NPR News Now – 12-03-2025, 6AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Date: December 3, 2025
Episode Theme:
A five-minute roundup of late-breaking global stories, including updates on diplomatic talks over Russia’s war in Ukraine, US military actions under scrutiny by Congress, a closely contested Tennessee special election, a tragic apartment fire in Hong Kong, and deadly flooding across Southeast Asia.

Key Stories and Discussions

1. Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks

[00:15]

• Background: President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to try brokering peace in Ukraine. Talks yielded no breakthrough.
• Ukrainian Perspective:
  • Eleanor Beardsley (NPR, Kyiv): Reports Ukrainians remain unsurprised by failed negotiations; skepticism that Putin truly seeks peace given ongoing bombings and heavy losses for Russia.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Putin cannot stop.” – Mykhailo Samus, Ukrainian military analyst [00:48]

  • Further Insight:
    • Samus recounts Putin’s aggression since 2014, highlighting ongoing operations in Crimea and continued resistance from Ukrainians.
    • “He’s angry and he will continue.” – Mykhailo Samus [00:59]
    • Samus insists Ukraine won’t surrender territory and suggests that, at best, President Zelensky could agree to a ceasefire, not a true peace as long as Putin remains in power.

    “There will be no real peace as long as Putin exists.” – Eleanor Beardsley summarizing Samus [01:05]

2. Congressional Scrutiny of US Military Boat Strikes

[01:21]

• Incident: Recent deadly US military strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean have drawn bipartisan calls for greater transparency.
• Senate Response:
  • John Thune, Senate Majority Leader: Assures the public that “policies…are being adhered to and followed,” emphasizing peace through strength [01:36].
  • Scope of Concern: Despite general support for military policy, Thune withholds explicit backing of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, especially regarding decisions surrounding a second Caribbean boat strike where two survivors of an earlier attack were killed.

    “I have every confidence that the policies…are being adhered to and followed.” – John Thune [01:36]

3. Tennessee Special Election – Notable GOP Win, Reduced Margin

[02:21]

• Election Results:
  • Republicans retain Tennessee’s 7th congressional district; Matt Van Epps wins by 9 points—down from a 22-point margin in the previous year, per AP.
  • Van Epps’ Victory Speech:

    “I'm tired of too many Republicans ceding affordability to the Democrats.” – Matt Van Epps [02:52]

  • Democratic challenger Afton Bane came closer than expected, signaling shifting district dynamics.
• Next Steps: Van Epps to serve the remainder of his predecessor’s term and face re-election in next year’s midterms.

4. Major US News – D.C. National Guard Shooting Suspect Charged

[03:08]

• Update: Afghan national Ramanola Lackanwal charged with first-degree murder and other counts after shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
• Victims: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (killed), Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf (wounded). Lackanwal himself was wounded and has pleaded not guilty from his hospital bed.

5. Catastrophic Fire in Hong Kong

[03:55]

• Death Toll: 156 confirmed dead a week after a fire consumed seven high-rise apartment towers in Taipo, Hong Kong.
• On the Ground:
  • Residents from an undamaged tower allowed to retrieve belongings, but cannot resettle.
  • Search continues for more bodies; investigation pledged by Hong Kong’s leader.
  • From the report:

    “Police are still searching through two of the buildings, warning more bodies could be found.” – Cherise Pham [03:55]

6. Deadly Floods & Landslides Ravage Southeast Asia

[04:29]

• Current Disaster:
  • Catastrophic storms leave at least 1,400 dead across Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
  • Indonesia hardest hit (nearly 800 deaths); hundreds of thousands lack clean water.
• Crisis Mode: Regional authorities remain in emergency response as recovery efforts proceed.

Notable Quotes

• “Putin cannot stop.” – Mykhailo Samus, [00:48]
• “He’s angry and he will continue.” – Mykhailo Samus, [00:59]
• “I have every confidence that the policies…are being adhered to and followed.” – John Thune, [01:36]
• “I'm tired of too many Republicans ceding affordability to the Democrats.” – Matt Van Epps, [02:52]
• “Police are still searching through two of the buildings, warning more bodies could be found.” – Cherise Pham, [03:55]

Timestamp Reference for Segments

• Ukraine Peace Talks: [00:15]–[01:21]
• US Military Strike Hearings: [01:21]–[02:21]
• Tennessee Election: [02:21]–[03:08]
• D.C. National Guard Shooting Charge: [03:08]–[03:55]
• Hong Kong Fire: [03:55]–[04:29]
• Southeast Asia Flooding: [04:29]–[04:54]

This episode packs a global survey of crisis and politics, spotlighting unyielding conflict in Ukraine, questions about US military actions, shifting American electoral dynamics, devastating urban and natural disasters in Asia, and continued humanitarian challenges. The reporting maintains a brisk, news-centered tone focused on fact and expert perspective.