NPR News Now – 12-14-2025 8AM EST

Episode Overview
In this brisk five-minute segment, NPR News Now delivers updates on breaking domestic and international stories, including a deadly shooting at Brown University, a declared terrorist attack in Australia, U.S. diplomatic moves around the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the dissolution of Hong Kong's last opposition party, legal clashes between California and the federal government, severe U.S. weather, and sports headlines.

Key News Highlights

1. Brown University Shooting (Providence, RI)

• Summary: A person of interest is in custody following a deadly shooting at Brown University’s engineering building during final exams.
• Details:
  • 2 people dead, 9 others injured.
  • Of the injured: 1 in critical condition, 7 stable, 1 discharged.
• Quote:
  • "The next process for us is what we do best in 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." – Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez [00:35]
• Timestamp: [00:19]–[00:49]

2. Bondi Beach Shooting Declared Terrorist Attack (Australia)

• Summary: Australian authorities label the Bondi Beach attack as terrorism after two gunmen opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations, killing at least 11.
• Details:
  • One gunman killed, the other wounded and in custody.
  • Two police officers among the wounded.
  • Target appeared to be Sydney's Jewish community.
• Quote:
  • "It was a Sunday afternoon and busy at the beach for this time of year with a large group gathered for Hanukkah celebrations. One of the gunmen was killed, the other was wounded and is now in custody. Scores of survivors have been taken to and local authorities say two police officers are among the wounded. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the scenes at the beach shocking and distressing." – Scott Maiman, NPR Correspondent [01:21]
• Timestamp: [00:49]–[01:50]

3. U.S., Europe, and Ukraine Ceasefire Talks in Berlin

• Summary: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representing the Trump administration, are in Berlin meeting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders about a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire.
• Details:
  • Russia demands Ukrainian withdrawal from parts of Donetsk before agreeing to a ceasefire.
  • Ukraine is expected to reject this.
  • Notable meetings: Chancellor Friedrich Meertz (Germany), President Emmanuel Macron (France), Prime Minister Keir Starmer (UK).
  • Context: Germany's Meertz warns of "the era of apox Americana over," hinting at U.S. withdrawal from Europe following criticism in the Trump administration’s national security strategy.
• Quote:
  • "The meeting comes as the Kremlin reaffirms it will give its blessing for a ceasefire only after Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from parts of the Donetsk region... a demand that's likely to be rejected by Ukraine." – Rob Schmitz, NPR Correspondent [02:07]
• Quote:
  • "Germany's Meertz declared the era of apox Americana over in a speech over the weekend, warning of a permanent US Withdrawal from Europe..." – Rob Schmitz [02:35]
• Timestamp: [01:50]–[02:50]

4. Hong Kong’s Last Opposition Party Disbands

• Summary: The Democratic Party, Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy party, disbands amid warnings and political pressure.
• Details:
  • Decision attributed to overwhelming internal vote.
  • Members reportedly warned of consequences if they did not dissolve.
• Quote:
  • "The party chair said today that the vote to disband and enter liquidation was overwhelming and that it is the best way forward. Both Reuters and the Associated Press are quoting party members as saying some were warned of consequences if the party did not shut down." – Giles Snyder, NPR Host [02:50]
• Timestamp: [02:50]–[03:33]

5. California Sues Trump Administration Over Trucking Grants

• Summary: California files suit after losing more than $33 million in federal grants for its commercial vehicle safety programs.
• Details:
  • Federal officials claim California isn’t enforcing English proficiency standards for truck drivers.
  • California argues their tests suffice, and that terminating the grant is arbitrary and compromises road safety.
• Quote:
  • "According to court documents, lawyers for the state say the grant termination was arbitrary, imperils the safety of drivers in California, and they're calling for the courts to restore the funding." – Juan Carlos Lara, NPR [03:33]
• Timestamp: [03:33]–[04:10]

6. Severe Weather Threatens U.S.

• Summary: Pacific Northwest prepares for more storm damage after flooding; arctic air brings record cold across Midwest and into the South.
• Details:
  • Pacific Northwest: Thousands evacuated, further storms expected.
  • Extreme cold warnings in Illinois and Indiana.
  • Montgomery, Alabama could see temperatures in the 20s (F).
• Quote:
  • "The Pacific Northwest remains on guard following severe flooding. Another round of wind and rain is to move into the region... Meanwhile, a blast of arctic air is spreading into the US. Extreme cold warnings are up today for portions of Illinois and Indiana, and forecasters say temperatures as far south as Montgomery, Alabama, could dip into the 20s later tonight." – Giles Snyder, NPR [04:10]
• Timestamp: [04:10]–[04:38]

7. Sports Highlight: Lindsey Vonn’s World Cup Performances

• Summary: U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn finishes fourth in the World Cup Super G at St. Moritz, after two podiums and a record as the oldest World Cup winner.
• Quote:
  • "The fourth place finish came after Ricci Lindsey Vaughn reached the podium twice on Friday. Vaughn became the oldest World cup winner at age 41. She came in second in another downhill event yesterday." – Giles Snyder, NPR [04:38]
• Timestamp: [04:38]–[04:58]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calls the scenes at the beach shocking and distressing." – Scott Maiman [01:46]
• "Germany's Meertz declared the era of apox Americana over..." – Rob Schmitz [02:35]

Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

• Brown University incident update – [00:19]
• Bondi Beach shooting, Australia – [00:49]
• U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire meetings – [02:07]
• Hong Kong Democratic Party disbands – [02:50]
• California v. Federal Gov on trucking grants – [03:33]
• Severe weather updates – [04:10]
• Lindsey Vonn in World Cup skiing – [04:38]

This concise episode provides a rapid-fire update on pressing global events and U.S. news with direct sourcing and clear, informative reporting in NPR’s signature straightforward tone.