NPR News Now – December 18, 2025, 2 PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Podcast: NPR News Now
Episode purpose: A concise update on major national and global news stories as of December 18, 2025.

Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire summary of the day’s most important news developments, touching on a deadly plane crash in North Carolina, Virginia’s ongoing debate over health care costs, high-stakes EU discussions about funding Ukraine, the controversial renaming of the Kennedy Center, updates on a major New York murder case, the aftermath of a mass shooting in Australia, and the latest inflation numbers. The episode maintains NPR’s serious, factual tone throughout.

Key News Stories and Insights

1. Fatal Plane Crash in North Carolina

• [00:10] Multiple fatalities reported in a business plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte.
• The Cessna C550 crashed on landing; first responders arrived as the wreckage burned.
• Contextual Note: The airport is significant for corporate travel, hosting operations for Fortune 500 companies and NASCAR teams.
• Quote: “Video shows first responders rushing to the scene as flames burn near the wreckage.”
  – Jeanine Herbst [00:16]

2. Virginia Grapples with Expiring Health Care Subsidies

• [00:56] Doug Khalil reports on Governor-elect Abigail Spamberger’s proposals to stabilize the ACA marketplace and make health care more affordable.
  • Focus on keeping a balanced insurance pool to avoid premium hikes: “The idea is that if it’s only higher risk people in the insurance pool, premiums go up for everyone.” – Doug Khalil [01:09]
  • Spamberger also proposes broader affordability initiatives, including energy and housing costs.
• A Republican House-passed bill does not extend current health care subsidies.
• Virginia faces economic risks from potential federal workforce cuts.
• Quote: “This program with its targeted efforts to stabilize, at least here in Virginia, the ACA marketplace, given the chaos we’re seeing out of Washington, is meant to counter those efforts.”
  – Jeanine Herbst [01:12]

3. EU Considers Using Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine

• [01:44] Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, and other EU officials convene in Brussels to debate a new financial aid plan for Ukraine.
• The focus: potentially using $100+ billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian support.
  • Belgium’s PM, whose country holds 90% of the funds, hesitates over the risk of future repayments if Moscow ever pays reparations.
  • Zelenskyy personally appeals for more time to reach agreement.
• The summit could last as long as needed to secure a deal, underscoring the complexity and unity test for the EU.
• Quote: “Repayment would only be due if and when Moscow pays reparations to Kyiv.”
  – Terry Schultz [02:05]
  “We just need a bit more time, he says.” (on Zelenskyy’s remarks) – Terry Schultz [02:18]

4. Kennedy Center Renaming Controversy

• [02:41] The board appointed by President Trump votes unanimously to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the “Trump Kennedy Center.”
• White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt announces the decision on social media.
• Quote: “The name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts could be changing to become the Trump Kennedy Center.”
  – Jeanine Herbst [02:41]

5. Wall Street Update

• [03:02] Major indices report strong midday gains:
  • Dow up 147 points
  • NASDAQ up 337 points
  • S&P 500 up 58 points

6. New York Murder Case: Luigi Mangione

• [03:14] After a three-week pre-trial hearing, a judge will rule in May on whether key evidence is admissible.
• Mangione faces state charges: murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and forgery, related to the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in NYC.
• He also faces a separate federal case; next court appearance next month.
• Quote: “The 27-year-old is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City nearly a year ago.”
  – Jeanine Herbst [03:34]

7. Mass Shooting in Australia: Victim Remembrances

• [04:03] Funeral held for 10-year-old Matilda, youngest of 15 victims at a Hanukkah celebration shooting in Sydney.
• Eulogy paints Matilda as “righteous and kind”; her casket adorned with a toy bumblebee.
• The oldest victim, Alex Klaitman (87), Holocaust survivor, also honored.
• Family statement: Klaitman “will be remembered as a fascinating person with an unwavering spirit.”
• Quote: “The rabbi who delivered her eulogy said the death of the girl who came to Australia from Ukraine with her family was cruel and unfathomable.”
  – Cristina Kukola [04:18]

8. U.S. Inflation Eases

• [04:42] The U.S. Labor Department reports a cooling of inflation:
  • Consumer prices rose 2.7% over the past year (as of November).

Memorable Moments and Notable Quotes

• “This program with its targeted efforts to stabilize, at least here in Virginia, the ACA marketplace, given the chaos we’re seeing out of Washington, is meant to counter those efforts.”
  – Jeanine Herbst [01:12]
• “Repayment would only be due if and when Moscow pays reparations to Kyiv.”
  – Terry Schultz [02:05]
• “The rabbi who delivered her eulogy said the death of the girl who came to Australia from Ukraine with her family was cruel and unfathomable.”
  – Cristina Kukola [04:18]

Timeline of Key Segments

• [00:10] NC plane crash with fatalities
• [00:56] Virginia health care proposals
• [01:44] EU/Ukraine funding talks
• [02:41] Kennedy Center to be renamed
• [03:02] Wall Street update
• [03:14] Mangione murder case developments
• [04:03] Sydney mass shooting funerals
• [04:42] Inflation update

This episode captures a turbulent and consequential news day, blending breaking events, politics, international affairs, and human stories into a clear, no-nonsense briefing.