NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-03-2025 10AM EST

Episode Date: December 3, 2025

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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Kourva Coleman. President Trump's special envoy, Steve Whitkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, spoke yesterday with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. There's been no breakthrough on a peace agreement to stop Russia's war in Ukraine. NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports from Kiev. Analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin likely will not sign any draft that has the Ukrainian green light, as the Kremlin has changed none of its maximalist demands. It wants Ukraine to give up. territory Russia has been unable to take on the battlefield. Speaking to reporters, Putin blamed the Europeans for blocking peace, saying they had changed the draft proposal to make it unacceptable for Russia and would blame Russia if it fails. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from Ireland, said Ukrainians need certainty and guarantees, and that joining the EU would be a guarantee of certainty for

the Ukrainian people. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Kyiv. The Department of Homeland Security says it has launched an immigration operation today in New Orleans. The Trump administration says it's targeting violent criminals, but immigrants' rights activists have been warning city residents to stay indoors if they're at risk of detention. Louisiana's Republican governor supports the effort. New Orleans' Democratic mayor-elect says this is not what the city means. President Trump unleashed a tirade of insults at

people from Somalia yesterday that critics say is bigoted. During a cabinet meeting, Trump described immigrants from Somalia as garbage and more. I don't want them in our country. I'll be honest with you. Somebody who said, oh, that's not politically correct. I don't care. I don't want them in our country. Their country's no good for a reason. Their country stinks. And we don't want them in our country. I can say that about other countries too. Trump's comments yesterday came as he's also threatened to end temporary protected status for Somali immigrants in Minnesota. Stocks are trading mixed this morning as two major retailers reported rising sales to inflation-weary customers. NPR's Maria Aspen reports the Dow's up about 100 points.

Investors are looking for more clues about how the economy is doing, and the news is mixed. Macy said that shoppers bought more than expected this fall, while discount retailer dollar tree also said that sales. rose as consumers hunt for bargains. But there are more warning signs in the labor market. Private employers cut 32,000 jobs in November, according to payroll processor ADP. Economists had expected to see job growth. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is continuing to recover some lost ground after last month's crash. President Trump's crypto-friendly policies had helped send Bitcoin to record highs in October, but it remains volatile. The most recent sell-off wiped out more than $1 trillion in

crypto market value. You're listening to NPR News. The search for a missing Malaysia Airlines flight is set to resume later this month. The jet disappeared more than a decade ago while it was flying to China. Michael Sullivan reports from Changrai, Thailand. Malaysia's transport ministry says the search will resume on December 30th. MH370, a Boeing 777, was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members when it simply vanished from radar. There have been several extensive and costly search operations conducted since with no luck. The firm that will conduct the search wouldn't say precisely where it's looking, only that it would start in, quote, a targeted area assessed to have the highest probability of locating the aircraft. Debris from the plane has washed up on the

eastern shore of Africa, why the plane went down remains a mystery. For NPR News, I'm Michael Sullivan in Chang Rai. San Francisco is suing some leading food manufacturers. The city claims they make ultra-processed foods such as cookies, energy drinks, and lunch meals that have contributed to a public health crisis. The Consumer Brands Association says there is no agreed upon scientific definition of ultra-processed foods. The Association says members are offering Americans' choices, including products with less sugar and salt. A Senate Committee holds a confirmation hearing today for President Trump's choice to lead NASA, the billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman will answer questions.

In prepared testimony, he says he wants to use commercial spaceflight to help the U.S. return to the moon. This is NPR. Listen to this podcast sponsor-free on Amazon Music with a prime membership or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR NewsNowPlus at plus.npr.npr.org. That's plus.npr.com. org.