Morning Edition for December 23, 2021 : NPR

News brief: antiviral pill for COVID, Jan. 6 probe, Putin's news conference

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A women's rights activist in Kabul reflects on the Taliban takeover

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The House panel probing the Jan. 6 attack wants to talk to Trump ally Rep. Jordan

by Melissa Block , Deirdre Walsh

The House panel probing the Jan. 6 attack wants to talk to Trump ally Rep. Jordan

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For kids who survived tornadoes, Santa comes 'a little bit differently' this year

by Sarah McCammon

For kids who survived tornadoes, Santa comes 'a little bit differently' this year

Listen · 3:48 3:48

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Maryland neighborhood's holiday lights are a display of connection and love

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Many facilities for the developmentally disabled remain under pandemic lockdowns

by Steph Whiteside

Many facilities for the developmentally disabled remain under pandemic lockdowns

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azndc/Getty Images

'Tis the season. David Sedaris reads 'Santaland Diaries'

by Barry Gordemer , Emma Bowman

'Tis the season. David Sedaris reads 'Santaland Diaries'

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In Ohio, some hospitals are running out of beds because of the COVID surge

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Biden's foreign policy faces many challenges during his first year in office

by Michele Kelemen

Biden's foreign policy faces many challenges during his first year in office

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For a second Christmas, the Holy Land is closed to pilgrims because of COVID

A handful of visitors tour the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Christ, in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem, on Dec. 15. Abbas Momani/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Abbas Momani/AFP via Getty Images

Middle East

For a second Christmas, the Holy Land is closed to pilgrims because of COVID

by Daniel Estrin

For a second Christmas, the Holy Land is closed to pilgrims because of COVID

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Health

The FDA has approved a new drug in the fight against AIDS

by Jason Beaubien

The FDA has approved a new drug in the fight against AIDS

Listen · 2:16 2:16

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The clear and present danger of Trump's enduring 'Big Lie'

Pro-Trump rioters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on Jan. 6. His supporters gathered in the nation's capital to protest the ratification of Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. Samuel Corum/Getty Images hide caption

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Samuel Corum/Getty Images

National

The clear and present danger of Trump's enduring 'Big Lie'

by Melissa Block

The clear and present danger of Trump's enduring 'Big Lie'

Listen · 7:46 7:46

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Family

After court-approved adoption, Georgia family is going to have an epic Christmas

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Europe

Russian President Putin holds his annual year-end news conference

by A Martínez , Charles Maynes

Russian President Putin holds his annual year-end news conference

Listen · 3:40 3:40

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Health

A pill to treat COVID patients gets the FDA's emergency authorization

by Melissa Block , Joe Palca

A pill to treat COVID patients gets the FDA's emergency authorization

Listen · 3:53 3:53

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National

Overcrowding at a Pennsylvania hospital reaches a crisis level

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President Biden extends student loan payment freeze through May 1

Fernando Cobelo for NPR

Education

President Biden extends student loan payment freeze through May 1

by Elissa Nadworny

President Biden extends student loan payment freeze through May 1

Listen · 2:09 2:09

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All Things Considered

Cinema Chat: 'Licorice Pizza,' 'Red Rocket,' and more

by Michael Jewett , Russ Collins

Cinema Chat: 'Licorice Pizza,' 'Red Rocket,' and more

Listen · 11:34 11:34

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