Bone-chilling Arctic air moved across much of the country, bringing heavy snow, fierce winds and dangerous cold that reduced visibility and threatened record lows. Meteorologist Andrew Kozak warned of an additional 4–8 inches of snow for parts of the Midwest and repeated rounds of storm systems for the Pacific Northwest, where an atmospheric river threat raised concerns about urban and river flooding.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, saying the administration will take decisive action and that “we will find you, and we will sink you.” Lawmakers raised legal and ethical questions after video emerged of a September strike and reports of a follow-up attack that may have killed survivors. A Pentagon watchdog also found Hegseth violated rules by sharing operation details in a group chat that included a journalist. Meanwhile, President Trump attended the Kennedy Center Honors.
Immigration enforcement intensified in multiple cities. Minneapolis officials restricted ICE operations on city property as agents carried out enhanced operations focused on Somali residents, including charter flights for detainees. In New Orleans, masked agents chased a woman to her home, and in New York questions mounted about the whereabouts of a six-year-old boy separated from his father after an immigration hearing; DHS said the child is in refugee services custody. Advocates and city leaders voiced fear and frustration as federal actions continued.
Ukraine faced continued Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure and a harsh winter with rolling outages. Negotiations aimed at a U.S.-brokered peace continued, but many Ukrainians expressed skepticism about terms that could cede territory to Russia. In Lviv, CBS reported on the toll of war — rising casualty estimates, pressure on veterans and widespread concern over any deal that would force territorial concessions without strong protections.
In Bethlehem, Christmas celebrations returned to Manger Square after two years of war-related cancellations. The mood was hopeful but sobering: the local economy remains devastated, dependent on tourism and pilgrimages that have not fully returned. Palestinian Christians said their faith sustained them through the hardship.
Seasonal scenes: With 19 days until Christmas, demand for real trees remained strong. Many shoppers said they prefer the smell and tradition of real pines; real-tree prices averaged $80–$100, roughly unchanged from last year. The administration offered a promotion allowing people to cut a tree on federal land for $1 through January.
A change to national park free-entry days removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth and added June 14, Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, to the list of fee-free dates.
Environment and innovation: A California winery debuted paper bottles made from recycled cardboard with an inner recyclable bag, cutting carbon and water footprints compared with glass. The paper bottle preserves wine for up to 15–18 months and offers a lighter, lower-impact alternative for everyday wines.
Arts and culture: The Kennedy Center Honors recognized Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford and the rock band Kiss as the president served as host. In Bethlehem, holiday lights and ceremonies marked a fragile return of pilgrimage and public celebration.
Deaths and remembrances: Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett, 39, was found dead; he made more than 400 national series starts before retiring in 2021. Ed Rabel, a longtime CBS News correspondent who reported globally and later taught journalism, died in Virginia at 86. The Vatican returned 62 Indigenous artifacts to Canada, including an Inuit sealskin kayak, after long controversy over collections taken during colonial periods.
Human interest — walking the world: Karl Bushby, who set out in 1998 to walk around the globe, is nearing the end of a 27-year trek covering roughly 30,000 miles through the Americas, Asia and Europe. He described danger and kindness encountered along the way — traversing the Darién Gap, crossing the Bering Strait, suffering losses, and adapting to new technology. His message: don’t be afraid; get off the couch and go.
Weekend roundup highlights:
– Arctic blast sweeping from the Rockies into the Midwest brought heavy snow and subzero feels in parts of the Northern Plains.
– Defense policy controversy over reported strikes on suspected drug boats and a watchdog finding on Secretary Hegseth’s handling of classified details.
– Immigration raids and community pushback in Minneapolis, New Orleans and New York; questions about separated families, including a missing six-year-old now said to be with refugee services.
– Continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure; negotiators met in Miami amid skepticism in Kyiv over proposed terms.
– Christmas traditions return to Bethlehem amid economic strain; Americans choose between real and artificial trees.
– A California winery’s paper “bottle” aims to reduce wine’s environmental footprint.
– In brief: NASCAR’s Michael Annett dies at 39; veteran journalist Ed Rabel remembered; Vatican repatriates Indigenous artifacts; Karl Bushby’s decades-long global walk nearing completion.
That is the CBS Weekend News for this Saturday.
