NPR News Now – December 15, 2025, 9AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Main Theme: Rapid updates on major international and U.S. news stories, featuring breaking headlines and select human interest coverage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Australia's Gun Laws Under Review After Mass Shooting

• [00:19-01:08]
  • Incident: A mass shooting occurred at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, resulting in several fatalities and dozens wounded.
  • Response: Federal and state leaders in Australia have agreed to review the nation’s strict gun laws.
  • Suspects: Two shooters were involved. One, identified as a gun club member, was killed by police; the other was seriously wounded.
  • Notable perspective from police:
    • Mal Lyons, New South Wales Police Commissioner:

      "He had a category AB license which entitled him to have the long arms that he had as registered firearms." (00:44)

  • Immediate action from law enforcement underscored Australia's seriousness about firearms policy.

2. Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations in Berlin

• [01:09-01:51]
  • Meeting: Ongoing second day of peace talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders, and the Trump administration’s team.
  • Key Issues:
    • Zelensky open to compromise on NATO aspirations if strong U.S. security guarantees can be secured.
    • Ukraine adamant about not ceding territory, despite U.S. suggestions.
    • Major divides remain, and Russia's position is still an open question.
  • Rob Schmitz, NPR Berlin Correspondent:

    "Zelensky has made it clear his country is willing to compromise on certain issues, including giving up on hopes that Ukraine joins NATO. He said he'd be willing to consider that if Ukraine won, strong security guarantees from the United States..." (01:09)

    • Recognizes the deep complexity and high stakes of the negotiations.

3. Rob Reiner and Wife’s Deaths Investigated in Los Angeles

• [01:52-02:49]
  • Discovery: Actor/director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle found dead in their Brentwood home.
  • Police Actions: LA Police conducting extensive crime scene investigation; no suspects currently sought, indicating police may have leads.
  • Steve Futterman, NPR Los Angeles Correspondent:

    "Police spent the night here in the Brentwood area conducting interviews with neighbors and collecting evidence." (02:05)

    • Alan Hamilton, LAPD Deputy Chief:

      "Our detectives will be responding along with our forensic science division and our technical investigation division investigators to conduct a full crime scene investigation." (02:15)

  • Significance: Reiner’s legacy in Hollywood, notably from “All in the Family,” amplifies the impact.

4. Brown University Shooting: Investigation Ongoing

• [02:50-03:25]
  • Incident: Deadly shooting at Brown University during final exams resulting in two deaths and nine injuries.
  • Update: Person of interest released; authorities acknowledge earlier detainment was a mistake.
  • Impact: Community tension heightened by violence during academic activities.

5. Extreme Weather: Flooding and Cold Snap

• [03:26-03:54]
  • Washington State: Persistent rain leads to flooding and evacuations; state braces for worse as rain is forecast to continue.
  • Wider U.S.: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and South under cold weather advisories; wind chills as low as 10 degrees noted along Gulf states’ coast.

6. Rare Medical Case: Full-Term Abdominal Pregnancy

• [03:55-04:30]
  • Case: California woman Suzy Lopez’s full-term abdominal pregnancy successfully results in healthy birth after emergency surgery at Cedars-Sinai.
  • Suzy Lopez:

    "I just appreciate everything, even if it's the baby crying, because that just means that his lungs work." (04:18)

  • Medical Note: Doctors believe the outcome might be unprecedented, highlighting both risk and triumph.

7. Louvre Museum Workers Strike Over Conditions

• [04:31-04:57]
  • Action: Louvre Museum closed as workers strike, citing demands for better working conditions and building renovations.
  • Recent Incidents: Daylight robbery in October (priceless gems stolen) and water leak damaging hundreds of ancient documents.
  • Workers' Statement: Concerns over structural issues now at the forefront of cultural preservation debates.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mal Lyons:

  "He had a category AB license which entitled him to have the long arms that he had as registered firearms." (00:44)

• Rob Schmitz:

  "There are still major gaps between the latest American and Ukrainian plans to try and end the war, though, and there's no indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to any plan to end it." (01:44)

• Steve Futterman:

  "Police spent the night here in the Brentwood area conducting interviews with neighbors and collecting evidence." (02:05)

• Alan Hamilton:

  "Our detectives will be responding along with our forensic science division and our technical investigation division investigators to conduct a full crime scene investigation." (02:15)

• Suzy Lopez:

  "I just appreciate everything, even if it's the baby crying, because that just means that his lungs work." (04:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Australia Mass Shooting & Gun Laws: 00:19–01:08
• Ukraine Peace Talks in Berlin: 01:09–01:51
• Rob Reiner Investigation: 01:52–02:49
• Brown University Shooting: 02:50–03:25
• Weather Updates: 03:26–03:54
• Rare Abdominal Pregnancy: 03:55–04:30
• Louvre Museum Workers Strike: 04:31–04:57

This concise newscast synthesizes urgent international headlines with notable domestic stories and human interest, offering a snapshot of global concerns, societal challenges, and remarkable events as they unfold.