NPR News Now – 12-14-2025, 7AM EST

Host: Giles Snyder
Date: December 14, 2025
Episode Focus:
A concise, five-minute update on major international and U.S. news events, including a terrorist attack in Sydney, developments in U.S. and international politics, economic updates, ongoing labor disputes, and sports highlights.

Main Headlines and Analysis

1. Sydney Terrorist Attack at a Jewish Event

• [00:14–01:08]
• Details:
  • Two gunmen attacked a Jewish community event at Sydney's Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah, resulting in at least 11 deaths and 29 injuries, including two police officers.
  • Australian authorities have classified this as a terrorist attack.
  • One assailant was shot dead by police; the other is in critical condition.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah. What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack." – NPR Correspondent ([00:31])
• Tone: Solemn and urgent, with calls for unity echoed by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.

2. Brown University Shooting and Aftermath

• [01:10–01:58]
• Details:
  • Overnight, Providence, Rhode Island police apprehended a person of interest following a shooting at Brown University.
  • The attack in a classroom left two people dead, nine injured; a shelter-in-place order was lifted.
  • Over 400 law enforcement personnel, including the FBI and ATF, responded.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Brown President Christina Paxson called it the day that one hopes never happens." – Ian Donis, Ocean State Media ([01:29])
  • "Our focus right now is on supporting the families who have been affected." – Christina Paxson (via NPR Correspondent, [01:33])
• Tone: Somber and focused on the community’s trauma and ongoing support efforts.

3. Diplomatic Push to End the War in Ukraine

• [01:58–02:19]
• Details:
  • U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Berlin for discussions aimed at brokering a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
  • German Chancellor is set to host Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and other European leaders at a summit.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Aimed at securing a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Germany's chancellor is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders for a summit tomorrow." – NPR Reporter ([02:06])
• Tone: Geopolitical, with emphasis on ongoing international cooperation.

4. Delayed U.S. Economic Reports

• [02:19–03:09]
• Details:
  • Latest U.S. jobs and consumer inflation data will be released this week after delays caused by the government shutdown.
  • Reports on November employment and inflation are still crucial for economic analysis, despite their late arrival.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "With the shutdown now well over, the government is quickly catching up... Both reports were originally scheduled to come out earlier this month in time for the Federal Reserve's policy meeting last week. Nonetheless, they will still provide critical information about the economy." – Rafael Nam ([02:31])
• Tone: Informative, underlining the impact of political disruptions on economic tracking.

5. Chile’s Presidential Runoff Election

• [03:09–03:39]
• Details:
  • Chile holds a presidential runoff: the ruling coalition’s Communist candidate won the first round, but polls suggest voters may choose hard-right former lawmaker Jose Antonio Kast.
  • Kast had lost two previous elections but is favored now.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Voters are expected to turn to hard right former lawmaker Jose Antonio, cast as Chile's next leader." – Giles Snyder ([03:25])
• Tone: Analytical, highlighting political polarization and the significance of the election shift.

6. UK Resident Doctors Preparing for Strike

• [03:39–04:34]
• Details:
  • UK Prime Minister implores 75,000 resident doctors not to strike during a major flu outbreak.
  • The doctors’ union is polling members on a government proposal addressing training shortages but offering no pay increase. Doctors demand a 29% raise to offset years of wage freezes.
  • If rejected, a five-day strike begins December 17th.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Writing in the Guardian, Keir Starmer condemns what he calls the reckless strikes plan, saying it is, quote, 'beyond belief that doctors would walk out during a major flu outbreak.'" – Vicki Barker ([03:54])
• Tone: Tense, underscoring the clash between government and healthcare workers.

7. Heisman Trophy Winner

• [04:34–04:44]
• Details:
  • Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy, marking the first time an Indiana player receives college football's top honor.
  • Led Indiana to an undefeated regular season and a victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship.
• Tone: Celebratory, highlighting a historic achievement in college sports.

Memorable Moments and Notable Quotes

• "What should have been a night of peace and joy… has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack." – NPR Correspondent ([00:31])
• "Brown President Christina Paxson called it the day that one hopes never happens." – Ian Donis ([01:29])
• "If they reject the government's proposal, then they'll walk out for five days starting December 17th." – Vicki Barker ([04:29])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:14] — Sydney shooting coverage begins
• [01:10] — Update on Brown University shooting
• [01:58] — Ukraine peace talks in Berlin
• [02:19] — U.S. jobs and inflation reports delayed
• [03:09] — Chile presidential election
• [03:39] — UK doctors strike looming
• [04:34] — Heisman Trophy results

Summary

This NPR News Now update delivers a rapid, fact-driven briefing on top global and U.S. stories. Tragedy leads, with coverage of violent attacks in Australia and Rhode Island, followed by key developments in international diplomacy, economics, elections, labor rights, and sports. The episode’s tone is sober yet informative, maintaining a brisk pace while conveying the gravity and context of each headline.