Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Iraq on Friday to discuss the future of neighboring Syria. Meanwhile, thousands of Syrians came together in Damascus’ main mosque for the first day of Friday prayers since the fall of former dictator Bashar Al-Assad. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has more.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.

Ukraine says Russia has launched one of its largest strikes against the country’s energy infrastructure since the war began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the Kremlin fired dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles Friday, along with nearly 200 drones. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has the latest.