NPR News Now – December 17, 2025, 6PM EST

Host: Ryland Barton, NPR
Episode Theme: Rapid-fire update covering national news highlights, including investigations into the Brown University shooting, President Trump’s upcoming address, status of executive orders, developments in Gaza, New York’s medically assisted suicide legislation, US Postal Service restructuring, and the discovery of prehistoric dinosaur footprints in Italy.

Key Headlines & Discussion Points

1. Brown University Shooting Investigation (00:14–00:50)

• Status: Fifth day of the search for the suspect in a mass shooting at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
• Public Involvement: Authorities appeal for security and phone footage from around the shooting date.
  • Quote: "We have released this enhanced photo earlier today ... this is a person that we would like to speak with. ... We truly believe ... they may have relevant information to the investigation."
    — Chief Oscar Pereira, Providence Police (00:32)
• Current Progress: No news yet on suspect identification; the city remains tense.

2. Trump’s Address to the Nation & Economic Concerns (00:50–01:57)

• Context: President Trump to address the nation at 9:00pm ET, reviewing both terms in office and previewing plans ahead.
• Economic Polls:
  • Only 36% of voters approve of Trump's economic record, mainly due to concerns about high prices.
  • Trump asserts he "inherited a bad economy" but claims improvements in his administration.
• Key Initiatives Mentioned:
  • Focus on border security and "the lower cost of gas."
  • Introduction of "Trump accounts": One-time $1,000 deposits for children born between 2025–2028.
    • Quote: "[Trump’s address will] discuss border security and the lower cost of gas. He’s also likely to touch on ... the recently announced Trump accounts, which are $1,000 one time deposits for kids born between 2025 and 2028."
      — Deepa Shivaram, NPR (01:40)
• Historic Angle: Trump has issued 220 executive orders in his current term—already surpassing his first term, but well short of FDR’s over 1,100.

3. Gaza Ceasefire and International Stabilization Force (01:57–03:11)

• US Efforts: The United States pushes for an international force to stabilize Gaza by early next year.
• Diplomatic Challenges:
  • No countries have publicly committed troops.
  • Disagreements persist about force’s roles and locations.
  • US is pushing for this force to support Hamas disarmament, but potential partners are reluctant.
  • Training of new Palestinian police could begin by April at the earliest.
    • Quote: "The US wants international troops to support the disarmament of Hamas, but many countries ... don't want them to confront Hamas over its weapons."
      — Daniel Estrin, NPR (02:37)
• European Union Involvement: Plans to aid in training new Palestinian police.

4. New York to Legalize Medically Assisted Suicide (03:11–03:45)

• Legislative Move: New York poised to join a dozen other states and DC in legalizing medically assisted suicide for the terminally ill.
  • Governor Hochul's Stance: Decision comes after hearing from suffering residents and reviewing opposition from faith groups.
• Context: Law will include strict guidelines, aligning with policies in other states.

5. USPS Restructuring—Opening Bids to Small Businesses (03:45–04:28)

• Why: To address $9 billion annual net losses and maintain operations without tax funding, USPS will let small businesses bid for select delivery services starting in 2026.
  • Quote: "USPS says it’s confident allowing smaller shippers to bid for its special delivery services will help boost its revenue. But some shipping industry experts say the move could ... further destabilize the agency."
    — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR (04:15)
• Potential Risks: Larger shippers like Amazon may seek alternatives, possibly undermining USPS stability further.

6. Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in Italy (04:28–04:53)

• Discovery: 20,000 dinosaur footprints, possibly dating back to 210 million years ago, found in an Italian national park near Bormio, close to the upcoming Winter Olympics venue.
• Significance: Lombardy’s governor hails it as a “gift for the Olympics.”
  • Quote: "[It's] one of the oldest and largest collections of dinosaur footprints ... a gift for the Olympics, which are set to begin in February."
    — Ryland Barton paraphrasing Lombardy’s governor (04:40)

Notable Quotes

• Chief Pereira, Providence Police (00:32):
  "We have released this enhanced photo ... this is a person that we would like to speak with."
• Deepa Shivaram, NPR (01:40):
  "[Trump will] discuss border security and the lower cost of gas ... and the recently announced Trump accounts."
• Daniel Estrin, NPR (02:37):
  "The US wants ... to support the disarmament of Hamas, but many countries ... don't want them to confront Hamas over its weapons."
• Hansi Lo Wang, NPR (04:15):
  "USPS says it's confident allowing smaller shippers to bid ... will help boost its revenue. But ... [this] could further destabilize the agency."
• Ryland Barton, paraphrasing Lombardy’s governor (04:40):
  "[The dinosaur site is] a gift for the Olympics, which are set to begin in February."

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Brown University Shooting Update: 00:14–00:50
• Trump’s Address & Economy Polls: 00:50–01:57
• Executive Orders Count: 01:57–02:07
• Gaza Ceasefire/International Force: 02:07–03:11
• NY State Assisted Suicide Bill: 03:11–03:45
• USPS Shipping Restructure: 03:45–04:28
• Dinosaur Footprints Discovery: 04:28–04:53

Recap

This NPR News Now update efficiently covers major national and international issues: the ongoing search for the Brown University shooting suspect, public opinion on President Trump and his policy initiatives, efforts for peace and new policing initiatives in Gaza, changes to end-of-life laws in New York, a substantial reform at the US Postal Service, and a remarkable paleontological find in Italy. Each story is presented with essential details for a clear and concise understanding, echoing NPR’s straightforward, informative reporting style.