Patch Friday Briefing: Nests of Spies, Syrian Ceasefire, Debbie Reynolds's Broken Heart

Good morning Patchers - Here's a look at some of what you need to know to make it through the day:

THAT CHILL? THE CYBER-VERSION OF THE COLD WAR

In what was the chilliest moment between the United States and Russia since the end of the Cold War, President Obama took a series of executive actions including sanctions and deporting people to punish Russia for a series of cyber-attacks against the United States. President-elect Trump issued a non-committal statement saying he would meet with intelligence officials next week. (Wall Street Journal and Patch).

HOW MOSCOW FOUND ITS CYBER-WARRIORS

From posting job openings on online forums to recruiting members of Russia's cybercrime underworld, Russia worked hard to recruit people for its cyberwarfare efforts. (New York Times).

A NEST OF SPIES IN MARYLAND?

As part of the punishments announced by President Obama, a Russian compound on the eastern shore of Maryland is being shut down and the diplomats who stayed there are being deported. (Patch and Washington Post).

QUICK HITS

Live Video: The Eagles Are Hatching! (Patch).

Poll: Top Resolution For The New Year (Patch).

Inventor of Red Solo Cup Dies (Patch).

DID DEBBIE REYNOLDS DIE OF A BROKEN HEART? IT'S POSSIBLE

One day after her daughter - Carrie Fisher - died, Debbie Reynolds was rushed to the hospital where she passed away. Studies indicate that broken heart syndrome is a real thing. (Patch).

THE REPORTER WHO SPENT MONTHS TRACKING TRUMP'S CHARITY

David Farenthold spent nine months tracking Trump's charitable giving - or at least his claims of giving. In documented story after story, he found the Trump claims often unsupported by facts. Farenthold takes the reader behind the scenes - from how he shot himself in the eye with a glitter gun to debate over bad words getting in the paper. (Washington Post).

CHICAGO HAS MOST VIOLENT YEAR IN TWO DECADES

Chicago had 754 murders through the day after Christmas. They have had more murders than New York and Los Angeles combined. (Chicago Tribune).

SHARP INCREASE IN OFFICERS KILLED WHILE ON DUTY

From January 1 through December 28th, 135 officers lost their lives while on duty. While some died in traffic crashes, 64 were shot to death - a 56 percent increase over the previous year. Of those, 21 were killed in ambush attacks. (Associated Press).

CEASEFIRE IN SYRIA AS U.S. KEPT ON SIDELINES

Russia and Turkey brokered a ceasefire in Syria. Late Thursday night, it was holding, though shakily. A notable thing about it is that the United States was kept on the sidelines. Obama administration officials say the important thing is the violence stops. (Reutersand Politico).

DETROIT PASTOR TAPPED FOR TRUMP INAUGURATION

Bishop Wayne T. Jackson said the benediction will offer a message of "love, unity, togetherness and healing." (Patch).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING TO TIMES SQUARE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

With around 2 million people expected there Saturday night, there needs to be one place where you can go to find out how you can get there, what you can bring and what you can't. There is. (Patch).

RUN-DMC SUES AMAZON AND WALMART OVER TRADEMARK

The iconic rap group from Queens is suing the retailers for $50 million, charging they infringed on the group's trademarks. The group says the retailers purposely confuse customers by "advertising, manufacturing, selling and distributing multiple products" and implying they have the group's endorsement. (USA Today).

WRITER FOR TEEN VOGUE THREATENED AFTER FOX INTERVIEW

A writer for Teen Vogue who challenged Tucker Carlson during a live interview on Fox News Channel says that she has received thousands of angry responses including threats of violence. (Associated Press).

SERENA WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT TO REDDIT CO-FOUNDER ON REDDIT.

The tennis great announced her engagement to the co-founder of Reddit in the only appropriate place. (Reddit).

That's what's happening in the world this morning. Thanks for reading - have a great day and see you back here Monday morning - on the Patch.

Photo Pete Souza via whitehouse.gov