NPR News Now – December 8, 2025, 8PM EST

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of top national and international news developments, including the status of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, a 2021 Capitol pipe bomb investigation, expected interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve, a legal setback for DOJ prosecutors seeking charges against James Comey, and the passing of a legendary salsa musician.

1. Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

[00:14] – [01:00]
Correspondents: Jeanine Hurst, Daniel Estrin (Doha)

• Negotiation Status:
  • Qatar, mediating between Hamas and Israel, indicates that formal negotiations for the next ceasefire phase have yet to begin.
  • Israel is awaiting the return of one final hostage’s remains from Hamas to commence “phase two,” which includes Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.
• Diplomatic Pressure:
  • Masjid al Ansari, adviser to the Qatari prime minister, says:

    “I cannot tell you that these talks will begin tomorrow. I can't tell you they will begin next week. But the communication that is taking place between all the parties is based on applying pressure in order to move to stage two.” (Masjid al Ansari, 00:50)

  • The Biden administration is reportedly applying further pressure on Israel to move the ceasefire process forward.

2. 2021 U.S. Capitol Pipe Bomb Investigation

[01:08] – [02:15]
Correspondents: Jeanine Hurst, Mara Liasson

• Suspect’s Motivation:
  • The accused pipe bomb suspect told federal investigators he was influenced by conspiracy theories alleging the 2020 election was “stolen” from former President Trump. He voiced support for Trump as well.
• Political Context:
  • Dan Bongino, now deputy FBI director and a former podcaster, was cited as having promoted the idea that the pipe bombs were an "inside job."
  • However, according to evidence, the suspect acted as a Trump supporter, not based on an internal conspiracy.
  • On Fox News, Bongino clarified:

    “I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that's clear. And one day I'll be back in that space. But that's not what I'm paid for now.” (Dan Bongino, 01:57) “I'm paid to be your deputy FBI director, and we base investigations on facts.” (Dan Bongino, as quoted by Mara Liasson, 02:04)

3. Federal Reserve Interest Rate Outlook

[02:15] – [03:06]
Correspondents: Jeanine Hurst, Scott Horsley

• Upcoming Policy Meeting:
  • The Fed is expected to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25% for a third consecutive meeting.
• Internal Debate:
  • Policymakers are split:
    • Inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, which typically argues against further cuts.
    • Conversely, job market weakness is seen as a reason in favor of easing.
• Impact of Politics:
  • The recent six-week government shutdown will complicate the decision due to delayed key economic data.
• Market Reaction:
  • Investors largely expect the Fed’s rate-setting committee to prioritize employment concerns and approve the cut, though the decision may not be unanimous.

4. DOJ Setback in James Comey Case

[03:14] – [03:51]
Host: Jeanine Hurst

• Judicial Ruling:
  • Judge Colleen Kohler Kotelly temporarily barred prosecutors from using specific communications (between Comey and Daniel Richman, a Columbia law professor) as evidence for a new criminal indictment.
• Government’s Options:
  • The government may attempt to re-indict former FBI Director Comey, but likely without key communications as support.

5. Passing of Salsa Legend Rafael Ithier

[03:51] – [04:50]
Correspondents: Jeanine Hurst, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento

• Life & Legacy:
  • Rafael Ithier, 98, founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, passed away.
  • He was a Korean War veteran, pianist, and director, growing the group into a preeminent Latin American salsa institution since 1962.
  • Influenced the music world for over six decades; El Gran Combo served as a launching pad for countless salsa musicians and inspired modern superstars like Bad Bunny.
  • Governor Jennifer Gonzalez Colon announced an official date of mourning will be set for Ithier.
• Quote:
  • “El Gran Combo not only served as an informal training grounds for dozens of salsa musicians, it also influenced global superstars like Bad Bunny, who sampled one of their songs in his latest album.” (Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, 04:25)

6. Additional Headlines

[03:06] – [03:14]; [04:50] – [04:53]

• Markets:
  • U.S. futures contracts are reported to be trading in mixed territory.
• Closing:
  • Brief reminder that this is NPR News, broadcasting from Washington.

Memorable Quotes (with timestamps):

• Masjid al Ansari (Qatari prime minister adviser), on ceasefire talks:

  “I cannot tell you that these talks will begin tomorrow. I can't tell you they will begin next week. But the communication that is taking place between all the parties is based on applying pressure in order to move to stage two.” (00:50)

• Dan Bongino (dep. FBI director), on his role change:

  “I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that's clear. And one day I'll be back in that space. But that's not what I'm paid for now.” (01:57) “I'm paid to be your deputy FBI director, and we base investigations on facts.” (02:04)

• Isabella Gomez Sarmiento (on Ithier’s legacy):

  “El Gran Combo not only served as an informal training grounds for dozens of salsa musicians, it also influenced global superstars like Bad Bunny, who sampled one of their songs in his latest album.” (04:25)

Overall Tone:
Factual, urgent, and concise, delivering rapid-fire updates on developing stories with characteristic NPR clarity.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:
This briefing provides a snapshot of major international diplomacy efforts, U.S. law enforcement and policy updates, a key interest rate decision, an important court ruling, and a significant cultural loss in the Latin American music world, all in just five minutes.