NYT - US begins major airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, fulfilling President Trump’s vow to avenge the deaths of two Army soldiers killed in a terrorist attack in the central part of the country.

Justice Dept. to Appeal Dismissals of Criminal Cases Against Comey and James

“While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress.” - Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on social media

DoJ begins releasing trove of documents connected to the deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, partially complying with federal legislation that ordered officials to make the records public. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/12/19/epstein-files-trump-administration-doj/

American Airlines just sent me an “exclusive” offer to obtain World Cup tickets. For the final match in New Jersey, a pair of the better seats can be obtained for 1.8 million frequent flyer miles (and the tickets cannot be resold).

Active shooter reported at Luke AFB in Arizona, according to authorities.

KTAR.com

Luke Air Force Base lockdown lifted after shooter reports

Authorities found no evidence of an active shooter at Luke Air Force Base after a lockdown Friday at the West Valley military installment.

The livestream of a YouTube content creator talking about investments mysteriously appeared to take over a White House website.

Newser

YouTuber's Livestream Mysteriously Appears on White House Site

Content creator Matt Farley says he has no idea what happened

It appears that the self-proclaimed acting CEO of the US Agency for Global Media, who (along with Elon Musk/DOGE) destroyed the Voice of America, isn’t planning to stick around Washington.

H-1B visa holders who traveled back to India this month to renew their American work permits are now stranded. https://wapo.st/4s3bnZ8

“This may be the first time an ICE agent is incarcerated in his own ICE jail.”

Cincinnati CityBeat

UPDATE: Cincinnati ICE Leader Accused of Strangling Woman Now Faces Federal Charge, Booked into Butler County Jail

"This may be the first time an ICE agent is incarcerated in his own ICE jail," said Lynn Tramonte, executive director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance.