NPR News Now: 12-21-2025 12PM EST

Host: Nour Ram
Date: December 21, 2025
Length: 5 minutes

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode covers major news updates from around the world, including escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, developments at the Turning Point USA conference, expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a national day of reflection in Australia, a milestone for inclusivity in space travel, and a large-scale power outage in San Francisco.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Interception of Venezuelan Oil Tanker

• [00:14–01:18]
  • Incident: The Venezuelan government protests the U.S. Coast Guard's interception of a second oil tanker, vowing to escalate the matter at the U.N. Security Council.
  • Escalation: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem shared footage of the Coast Guard's helicopter landing on the tanker Centuries, allegedly moving sanctioned Venezuelan oil under a false Panamanian flag.
  • Context: The tanker is not publicly listed as sanctioned, but the White House defends the action under President Trump’s declared blockade of "stolen" Venezuelan oil—an act bordering on an act of war by international standards.
  • Military Presence: The U.S. Navy fleet is stationed off Venezuela, and President Trump hints at possible attacks inside the country.
  • Quote:

    "A blockade is considered an act of war under international maritime law. The US Navy currently has a fleet off the coast of Venezuela, and President Trump has suggested attacks inside Venezuelan territory may be imminent."
    —Quil Lawrence (01:08)

2. Turning Point USA Conference in Phoenix

• [01:18–02:15]
  • Event: Turning Point USA’s America Fest, its biggest conference to date, draws over 30,000 attendees.
  • Backdrop: This is the first large gathering since founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination three months prior.
  • Mood: While the event shows organizational momentum, many attendees, like Angie Perez, are deeply affected by Kirk’s loss.
  • Memorable Moment:

    "It makes me really emotional because I viewed him as like, he's my hero and I always saw him as like an older brother that I never had."
    —Angie Perez, attendee (01:56)

  • Closing Remarks: Conference to be closed by Vice President J.D. Vance.

3. Israeli Security Cabinet Approves New West Bank Settlements

• [02:15–03:06]
  • Decision: Israeli cabinet, under right-wing leadership, approves 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
  • International Reaction: The UN previously condemned expansion, noting the highest growth in settlements in eight years.
  • Rationale: Finance Minister Bazal Smotrich frames the move as both a historical right and a measure to block the formation of a Palestinian state.
  • International Law: Settlements are widely considered illegal.
  • Quote:

    "Mr. Smotrich... has said that this aims to prevent the the establishment of a Palestinian state, but also mentioned Israel's ancestral right. All settlements in the occupied west bank are considered illegal under international law."
    —Shaima Khalil, BBC (02:51)

4. Australia’s National Day of Reflection

• [03:06–03:50]
  • Commemoration: Australia honors 15 victims killed at a Jewish festival a week ago.
  • Event: Thousands gather at Bondi Beach; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is booed amid criticism over his handling of rising antisemitism.

5. Historic Space Flight: First Wheelchair User in Space

• [03:50–04:34]
  • Achievement: Mihee Benthouse, a German aerospace engineer and wheelchair user, returns from a 10-minute Blue Origin space flight.
  • Personal Triumph: Benthouse, who suffered a spinal injury seven years ago, describes the sensation of freedom in microgravity.
  • Memorable Quotes:

    "It was the coolest experience ever."
    —Mihee Benthouse (03:59)
    "I think you should never give up on your dreams."
    —Mihee Benthouse (04:28)

  • Significance: Her inclusion in space tourism offers inspiration for greater accessibility.

6. San Francisco Power Outage

• [04:34–04:53]
  • Incident: Electricity is being restored after a major power outage affecting 130,000 homes and businesses; 20,000 remain impacted.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Quil Lawrence (01:08): "A blockade is considered an act of war under international maritime law...."
• Angie Perez (01:56): "It makes me really emotional because I viewed him as like, he's my hero and I always saw him as like an older brother that I never had."
• Shaima Khalil (02:51): "[The settlement expansion] aims to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, but also mentioned Israel's ancestral right. All settlements in the occupied west bank are considered illegal under international law."
• Mihee Benthouse (03:59): "It was the coolest experience ever."
• Mihee Benthouse (04:28): "I think you should never give up on your dreams."

Segment Timestamps

• U.S.–Venezuela Standoff: 00:14 – 01:18
• Turning Point USA Conference: 01:18 – 02:15
• Israeli Settlements Expansion: 02:15 – 03:06
• Australia Day of Reflection: 03:06 – 03:50
• First Wheelchair User in Space: 03:50 – 04:34
• San Francisco Power Outage: 04:34 – 04:53

This NPR News Now episode delivers a brisk yet impactful roundup of international and domestic headlines, marked by both tensions abroad and moments of inspiring progress.