NPR News Now: December 8, 2025, 1PM EST

Host: Lakshmi Singh
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Theme: A concise roundup of major U.S. and international news, including developments in health care policy, Middle East diplomacy, global trade, presidential power, and entertainment.

Major News Topics and Key Insights

1. Health Care Subsidies Expiry and Legislative Action

• [00:17–01:20]
  • The expanded health care subsidies from the pandemic are set to expire at the end of December.
  • Senate: Democrats propose a 3-year extension of existing health care tax credits. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismisses it as "not a serious proposal" and hasn't committed to a GOP alternative.
  • House: Virginia Republican Jen Kiggins introduces a bipartisan proposal for a shorter extension, emphasizing district impact.
  • Notable Quote [00:58]:
    "40,000 people in my district who rely on this health care and doing nothing to prevent a spike in their premiums is wrong."
    — Rep. Jen Kiggins (R-VA)
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to unveil a new bill and promises a vote before year-end.
  • Urgency underscored—lawmakers warn that without a deal from President Trump, large premium increases are imminent.

2. Hamas Signals Ceasefire Offering in Gaza

• [01:20–02:16]
  • In an exclusive interview, Basim Naim (Hamas political leadership) tells NPR they're willing to "store" weapons as long as negotiations toward a Palestinian state proceed, marking a shift in Hamas's stance.
  • Notable Quote [01:52]:
    "We are ready to lay down these weapons. I mean, not to use it for 5, 7, 10 years as long as we are not attacked."
    — Basim Naim, Hamas
  • The fate of Gaza weapons remains a major sticking point: Israel demands Gaza be demilitarized. Future talks uncertain.

3. Trump Promises Aid to Farmers; Update on U.S.–China Trade

• [02:16–03:12]
  • President Trump offers $12 billion in payments to U.S. farmers affected by tariff hikes and reduced global demand for U.S. goods.
  • China: Despite U.S. tariffs causing a major drop in exports to the U.S., China posts a record $1 trillion trade surplus. November exports grew almost 6% year-over-year.
  • Corporate development: Paramount challenges Netflix’s intended acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, offering a counterbid and raising antitrust and market share concerns.
  • Notable Moment [02:58]:
    "Paramount is challenging Netflix over its planned purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount's going to shareholders with a counter offer… President Trump said the Netflix acquisition could be a problem because the combined companies outsize market share."
    — Scott Horsley, NPR News

4. Supreme Court Considers Presidential Power Expansion

• [03:18–04:03]
  • Supreme Court hears arguments in case regarding the limits of presidential authority over independent regulatory agencies.
  • Focus: The firing of Rebecca Slaughter (Democratic FTC commissioner) by President Trump—not due to wrongdoing, but “inconsistency with the president’s priorities.”
  • Legal challenge: By law, FTC commissioners can only be removed for cause (inefficiency, neglect, or malfeasance), not at-will.
  • Potential to broaden future presidential powers and diminish agency independence.
  • Notable Summary [03:29]:
    "...her continued service was inconsistent with President Trump's priorities. She sued, saying the president can't fire her because federal law clearly states that FTC commissioners can only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office."
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR

5. Golden Globes Nominations Announced

• [04:03–04:54]
  • "One Battle After Another" leads nominees (9 nods); recognized for direction and top acting performances (e.g., Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro).
  • Other contenders: “Sentimental Value” (Norwegian comedy), “Sinners” (period horror by Ryan Coogler), with Michael B. Jordan up for Best Actor.
  • Nikki Glaser returns to host the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, January 11.
  • Notable Fact [04:11]:
    "The dark comedy action thriller One Battle After Another picked up nine Golden Globes nominations, including for director Paul Thomas Anderson and actors..."
    — Mandalit del Barco, NPR

Timestamps – Quick Reference

• 00:17 — Health care subsidies legislative debate begins
• 01:20 — Hamas signals readiness for ceasefire in Gaza
• 02:16 — Trump’s $12B farm payments, China trade, and big corporate merger news
• 03:18 — Supreme Court hears case about presidential firing powers
• 04:03 — Golden Globes nominations highlights

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• "40,000 people in my district who rely on this health care and doing nothing to prevent a spike in their premiums is wrong." — Rep. Jen Kiggins, [00:58]
• "We are ready to lay down these weapons. I mean, not to use it for 5, 7, 10 years as long as we are not attacked." — Basim Naim, Hamas, [01:52]
• "...her continued service was inconsistent with President Trump's priorities. She sued, saying the president can't fire her because federal law clearly states that FTC commissioners can only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office." — Andrea Hsu, [03:29]

Tone and Language

• The tone is brisk, factual, and urgency-driven, reflecting the rapid pace of news developments while incorporating direct statements from key players.
• Jargon is minimized, aiming for broad public comprehension; direct quotes provide color and specificity.

Perfect for anyone seeking a five-minute scan of the day’s critical stories: covering U.S. policy, international affairs, economics, law, and entertainment—all with clear context and attribution.