NPR News Now – December 13, 2025, 8AM EST

Main Theme:
This five-minute update from NPR News delivers a concise summary of the morning’s biggest national and global headlines, including legal and political developments in the U.S., international affairs, regional emergencies, youth voter sentiment, and a health message from King Charles.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Legal Challenge to Visa Fee Hike (00:18–01:12)

• A coalition of 20 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s plan to significantly raise H1B visa fees for foreign workers—from a few thousand dollars to $100,000 per person.
  • Led by: California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
  • Filed: Federal court in Boston.
  • Basis: The attorneys general argue the increase violates federal law.
  • Context: This is at least the third lawsuit against this policy; similar challenges are pending from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unions, and employers.
  • Trump’s stance: The fee hike is framed as protection for American workers.
• Quote:
  • “The new lawsuit was filed by a group of state attorneys general led by California’s Rob Bonta. ... The new suit is at least the third to challenge the policy, which Trump says is meant to protect American workers.”
    —Matt Bloom (00:33)

2. U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Belarusian Potash (01:12–01:44)

• U.S. has announced it will lift sanctions on potash from Belarus, a major component in fertilizer production.
  • Announced by: U.S. special envoy John Cole after meetings with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukas.
  • Significance: Belarus is a key Russian ally; this move suggests a potential thaw in U.S.-Belarus relations.

3. Historic Flooding in Washington State (01:44–02:01)

• Governor Bob Ferguson reports that, fortunately, no fatalities have been reported amid catastrophic flooding in western and central Washington.
  • Flooding caused by: A succession of “atmospheric river” storms.
  • Community impact: Whole neighborhoods have flooded, and rivers are at historic levels.
  • Warnings: Water levels projected to stay high for days, more rain forecasted.
• Quote:
  • “Our prayers have been answered at this time. No loss of life has occurred. The situation is truly historic. Rivers like the Skagit river and Cedar Rivers literally facing historic, experiencing historic levels of flooding.”
    —Governor Bob Ferguson (01:44)

4. Young Voters’ Discontent With Politics (02:01–03:13)

• A University of Chicago survey of over 5,000 young Americans (ages 18–42):
  • Findings: Roughly 60% have unfavorable impressions of both major parties.
  • Top concerns: The economy—including food and healthcare costs. Nearly 90% are concerned about these issues; about a third expect to be worse off than their parents.
  • Insight: The frustration is rooted in unmet economic needs and perceived government inaction.
• Quotes:
  • “This latest poll finds that roughly 6 in 10 young Americans have unfavorable impressions of both parties.”
    —Kathy Cohen, Gen Forward survey (02:41)
  • “There is a real sense that these individuals and these parts of the administration are not delivering…the poll [finds] that nearly nine in 10 young people are concerned about the price of food and the cost of health care.”
    —Kathy Cohen (02:55–02:59)

5. International Affairs: Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire, King Charles Health Update (03:13–04:36)

• Thailand–Cambodia Border Tension:
  • President Trump announced the two countries would renew their truce, but skirmishes and strikes continue.
  • Thailand’s leader: Insists ceasefire will hold only after the perceived threat has ended.
  • Cambodia's defense ministry: Reports Thai military strikes earlier in the day.
• King Charles Cancer Update:
  • Public address reveals his cancer treatment can be reduced next year due to early diagnosis and effective interventions.
  • Urges the public to undergo cancer screenings and share the importance of early detection.
• Quote:
  • “Today, I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctors’ orders, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.”
    —King Charles (04:05)

6. Brief Headlines – College Football & Political Events (04:36–04:56)

• President Trump is expected to attend the annual Army-Navy football game in Baltimore.
• The Heisman Trophy will be awarded tonight during a ceremony in New York City.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Matt Bloom on the Visa Lawsuit:
  "The new suit is at least the third to challenge the policy, which Trump says is meant to protect American workers." (00:33)
• Governor Bob Ferguson on Flooding:
  "The situation is truly historic. Rivers like the Skagit river and Cedar Rivers literally facing historic, experiencing historic levels of flooding." (01:44)
• Kathy Cohen on Youth Discontent:
  "Roughly 6 in 10 young Americans have unfavorable impressions of both parties." (02:41)
• King Charles’ Personal Health Update:
  "Thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention, and adherence to doctors’ orders, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year." (04:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Visa Lawsuit: 00:18–01:12
• Belarus Potash Sanctions: 01:12–01:44
• Washington Flood Emergency: 01:44–02:01
• Young Voters & Politics: 02:01–03:13
• Thailand–Cambodia Ceasefire & King Charles Message: 03:13–04:36
• Army-Navy Game & Heisman Trophy: 04:36–04:56

Tone:
The episode maintains NPR’s signature straightforward, neutral, and factual broadcast style, with direct reportage and unembellished expert and official commentary.

This summary captures the essential news from the December 13, 2025, 8AM EST edition of NPR News Now, providing a clear overview of the latest reporting and offering context for each story.