NPR News Now — 3PM EST, December 13, 2025

Host: Windsor Johnston

Overview

This five-minute NPR News update summarizes key headlines from the U.S. and around the world. Main topics include a deadly ISIS ambush in Syria, an Israeli airstrike on a senior Hamas commander, a legal battle over California National Guard troops, severe flooding in Washington State, record cold weather in the Midwest, the death of actor Peter Greene, and an upcoming Heisman Trophy Ceremony.

Key News Stories and Discussion Points

1. Deadly Ambush in Syria (00:17)

• Incident: U.S. Central Command announced that two American soldiers and one civilian were killed by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria. Three other service members were wounded.
  • The attack is described as an ambush, with President Trump offering brief remarks.
• Quote:
  • President Donald Trump:

    “So we mourned the loss of three great patriots in Syria. You know how it happened? It was an ambush.” [00:38]

  • Dana Cronin (response):

    “Terrible.” [00:47]

• Follow-Up: The Pentagon noted the mission was a counterterrorism operation. The attacker was killed by partner forces (local allies).
• Significance: Highlights ongoing instability and U.S. involvement in the region.

2. Israeli Airstrike on Hamas Commander (01:12)

• Event: The Israeli military targeted and claimed to have killed Re' Ad Saad, a senior Hamas official and the second-in-command of the group’s military wing, in Gaza City.
  • A video released by the military purported to show the assassination via airstrike.
  • Hamas condemned the strike on a “civilian vehicle” but did not confirm the death or identify the vehicle’s occupants.
• Quote:
  • Hadil Al Shalchi (NPR):

    “Saad's killing would be the highest profile assassination of a Hamas leader by the Israeli military since a ceasefire deal was reached in October.” [01:41]

• Context: Saad was close to Azzedine al Haddad (current Hamas military leader after Mohammed Sinwar was killed in May).

3. California National Guard Court Ruling (01:56)

• Legal Development: Federal appeals court issued a partial stay in the ongoing dispute between California and President Trump regarding federal control over National Guard troops.
  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta interpreted the ruling as a temporary win, stating that troops stationed in Los Angeles will no longer be deployed for now as litigation continues.
  • The Ninth Circuit granted the Trump administration’s request to maintain federal control during the appeal.
• Quote:
  • Dana Cronin (KQED):

    “In a statement, Bonta celebrated the ruling, calling it, quote, 'gratifying and a hard fought step in the right direction.'” [02:32]

4. Severe Weather: Floods and Cold Weather (02:39)

• Flooding in Washington State:
  • Rivers remain high after record rainfall, and risks of landslides are escalating.
• Quote:
  • Scott Greenstone (KOUW):

    “It could be, unfortunately, that more damage is coming because right now with all the deeply saturated earth from all this rainfall... There's a high risk of landslides across the region. A couple landslides have already closed some regional highways for periods of time.” [02:53-03:08]

• Record Cold in Midwest:
  • National Weather Service warns near-record low temperatures in Minnesota and North Dakota.
  • Snow expected to move into the Ohio Valley and further into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

5. Obituary: Peter Greene (03:54)

• Death of Actor: Peter Greene, known for villainous roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask,” was found dead in his New York City apartment at age 60.
• Quote:
  • Chloe Veltman (NPR):

    “The tall, angular character actor excelled at playing bad guys, sometimes in comedies.” [03:54]

  • (Archive from The Mask, character quote):

    “The police are looking for the Mask, so we’ll give them the mask.” [04:06]

  • Chloe Veltman (NPR):

    “That same year, Green played a ruthless security guard in the gangster movie Pulp Fiction and went on to work steadily in movies and on TV.” [04:13]

• Career Note: Greene was recently narrating a documentary, “From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID.”

6. Sports: Heisman Trophy Update (04:37)

• Highlight: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the heavy favorite for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, to be awarded in New York City tonight.

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The tone is urgent and succinct, characteristic of NPR headline bulletins.
• The President’s brief, somber statement on the Syria attack stood out as a significant moment.
• The reflection on Peter Greene’s legacy, including a brief in-character sound bite, added a human interest angle amid hard news.

Notable Quotes

• “So we mourned the loss of three great patriots in Syria. You know how it happened? It was an ambush.”
  — President Donald Trump [00:38]

• “Saad's killing would be the highest profile assassination of a Hamas leader by the Israeli military since a ceasefire deal was reached in October.”
  — Hadil Al Shalchi, NPR [01:41]

• “In a statement, Bonta celebrated the ruling, calling it, quote, 'gratifying and a hard fought step in the right direction.'”
  — Dana Cronin, KQED [02:32]

• “It could be, unfortunately, that more damage is coming... There's a high risk of landslides across the region.”
  — Scott Greenstone, KOUW [02:53]

• “The tall, angular character actor excelled at playing bad guys, sometimes in comedies.”
  — Chloe Veltman, NPR [03:54]

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Syria ISIS ambush, Trump’s statement | | 01:12 | Israeli airstrike targets Hamas commander | | 01:56 | California National Guard court ruling | | 02:39 | Washington flooding, Midwest cold snap | | 03:54 | Obituary: Actor Peter Greene | | 04:37 | Heisman Trophy update |

This concise NPR News episode covers rapidly unfolding domestic and international headlines, using clear, neutral reporting with brief moments of emotion and reflection, especially on lives lost and individuals remembered.