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…

A sea turtle plagued by ‘bubble butt’ condition is helped by a 3D printer “Bubble butt” can leave turtles struggling to swim normally — or unable to submerge at all. A 3D-printed harness can help. Read more on NPR

With Trump’s Panama Canal talk, it feels like 1976 all over again It’s unclear how the issue of ownership of the Panama Canal became a talking point for President-elect Donald Trump this week, but the question has a long political history. Read more on NPR

Curious about Dry January? What to expect — and how it works If your New Year’s resolution is to give up drinking for the month of January, this expert guide can help you get to Day 31 alcohol-free. Read more on NPR

Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. Read more on NPR

Trump asks the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban until after he takes office President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Read more on NPR

U.S. homelessness jumps to another record high, amid affordable housing shortage The annual federal count finds more than 770,000 people living in shelters or outside. It cites rising rents and the recent surge in migrants as key factors behind the increase. Read more on NPR