Carrie Kahn

There is a historic opera house in the Amazon that is a destination for some famous singers, musicians and local fans.

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: Now a story about the mighty Amazon rainforest that isn't about its biodiversity or threats from climate change.

As horrific details emerge from Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's jails, many question the man who once claimed to champion their cause.

The city of Bethlehem is in dire straits. Christmas is the busiest time of year in the birthplace of Jesus, packed with pilgrims and tourists. But the streets are empty with the war in Gaza raging.

It's another Christmas in Bethlehem with the war still raging in Gaza. Palestinians in the city believed to be the birthplace of Jesus are hurting after more than a year of war.

Israel bombed targets in Yemen's capital, killing at least two and injuring 11. The strikes come after a week of attacks by Houthi rebels, including a missile that penetrated Israel's air defenses.

The region drained by the Amazon River, including the Amazon Rainforest, is in the second year of a punishing drought. That has lead to the lowest water levels in more than 100 years for the Amazon and its major tributaries. Millions of people and an array of wildlife depend on those quickly disappearing waters. In a story we first brought you in October, we travel to the region to see the effects. Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+

The region drained by the Amazon River, including the Amazon Rainforest, is in the second year of a punishing drought. That has lead to the lowest water levels in more than 100 years for the Amazon and its major tributaries. Millions of people and an array of wildlife depend on those quickly disappearing waters. In a story we first brought you in October, we travel to the region to see the effects.

The cold, rainy winter now gripping Gaza is taking its toll. At least five infants have died of hypothermia in recent days, according to Gaza health officials.

Israeli forces raided the last hospital in northern Gaza able to treat children and intensive care cases. The raid followed months of intense attacks on the hospital and the area around it.