NPR News Now: December 5, 2025 – 4AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens, NPR
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced, five-minute update on overnight U.S. and international news headlines, featuring coverage on U.S. military actions, Supreme Court decisions, political influence concerns, and major global developments.

1. U.S. Military Strike in the Caribbean – Congressional Scrutiny

• [00:17-01:01]
• Congress members briefed on controversial killings of two survivors of a U.S. military strike targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.
  • Key details:
    • Navy Admiral Frank Bradley ordered a second strike that killed survivors on a damaged boat.
    • Lawmakers are scrutinizing Bradley, who delivered the latest official account of the incident.
  • Notable insight:
    • Franco Ordonez: “He is the one facing scrutiny from lawmakers, and he's basically delivering just the latest version of how these strikes happen.” [00:57]
• Context: Dozens killed in U.S. strikes; Trump administration claims targets were smuggling drugs toward the U.S.

2. Supreme Court Decision – Texas Congressional Map

• [01:01-02:18]
• High Court upholds a new, GOP-favored Texas congressional map requested by President Trump.
  • Potential impact:
    • Could net Republicans five more House seats in 2026.
    • Seen as a nationwide shift in political influence.
  • Democratic response:
    • Texas House Democrats, led by Gene Wu, attempted procedural delays by leaving the state.
  • Notable quote:
    • Gene Wu: “The Supreme Court allowing the maps to stand essentially means that what protections we have for voting, for communities, for people without as much power and without voice is over.” [01:50]
  • Some candidates reconsidering 2026 campaigns (e.g. Lloyd Doggett).

3. Business Donations to President Trump’s White House Ballroom

• [02:18-03:10]
• Congressional Democrats probe donations from corporations to Trump’s planned ballroom amid antitrust scrutiny.
  • Focus:
    • Inquiries sent to companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Union Pacific Railroad.
    • Lawmakers ask if donations bought favorable treatment (“quid pro quo”).
    • All firms involved have antitrust cases under Trump’s administration.
  • Corporate caution:
    • JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon: company avoided donations to sidestep perceptions of influence-buying.
  • Cost:
    • Projected at $300 million; little official oversight so far.
  • Notable quote:
    • Scott Horsley: “So far, there's been little oversight of the giant White House ballroom or its price tag, which has grown to $300 million.” [03:07]

4. International: Russia Ordered 2018 Poisoning in England

• [03:16-04:12]
• British authorities confirm: President Vladimir Putin personally ordered the poisoning of double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018.
  • UK Response:
    • New sweeping sanctions against Russia’s military intelligence and 11 agents.
    • Russian ambassador summoned.
  • Details of attack:
    • Skripal (former Soviet agent) and others poisoned with Novichok; Don Sturgis (a bystander) died.
    • Russia’s official denial noted.
    • Novichok previously used on opposition figure Alexei Navalny.
  • Notable quote:
    • Lauren Frayer: “British investigators say Russian assassins tried to poison him with Novochuk... Skripal, his daughter, a police officer and another bystander were hurt but survived. But another bystander, Don Sturgis, died.” [03:48]

5. Former South African President Zuma Back in Court

• [04:12-04:44]
• Jacob Zuma seeks dismissal of longstanding corruption charges (18 counts, incl. money laundering, fraud) tied to French arms deals.
  • Background:
    • 800+ alleged illegal payments (1999 arms deal).
    • Contempt of court conviction (2021), with restitution order of $1.6 million.
    • Shea Stevens: “He’s appealing that judgement.”
  • Summary of political and legal context for Zuma’s ongoing trials.

6. Business/Markets Update

• [03:10, 04:44-04:55]
  • U.S. stock futures: flat in after-hours trading.
  • Asia-Pacific: Tokyo shares down 1%; Shanghai marginally up.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “The Supreme Court allowing the maps to stand essentially means that what protections we have for voting, for communities, for people without as much power and without voice is over.” – Gene Wu [01:50]
• “So far, there's been little oversight of the giant White House ballroom or its price tag, which has grown to $300 million.” – Scott Horsley [03:07]
• “British investigators say Russian assassins tried to poison him with Novochuk... Skripal, his daughter, a police officer and another bystander were hurt but survived. But another bystander, Don Sturgis, died.” – Lauren Frayer [03:48]

Useful Timestamps

• 00:17 – U.S. Military strike controversy in the Caribbean
• 01:01 – Supreme Court allows new Texas map
• 02:18 – Scrutiny over business donations to Trump’s ballroom
• 03:16 – UK finds Putin ordered 2018 Skripal poisoning
• 04:12 – South Africa’s Zuma appears in court over corruption
• 03:10, 04:44 – Markets update

Tone and Language

Direct, news-focused, concise—matching NPR’s quick-paced delivery and emphasis on verified reporting and key facts.