NPR News Now: December 15, 2025, 4 PM EST

Host: Windsor Johnston
Episode Theme:
A concise update on breaking national and international news, including a high-profile murder in Los Angeles, security concerns for Jews worldwide after a Sydney shooting, economic updates after the U.S. government shutdown, legal developments in Hong Kong, and labor unrest at the Louvre Museum.

1. Murder Investigation in Los Angeles

• [00:17] Windsor Johnston reports that Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner, has been arrested for the murder of Rob and Michelle Reiner.
  • Jim McDonnell (LA Police Chief) [00:39]:

    "LAPD responded to a residence of Rob and Michelle Reiner. At that location, they found two deceased adults, a male and a female... they were able to identify them definitively as Rob and Michelle Reiner."

• Rob Reiner's Legacy:
  • His storied career as director included classics like When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men.

2. Global Jewish Security Concerns After Sydney Mass Shooting

• [00:57] Following a deadly attack in Sydney, Israel issues global warnings to its citizens about attending unsecured Hanukkah events.
  • Daniel Estrin (NPR Correspondent) [01:19]:

    "Israel's National Security Council is warning of copycat attacks and is calling on Israelis globally not to attend Jewish gatherings without security guards."

  • Israel's Mossad is supporting the investigation; Israeli PM Netanyahu blames Australian leadership for the tragedy.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu [01:44]:

    "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."

  • Australia had previously severed diplomatic ties with Iran over alleged anti-Semitic incidents.

3. Deadly Shooting at Brown University

• [02:04] Rhode Island police hunt for a suspect after a shooting at Brown University left at least two dead and nine injured.
  • Investigators released a previously detained person of interest.

4. Economic Data Delays Post-Government Shutdown

• [02:30] Due to a recent six-week government shutdown, crucial reports on inflation and jobs were disrupted.
  • Scott Horsley (NPR Correspondent):

    "Timely reports on inflation and the job market were disrupted... Some of that information will come dribbling out this week."

  • October and November jobs reports will be released imminently, but gaps will persist in economic series.
  • Notable business headline: Roomba-maker iRobot files for bankruptcy, to be absorbed by its main contract manufacturer.

5. Jimmy Lai Convicted in Hong Kong

• [03:09] Publisher and activist Jimmy Lai is found guilty of national security charges.
  • Emily Fang (NPR Correspondent) [03:31]:

    "Claire Lai says her father is an ailing 78-year-old and he's seen a precipitous decline in health over the last years of his five year imprisonment so far."

  • Claire Lai [03:41]:

    "He has heart issues, he has skin problems, he has infections, back issues, waist problems."

  • Sentencing expected in January; Lai could face life in prison.
  • Judge claims Lai "harbored resentment and hatred towards China"—a characterization his daughter strongly disputes.
  • Claire Lai [03:53]:

    "Despite what the judgment says, there is no room for hate and there is no... hate in my father's heart."

6. Louvre Museum Strike Shuts Down Paris Landmark

• [04:15] Louvre workers strike over poor conditions and lack of renovations, closing the prominent museum.
  • Recent issues included theft of gems and a water leak damaging ancient documents.

7. Market Update

• [03:09 & 04:15]
  • Dow Jones down 41 points
  • NASDAQ down 137 points
  • S&P 500 down 10 points

Notable Quotes

• Jim McDonnell [00:39]:

  "They were able to identify them definitively as Rob and Michelle Reiner."

• Benjamin Netanyahu [01:44]:

  "Your government did nothing to stop the spread of anti-Semitism in Australia..."

• Claire Lai [03:53]:

  "There is no room for hate and there is no... hate in my father's heart."

• Scott Horsley [02:30]:

  "For the first time, there will be gaps in those long running series."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rob and Michelle Reiner Murder – [00:17-00:57]
• Sydney Shooting & Israel Security – [00:57-01:53]
• Brown University Shooting – [02:04]
• Economic Updates/Post-Shutdown – [02:30-03:09]
• Jimmy Lai Verdict in Hong Kong – [03:09-04:01]
• Louvre Strike – [04:15]

Episode Summary:
This episode delivers major headlines from legal, global security, and cultural fronts, highlighting the tragic murder of two Hollywood icons, international Jewish community risks, economic uncertainty in the U.S., political repression in Hong Kong, and worker protest at a leading cultural institution.