NPR News Now - NPR News: 08-03-2025 5AM EDT

Episode Date: August 3, 2025

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Gile Snyder. Authorities in western Montana have lifted a lockdown in the small town of Anaconda, but they're still urging residents to be cautious. A manhunt is ongoing for an Army veteran suspected of fatally shooting four people in a bar on Friday, as NPR's Matt Bloom reports. Multiple state and federal agencies have spent the weekend searching a mountainous area of the state, including in helicopters. They also released more information about the suspect,

posting a security camera photo online of Michael Paul Brown fleeing the scene barefoot, wearing nothing but black shorts. On Saturday, law enforcement searched Brown's residence next door to the Owl Bar. Town of Anaconda Police Chief Bill Sather called it a stressful and tragic time. We're keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers. Please stay alert, stay safe, Anaconda. Many local businesses have been allowed to reopen, but authorities say Brown is believed to be armed and dangerous. Matt Bloom, NPR News.

Members of the Senate have left Washington. Majority leader John Thune sent senators home last night for their August recess without a deal to advance dozens of President Trump's nominees. Republicans say they may try to change Senate rules over Democratic delaying tactics to speed up the process. Dozens of Trump's nominees have yet to be confirmed, but before leaving town, senators did confirm former Fox News host Janine Pirro as the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described as absolutely immoral acts of corruption uncovered by the country's anti-corruption agencies. They say they found large-scale bribery in the buying of drones and electronic warfare systems used by the military. Four suspects have been arrested, including one member of parliament from Zelensky's party. Here's BBC's Grant Farrett. The scheme allegedly involved state contracts with suppliers being signed at prices which were inflated by up to 30 percent. As well as an MP, who hasn't been named, those detained include local officials and a member of the military. The anti-corruption agencies said their work had been made possible

by the restoration of their independence after a swift U-turn in recent days by President Zelensky. He backed a new law after his attempt a week earlier to impose political control on the agencies prompted nationwide protests. Pope Leo has capped a week of events aimed at energizing young Catholics by urging the next generation to make radical choices. Reflect on your way of living. Seek justice in order to build a more humane world. Leo spoke to a massive crowd of young people gathered in a field on the outskirts of Rome, many of whom camped out after attending a vigil service for the Jubilee of Youth last night.

Leo was the first U.S.-born pope. He was elected in May by the church's cardinals to replace the late Pope Francis. This is NPR. Cambodia is preparing to nominate President Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. The decision comes after recent border clashes between Cambodia and its neighbour Thailand. They were reportedly resolved in part due to an intervention by President Trump. From Taipei, Jan Kamritsen-Brunby has more. The border clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations killed more than 40 people and

displaced more than 300,000. The five-day dispute was ended in part thanks to a phone call by President Trump that helped to break the deadlock in ceasefire negotiations. Cambodia has thanked Trump for bringing peace to the region. Trump has done much to quote, advance fellowship between nations. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chantol said. Chantol added quote, we acknowledge his great efforts for peace. Thailand has since returned two wounded Cambodian soldiers but is reportedly holding on to 18 more. For NPR News, I'm Jan Kamzumbrumbi in Taipei. A volcano in Russia's Far East has erupted for the first time in hundreds of years.

Russian news agencies are quoting the head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team as saying the eruption overnight is the first since 1463. Russia's Ministry for Emergency Services in Kamchatka says the volcano sent an ash bloom more than three miles into the sky. At the Swimming World Championships in Singapore, the U.S. has several chances to win gold today, including in the men's and women's 4x100 medley relays. Also, world record holder Bobby Fink is swimming the $1,500 free. I'm Giles Snyder. This is MPR News from Washington.