Louise Schiavone

After two years of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Christmas celebrations are returning to Bethlehem.

Palestinians are hoping the festivities marking the traditionally acknowledged birthplace of Jesus will be another building block for peace.

Bethlehem's Mayor Meher Kanawati spoke in Manger Square.

Crowds there cheered the lighting of a towering Christmas tree.

as businesses hoped that prosperity would return.

Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing service, plans to file a software recall after some of its cars illegally passed, stopped school buses.

NPR's Jeff Brady reports that a federal investigation is also underway into the vehicles.

This is NPR.

A senior official in Benin's government says a coup declared by a group of soldiers has been quashed.

Authorities there say 14 people have been arrested in the coup attempt.

Michael Kaloki has more.

Department of Health and Human Services officials have altered the identification of a portrait of Biden-era transgender health official, Admiral Rachel Levine.

She was the first transgender person confirmed for the post.

The Trump administration has removed her first name, Rachel, and inserted her previous name.

President Trump gave medals to Kennedy Center Awards honorees last night at an event at the Oval Office.

That ahead of the taping of the event show tonight, which he will host.

This year's recipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, Broadway star Michael Crawford, and the rock band KISS.

I'm Louise Schiavone, NPR News, Washington.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the U.S.