What We're Following on Christmas Afternoon
Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021.
Calls for peace: President Obama, Pope Francis, Queen Elizabeth II, and others urged compassion and peace in their messages on Christmas Day. Here are Obama’s remarks, made alongside Michelle Obama, the first lady.
A blast in Nigeria: A tanker explosion Thursday killed dozens of people who had gathered to buy fuel to make Christmas meals in Nnewi, Ambara state, which is in the country’s southeast. An exact death toll is not known, though the AP said more than 100 people were killed. Update: More here
A respite for a Palestinian girl: Five months ago, she was reduced to tears after an awkward encounter with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This week, Bild reports, Reem Sawhil and her family can stay in Germany at least until March 2017.