On this day: December 16

Major Crackdown: New York City Mafia Bosses Arrested in 1985 Sweep

On December 16, 1985, federal and local authorities arrested multiple leaders of New York City’s organized crime families in a coordinated operation that followed extended investigations into racketeering, extortion and labor-influence schemes.

U.S. Announces Expansion of Strategic Missile Defense Initiative

On December 16, 1983, President Ronald Reagan publicly expanded the Strategic Defense Initiative, proposing a major U.S. program to develop layered missile defenses intended to protect against ballistic missile attacks. The announcement intensified Cold War debate over technology, strategy, and arms control.