Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation, working toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all. On the web at theschmidt.org. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone.
Chapter 2: What recent events have put Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the spotlight?
Heightened attention on Trump administration-ordered boat strikes has Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the hot seat, with the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee calling for Hegseth's resignation. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia tells NPR the full video of a recent deadly double strike on an alleged drug cartel boat in the Caribbean should be made public.
And more questions must be answered. I'm not making drawing any conclusions here, because when you make the make the accusation about war crimes, that is that is a accusation once made cannot be retracted.
Chapter 3: How are Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem symbolizing hope for peace?
But we are in those waters or in that area because, again, I think this constant, careless, sloppy approach from Pete Hexhafter. For his part, Secretary Hegseth told an audience at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library last night that today's drug cartels are the equivalent of al-Qaeda terrorists, both of whom were and are intent on killing Americans.
After two years of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Christmas celebrations are returning to Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Palestinians are hoping the festivities marking the traditionally acknowledged birthplace of Jesus will be another building block for peace.
Chapter 4: What changes are happening in Hong Kong's legislative elections?
Bethlehem's Mayor Meher Kanawati spoke in Manger Square last night. We want peace. We want life. We are... So much in need for this peace so we can continue living in our cities and in Palestine. Crowds there cheered the lighting of a towering Christmas tree as businesses hoped prosperity would return.
Hong Kong is pressing ahead with highly managed legislative elections, despite the fact that authorities are still searching for human remains after a massive blaze killed at least 159 people in one of the deadliest fires in a century in the region. NPR's Emily Fang has more.
Chapter 5: What are the details of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup?
On Sunday, Hong Kong will choose its next legislative council. The region is championing it as a patriots-only election, and in fact, only 20 of the 90 seats on the council will be directly elected. 30 seats are chosen by committees reflecting Hong Kong's industrial interests, and a Beijing-appointed committee chooses the rest, ever since Beijing overhauled election rules in 2021.
But the elections are still a litmus test for the region's chief executive, John Lee. He is under pressure to deliver a transparent investigation after the fire, and he's hoping to be chosen for a second term. Emily Fang and Peer News.
Chapter 6: What tragic incident occurred in Goa, India, involving a nightclub fire?
President Trump gave medals to Kennedy Center Awards honorees last night at the Oval Office ahead of the event show. This year's recipients are actor Sylvester Stallone, singers Gloria Gaynor and George Strait, Broadway star Michael Crawford, and the rock band Kiss. The president and first lady are expected to attend tonight's program at the Kennedy Center. This is NPR News.
The final details of soccer's World Cup 2026 schedule are out. Six teams have not yet been decided, but the cities and times of the 104 matches to be staged in the U.S., Canada and Mexico have been set. To see who succeeds Argentina as world champion, Kayvon Antonio-Hedari has more. The expanded World Cup will have 48 teams in 104 matches.
The final six countries will come from European and intercontinental playoffs between now and March. The biggest World Cup to date will also have to navigate diplomatic waters. For example, there are American travel restrictions for nationals from Haiti and Iran, which will play in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Tournament director Manolo Subiria said avoiding long trips and high summer temperatures was a priority. The World Cup starts in Mexico City on June 11th and will close in New Jersey's Giant Stadium on July 19th. For NPR News, I'm Kevan Antonio Haidari. In India, a deadly fire erupted in a popular nightclub in Goa state. Officials say at least 25 people are known dead.
The chief minister for the West Indian state announced on social media he was ordering an immediate investigation and promising a tough response for those responsible. One local media outlet said the blaze was ignited by a gas cylinder blast, and most of the dead were kitchen workers as well as some tourists.
Eyewitnesses were reported as saying it appeared the fire started on a crowded dance floor. The club is situated on the backwaters of the Arpora River. I'm Louise Schiavone, NPR News, Washington.
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