NPR News Now: December 14, 2025 – 2PM EST
Host: Windsor Johnston (NPR News Anchor)
Duration: 5 minutes
Overview
This episode delivers concise updates on major national and international news stories as of 2PM EST on December 14, 2025. The coverage spans a mass shooting at Brown University, a deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, historic flooding in Washington State, harsh winter weather across the Midwest, renewed violence amid the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, and diplomatic efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Key News Stories and Discussion
Mass Shooting at Brown University
- [00:20–01:01]
- President Trump offers condolences after a shooting at Brown University on Saturday. Two victims are dead; nine are injured.
- Quote:
“Brown University, great school. Great, great. Really one of the greatest schools anywhere in the world. Things can happen. So to the nine injured, get well fast. And to the families of those two that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America.”
— President Donald Trump [00:39] - A person of interest is in custody; motive not yet known.
- All remaining classes and exams for the semester are canceled.
Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney
- [01:01–02:05]
- UN Chief Antonio Guterres condemns a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, targeting the Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations.
- Details:
- 12 people killed, 29 hospitalized (including a child).
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labels the event “evil anti Semitism” and an act of terrorism.
- One gunman was killed, a second suspect is critically injured.
- Quote:
“UN Chief Antonio Guterres has called Sunday’s shooting a heinous, deadly attack on Jewish families. The gunman shot at crowds on the beach during a mass celebration… Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was an act of terrorism that has struck at the heart of the nation.”
— Adam Hancock [01:28]
Historic Flooding in Washington State
- [02:05–02:58]
- Floodwaters recede in Monroe, north of Seattle, revealing widespread damage after days of rain.
- Congresswoman Kim Schreier surveys the scene:
- Quote:
“It was practically unfathomable to think near where we were standing, there was water that would have been five feet over my head.”
— Congresswoman Kim Schreier [02:30]
- Quote:
- Only known fatality: a kayaker swept over a dam. Assessment of damage is underway.
Arctic Blast Hits Midwest
- [02:58–03:16]
- An arctic cold front moves south from Canada, bringing dangerously low wind chills to the Midwest.
- Cities like Chicago and Minneapolis face extreme cold; North Dakota sees temperatures feeling like -36°F.
Gaza Ceasefire Violation and Airstrike
- [03:16–04:27]
- Senior Hamas commander Raid Saeed is killed alongside five other Hamas fighters in an Israeli airstrike.
- Palestinians regard it as a ceasefire violation amid ongoing tension since the October truce.
- Details:
- Hundreds attend the funeral in Gaza.
- Israeli forces have killed over 380 Palestinians since the ceasefire was struck.
- Hamas calls on mediators (including the US) to prevent further attacks.
- Quote:
“The funeral of five Hamas fighters and senior commander Raid Saeed was held in a makeshift prayer space beside a rubble of one of Gaza's many destroyed mosques. Crowds shouted resistance chants as the bodies wrapped in green flags were carried through the narrow alleys...”
— Anas Baba [03:42]
Russia-Ukraine Diplomatic Efforts
- [04:27–04:58]
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets U.S. and European officials in Berlin to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
- U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participate.
- The Trump administration increases efforts for a rapid resolution.
Memorable Quotes
-
[00:39] President Donald Trump:
“Brown University, great school. Great, great. Really one of the greatest schools anywhere in the world. ...I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America.” -
[01:28] Adam Hancock (on Sydney attack):
“UN Chief Antonio Guterres has called Sunday’s shooting a heinous, deadly attack on Jewish families. …Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooting was an act of terrorism that has struck at the heart of the nation.” -
[02:30] Congresswoman Kim Schreier:
“It was practically unfathomable to think near where we were standing, there was water that would have been five feet over my head.” -
[03:42] Anas Baba:
“The funeral of five Hamas fighters and senior commander Raid Saeed was held in a makeshift prayer space beside a rubble of one of Gaza’s many destroyed mosques. ... Crowds shouted resistance chants as the bodies wrapped in green flags were carried through the narrow alleys…”
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:20 – Brown University shooting and Trump’s response
- 01:01 – Bondi Beach attack coverage
- 02:05 – Washington state flooding
- 02:58 – Arctic blast in the Midwest
- 03:16 – Ceasefire violation and airstrike in Gaza
- 04:27 – Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Berlin
Tone and Style
The reporting is factual, measured, and urgent, mirroring the signature concise, authoritative style of NPR News Now.
Summary
This edition summarizes a world reeling from violence and disaster—from American college tragedy to antisemitic terrorism in Australia, environmental crisis in Washington, fresh escalation in Gaza, and a push for peace negotiations in Ukraine. It underscores the interconnected nature of news and the persistent efforts to address tragedy and conflict at both local and international levels.