The FBI has opened an inquiry into six Democratic members of Congress after they posted a video urging service members to refuse unlawful orders — a video President Trump called “seditious.” The six, all military or intelligence veterans, said they did not claim any unlawful orders had been issued. The FBI notified congressional leaders it wants to speak with the members; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately launched an inquiry into retired Navy Captain and Senator Mark Kelly and threatened court-martial proceedings. The lawmakers say the president’s comments have led to death threats; some have released recordings of threatening calls. Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane called the development an escalating standoff between the White House and the Democrats who recorded the video, noting that while inquiries don’t necessarily signal criminal targets, the investigations impose real costs on those questioned.
Travelers face a volatile holiday weekend as airlines work to move surges of passengers and storms threaten many routes. United Airlines expects to fly about 6.6 million people over the holiday period, up roughly 300,000 from last year. Airport workers and mechanics emphasized the urgency of on-time departures for holiday connections. TSA projects screening of over 3 million people in a busy post-Thanksgiving return period. Meteorologist Lonnie Quinn warned of a dangerous Midwest blizzard with winds near 50 mph and snowfall totals up to 30 inches in parts of Minnesota and Michigan, plus severe storms and tornado watches in the South. New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade officials were closely watching gust thresholds for balloon safety.
Other roundup items:
– Robert Tucker, outgoing New York City Fire Department commissioner, resigned after new mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election, citing ideological differences.
– The Coast Guard rescued four fishermen, including a man celebrating his 70th birthday and his 90-year-old father, after their boat capsized off Clearwater, Florida; all are stable.
– French authorities arrested four additional suspects tied to a $100-million jewel heist at the Louvre; the crown jewels remain missing.
– The San Diego Zoo announced the death of Grandma, a Galapagos tortoise believed to be about 141 years old.
Ukraine peace talks and U.S. diplomacy:
President Trump said he believes negotiators are “very close” to a deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, though details remain disputed. CBS News reported a U.S.-authored 28-point plan earlier drew bipartisan concern for the concessions it asked of Ukraine, including territorial and military reductions. The Ukrainian Security Council said negotiators reached a “common understanding” on core terms but did not confirm a final agreement. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi; senior Democrats urged the president to stop pushing what they call a pro-Russian deal. Shuttle diplomacy was expected to continue with negotiators traveling to meet both sides; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that any final agreement must include strong security guarantees.
White House turkey pardon and Thanksgiving:
President Trump continued the annual White House Thanksgiving tradition by granting clemency to two turkeys, Gobble and Waddle. The modern presidential “pardon” custom dates to George H.W. Bush; the National Turkey Federation and producers such as Butterball supply birds raised by family farms. The broadcast included a light segment on the Great Thanksgiving Debate — turkey or ham — surveying butchers and shoppers: turkey remains the traditional choice, favored for versatility and sandwiches afterward, while ham appeals for ease and flavor.
Eye on America — college composting competition:
Campus sustainability teams at major universities — highlighted: Michigan and Ohio State — are competing to divert game-day waste from landfills by recycling and composting stadium trash. Ohio State diverted 94% of game-day waste last season; Michigan diverted 79%. Students and volunteers sort recyclables and compostable items, turning compost back into soil for campus farms and sending a message that large-scale sustainability is achievable.
Feature segments and human interest:
– The National Turkey Federation’s farm visits and the tradition of raising presidential turkeys were profiled, focusing on farmers’ dedication and the family nature of the work.
– An “Eye on America” package showcased student-led waste diversion efforts at college football games, emphasizing education, behavior change and practical sustainability.
What to expect next:
– The story of the congressional video and subsequent federal inquiries remained active, with potential interviews and further developments in Washington.
– Weather updates were crucial for holiday travelers, with continued monitoring of blizzard warnings in the Upper Midwest and severe storm watches in the South.
– Negotiations on Ukraine required close scrutiny as shuttle diplomacy and meetings among U.S., Russian and Ukrainian envoys could shift the outlook.
From CBS News headquarters, the Evening News presented the day’s national and international headlines, travel and weather guidance, political developments in Washington, and Thanksgiving traditions and features for the season.
