NPR News Now: December 25, 2025, 1PM EST

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR News Now provides a rapid-fire update on global and national events, blending significant international developments, national emergencies, medical progress, holiday traditions, and papal messages in a concise five-minute news segment. The episode channels a tone of resilience and reflection during the holiday season, covering stories from war-torn Kyiv to rainy California, advances in cancer treatment, revived Christmas traditions, and messages of responsibility from the Pope.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christmas in War-Torn Ukraine

• [00:19–01:21]

• Ukraine celebrates its fourth Christmas under the shadow of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

• Insight: The resilient spirit of Ukrainians shines during traditional festivities in Kyiv, as locals and visitors gather for songs and carols despite ongoing conflict.

  "I feel immense joy being here, and I'm very proud to be Ukrainian."
  — Taisija Pukli, student participant in Kyiv, as reported by Hanna Polomarenko (00:52)

2. California Declares State of Emergency

• [01:21–02:14]

• Governor Gavin Newsom responds to severe storms, proclaiming a state of emergency in six counties after record rainfall—over 11 inches in parts of Los Angeles county.

• Insight: Authorities issue evacuation orders for high-risk, burn-scarred areas. Caution is urged for holiday travelers.

  "It's really geographically diverse, so rain accumulates differently and it affects people differently."
  — Kavish Harjai, NPR member station LAist (01:46)

3. AI in Cancer Treatment

• [02:14–03:15]

• AI tools at Massachusetts General Brigham and Dana Farber Cancer Institute help doctors better target cancer therapies, especially for throat cancer patients.

• Medical Advance: The AI can distinguish patients at higher risk for cancer spread, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving outcomes.

  "The technology has also allowed patients with low probability of spread to avoid unnecessary, punishing treatments. Previously, such assessments were only possible by surgically removing the lymph nodes."
  — Yuki Noguchi, NPR News (03:00)

4. Reviving a Nashville Holiday Tradition

• [03:15–04:15]

• Nashville banks in the 1970s once competed with employee Christmas choirs. A recently rediscovered vinyl album has brought the tradition to light for a new generation.

• Cultural Note: Bank choirs, made up of tellers and executives, brought music and cheer to their communities.

  "That's what you would hear in the lobby of a bank in Nashville in the 1970s. Tellers, loan officers and bank executives of two of Music City's biggest banks."
  — Jim Norton, former TV cameraman (03:37)

5. Papal Christmas Day Message

• [04:15–04:58]

• Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Christmas Day blessing as the American Pontiff, urging over 1.4 billion Catholics to act with humility and solidarity.

• Contrast: Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo offers greetings in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.

  "If you would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and oppress, then the world would change."
  — Pope Leo XIV (04:31)

Notable Quotes

• Ukrainian Student in Kyiv:
  "I feel immense joy being here, and I'm very proud to be Ukrainian." — Taisija Pukli (00:52)
• On Weather Vulnerability:
  "It's really geographically diverse, so rain accumulates differently and it affects people differently." — Kavish Harjai (01:46)
• On AI in Medicine:
  "The technology has also allowed patients with low probability of spread to avoid unnecessary, punishing treatments." — Yuki Noguchi (03:00)
• On Nashville Choirs:
  "That's what you would hear in the lobby of a bank in Nashville in the 1970s." — Jim Norton (03:37)
• Papal Message:
  "If you would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and oppress, then the world would change." — Pope Leo XIV (04:31)

Important Timestamps

• Ukraine’s Christmas under war: 00:19–01:21
• California weather emergency: 01:21–02:14
• AI revolutionizing cancer care: 02:14–03:15
• Nashville's bank Christmas choirs: 03:15–04:15
• Pope Leo XIV's Christmas message: 04:15–04:58

Tone & Language

The news is delivered in a brisk, factual, and empathetic NPR style, combining urgency (California flooding), inspiration (Ukrainian festivities, AI advances), nostalgia (Nashville choirs), and a call to conscience (Papal message).

This summary captures the essential news and memorable moments of the December 25th, 2025, 1PM NPR News Now episode, providing both context and direct voices from the broadcast for listeners who want a quick yet thorough overview.