The US Military launches targeted air strikes in Iraq after an attack by an Iranian-backed militant group injures US troops. Plus, Trump's very bitter Christmas message. How the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination lashed out against his political rivals and what it says about his campaign. And, the top opposition leader to Russian President Putin, issues his first message since his arrival at a penal colony near Siberia. How Alexei Navalny says he's doing and what he's revealing about his weeks long ordeal. Also this morning: the new Apple watch is officially banned in the US, students grapple with college applications post-affirmative action, and roundups of the year in politics and crime reporting.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices