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

Host: Windsor Johnston
Episode Purpose:
To deliver concise updates on major national and international news stories, providing listeners with the latest developments on politics, public safety, global affairs, and breaking events in less than five minutes.

Main Stories & Key Insights

1. Passing of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner

Reported by: Tamara Keith (00:14–01:17)

• Summary:
  Hollywood mourns the loss of acclaimed film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner, both noted for their cinematic achievements and deep involvement in Democratic politics.
• Notable Trump Response:
  • Former President Trump posted a controversial message, attributing their deaths to the so-called "Trump Derangement Syndrome," claiming his own impact on their mental state was the cause.
    • Quote – Donald Trump (via Truth Social), quoted by Tamara Keith (00:40):

      "The anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as Trump derangement Syndrome."

  • Trump also touted his administration's successes, suggesting this drove Rob Reiner’s "paranoia to new heights."
    • Quote – Donald Trump (00:55):

      "That pushed Reiner’s, quote, obvious paranoia to new heights."

  • NPR clarifies:"There is no evidence that Reiner's politics had anything to do with his death." (01:09, Tamara Keith)
• Developing Update:
  • Rob Reiner's son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested.
  • Windsor Johnston (01:17):

    "Police has just confirmed to NPR that Nick Reiner has been booked for murder."

2. Affordable Care Act Deadline & GOP Health Proposal

Reported by: Luke Garrett (01:17–02:05)

• Health Coverage Deadline:
  • Final day for Americans to enroll in health coverage through the ACA for the coming year.
  • Over 24 million users on healthcare.gov; concerns loom as expiring tax credits could drive up premiums.
• GOP Health Plan Highlights:
  • New Republican legislation aims to expand access to employer-sponsored health plans and introduce "association health plans"—allowing small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together for better rates.
  • The bill also seeks greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers, aiming to lower prescription drug costs.
  • Luke Garrett (01:53):

    "Basically, smaller businesses and self-employed folks could band together, leverage their power and purchase health care. The idea is it would create competition and lower prices."

  • "This GOP proposal would also require pharmacy benefit managers to report more data in hopes of shrinking drug costs." (02:02)

3. Global Security Alert Following Sydney Attack

Reported by: Daniel Estrin (02:05–02:57)

• Aftermath of Sydney Shooting:
  • Israel's National Security Council urges Israelis worldwide to avoid unsecured Hanukkah gatherings after a deadly shooting in Sydney killed at least 15 and wounded dozens.
  • Israel fears "copycat" attacks and stresses only attending events with security guards.
• Israeli Involvement:
  • Mossad is now involved in investigating the Sydney shooting.
  • Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu squares blame on Australia for not combating antisemitism, linking government inaction to the attack.
    • Benjamin Netanyahu (02:49):

      "Your government did nothing to stop the spread of anti-Semitism in Australia, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today."

• Diplomatic Tensions:
  • Australia had already cut ties with Iran, after accusing Tehran of orchestrating two antisemitic attacks earlier in the year.
  • Daniel Estrin (02:57):

    "The Australian prime minister cut diplomatic ties with Iran this summer, accusing it of organizing two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia."

4. European Backing for Ukraine & US-Brokered Peace Deal Pressure

Anchor: Windsor Johnston (03:08–03:19)

• European leaders are reaffirming support for Ukraine as the nation faces diplomatic pressure from Washington to rapidly accept a US-brokered peace deal.
• Today, talks involving US envoys, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European officials concluded in Berlin.

5. South Korea: Ex-President Yoon Suk Ye Charged with Insurrection

Reported by: Anthony Kuhn (03:19–04:27)

• Investigation Findings:
  • Special prosecutors in South Korea allege that impeached ex-President Yoon Suk Ye tried to provoke an attack from North Korea to justify declaring martial law.
  • Yoon reportedly sent drones into the North as provocation, and attempted to exploit the US administration’s transition period in December 2024 as a distraction.
  • He faces charges of both insurrection and aiding the enemy.
  • Anthony Kuhn (03:56):

    "The investigation also concluded that Yoon timed his martial law bid to coincide with the transition to a new administration in the US, apparently hoping that Washington would be too distracted to object."

6. Near Midair Collision: JetBlue Incident

Anchor: Windsor Johnston (04:27–04:53)

• A JetBlue flight narrowly avoided colliding with a US Air Force refueling tanker after departing Curacao for New York City.
• The incident follows increased US military drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean.
• No injuries or damages reported.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Trump’s Provocative Response to Rob Reiner’s Death – Tamara Keith (00:40 & 00:55)
  • "…a mind crippling disease known as Trump derangement Syndrome."
  • "That pushed Reiner’s, quote, obvious paranoia to new heights."
• Netanyahu’s Critique after Sydney Attack (02:49):
  • "Your government did nothing to stop the spread of anti-Semitism in Australia, and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw today."
• South Korea Investigation Detail – Anthony Kuhn (03:56):
  • “Yoon timed his martial law bid to coincide with the transition to a new administration in the US, apparently hoping that Washington would be too distracted to object.”

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:14] – News Headline and Reiner Story Begins
• [01:17] – Nick Reiner Arrest, ACA Deadline
• [01:40] – GOP Health Bill Discussion
• [02:05] – Israel Warns After Sydney Attack
• [03:08] – Ukraine Peace Talks & Start Korea Story
• [03:47] – South Korea Charges On Former President
• [04:27] – JetBlue Near Miss Incident

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode was direct, urgent, and factual, touching on breaking stories with global resonance. Commentary remained neutral, even when covering polarizing political statements, and quotes were presented with necessary context and attribution. The report, typical of NPR’s News Now format, delivers maximum information in minimal time, keeping listeners informed of the day’s most pressing developments.