NPR News Now: December 16, 2025 - 3AM EST

The latest developments in national and international news, delivered concisely in five minutes.

Main Theme / Purpose

This update delivers the top headlines in U.S. and global news, including breaking developments in a high-profile murder investigation, political reactions and controversy, legislative changes affecting transparency, tragic anniversary coverage, economic updates, legal news, and ongoing policy shifts in gun control and the auto industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reiner Family Tragedy and Political Fallout

• News: Nick Reiner, son of actor/director Rob Reiner, is being held on $4 million bail, accused of murdering his parents in Los Angeles.
• Political Reaction: President Trump made controversial remarks tying the murders to Rob Reiner’s anti-Trump stance.
  • Trump said Rob Reiner died due to his "massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with Trump derangement syndrome."
  • This led to backlash across party lines.
    • Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY): "[Trump’s] comments [were] inappropriate and disrespectful about a man who was just brutally murdered." (00:57)
• Condolences: Expressions of grief and criticism for politicization pour in nationwide.

2. Puerto Rico’s Anti-Transparency Law

• Legislation: Gov. Jennifer Gonzalez signed Law 156, which tightens restrictions on accessing public records.
  • Doubles time for fulfilling requests.
  • Allows information to be deemed confidential without court review.
• Reaction:
  • Advocates, including architect Pedro Cardona Morales, argue the law "limits our right to know... [and] has tremendous impact in many sectors on the island." (01:54)
  • Fifty organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the law.

3. Wisconsin School Shooting Anniversary

• Remembrance: Marks one year since the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison that left three dead (including the shooter).
• First Responders: Paramedic Brandon Schultz recalls the day as “a day that changed a lot of people forever.” (02:34)
• Aftermath: Shooter’s father faces felony charges for providing access to firearms.

4. Market & Economic Updates

• Markets: U.S. futures remain flat; Asia-Pacific shares dip around 1%. (03:05)

5. Australian Response to Mass Shooting

• Incident: Lawmakers vow to tighten gun laws after a Hanukkah celebration shooting in Sydney leaves 15 dead.
  • One gunman dead; another in custody.

6. Ford Shifts EV Strategy

• Corporate News: Citing low demand and regulations, Ford will halt production of its F-150 Lightning electric trucks.
  • Focus will shift to smaller EVs and hybrid vehicles.
  • Kentucky plant to be reconfigured for battery energy storage and equipment for data centers/utilities.

7. Trump Sues BBC for Defamation

• Lawsuit: President Trump files multi-billion-dollar suit against the BBC, alleging remarks were compressed and misrepresented in 2021 coverage.
  • Previous defamation suits against ABC, CBS resulted in $16M settlements.
  • Trump’s legal team claims alleged impact on Florida voters.
• Broader Issue: Ongoing legal battle over media coverage and fairness.
  • NPR’s David Folkenflick: "Trump’s lawyers say [the BBC broadcast] was available on the Britbox subscription channel or for people using virtual private networks." (04:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Rob Reiner:

  "Reiner and his wife died, quote unquote, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with Trump derangement syndrome."
  — Steve Futterman quoting Trump, (00:47)

• Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY):

  "[Trump’s] comments [were] inappropriate and disrespectful about a man who was just brutally murdered." — (00:57)

• Pedro Cardona Morales, on Puerto Rico Law 156:

  "The law signed by Governor Gonzalez limits our right to know."
  — (01:54)

• Paramedic Brandon Schultz on the Wisconsin School Shooting:

  "We knew this was going to be a day that changed a lot of people forever."
  — (02:34)

• NPR’s David Folkenflick on Trump’s BBC Lawsuit:

  "Trump’s lawyers say it was available on the Britbox subscription channel or for people using virtual private networks."
  — (04:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 00:16 | Nick Reiner accused in Reiner family murders; Trump’s reaction | | 01:17 | Puerto Rico’s anti-transparency law signed | | 02:14 | Wisconsin school shooting one-year remembrance | | 03:05 | Market updates: U.S. futures, Asia-Pacific shares | | 03:12 | Sydney Hanukkah mass shooting and gun law response in Australia | | 03:38 | Ford shifts focus from F-150 Lightning EVs to battery storage | | 03:56 | Trump’s multi-billion-dollar suit against BBC (media and legal update) |

Tone & Language

The episode maintains NPR’s usual calm, concise, and factual delivery. The tone is somber when reporting on violence and tragedy, and direct but measured when addressing political controversy.

This timely update covers a wide range of pressing stories, balancing fast-paced news delivery with brief but powerful personal and political commentary.