NPR News Now: December 16, 2025 – 1AM EST

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise update on major international and U.S. news stories. Topics include a mass shooting in Sydney labeled as a terrorist attack, unfolding developments about a fatal shooting at Brown University, President Trump’s executive order on fentanyl, a foiled plot in California, the bankruptcy of Roomba-maker iRobot, and a lawsuit by Trump against the BBC.

Key Stories and Insights

1. Sydney Mass Shooting Declared a Terrorist Attack

• [00:15–01:00]
• Australian authorities have classified a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney as a terror attack inspired by the Islamic State.
• At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured.
• Report by Katie Silver in Melbourne:
  • One gunman (who came on a student visa) was shot dead by police.
  • His son, Naveen (24, Australian-born), was previously investigated for radicalization in 2019.
  • Video evidence has emerged of Naveen pledging allegiance to ISIS.
  • Quote: “He wasn't known to police, but his 24 year old son, Naveen, who was born in Australia... was investigated in 2019 over fears of radicalization.” – Katie Silver [00:41].

2. Brown University Shooting Investigation

• [01:00–02:00]
• Rhode Island police and FBI are seeking the community’s help after a shooting near Brown University killed 2 and injured 9.
  • Authorities are canvassing neighborhoods for security footage.
  • New images of a masked “person of interest” have been released.
• Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Narona compared the investigation to unraveling threads on a garment:
  • Quote: “These investigations are like threads that you pull on a garment and some of them you pull and the garment doesn't open up and other ones you pull and the garment comes undone.” – Peter Narona [01:40]
• The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to arrest & conviction.

3. Trump Designates Fentanyl as Weapon of Mass Destruction

• [02:00–03:04]
• President Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, citing high death tolls and national security threats.
  • Quote: “No bomb does what this is doing. 200,000 to 300,000 people die every year that we know of. So we're formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.” – President Trump [02:24]
• CDC’s current overdose death estimate: ~100,000/year, with tens of thousands attributed to fentanyl.
• Trump also mentioned potential reclassification of marijuana from Schedule II to Schedule III to enable further research.
  • “...considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule II to a Schedule 3 drug, which ... would allow more research...” – Franco Ordonez [02:40]

4. Foiled New Year’s Eve Attack Plot in California

• [03:04–03:51]
• The FBI, led by Director Cash Patel, prevented a planned attack on two companies in California.
  • Four suspects from the “Turtle Island Liberation Front,” a pro-Palestinian, anti-capitalist group, allegedly tested explosives in the Mojave Desert.

5. iRobot (Roomba Maker) Declares Bankruptcy

• [03:51–04:34]
• iRobot, known for its Roomba vacuum, is being acquired by its primary supplier in Shenzhen, China, after declaring bankruptcy.
  • Fierce foreign competition and failed merger with Amazon cited as causes.
  • The company owes nearly $100 million, but its devices will continue operating.
  • Quote: “Last year, regulatory scrutiny killed iRobot's merger with Amazon. Now it faces new tariffs... and Irobot has been losing money.” – Alina Selyuk [03:51]

6. Trump Sues the BBC Over Edited Footage

• [04:34–04:53]
• President Trump has filed a lawsuit against the BBC for allegedly misleading viewers by editing a speech related to January 6.
  • The incident led to an apology from BBC and resignations of two executives.

Memorable Quotes

• On Radicalization and Terrorism:
  • “We found out he was investigated in 2019 over fears of radicalization and we have since seen a video emerge of him pledging allegiance to isis.” — Katie Silver [00:41]
• On Criminal Investigations:
  • “These investigations are like threads that you pull on a garment and some of them you pull and the garment doesn't open up and other ones you pull and the garment comes undone.” — Peter Narona [01:40]
• On Fentanyl's Toll:
  • “No bomb does what this is doing. 200,000 to 300,000 people die every year that we know of. So we're formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.” — President Trump [02:24]
• On iRobot’s Decline:
  • “Last year, regulatory scrutiny killed iRobot's merger with Amazon. Now it faces new tariffs... and Irobot has been losing money.” — Alina Selyuk [03:51]

Important Timestamps

• Sydney shooting coverage: [00:15–01:00]
• Brown University update: [01:00–02:00]
• Fentanyl designation and drug policy: [02:00–03:04]
• California plot foiled: [03:04–03:51]
• iRobot bankruptcy and acquisition: [03:51–04:34]
• Trump sues BBC: [04:34–04:53]

This NPR News Now episode delivers brisk, essential updates on the day’s top stories with a focus on accuracy and clarity.