Monday, December 22, 2025 • 3 min read

Vice President JD Vance urged unity at yesterday’s Turning Point USA convention, the first since founder Charlie Kirk was killed at a rally in September. The event, which included a replica of the tent where Kirk was shot, comes amid growing divisions in the MAGA movement. Here’s what to know.

An image of Trump, along with at least a dozen other items, was restored to the cache of Epstein files released on Friday, after it disappeared without explanation. The DOJ is under fire across the political aisle for the heavily redacted release. [Reuters]

The Coast Guard is in “active pursuit” of a Venezuelan oil tanker that is “under a judicial seizure order,” a U.S. official said, days after Washington seized a second vessel. The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of using oil money to fund drug-related crime. [BBC News] 

A German aerospace engineer became the first wheelchair user to travel to space, as part of a 10-minute Blue Origin flight that blasted off on Saturday. “If we want to be an inclusive society, we should be inclusive in every part,” said Michaela "Michi" Benthaus. [USA Today] 

Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf took a swipe at a Lions fan during an in-game altercation caught on camera. Detroit also faced a hit on the scoreboard, losing 29-24 to Pittsburgh in a game that may dash the Lions’ playoff hopes. [Yahoo Sports]

The actor James Ransone, who played Chester “Ziggy” Sobotka in The Wire, died at age 46. The cause was suicide, officials said. “I will keep you in my heart and share our gift of creativity,” said Wire costar Andre Royo. Read more tributes. [The Hollywood Reporter]

The 49ers and the Colts play in a potentially pivotal matchup at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. See predictions and betting odds. [ClutchPoints]

Part 2 of the Everybody Loves Raymond reunion special is on CBS at 9 p.m. E.T. Look out for more clips, outtakes and interviews with show insiders. [Hollywood Reporter]

The Grizzlies are down eight players, including star guard Ja Morant, as they take on the Thunder at 9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock. [The Commercial Appeal] 

Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

In 1984, Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” began a six-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100, in the pop icon’s first No. 1 hit. It followed what many saw as a boundary-pushing performance of the song at MTV’s first Video Music Awards. “I knew, that day, that she had made it,” her stylist said at the time. Take a look back. [Us Weekly]

Every now and then, Colleen Stumbles performs a private driveway serenade for her husband. But she had an unexpected costar the other day: their shirtless neighbor dancing in the background. It was “hilarious, sweet and unforgettable,” she said. Watch their duet. [People]

To manage your kids’ holiday meltdowns, try to get on their level. Experts say acknowledging their feelings can help make them less intense. [BBC News]