NPR News Now - NPR News: 12-25-2025 6PM EST

Episode Date: December 25, 2025

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You care about what's happening in the world. Stay informed with NPR's State of the World podcast. In just a few minutes, we take you to stories around the globe. You might hear the latest developments in world conflicts, or about what global events mean for the price of your coffee. Listen to the state of the world podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News, I'm Janine Hurst. Pope Leo celebrated his first Christmas Mass as Pope today,

greeting crowds from around the world in several languages, including his own. Merry Christmas. May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts and in your families. In his Christmas message, he called for peace and consolation for the victims of current wars in the world, as well as for those who suffer from injustice, political instability, religious persecution, and terrorism. Leo also pushed for peace in Ukraine and called for talks in Latin America as the Trump administration escalates its naval campaign there against the government of President Maduro. A powerful winter storm is lashing much of California.

In peers Joel Rose reports, the storm caused flash flooding, power outages, and road closures across the state today. Southern California has seen record-setting rainfall totals with more than three inches of rain in Santa Barbara and parts of Los Angeles County. Bursts of intense rain caused scattered mudslides,

flooded freeways, and prompted evacuation orders in parts of L.A. and San Bernardino counties. Further north, the storm knocked out power to more than 120,000 customers in central and northern California, according to poweroutage.us, while high winds delayed inbound flights to San Francisco International Airport by an average of two hours, according to the FAA. The storm also dumped several feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and forecasters say more could be on the way. Joel Rose, NPR News.

An NPR analysis of immigration court records shows an increase in people being ordered deported because they didn't show up for their appointments. But as NPR's Humana Bustillo reports, fear of arrests and logistical challenges caused the no-shows. Earlier this year, immigration and customs enforcement officers began making arrests in immigration court. That coincided with an increase in what is called a removal order in absentia. If someone is told to go to immigration court, they have to show up. otherwise the government may have the right to order them removed. Immigration lawyers, though, say that there are several reasons why someone may not show up. It's possible that the notices were sent to the wrong address.

There could be mail delays, or the person may have even left the country already. Still, advocates say most immigrants are showing up to court and hope to get their chance to argue why they should stay. Hemanabustillo, NPR News, Washington. The American Academy of Pediatrics is suing the Trump administration to block around 12, million dollars in cuts to the group. Earlier this month, the Health and Human Services Department stopped the funding, which supported several public health programs, including efforts to prevent sudden infant death syndrome and efforts to strengthen rural pediatric care. The group alleges HHS made the cuts and retaliation for doctors speaking out about vaccines and some HHS appointments.

You're listening to NPR News from Washington. North Korea is making progress toward having a nuclear-powered submarine. The country showed a picture of a completed hull for the first time, saying the vessel is capable of launching nuclear missiles. MPR's Se Wung-Gong reports this comes as Seoul works to advance its nuclear sub-development. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has visited a shipyard at an undisclosed location to inspect the submarine under construction. the country's state media reported.

The Korean Central News Agency revealed also for the first time that the submarine is 8,700-toned class. North Korea first publicized its plan for building nuclear subs in 2021 as part of a five-year military plan. South Korea won President Trump's approval for acquiring nuclear subs in October. It plans to hold working-level talks with the U.S. starting early next year. Kim Jong-un criticized Seoul's move as, quote, unoffensive act that must be countered. Seung-Gong, NPR News, Seoul. There's a new most popular movie on broadcast and streaming TV.

It's Home Alone. The 1990 movie about a little boy left behind when his family goes on vacation has been the top-ranked film by Nielsen for three of the past four December. Other recent top-ranked Christmas movies include Elf, Home Alone 2, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I'm Janine Herbst, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington. Making time for the news is important, but when you need a break, we've got you covered on all songs considered. NPR's music podcast. Think of it like a music discovery show, a well-deserved escape with friends, and, yeah, some serious music insight.

I'm going to keep it real. I have no idea what the story is about it. Your new episodes of all songs considered every Tuesday, wherever you get podcasts.