NPR News Now: December 25, 2025, 7PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Date: December 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode provides a concise roundup of the most pressing news stories of the day, including extreme winter weather in the Northeast, a major lawsuit from the American Academy of Pediatrics against the federal government, the hotly contested presidential election in Honduras, increased Chinese patrols near Taiwan, and a significant cyber attack on France’s postal service. Key international and domestic developments are presented, alongside implications and expert commentary.

Key News Highlights and Insights

1. Arctic Blast and Major Winter Storms in the Northeast

• [00:17 – 01:17]
• A severe Arctic blast brings hazardous cold, accumulating ice, and heavy snow across the Midwest and Northeast.
  • National Weather Service warns of possible travel disruptions due to freezing rain and snow.
  • Michigan specifically at risk for significant ice accumulation.
  • The New York area, including New Jersey, sees its first major snowstorm of the season.
  • Reporting by Bruce Konviser from Greenbrook, New Jersey:
    • "A large swath of the state was buried under six inches of snow. Travel disruptions were relatively limited as the storm hit early Sunday morning, but more than 80 flights were canceled at the three New York City area airports." [00:46]
    • The storm will be followed by strong winds and a blast of Arctic air, keeping temperatures below freezing for days.

2. AAP Lawsuit Against Federal Health Department Over Canceled Grants

• [01:17 – 02:26]
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) files a lawsuit after the sudden cancellation of $12 million in federal grants.
  • AAP claims the move was retaliation for their vocal opposition to new vaccine policies.
  • Policies in question were implemented by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for anti-vaccine activism.
  • The canceled funds supported crucial pediatric programs, such as SIDS prevention, rural health initiatives, and birth defect detection.
  • NPR’s Selena Simmons Duffin:
    • "Without court intervention, these programs will end within weeks." [01:39]
    • HHS had “no comment” when contacted about the allegations.

3. Honduras Presidential Election: Narrow Victory and Allegations of Fraud

• [02:26 – 03:07]
• Construction entrepreneur Nasri Esfoura, the conservative candidate backed by former President Trump, wins by under 1% after three weeks of vote counting.
  • The election is marred by claims of fraud; the losing candidate refuses to concede.
  • Reporting by Ada Peralta:
    • "It seems that Trump made a cold calculation that the most robust US ally in Honduras would be the national party—as four as party." [02:45]
  • Diplomatic tensions likely, given outgoing President Xiomara Castro’s history of conflict with the US administration.

4. Chinese Military Pressure on Taiwan: Increased Patrols

• [03:07 – 04:21]
• Chinese Coast Guard ships operate in restricted waters near Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands.
  • These incursions are described by China as routine patrols.
  • Taiwan's Coast Guard monitored the activity, criticizing China for “unprofessional and irrational” behavior, especially amid poor weather.
  • The annual Pentagon report highlights a pattern of increasing Chinese military pressure on Taiwan, aiming for the capability to achieve a "strategic, decisive victory" over the democratic island.
  • NPR’s Emily Feng:
    • "China has increasingly used its coast guard in various Taiwan-themed military exercises and patrols around Taiwan's Kinmen Islands, which are very close to China’s eastern shore." [03:37]

5. French Postal Service Cyber Attack

• [04:21 – 04:56]
• French authorities report a major cyberattack on the national postal service, claimed by pro-Russian group NoName057.
  • The distributed denial of service halted package deliveries and disrupted online payments just before Christmas.
  • NoName057 has ties to other cyberattacks in Europe, seen as part of Russia’s “hybrid warfare” against European support for Ukraine.
  • “European allies accuse Russia of raging hybrid warfare to undermine support for Ukraine.” [04:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Weather Disruption:
  “A large swath of the state was buried under six inches of snow. … More than 80 flights were canceled at the three New York City area airports.”
  — Bruce Konviser, [00:46]

• Pediatrics Lawsuit Stakes:
  "Without court intervention, these programs will end within weeks."
  — Selena Simmons Duffin, [01:39]

• Honduras Election Calculation:
  "It seems that Trump made a cold calculation that the most robust US ally in Honduras would be the national party."
  — Ada Peralta, [02:45]

• China’s Maritime Pressure:
  "China has increasingly used its coast guard in various Taiwan-themed military exercises and patrols..."
  — Emily Feng, [03:37]

• French Cyberattack Context:
  "European allies accuse Russia of raging hybrid warfare to undermine support for Ukraine."
  — Jeanine Herbst, [04:21]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Arctic Blast & Northeast Snowstorm: 00:17 – 01:17
• AAP Lawsuit Over Federal Grants: 01:17 – 02:26
• Honduras Presidential Election Results: 02:26 – 03:07
• Chinese Patrols Near Taiwan: 03:07 – 04:21
• Cyber Attack on French Postal Service: 04:21 – 04:56

This summary captures the essential content and tone of the NPR News Now episode, providing quick reference for listeners and non-listeners alike.