NPR News Now — Episode Summary
Episode: NPR News: 12-17-2025 9PM EST
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Rylan Barton (NPR News Anchor)
Theme: Top news stories of the hour from the US and around the globe.
1. Overview
This episode delivers concise updates on the day's most pressing stories, including major changes in FBI leadership, the ongoing investigation into the Brown University shooting, federal threats to climate research, shifting dynamics in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the rising issue of 3D-printed guns, and a landmark change in the Oscars' broadcasting future.
2. Key Discussion Points & Insights
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Resigns
- Reporter: Ryan Lucas
- [00:14–01:10]
- Dan Bongino announces he will step down as FBI Deputy Director in January.
- Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and prominent pro-Trump podcaster noted for spreading conspiracy theories (including ones targeting the FBI itself), was an unusual choice for this high-ranking position.
- His tenure featured significant controversy, including internal clashes over the handling of the Epstein files.
- Bongino also oversaw the arrest of a suspect in the long-unsolved January 6th pipe bombing case.
- Notable Quote:
"Bongino was an unusual pick for the number two job at the FBI. He had previously served as a Secret Service agent, but never at the bureau. He made his name over the past decade as a pro Trump far right podcaster who pushed conspiracy theories, including some involving the FBI." — Ryan Lucas [00:35]
Brown University Shooting: Search Continues
- Host: Rylan Barton
- Soundbite: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
- [01:10–01:52]
- Providence is on alert as the search for the shooter who killed two students and wounded nine others enters its fifth day.
- Officials indicate progress is slow; the suspect remains at large and evidence from security footage is still being reviewed.
- The public is asked to examine their own footage and help identify a masked suspect.
- Notable Quote:
"Certainly, it's frustrating. That investigation continues to take time, and I, along with all of my fellow residents, would, would love to have a suspect in custody and charges pressed." — Mayor Brett Smiley [01:31]
White House Vows to Dismantle NCAR
- Reporter: Sam Brash (Colorado Public Radio)
- Soundbite: Dan Powers, Colabs
- [01:52–03:07]
- The White House, via budget director Russ Vogt, has declared plans to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), calling it "a major source of climate alarmism."
- NCAR, a fixture in federal science since 1960, employs over 800 people in Boulder, Colorado.
- Colorado’s scientific and political leaders, including Colabs, are outraged and promise a fight to preserve NCAR.
- Notable Quote:
"Science and research can sometimes be alarming, but closing labs like NCAR doesn't make decades of facts any less true." — Dan Powers [02:46]
Russia-Ukraine: Putin Threatens to Extend Military Gains
- Host: Rylan Barton
- [03:07–03:23]
- In a major military meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will expand its territorial gains in Ukraine unless peace demands are met.
- While Putin claims Moscow prefers diplomacy, he is explicit in threatening further military action.
Surge in 3D-Printed Guns at Crime Scenes
- Reporter: Meg Anderson
- Soundbite: Nick Suplina, Everytown for Gun Safety
- [03:51–04:36]
- A new report from Everytown for Gun Safety finds a dramatic rise in 3D-printed guns at US crime scenes: from only 3 in 2020 to over 300 in 2024 in 20 surveyed cities.
- Nick Suplina calls this "the beginning of a crisis," advocating for 3D printer manufacturers to restrict firearm production and for laws to prevent the dissemination of blueprints.
- Notable Quote:
"We are at the beginning of this crisis of 3D printed firearms, but we... do have, I think, a good sense of how we can address it." — Nick Suplina [04:12–04:20]
Oscars to Move to YouTube
- Host: Rylan Barton
- [04:36–04:51]
- Starting in 2029, the Academy Awards will stream on YouTube after their longstanding broadcast on ABC ends in 2028.
- This marks a significant shift in how one of TV’s premier live events reaches viewers.
3. Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Dan Bongino's Unusual Rise and Contentious Tenure [Ryan Lucas, 00:35]
- Mayor Brett Smiley's Frustration and Appeal to the Public [Brett Smiley, 01:31]
- Defense of Science Against Political Attacks [Dan Powers, 02:46]
- Everytown's Warning on 3D-Printed Guns [Nick Suplina, 04:12–04:20]
4. Important Timestamps
- 00:14: Dan Bongino's resignation from FBI
- 01:10: Status of Brown University shooting investigation
- 01:52: White House targets NCAR
- 03:07: Putin threatens further military action in Ukraine
- 03:51: Report on surge of 3D-printed guns
- 04:36: Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029
This summary conveys the full scope of the episode, allowing listeners to grasp essential developments in US government, crime, science policy, international affairs, technology and entertainment without needing to hear the full five-minute update.