NPR News Now — December 15, 2025, 6AM EST

Episode Overview

This morning news update delivers a concise roundup of major national and international headlines. Anchored by Korva Coleman, the episode covers breaking developments in high-profile crime investigations, mass shootings in the US and Australia, ongoing international diplomacy over Ukraine, new healthcare subsidy plans in Congress, and significant legal cases tied to past US elections and immigration controversies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Deaths of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner

• [00:13] Headline: Police are investigating after two bodies were found at the Reiners' Los Angeles home; the victims are widely reported as director Rob Reiner and his wife, producer and photographer Michelle Singer Reiner.
• Content: Police have not officially confirmed the identities and are withholding information on suspects. Media outlets cite a family spokesperson stating the couple has died.
• Notable Moment: The news is significant due to the couple's prominence in film and culture.
• Tone: Somber and respectful.

2. Brown University Shooting Update (Providence, RI)

• [00:54] Headline: A person of interest in the campus shooting has been released by Rhode Island police as the investigation takes a new turn.
• Report by Ian Donis & AG Peter Narona:
  • AG Peter Narona underscores investigative unpredictability:
    • Quote:

      "This could happen very quickly, but it could take some time. And so I'm going to ask the public to be patient with us as we continue to work through the facts in this case."
      — Peter Narona, Attorney General [01:10]

  • Context:
    • Shooting resulted in 2 student deaths and 9 injuries (8 students).
    • Gunman remains at large; motive unknown.

3. Mass Shooting in Australia Spurs Gun Law Debate

• [01:34] Headline: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will consider tightening firearm regulations following the Bondi Beach Hanukkah event mass shooting.
• Summary:
  • At least 15 people were killed; one suspect dead, another injured.
  • Phil Mercer reports:
    • Guns used were legally registered.
    • National gun laws were already some of the strictest since reforms 30 years ago.
    • Quote:

      "So what we're seeing now is another debate about firearms legislation in this country... it seems certain that gun laws in this country will now come under immense scrutiny."
      — Phil Mercer [02:02]

4. Ukraine Security Talks in Berlin

• [02:18] Headline: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits Berlin for security guarantee talks amid US pressure to end fighting.
• Esme Nicholson reporting:
  • Zelenskyy met US President Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
  • Possible readiness to drop NATO bid for bilateral security guarantees.
  • Ukraine resists pressures to cede land to Russia.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s warning:
    • Putin may not stop at Ukraine.

5. US House Faces Health Care Subsidy Deadline

• [03:12] Headline: Speaker Mike Johnson introduces a new plan for health care subsidies, seeking to replace expiring ACA subsidies.
• Details:
  • Plan would allow small businesses to band together to buy health insurance.
  • Only one week remains for the vote before current subsidies lapse.

6. Wisconsin Preliminary Hearing Over 'Fake Electors'

• [03:55] Headline: Wisconsin court hears a case against individuals accused of aiding Trump’s 2020 'false electors' plot.
• Anya Van Wagtendonk reporting:
  • Attorneys Jim Troupas, Ken Chesbrough, and aide Mike Roman face 11 felony counts each.
  • Other states have dismissed similar cases.
  • Senator Ron Johnson has requested federal review by US Attorney General Pam Bondi.

7. Federal Trial of Wisconsin Judge for Immigration-Related Charges

• [04:34] Headline: Milwaukee judge Hannah Dugan faces trial, accused of aiding a man to evade federal immigration authorities.
• Details:
  • She has pleaded not guilty.
  • Defense claims she was following court protocol.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Peter Narona on patience in ongoing investigation:

  "This could happen very quickly, but it could take some time. And so I'm going to ask the public to be patient with us as we continue to work through the facts in this case."
  — [01:10]

• Phil Mercer on Australia’s gun law debate:

  "It seems certain that gun laws in this country will now come under immense scrutiny."
  — [02:02]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Rob Reiner & Michelle Singer Reiner Deaths: [00:13]
• Brown University Shooting Update: [00:54]
• Australia Mass Shooting & Gun Laws: [01:34]
• Ukraine Security Talks (Berlin): [02:18]
• Healthcare Subsidy Plan in House: [03:12]
• Wisconsin 'Fake Electors' Hearing: [03:55]
• Milwaukee Judge on Trial: [04:34]

This NPR News Now update provided rapid but thorough coverage of breaking and developing stories. The tone remained objective and neutral, with concise reporting and emphasis on unfolding developments.