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Pope Leo XIII revives a long-dormant Vatican tradition by celebrating Christmas Day Mass in Saint Peters Basilica, marking the first time a pope has done so since 1994. In a holiday message, he urges Vatican cardinals to set aside personal agendas and foster trust and mutual respect, signaling a promising start to his leadership.

New York Republicans are pivoting their strategy, focusing on Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to bolster suburban turnout and potentially flip key House and state legislative seats. Despite not guaranteeing a governors win, Blakemans suburban appeal could significantly impact GOPs chances in swing districts. His emphasis on public safety, lower taxes, and job creation is expected to resonate in Democrat-held districts, potentially reshaping the political landscape in New Yorks suburbs.

Christian and gospel music is experiencing a surge in popularity, with artists like Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, and Elevation Worship attracting a younger, predominantly female audience. This genre is blurring the lines with secular music, as seen in the recent Grammy nominations for secular artists in Christian categories. The focus is now on authentic, high-quality art that resonates with lifes struggles, offering genuine hope. This trend coincides with a slow decline in Christian identification and the influence of Gen Z faith-sharing online, signaling a potential major crossover era for the genre.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller demands CBS News fire producers after they shelve a segment on Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvadors CECOT prison. Miller accuses staff of staging a revolt, while CBS cites need for more reporting. Miller calls migrants monsters and insists all involved producers should be fired. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons defends deportations, saying the segment twisted the process. Despite CBS blocking it, the piece runs in Canada and online, fueling debate on media coverage of immigration enforcement.

Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks announces expanded operations, with agents now patrolling major cities to support ICE enforcement efforts. This shift, aimed at curbing illegal immigration, has led to increased self-deportations and fewer border crossings. The administration plans to build floating barriers and convert warehouses into deportation centers, signaling a significant shift in border security and interior enforcement strategies.

U.S. military aid to Taiwan is skewing towards asymmetric weapons, leaving gaps in Taiwans defense. Experts warn of potential blockades, urging Taiwan to boost local weapons production and license designs from the U.S., Ukraine, and Europe. Balancing aid and self-reliance could enhance Taiwans innovation and readiness.

Edwin Meese III, a former U.S. Attorney General and key figure at Heritage Foundation, has endorsed a rival legal center, the Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law at Advancing American Freedom. This move comes as Heritage Foundation faces scandals, board resignations, and staff exodus. Meeses shift undermines Heritages credibility, especially after the resignation of Charles Stimson as interim chief of their Meese Center. Meanwhile, Heritage reels from controversy over President Kevin Roberts handling of Tucker Carlsons antisemitism comments, leading to donor pullbacks and calls for Roberts to step down.

Congressional Republicans face a pivotal decision in 2026 regarding healthcare changes, with the potential to use reconciliation for a party-line bill. The debate intensifies as the midterm campaigns heat up, following the failure to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. House Speaker Mike Johnson shows openness, but key figures like Jason Smith doubt its passage due to narrow margins and health policy splits. Budget leaders like Jodey Arrington and Lindsey Graham advocate for bundling healthcare with defense and immigration priorities. External groups propose ideas such as expanding health savings accounts, while some discuss using tariff money to offset rising costs. Top leaders like John Thune and Steve Scalise are gauging consensus, but internal divisions and midterm pressures make the path ahead challenging as the subsidy deadline approaches.

29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, faces federal firearms charges for allegedly killing a National Guard troop and injuring another near the White House. Prosecutors moved the case to federal court to consider the death penalty. Lakanwal, who worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan, drove from Washington with a stolen gun. He also faces D.C. charges of murder, assault, and illegal gun possession.