NPR News Now - December 13, 2025, 7PM EST
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Location: Providence, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C.
Episode Theme:
This episode delivers a concise roundup of major U.S. and global news, focusing on a developing active shooter situation at Brown University, international diplomatic efforts regarding the war in Ukraine, ongoing American healthcare policy debates, a high-stakes legal battle for Johnson & Johnson, and news of a record Powerball jackpot.
Major Story: Active Shooter at Brown University
- Time: [00:16] – [00:43], [04:38] – [04:54]
- Key Details:
- Incident: Live coverage of an active shooter in the Brown University area, Providence, Rhode Island.
- Casualties:
- Mayor Brett Smiley:
"I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon and there are another eight in critical status, though stable, at Rhode Island Hospital. Those are the only injuries or casualties that we know at this time." ([00:24])
- Mayor Brett Smiley:
- Current Response:
- Residents sheltering in place; others urged to avoid the area.
- Police are searching for a suspect described as dressed in black, last seen leaving on foot; no weapon recovered, weapon type unknown.
- President Trump briefed on the situation; expresses that he's praying for the victims.
- FBI and other agencies participating in the investigation.
International Affairs: Syria Ambush and Ukraine Ceasefire Talks
- Syria U.S. Troop Ambush
- Details:
- President Trump vows "serious retaliation" after an ambush in central Syria claimed the lives of two U.S. service members and one civilian; three more were injured, and the gunman was killed. ([00:43])
- Details:
- Ukraine Diplomacy
- Reporter: Esme Nicholson, Berlin ([01:33] – [02:11])
- Context:
- Germany hosts ceasefire talks with U.S., Ukrainian, and European delegations ahead of a Berlin summit with President Zelensky.
- U.S. delegation led by Steve Witkoff (envoy) and Jared Kushner (adviser/son-in-law).
- Trump signals strong U.S. involvement only if progress toward a peace deal with Russia is possible.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Matz seeks Trump’s support by emphasizing Europe’s commitment to defense.
- Main sticking point: Terms regarding Kyiv ceding territory to Russia.
- Notable Quote:
"Trump had said that he would only send officials to Berlin if he felt enough progress would be made. ... But there is still disagreement over ceasefire terms, particularly when it comes to Kyiv ceding territory." (Esme Nicholson, [01:52])
U.S. Health Care Legislation Stalemate
- Reporter: Amy Held ([02:11] – [03:08])
- Key Points:
- The Republican-led Senate rejected both Democratic and Republican health care bills as the expiration of ACA subsidies looms.
- House Republicans to vote on their bill next week; includes cost-saving measures but not an ACA subsidies extension.
- Senate Democratic attempt to extend subsidies (as promised after reopening government) failed.
- Without Congressional action, ACA premiums set to spike on average by 75% for millions.
- Notable Quote:
"Health care in the US is already the most expensive in the developed world, something people increasingly can't afford." (Amy Held, [02:24]) "Expiring tax credits mean the average ACA enrollee will see their premium costs spike 75%." (Amy Held, [03:02])
Legal & Consumer News
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit
- Time: [03:08] – [03:55]
- Summary:
- Los Angeles jury awards $40 million to two women citing ovarian cancer from talc use.
- This is part of ongoing litigation linking Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder (no longer sold globally since 2022) and cancer.
- Previous jury awards: $966 million in October.
- Company to appeal; maintains that scientific evaluations show talc is safe.
Powerball Jackpot Hits $1 Billion
- Reporter: Matt Bloom ([03:55] – [04:38])
- Details:
- Powerball jackpot reaches $1 billion for the second time this year; cash value at $457 million.
- Previous billion-dollar prize split in September among Missouri and Texas ticket holders.
- Organizers raise jackpots via higher ticket prices, but odds of winning remain at 1 in 292.2 million.
- Notable Quote:
"The jackpot has an estimated cash value of just over $457 million, which would be Powerball's seventh largest sum in history." (Matt Bloom, [03:57]) "[T]he odds of winning the jackpot aren't much better ... they sit at roughly 1 in 292.2 million." (Matt Bloom, [04:27])
Memorable Moments and Tone
- Urgency and Empathy: Jeanine Herbst’s updates on the Providence shooting and President Trump’s promise of retaliation in Syria underscore the gravity of today’s events and set a somber, serious tone.
- Political Friction: Both the Ukraine ceasefire negotiations and U.S. healthcare debates highlight ongoing global and domestic tensions and the difficulty in reaching consensus.
- Consumer Relevance: Legal news about Johnson & Johnson and the record Powerball jackpot provide tangible impacts on Americans' lives, from potential health risks to fleeting hopes of instant riches.
Episode Timeline (Timestamps)
- [00:16] – Providence active shooter details and casualty update.
- [00:43] – President Trump comments; Syria troop deaths; summary of FBI involvement.
- [01:33] – Ceasefire talks in Berlin for Ukraine war; detailed reporting from Esme Nicholson.
- [02:11] – U.S. health care policy gridlock explained by Amy Held.
- [03:08] – Johnson & Johnson jury verdict.
- [03:55] – Billion-dollar Powerball jackpot news.
- [04:38] – Recap of Providence shooter situation.
Summary
In this fast-paced NPR News Now episode, listeners receive concise, impactful updates on a major shooting in Providence, the U.S. response to violence in Syria, complex diplomatic negotiations over the Ukraine conflict, a legislative stalemate over crucial health care subsidies, significant developments in pharmaceutical litigation, and news about soaring Powerball lottery stakes. The stories are presented with factual clarity and a measured tone, giving listeners a quick but robust understanding of the day's most pressing news.