NPR News Now: December 13, 2025 – 9AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Duration: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now update delivers the top headlines of the morning, with a focus on escalating U.S. action against Venezuela, developments in the Jeffrey Epstein files probe, high-level diplomacy regarding Ukraine, legal updates on the Luigi Mangione case, international outrage over the arrest of Nobel laureate Narjis Mohamedi, record flooding in Washington state, and a centennial tribute to Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. U.S. Strike Threats and Sanctions on Venezuela

• [00:13] President Trump hints at imminent land strikes in Venezuela:
  • The administration links these actions to combating drug trafficking and crime:
    • Quote:

      "But it's not only land strikes on Venezuela, it's land strikes on horrible people that are bringing in drugs and killing our people."
      — President Donald Trump [00:24]

• Recent U.S. actions include strikes on alleged drug boats, new sanctions, and the seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela.
• Debate and concern in Congress: Democrats are urging transparency and want the release of unedited footage of the drug boat strikes.

2. Jeffrey Epstein Files and Political Fallout

• [01:19] The Justice Department faces a legal deadline next week to release all Epstein-related files per a new law signed by President Trump.
• Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released 92 of over 90,000 photographs from the Epstein estate, some featuring President Trump.
  • Quote:

    "Well, I haven't seen it, but I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over Palm Beach, has photos with everybody."
    — President Donald Trump [01:28]

  • Republicans accuse Democrats of attempting to embarrass Trump with their selection.
  • Quote:

    "We didn't cherry pick anything. We just took the top of the batch. We haven't got great cooperation from the Department of Justice or the Trump administration in doing this."
    — Democratic Congressman Stephen Lynch [01:43]

• The law compels release but does permit some exceptions; full public disclosure remains in question.

3. U.S.-led Diplomacy on Ukraine Ceasefire

• [02:02] U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are heading to Berlin for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders regarding possible Ukraine ceasefire proposals.

4. Luigi Mangione Pre-Trial Hearings

• [02:32] Second week of pre-trial hearings concludes:
  • Police testimony and bodycam footage have been presented regarding Mangione’s arrest.
  • Contested evidence includes a handgun, magazine, silencer, and notebook found in Mangione’s backpack.
  • Defense argues the search was warrantless and statements made pre-Miranda rights should be inadmissible.
• Hearings will continue next week.

5. International Reaction to Reported Arrest of Narjis Mohamedi

• [03:13] Human rights organizations and the Nobel Committee express concern after reports of the arrest of Nobel laureate Narjis Mohamedi in Iran.
• Mohamedi was allegedly detained at a memorial event; Iranian authorities have not confirmed her status or location.

6. Washington State Record Flooding

• Recent atmospheric river storms have led to unprecedented flooding in Washington state.
• Authorities warn floods could persist, with more rain forecast for tomorrow.

7. Dick Van Dyke’s 100th Birthday Tribute

• [04:07] As Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 100th birthday, NPR’s Bob Mondello reflects on his remarkable career from Broadway to TV and film.
  • Notable highlights include Bye Bye Birdie, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Disney’s Mary Poppins.
  • Quote:

    "All of us involved say the Dick Van Dyke show was the best five years of our lives. It was. We were like otters at play."
    — Dick Van Dyke [04:40]

• Van Dyke remains active and celebrated as an enduring icon.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• President Trump on Venezuela:
  • "But it's not only land strikes on Venezuela, it's land strikes on horrible people that are bringing in drugs and killing our people." [00:24]
• President Trump on Epstein photos:
  • "Well, I haven't seen it, but I mean, everybody knew this man. He was all over Palm Beach, has photos with everybody." [01:28]
• Rep. Stephen Lynch, House Oversight:
  • "We didn't cherry pick anything. We just took the top of the batch. We haven't got great cooperation from the Department of Justice or the Trump administration in doing this." [01:43]
• Dick Van Dyke, on his show:
  • "All of us involved say the Dick Van Dyke show was the best five years of our lives. It was. We were like otters at play." [04:40]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:13 — Trump comments on Venezuela land strikes
• 01:19 — Epstein files and photo release controversy
• 02:02 — U.S.-led talks on Ukraine ceasefire
• 02:32 — Luigi Mangione trial update
• 03:13 — Arrest of Narjis Mohamedi and global response
• 03:58 — Washington state flooding update
• 04:07 — Dick Van Dyke centennial tribute

This episode delivers a brisk yet comprehensive roundup of the day's top political, legal, international, and cultural headlines, interspersed with notable direct quotes and marked by NPR’s signature straightforward, balanced tone.