NPR News Now – December 14, 2025, 10AM EST

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise, five-minute roundup of the latest news from around the world. Headline topics include an update on a shooting at Brown University, a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, historic flooding in Washington State, an extreme cold snap in the US Midwest, Chile’s presidential runoff election, the disbandment of Hong Kong’s last opposition party, and the Heisman Trophy announcement.

Key News Stories & Insights

Brown University Shooting – Providence, Rhode Island

• [00:17–00:48] Jael Snyder reports that Providence police have detained a person of interest related to the shooting at Brown University that resulted in 2 deaths and 9 injuries.
• The incident took place in the engineering building during final exams.
• Police Chief Oscar Perez emphasizes the ongoing nature of the investigation:

  "The next process for us is what we do best, and our detectives is to coordinate with the prosecutors to collect evidence, to conduct interviews. And then from there we'll be able to, when it’s appropriate and accurate, to share more details with you all." ([00:33])

• Of the injured, 1 person remains critical, 7 are stable, and 1 has been discharged.

Mass Shooting at Hanukkah Event in Australia

• [01:02–02:02] Israeli and international leaders react to a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, where Jews were celebrating Hanukkah. At least 12 dead and dozens injured.
• Reporter Jerome Sokolowski summarizes Israeli officials’ reactions and concerns about rising anti-Semitism:
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sar links the attack to local protests:

    "[He] drew a link between the attack and protests in Australia against the war in G. He says calls at those protests to, quote, globalize the intifada incited the attack." ([01:18])

  • President Isaac Herzog urges Australia to address rising anti-Semitism.
  • Yad Vashem states the tragedy “reflects the growing and very real threat facing Jewish communities...around the world.” ([01:49])

Historic Flooding in Washington State

• [02:02–02:55] After days of rain, flooding impacts areas north of Seattle. Congresswoman Kim Schreier comments on the extent of damage during her tour:

  "It was practically unsafe, unfathomable to think near where we were standing, there was water that would have been five feet over my head." ([02:28])

• Only reported fatality is a kayaker swept over a dam in Seattle, outside the main flooded zones.
• Response efforts continue as officials monitor conditions and forecast more rain.

Weather Alerts in the United States

• [02:55–03:17] The Pacific Northwest braces for more wind and rain. Meanwhile, a blast of arctic air brings extreme cold warnings to Illinois, Indiana, and as far south as Montgomery, Alabama.

Chile’s Presidential Election – Runoff

• [03:17–04:06] Chile heads into the second round of a divisive presidential election between Communist Jeanette Hara and far-right candidate Jose Antonio Cast.
• John Bartlett details Cast’s campaign pivot:

  "Cast, the ultra conservative Catholic father of nine, has gone to great lengths to avoid discussing his controversial moral agenda...he has focused his campaign almost entirely on crime, border security, and illegal immigration...an agenda which is likely to win out over Hara’s focus on affordability and social justice." ([03:30])

Hong Kong’s Last Opposition Party Disbands

• [04:06–04:31] The Democratic Party, city’s largest pro-democracy group, votes to disband after over 30 years. Party members cite warnings of consequences if they continued:

  "...the vote to disband and enter liquidation was overwhelming and that it is the best way forward." ([04:16])

• International wire services report pressure and intimidation behind the decision.

Heisman Trophy Winner Announced

• [04:31–04:56] Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza wins the 2025 Heisman Trophy, marking the first time an Indiana player has received college football’s top honor. Mendoza’s team completed a perfect regular season and will play in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Police Chief Oscar Perez:

  "The next process for us is what we do best..." ([00:33])

• Rep. Kim Schreier:

  "It was practically unsafe, unfathomable..." ([02:28])

• Reporter Jerome Sokolowski:

  "[The tragedy] reflects the growing and very real threat facing Jewish communities..." ([01:49])

• John Bartlett on Chilean election:

  "...focused his campaign almost entirely on crime, border security and illegal immigration..." ([03:30])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Brown University shooting: [00:17–00:48]
• Mass shooting in Australia: [01:02–02:02]
• Washington floods: [02:02–02:55]
• US extreme weather alerts: [02:55–03:17]
• Chile presidential runoff: [03:17–04:06]
• Hong Kong Democratic Party disbands: [04:06–04:31]
• Heisman Trophy winner: [04:31–04:56]

This succinct episode provides listeners with an efficient, globe-spanning update on important, evolving stories, all delivered in the clear, direct style typical of NPR’s hourly news roundups.