NPR News Now – December 15, 2025, 8PM EST

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Episode Theme:
A concise overview of the latest world and national events, including a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, developments in a Rhode Island campus shooting, the election of Chile’s new president, the imminent sentencing of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, and a note on the Geminid meteor shower’s peak.

1. Mass Shooting at Australian Hanukkah Celebration

[00:19–01:29]

• Event Overview:
  At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured when a mass shooting took place at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney. The suspects are reportedly a father and son.
• Reactions in Israel:
  Jerome Sokolovsky reports from Tel Aviv on the mood among Australian Jews living in Israel, who are holding vigils and mourning.
• Community Reflections:
  • Ellie Parks reflects on his grandparents’ escape from European anti-Semitism to Australia, suggesting recent events challenge Australia’s image as a safe haven:

    “When we grew up, we thought we were the blessed Jews. We were the ones who didn't have to deal with all that. And unfortunately, the last few years have shown us that that isn't quite true.” — Ellie Parks [01:06]

  • Sokolovsky emphasizes that most Australians are horrified by the attack and still value Australia as a haven.

    “The vast majority of Australians are horrified by the attack and also want the kind of country that was a haven for his grandparents.” — Jerome Sokolovsky [01:16]

2. Rhode Island Campus Shooting

[01:29–02:07]

• Incident Details:
  Police in Rhode Island confirm a man in his 20s (identified by sources as Benjamin Erickson) is in custody after a shooting at Brown University that left at least two dead and nine injured. The motive is undetermined. The incident occurred during final exams.
• Community Response:
  • Governor Daniel McKee offers state support to those affected:

    "As governor, I'm committing to the city and to Brown and the broader community that has been impacted by this to make sure everyone who needs assistance, mental health assistance, can access them." — Daniel McKee [01:51]

  • Classes and finals at Brown have been cancelled. Flags at state buildings are at half-staff.

3. Chilean Presidential Election

[02:07–03:14]

• Election Results:
  Jose Antonio Kast, described as a right-wing populist, wins the presidential runoff, defeating his left-wing rival.
• Security and Immigration Platform:
  • Kast's campaign centered on public security and immigration. He promises an “emergency government” and a hardline stance on crime.
• Controversial Legacy:
  • As the son of a Nazi party member and a defender of Pinochet, Kast breaks with post-1990 Chilean presidential tradition by openly supporting the former dictatorship.
  • Notable policy: Illegal migrants must leave Chile by March 11, 2026, or face prosecution and deportation.

    “Kast ran a campaign based almost entirely on public security and immigration... and will become the first president since Democracy returned in 1990 to openly support the dictatorship.” — John Bartlett [02:29]

4. Jimmy Lai’s Sentencing in Hong Kong

[03:14–04:20]

• Background:
  Democracy activist and media figure Jimmy Lai is facing multiple charges under Hong Kong’s National Security Law, including one with a potential life sentence.
• Key Details:
  • Arrested in 2020 for alleged collusion with foreign forces through contacts with US politicians and journalists.
  • Has endured years in prison on other protest-related charges.
  • His family reports that his health has declined while awaiting the verdict.
• Significance:
  Lai’s activism follows a successful business career after arriving in Hong Kong as a refugee.

  “Lai’s work funding and organizing pro democracy demonstrations came late in life. After arriving in Hong Kong as a refugee, he built a fortune in fast fashion, then started several successful media companies in Hong Kong and Taiwan before pivoting to politics.” — Emily Fang [04:00]

5. Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks

[04:20–04:58]

• Celestial Event:
  The Geminid meteor shower has peaked, offering the chance to see up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour in dark-sky locations.
• Scientific Note:
  The Geminids are caused by Earth passing through debris left by an asteroid; entering the atmosphere, these particles create bright, colorful streaks.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ellie Parks on Generational Safety:

  “We thought we were the blessed Jews... the last few years have shown us that isn’t quite true.” [01:06]

• Governor McKee on Community Support:

  “...make sure everyone who needs assistance, mental health assistance, can access them.” [01:51]

• John Bartlett on Chile's New President:

  “...first president since Democracy returned in 1990 to openly support the dictatorship.” [02:29]

• Emily Fang on Jimmy Lai’s Journey:

  “…built a fortune in fast fashion, then started several successful media companies…before pivoting to politics.” [04:00]

End of content – NPR News Now, 8PM EST