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.
