The Trump-ordered strike on a Baghdad airport overnight killed Iran’s top military leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani.It’s the latest move in an escalation of tensions between Iran and the U.S. Soleimani was a cult figure in Iran and was famous in the Middle Eastern world the way generals seldom are.

by Jill Hudson The Daily Newsletter will begin publishing at 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6.  First Up Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images Here's what we're following today. The Trump-ordered strike on a Baghdad airport overnight killed Iran’s top military leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani.It’s the latest move in an escalation of tensions between Iran and the U.S. Soleimani was a cult figure in Iran and was famous in the Middle Eastern world the way generals seldom are. There’s a month to go until the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, and anything can happen. As hard as it may be to believe, the bushfires ravaging large swaths of Australia are likely to get worse in the coming days. The Trump administration announced it will crack down on certain vaping products containing fruit, mint and other e-cigarette flavors to keep them away from kids. Manufacturers will have 30 days to take the products off the market. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Today's Listens Wilson Webb/CTMG/Columbia Pictures Are men scared to see the movie version of Little Women?NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly talks with Monica Hesse of The Washington Post about why they may be hesitant to view director Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the classic American novel. (Listening time, 7:39) More than 760 people were shot in Toronto in 2019, the worst year ever for the city’s growing gun violence problem. One reason for this rise is firearms coming in across the border from the U.S. (Listening time, 4:55) Global Health News Fancy/Veer/Corbis/Getty Images Shame and taboo have kept many issues affecting women’s bodies from getting the attention they deserve. Outspoken doctors and health advocates recommend seven ideas to focus on in 2020. The Goats and Soda team has a few global predictions for 2020 — some grim, others optimistic — that you can print out and fold into a cute illustrated zine. Before You Go Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Billboard is changing the way it calculates the top albums of the week.  The Marvel Cinematic Universe is expanding, and soon fans will see a transgender character. Pocket Casts App, Now Free Podcast lovers, rejoice! The Pocket Casts app delivers a simple but powerful experience for listening, search and discovery. And now it’s free. Download now at PocketCasts.com or find it in the Apple App or Google Play stores. We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: dailynewsletter@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content?  Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more!