From a missing Wasilla doctor to a Hollywood homicide, a campus shooting, and dangerous winds across Southcentral Alaska, here’s what we’re tracking today.
1) Wasilla Doctor Charged with Possession of Child Porn Then House Fire
Wasilla Doctor Charged with Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material Unaccounted for After House Fire, Alaska State Troopers Say
WASILLA, Alaska – Alaska State Troopers report that Ryan McDonough, age 46, is unaccounted for following a residential fire in Wasilla on Saturday, December 13, 2025, according to the official AST Daily Dispatch. The home was identified as McDonough’s residence, and the investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing. Daily Dispatch
Fire Incident:
• On December 13, 2025, at approximately 6:50 p.m., AST received a report of a structure fire on West Discovery Loop in Wasilla. Troopers, along with fire and EMS personnel, responded, and the home was fully engulfed in flamesupon arrival. Daily Dispatch
• McDonough lived at the residence and is currently unaccounted for, troopers said. Other residents of the home are reported safe. Daily Dispatch
• The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called in to assist with the origin and cause investigation, which remains active. Daily Dispatch
Criminal Charges:
• On December 11, 2025, Alaska State Troopers reported that members of “Task Force Dawnbreaker”, which includes the Alaska Bureau of Investigation’s Technical Crimes Unit (ABI TCU), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Anchorage Police Department, contacted McDonough as part of a child sexual abuse material investigation. Daily Dispatch
• McDonough was arrested and charged with ten counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material on that date. Troopers said he was remanded to the Mat‑Su Pretrial Facility and held without bail at the time of that arrest. Daily Dispatch
• Online court records showed that a $50,000 performance bond was posted for his release on December 12, 2025.
Current Status:
• AST confirmed that McDonough’s whereabouts are unknown following the fire and that other residents at the address were reported safe. Daily Dispatch
• The fire remains under investigation with the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Daily Dispatch
2) Rob and Michele Reiner Homicide and Arrest (Los Angeles)
Updated: Rob and Michele Reiner Homicide and Arrest
BRENTWOOD, Los Angeles, California – Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner, age 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, age 68, were found dead in their Brentwood home on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Los Angeles Police Department investigators are treating the deaths as a homicide after both sustained stab wounds, and the Robbery‑Homicide Division is leading the investigation. The Los Angeles Fire Department was first called to the residence at approximately 3:38 p.m. local time on the day they were discovered. (itv.com)
Arrest:
• Nick Reiner, son of Rob and Michele, has been arrested in connection with the homicide and is being held with bail set at $4 million, according to booking records and law enforcement statements. (abc7.com)
• The arrest followed detectives taking him into custody Sunday night into early Monday, December 15, 2025, as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department booked him on a felony charge related to the deaths. (abc7.com)
Investigation:
• The LAPD’s Robbery‑Homicide Division continues to investigate the case. (itv.com)
• Official police statements have confirmed the deaths are being investigated as a homicide, and detectives are gathering evidence and witness statements. (itv.com)
Background:
• Rob Reiner was an award‑winning director and actor known for films such as The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, When Harry Met Sally…, and This Is Spinal Tap.
• Michele Singer Reiner was a producer and photographer, involved in creative and media projects, sometimes collaborating with her husband. She lived in Brentwood with Rob Reiner and was widely reported to be in her mid‑60s. (itv.com)
3) Brown University Shooting: Two Students Killed, Investigation Ongoing
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Brown University reported an active shooter incident near the Barus & Holley Engineering Building. Emergency alerts instructed the campus community to shelter in place, lock doors, and remain hidden until further notice. (Brown University Emergency Information)
Casualties and Injuries:
• Two students were killed in the shooting.
• Nine others were injured and transported to local hospitals; their conditions ranged from critical but stable to one in critical condition.
• Brown University staff coordinated emergency transportation and safe locations for affected students, including the Olney-Margolies Athletic Center. (Brown University Emergency Information)
Investigation Update:
• Providence police initially detained a person in connection with the incident but released them late Sunday, December 14, 2025. The Rhode Island Attorney General confirmed there is no basis to consider the released individual a person of interest. (Brown University Emergency Information)
• Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate. Police stated there is no immediate threat to Brown University or the local community.
• The campus remains under heightened security, with increased staffing for Brown Public Safety and ongoing coordination with local, state, and federal agencies. (Brown University Emergency Information)
Campus Response and Academic Guidance:
• Brown University remains open, with essential staff on site and non-essential staff able to work remotely.
• All remaining Fall 2025 in-person exams and final assessments were canceled, except for the Warren Alpert Medical School and the IE Brown Executive MBA program. Students may choose to conclude courses with existing work, submit work under Satisfactory/No Credit grading, or complete previously assigned work by January 7, 2026. Grades are due January 14, 2026. (Brown University Emergency Information)
• Key services including dining, shuttle transportation, and public safety remain operational. Some library and parking services have temporary adjustments.
Support and Resources:
• Brown University is providing mental health and crisis support to students, faculty, and staff, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Individuals with information relevant to the investigation are urged to contact the Providence Police tip line at 401-272-3121.
• For emergency situations, call 911; for Brown DPS emergencies, call 401-863-4111. (Brown University Emergency Information)
Community Message:
University leaders, including President Christina H. Paxson and Provost Francis J. Doyle III, emphasized care, safety, and compassion for the Brown community, highlighting the need for vigilance and support during this deeply difficult time. (Brown University Emergency Information)
4) Bondi Beach Attack (Australia)
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia “Chanukah by the Sea” holiday event. Wikipedia+1
Attack Details:
• Two armed attackers opened fire near the Bondi Pavilion and surrounding beach areas. Wikipedia
• Police responded after the first call came in around 18:47 AEDT (UTC+11). Wikipedia
• At least 12 people were confirmed dead and many more injured. ABC
• Police shot and killed one attacker at the scene; the second was injured and taken into custody. Wikipedia
Context and Witness Accounts:
• Chaos and panic ensued as bystanders ran and took cover; multiple witness statements describe extended gunfire and attempts to evacuate families from beaches and nearby venues. ABC
Suspect Identification (Unofficial / Law Enforcement Source):
• One alleged shooter identified by unnamed law enforcement sources as Naveed Akram, a Sydney resident, though official police identification and charges are pending. Reddit
Community Response: Australian Prime Minister labeled the incident an act of terrorism motivated by antisemitism.ABC
5) High Winds in Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage + Mat-Su)
Current Conditions & Reports:
• Anchorage Office of Emergency Management updated residents that the National Weather Service upgraded to a High Wind Warning through Monday midday, Dec 15, 2025. (Original public messaging from OEM).
• Anchorage School District reported power outages across multiple schools and closure of Aurora Elementary on Dec 15 due to no power.
• Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District confirmed all schools open with a normal late start and advised families to assess safety re: buses.
• Alaska Waste reported canceled routes for Mat-Su customers on Dec 15 due to wind conditions.
Damages and Outages:
• Current official updates have not yet released a complete damage estimate or total outage count for Southcentral Alaska as of this morning. Ongoing utility and emergency management reports expected later today or this afternoon.
Outlook: High winds continuing into midday today with possible power disruptions and service impacts; communities urged to stay informed through NWS and local OEM channels. Check official NWS Anchorage for updated watches, warnings, and forecast details.
6) Wasilla Vehicular Assault: Alaska State Troopers Press Release on Shelby Langevin Arrest
Press Release Summary (Dec 15, 2025):
• Assault 3 DV and related charges: A suspect Shelby Langevin, age 26, of Wasilla was arrested for Assault 3 Domestic Violence, Assault in the Presence of a Child DV, and Criminal Mischief 3 DV after reportedly ramming a family member’s vehicle while a child was inside.
• No other significant trooper press release charges posted at this exact time for today from Alaska State Troopers beyond the vehicular assault incident.
7) Measles Cases and Outbreaks in the United States (Including Alaska)
CDC Reported Data (as of Dec 9, 2025):
• Confirmed 1,912 measles cases reported in the United States. CDC
• Cases reported from 43 jurisdictions including Alaska. CDC
• 47 outbreaks reported nationwide in 2025. CDC
• Most cases occurred in unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals. CDC
• Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning endemic transmission had been halted, but outbreaks continue when imported cases spread in undervaccinated communities. CDC
How This Happened / Background:
• Declining MMR vaccination rates in some areas, including Alaska (“only about 76 percent” vaccinated among kindergarteners) has increased susceptibility to outbreaks.
• Most recent CDC summary indicates the rise is driven by imported cases and spread among unvaccinated clusters. CDC
Alaska-Specific Note:
• Anchorage reported a case of measles earlier in 2025; vaccination coverage in Alaska has lagged national averages.
8) Judge Restores Federal Funding for Museums and Libraries (Including Alaska)
Decision Date: December 15, 2025
• A federal judge ordered the restoration of federal funding for museums and libraries, reversing prior budget cuts and including funding sources that support programs in Alaska. Alaska Public Media
• The case affects grants and maintenance funds for cultural and historical institutions; the judge’s ruling concluded that the prior administrative action to eliminate funding was improper or lacked adequate justification.
