14] – Story introduction
  • [01:39] – Survey results and expert commentary

3. Flooding in Washington State Threatens Agriculture

• Overview: Record rainfall has caused significant flooding in Washington state, damaging vital berry crops and impacting dairy operations.
• Details:
  • Over 1,000 acres of blueberries and raspberries are submerged in Skagit and Whatcom counties.
  • Floodwaters can destroy crops and ruin essential irrigation infrastructure like drip tape.
  • Dairy farms are also at risk, with cattle relocated and the main feed mill under water.
• Quote:
  • 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..." (02:27)
• Timestamps:
  • [02:12] – Story introduction
  • [02:27] – Detailed report

4. Dick Van Dyke Turns 100

• Overview: The celebrated entertainer marks a full century of life and over seven decades in show business.
• Details:
  • Starred in “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie.”
  • Has received multiple Emmy Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor.
• Timestamps:
  • [03:09] – Milestone mentioned

5. Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks This Weekend

• Overview: Astronomers highlight the annual Geminid meteor shower, known for producing many shooting stars.
• Details:
  • Produced by debris from an asteroid striking the atmosphere.
  • Tips for viewing: Go late at night, allow eyes to adjust, and avoid the moon’s glare.
• Quote:
  • Nell Greenfield Boyce: “If you can brave the cold, find a dark spot and give your eyes plenty of time to adjust, then watch the sky and wait.” (03:43)
• Timestamps:
  • [03:43] – Report by Nell Greenfield Boyce

6. Lindsey Vonn’s Remarkable Skiing Comeback

• Overview: The American skier, at age 41, finishes second in a World Cup downhill, just a day after becoming the circuit’s oldest winner.
• Details:
  • Recently returned after nearly six years of retirement due to knee surgery.
  • Won season’s opening race by almost a full second.
• Timestamps:
  • [04:27] – Sports update

Notable Quotes

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |--------|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:54 | Trump (relayed): | “This was an ISIS attack on U.S. and Syria.” | | 01:39 | Kathy Cohen | "This latest poll finds that roughly 6 in 10 young Americans have unfavorable impressions of both parties." | | 01:53 | Nell Greenfield Boyce | "There is a real sense that these individuals and these parts of the administration are not delivering." | | 02:27 | Anna King | "...drip tape... can get clogged or ruined... cost thousands of dollars per acre to replace or fix..." | | 03:43 | Nell Greenfield Boyce | “If you can brave the cold, find a dark spot and give your eyes plenty of time to adjust, then watch the sky and wait.” |

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:14] U.S. to retaliate after ISIS attack in Central Syria
• [01:14] Diminishing support among young voters for both political parties
• [02:12] Washington state flooding impacts berry and dairy farms
• [03:09] Dick Van Dyke’s centennial birthday
• [03:43] Geminid meteor shower viewing tips
• [04:27] Lindsey Vonn makes history in skiing comeback

This episode delivers a brisk yet thorough overview of the day’s critical national and cultural events, intermingling urgent breaking news with stories of resilience in sports and entertainment.