NPR News: 12-18-2025 8PM EST
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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton.
What recent event occurred at Brown University?
A person of interest authorities suspect is responsible for the mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday has been identified, a local law enforcement source told Ocean State Media. There is now an outstanding warrant for the individual's arrest, the source said. The shooting killed two students and wounded nine others in a classroom. President Trump's blockade on oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela is just the latest example of his aggressive use of American power abroad. NPR's Franco Ordonez reports on how Trump has reshaped U.S. foreign policy through an America-first lens.
Since taking office, President Trump's used tariffs as a weapon against allies, declared war on drug cartels, and secured the release of hostages from Gaza. Lori Esposito-Murray is a veteran in diplomatic circles. She says the expectations at the beginning of the administration that Trump would isolate the U.S. were clearly wrong.
I would say that the main goal of America First and the president's foreign policy is to not to withdraw, but to engage, to reshape the world order, fundamentally reshape the global trade and financial systems to U.S. preferences.
Murray says Trump is using both economic and military power to pursue U.S. interests, albeit in targeted ways. She points to the strikes on Iran and the military buildup outside of Venezuela. Franco, Ordonez, NPR News, the White House.
Belgium is calling for guarantees from the EU to protect against Russian retaliation before backing a massive loan for Ukraine. Leaders are deciding whether to use frozen Russian assets to underwrite a loan for Ukraine's needs over the next two years. Belgium fears a Russian backlash and prefers borrowing from international markets. Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Waver said today, quote, give me a parachute and we'll all jump together. Retired NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family were killed Thursday in a fiery plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina yesterday. WFAE's Kenneth Lee reports police say seven people have died in the crash.
On Thursday morning, a Cessna Citation 550 business jet crashed while landing at Statesville Airport. The plane was owned by retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. During a press conference, Sergeant Christopher Knox said they believed Biffle was aboard the jet. Biffle was one of those seven deceased occupants due to not only the information of those occupants that is recorded, but also visual from aircraft or from staff that was here at the airport that he was one of the occupants that was on the plane at the time. Statesville Airport remains closed. Biffle family acquaintances including U.S. Congressman Richard Hudson say Biffle's family, including his wife and two children, were also aboard the plane.
The FAA is investigating what caused the crash. For NPR News, I'm Kenneth Lee in Charlotte.
U.S. stocks rose today after an encouraging report on inflation. You're listening to NPR News from Washington. The parent company of President Trump's Truth Social Media is merging with a nuclear fusion company. The venture aims to power the next wave of artificial intelligence. Trump Media and Technology shares had tumbled 70% this year but jumped 37% today.
How has President Trump's foreign policy impacted U.S. relations?
Fusion has been seen as a long way off, but tech companies view it as a promising way to power energy-hungry AI data centers. Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the next Archbishop of New York. This follows the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who led New York's 2.8 million Catholics for more than 16 years. NPR's Sarah Ventry has more.
Currently serving as the Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, Hicks grew up in South Holland, just down the road from Pope Leo's hometown.
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