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Chapter 1: What is the current situation in Aleppo, Syria?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston. Syrian opposition forces have taken control of much of the country's second-largest city, Aleppo. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports rebel forces say they're closing in on the government stronghold city of Hama.
Thousands of Syrian opposition rebels have moved into Aleppo, Syria's second most populous city. Videos show them at the Old Citadel, burning posters of Syrian President Bashar Assad. It's a sudden and stunning development in Syria's 14-year civil war.
The Syrian regime, backed by Russia and Iran, was heralded as having largely won the conflict, with opposition militias pushed to rural areas along the border with Turkey. There, they were funded and received military training by Turkey. And now, in just three days, these rebels have stormed deep into Syria and are now targeting the government stronghold of Hama in the centre of the country.
Chapter 2: How has the Syrian regime responded to opposition advances?
The Syrian military says it's regrouping to launch a counteroffensive. One reason for the regime's sudden loss may be intensified Israeli airstrikes on the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah in Syria, who were helping the regime control the country. Ruth Sherlock, NPR News.
Chapter 3: What actions is President Biden taking before leaving office?
President Biden is preparing to leave the White House on January 20th. NPR's Tamra Keith reports. But first, the president has a long to-do list before he leaves Washington.
Chapter 4: What are President Biden's key legislative priorities before the transition?
President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to roll back a lot of President Biden's signature legislative achievements. So the Biden team is trying to use its remaining time to make that hard to do by obligating funds, signing contracts and pushing out grants.
Chapter 5: How are prescription drug costs affecting seniors in 2025?
They're also working to draw attention to popular provisions like the $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs for seniors that takes effect in 2025. Pardons and commutations are a power of the presidency often exercised at the very end. Biden has used his power to send a signal about inequality in the nation's criminal code, and he could do something like that again. Tamara Keith, NPR News.
Weather alerts have been issued across five states in the Great Lakes region, including New York and Pennsylvania. Forecasters say three to five feet of snow are expected in some areas through Monday. Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon said the city will get heavy snow through the evening and overnight and is warning people to keep track of the forecast for changes.
While we do want people to go out and enjoy Small Business Saturday, support our small businesses, the emphasis has to be on safety while you're out doing it. Before you head out, make sure you check the weather.
An emergency declaration has been declared for New York. The National Guard has been activated in New York and Pennsylvania to assist state and local crews. This is NPR News in Washington. Family audiences are powering box office records this holiday weekend. NPR's Bob Mondello has more.
A Disney princess and a couple of wicked witches have families lining up at cinemas and the film industry breathing a sigh of relief. As recently as last month, business was down roughly a billion dollars from 2023. By the end of this weekend, which will easily eclipse previous Thanksgiving box office records, Hollywood will have clawed back about a third of that deficit.
A Roman gladiator is helping out. But 2024's rebound is about families returning to cinemas. They made Pixar's Inside Out 2 the year's biggest blockbuster, and still to come are Sonic the Hedgehog 3, an animated Lord of the Rings prequel, and a new Lion King saga. Bob Mondello, NPR News.
London's Buckingham Palace was the backdrop for a parade of dogs today, sporting their best holiday looks. More than 100 dogs came decked out in their Christmas best, ranging from puppies in elf costumes to a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and a pink jacket with red bows. The parade was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money to rehome dogs from overseas.
Prizes were awarded for some of the best-dressed pups. A similar event will be held next Saturday just for corgis, the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite breed. This is NPR.
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