Every year in early December, French schoolchildren act out the gruesome tale of St. Nicolas and the butcher. At least it has a happy ending, according to commentator Nancy Coons.
New U.S. strikes on Iran come as the two countries try to reach a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz. Israel thinks it will be a bad deal, and it's increasing attacks in Lebanon.
NPR'S Steve Inskeep talks to Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about the prospects for a deal to end the Iran war.