Missing American Travis Timmerman found wandering barefoot outside Damascus The 29-year-old had last been seen in Budapest, Hungary. He said he was detained earlier this year after crossing into Syria on foot from Lebanon and held in prison until the fall of the Assad regime. Bill Chappell
Biden commutes the sentences for 1,500 people, the largest act of clemency in a day The 1,500 people had been serving long prison sentences that would have been shorter under today's laws and practices. They had been on home confinement since the COVID pandemic. Tamara Keith
She fled during Assad's regime. Now this Syrian activist is considering going home Germany hosts almost a million Syrians who fled war and dictatorship. The toppling of the Assad regime has raised questions for exiles about their next step. Rob Schmitz
The Geminids meteor shower peaks this week. Here's what to expect The Geminids are one of the best and most visible annual meteor showers, when at least 120 meteors can usually be seen per hour. But 2024 will be different, thanks to the year's final full moon. Chandelis Duster
UHC murder suspect railed about U.S. health care. Here's what he missed The man charged in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was critical of U.S. health care. Experts say the system's problems are complex and can't be pinned on one player or industry. Selena Simmons-Duffin
Dear Life Kit: My daughter was left out of the holiday newsletter — again! A mother wonders why her father-in-law keeps neglecting to mention his daughter in his annual newsletter to family. It includes updates on the other grandchildren. Why not her? Andee Tagle
These neurons in the abdomen help form the gut-brain connection Scientists have identified two types of brain cells in the abdomen that appear to control different aspects of digestion. Jon Hamilton
Budget airlines are struggling. Their solution? Go upscale NPR's A Martinez talks to Kyle Potter of Thrifty Traveler, about what the change says about the future of flying on the cheap. A Martínez
Judge declares mistrial over killing of gay University of Mississippi student Jimmy "Jay" Lee's body has never been found, but a judge declared him dead. Jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict after over nine and a half hours of deliberation. The Associated Press
