What the Israel-Hezbollah war did to Lebanon’s cultural heritage sites Part of a Crusader castle crumbled. An 18th century minaret felled. Church mosaics burned. Archaeologists are assessing damage to UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Syria. Read more on NPR

The Reddit community revives the holiday spirit after popular Secret Santa events end Swapping presents with strangers on the internet is a favorite pastime for many Reddit users. After two popular holiday gift exchanges ended, bereft merrymakers are set on keeping the tradition going. Read more on NPR

‘May love rest gently in your broken heart’: What to say to a grieving friend When a good friend’s loved one passes away, it can be hard to find the right thing to say. NPR readers share words of comfort they’ve shared with others — or wish they’d heard themselves. Read more on NPR

Why Trump’s tariffs on Mexico would mean higher avocado prices at the grocery store Most avocados consumed in the U.S. are grown in Mexico. Here’s what Trump’s proposed tariffs would mean for prices at the grocery store and for the avocado industry. Read more on NPR

Undocumented people are among most vulnerable to climate-infused disasters Many undocumented people are not eligible for federal financial disaster aid and several remain fearful even when help is offered. Read more on NPR

Biden commutes sentences of 37 federal death row prisoners Opponents of the death penalty had urged President Biden to take this step, given the number of executions that took place during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term. Read more on NPR

Nissan and Honda announce merger talks amid a rapidly changing global market Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work to a merger, forming the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes changes in its move from fossil fuels. Read more on NPR

Albanian prime minister says TikTok ban was not a rushed reaction Prime Minister Edi Rama said over the weekend that the government will shut down TikTok for one year, accusing the popular video service of inciting violence and bullying, especially among children. Read more on NPR

A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. Read more on NPR

Blake Lively accuses ‘It Ends With Us’ studio of harassment and smear campaign In a legal complaint, the actor says co-star Justin Baldoni and his team launched a smear campaign as a way to silence Lively’s narrative about his and a producer’s alleged repeated sexual harassment. Read more on NPR