In this episode of Up First from NPR News, three significant stories unfold: the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, which marks a week filled with memorial tributes; a surprising remark from a senior Syrian official expressing a desire to establish friendly ties with Israel, facilitated by the U.S., which sparked considerable backlash in the region; and a tragic plane crash in South Korea, resulting in only two survivors and profound sorrow for families awaiting news of their loved ones. The episode paints a striking contrast between a life dedicated to public service and the sudden tragedies that affect so many. Despite its unprecedented nature, the Syrian official's overture was ultimately dismissed by Israel.
