NPR News Now – December 15, 2025, 1AM EST

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A succinct roundup of the top national and international news stories, including the latest on mass shootings in the US and Australia, diplomatic developments in Ukraine, extreme weather in Washington State, and significant legal updates from Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brown University Shooting & Renewed Gun Safety Debate

[00:17-01:21]

• Police in Providence have released a person of interest in the Brown University shooting, which left at least 2 dead and 9 injured.
• The incident has reignited Democratic calls for stricter gun safety laws, particularly among university campuses.
• Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) voices pessimism regarding any new gun safety legislation passing under the current GOP-controlled Congress, stating:

  “The Republicans in Congress don't ever meaningfully break from this president. So until they get the okay from President Trump to break with the gun lobby, I think the chances of us getting something done are slim.”
  — Sen. Chris Murphy, 00:43

• Murphy also blames the Trump administration’s cuts to mental health and gun prevention programs for making the nation less safe.
• Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) points to the 2022 firearm safety law as evidence that Congress has acted:

  “If the facts are known, you will see that Congress has acted.”
  — Sen. Bill Cassidy, 01:07

• Data cited: At least 43 shootings on college or university campuses in the US this year resulting in injury or death.
• Reporter: Luke Garrett, Washington

2. Mass Shooting at Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney

[01:21-02:28]

• At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney.
• Australian Jews living in Israel mourn the victims; a vigil is held on a Tel Aviv beach.
• Ellie Parks, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust and emigrated to Australia, reflects on the loss of perceived safety:

  “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, 02:06

• Parks emphasizes most Australians are horrified by the attack and value a safe, inclusive country.
• Reporter: Jerome Sokolowski, Tel Aviv

3. Ukraine-NATO Security Negotiations

[02:28-03:10]

• U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet in Berlin ahead of peace talks.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signals willingness to drop NATO membership bid if the US provides alternative security guarantees akin to NATO’s Article 5.
• Jaronica Kissis summarizes:

  “The US appears to be offering security guarantees similar to Article 5 of the Security alliance's charter... Ukraine needs this because Zelenskyy says Russia has a history of ignoring treaties and breaking promises.”
  — Jaronica Kissis, 02:44

• The details of the US provision remain unclear.
• Reporter: Jaronica Kissis, Kyiv

4. Washington State Flooding & Weather Threats

[03:10-04:01]

• Five days of near-continuous rain have triggered severe flooding in Washington State; more rain and winds up to 50 mph are forecast.
• Dams in the Seattle suburbs are under strain, and saturated soils heighten the risk of falling trees and landslides.
• Meteorologist Reid Wolcott warns:

  “We are completely saturated. There are still trees. Submerged soils are extremely loose. It does not take 50 mile an hour winds to knock over trees.”
  — Reid Wolcott, 03:50

• Mudslides have already impacted towns like Tahekan on Lake Chelan.
• Reporter: Scott Greenstone, KUOW

5. Legal Updates: Los Angeles & Hong Kong

[04:13-04:54]

• Los Angeles: Two unidentified bodies found at director Rob Reiner’s home; apparent homicides under investigation. Victims are an estimated 78-year-old male and 68-year-old female.
• Hong Kong: Media tycoon and activist Jimmy Lai found guilty on all charges, accused of colluding with foreign forces. He faces a possible life sentence. Lai maintains innocence.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT):

  “The Republicans in Congress don't ever meaningfully break from this president. So until they get the okay from President Trump to break with the gun lobby, I think the chances of us getting something done are slim.”
  (00:43)

• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA):

  “If the facts are known, you will see that Congress has acted.”
  (01:07)

• Ellie Parks (Australian Jew in Israel):

  “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.”
  (02:06)

• Reid Wolcott (Meteorologist):

  “We are completely saturated... Submerged soils are extremely loose. It does not take 50 mile an hour winds to knock over trees.”
  (03:50)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Brown University Shooting & Gun Safety: 00:17–01:21
• Sydney Mass Shooting & Israeli Response: 01:21–02:28
• Ukraine Peace Negotiations & NATO: 02:28–03:10
• Washington State Flooding: 03:10–04:01
• LA Homicides & Jimmy Lai Trial: 04:13–04:54

This brief but information-rich report provided rapid updates on some of the most pressing stories shaping the global and national landscape on December 15, 2025.