70 ISIS targets were hit in central Syria using F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, Apache helicopters, HIMARS, and over 100 precision munitions.

The strikes were retaliation for an ambush near Palmyra that killed Sgt. Edgar Torres-Tovar, Sgt. William Howard, and interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat.

President Trump called it a declaration of vengeance, warning IS not to attack Americans again.

Syria’s government expressed support for U.S. retaliation and pledged intensified operations against ISIS.

Federal Railroad Administration inspections found crews struggling to understand safety bulletins and U.S. operating rules at Union Pacific and CPKC yards.

Crews are restricted to operating no more than 10 miles inside the U.S. without verified English proficiency.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the safety risk of non-English-speaking operators, citing previous truck accidents involving drivers who lacked proficiency.

Unions representing engineers and conductors praised the crackdown, citing safety, security, and American jobs.

About 12 suspects in a white minibus and silver sedan carried out the attack, using an AK-47 and several pistols.

The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. in Bekkersdal, 28 miles west of Johannesburg.

Motive remains unknown, and police launched a manhunt for the gunmen.

One of the victims was an e-hailing driver caught in the crossfire, police confirmed.

Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, endorsed JD Vance for the 2028 presidency at Turning Point USA’s America Fest in Phoenix, signaling early moves in GOP succession politics amid tense infighting and public spats between conservative figures. Read More

A 27-year-old man in Taipei killed three and injured 11 in planned knife and smoke-grenade attacks, setting fires earlier in the day before falling to his death from a department store, prompting tightened security for public events. Read More

Luigi Mangione’s attorneys argue federal death penalty should be suspended because Attorney General Pam Bondi allegedly profited from ties to UnitedHealthcare, whose CEO Mangione is accused of killing, claiming the financial connection violates his due process rights. Read More

Power returned to most of the 130,000 homes and businesses affected by a massive San Francisco outage on Saturday, caused in part by a PG&E substation fire, though over 20,000 customers remained without electricity as crews continued repair. Read More

US personnel boarded and seized a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters on Saturday, marking the second vessel interdiction this month as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on Caracas with a wider oil blockade. Venezuela called the action piracy and sought Iran’s support. Read More

Apple and Google advised U.S.-based employees on H-1B visas to avoid leaving the country amid Trump administration rules requiring up to five years of social media screening, which have caused months-long consulate delays. Companies warned travel could strand staff abroad, affecting tens of thousands of highly-skilled foreign workers. Read More

Missing files included images of nude paintings and photographs from Epstein’s homes, some featuring high-profile individuals.

The DOJ cited ongoing redactions and review processes as justification for disappearing materials.

Critical records, including FBI interviews with survivors and internal DOJ memos on charging decisions, remain absent.

The document release offers little new insight into Epstein’s crimes or prosecutorial decisions that allowed him to avoid serious federal charges.

Advocates and lawmakers warn the rollout reflects delays and obfuscation, undermining accountability for Epstein and his associates.

Yang starred in a Christmas-themed sketch with Grande and Cher, ending with tears and hugs.

Joined SNL as a writer in 2018, promoted to main cast two seasons later, earning five Emmy nominations.

Departure follows a major cast exodus last summer ahead of Season 51.

Yang continues to co-host the pop culture podcast “Las Culturistas” with Matt Rogers and pursue other acting projects.

Domestic opening fell 35% below “The Way of Water”, though audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore.

Premium formats were key: 66% of viewers chose IMAX/3D, and 56% specifically opted for 3D.

China led international sales with $57.6 million opening, surpassing prior franchise films.

Production cost is $400M+, with sequels 4 and 5 written but not greenlit; Cameron emphasizes strong performance is crucial for continuation.

First Christmas Tree Lights, 1882 – Thomas Edison created the first string of electric lights for Christmas trees, revolutionizing holiday decorations and paving the way for modern festive lighting.

Portable Ice Chest Patent, 1953 – Richard C. Laramy receives a U.S. patent for a portable ice chest, introducing a convenient way to keep food and drinks cold for recreation and travel.

Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, 2011 – President Barack Obama signs legislation ending the ban on openly gay service members in the U.S. military, marking a major milestone in LGBTQ+ rights.