Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says U.S. could hit debt limit in weeks Yellen told Congress her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling, as early as Jan. 14. Read more on NPR

Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ dies at 73 Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the Shakespeare tragedy. The film won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet. Read more on NPR

Israel detains a Gaza hospital director, Palestinian medical officials say Gaza’s Health Ministry said Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, was arrested by Israeli forces along with dozens of other staff and taken to an interrogation center. Read more on NPR

How to fight ageism in the world around you — and in yourself Discrimination based on someone’s age is so ingrained in society that most of us don’t notice it. Yet it affects us all and fighting it not only helps make a better society, it also helps us live longer, healthier lives. Read more…

Severe weather could disrupt holiday travel, with tornadoes forecast in the South Severe thunderstorms and an outbreak of tornadoes could disrupt holiday travel Saturday. More than 2,700 flights were delayed. Read more on NPR

Instagram reel roundup: School for dads, COVID conundrum, skateboarders in skirts The most popular Instagram reels from our Goats and Soda team: Bolivia’s bold women skateboarders, ponytail-making lessons, a perplexing COVID situation, fog harvesting. Read more on NPR

Putin apologizes to Azerbaijani leader for ‘tragic incident’ involving crashed plane The Kremlin said air defense systems were firing near Grozny due to a Ukrainian drone strike as the Azerbaijani airliner attempted to land, but stopped short of saying one of these hit the plane. Read more on NPR

In Fresno, one of California’s toughest new camping bans comes into focus Three months since Fresno implemented its new law, police have made over 300 arrests, but only a few unhoused people are taking them up on drug treatment services Read more on NPR

Opinion: Prayers are messages for our own hearts Hanukah began on Christmas this year. A reflection on celebrating both holidays in a multi-faith family. Read more on NPR

New year, new pygmy hippo: A naming poll for this Virginia zoo baby is underway Moo Deng and Haggis are joined by another slick, round supreme on the scene. Fans of the new baby can cast their vote to name her until New Year’s Eve, with the winning name announced the next day. Read more…