The Pentagon faces growing scrutiny over a controversial September strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean after a second strike killed survivors. Lawmakers and critics are calling for greater transparency, including release of classified video of the second strike. Representative Jim Himes, who viewed the footage in a closed briefing, said the public should see “what it looks like when the full force of the United States military is turned on two guys who are clinging to a piece of wood.” Republican supporters say the strike targeted narco-terrorist activity; Defense officials say reviews are ongoing and that the administration is pursuing “narco-terrorists.” President Trump said any video could be released “no problem,” while legal experts cautioned about the laws of war if people were attacked outside combat. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the action, saying forces were interacting with other boats at the time.
In international developments, Russia praised the new U.S. national security strategy as largely consistent with its interests, while Moscow launched a major wave of attacks on Ukraine — hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles — killing at least four and striking civil infrastructure, including a railway hub. The strikes came as U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Florida on a U.S.-proposed peace plan that includes territorial concessions and security guarantees. President Zelenskyy continued outreach to allies, and is scheduled to meet European leaders in London to discuss the plan and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan is nearly complete; he emphasized the next phase must include the disarmament of Hamas. The ceasefire has allowed some normalcy to return to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In Bethlehem, with the ceasefire in place, Christians gathered for the traditional Christmas tree lighting in Manger Square after two years of cancellations linked to the Gaza war. Pastor Munther Isaac and local families described a conflicted relief — a desire to reclaim life and celebrate, tempered by continuing reports of violence.
On the U.S. economy, holiday shopping is up from last year but consumers are leaning on credit and “buy now, pay later” plans as price increases outpace wage gains. A new poll found 46% of Americans say the cost of living is the worst they remember. The Federal Reserve is set to meet amid political pressure to cut interest rates and divergent views among policymakers. President Trump has faced criticism, even from members of his own party, about claims on affordability and inflation. The administration plans to highlight falling gas prices — recently under $3 per gallon — in a campaign event focused on affordability.
Weather across the U.S. brought travel disruptions: the Pacific Northwest experienced heavy rain and mountain snow, threatening flooding, while the Northeast and mid-Atlantic face a messy mix of rain and snow from a southern low drawing Gulf moisture, potentially snarling Monday commutes along the I-95 corridor. The upper Midwest saw bitter cold and wind chills well below zero.
College football’s expanded playoff bracket was released, seating the top four teams — Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech — with automatic byes to the second round. The 12-team field prompted complaints from fans and programs left out, including ACC champion Duke and Notre Dame, which finished with a long winning streak.
A Tennessee Christmas parade took an unexpected turn when a black bear walked the route; spectators scattered but the animal soon moved on. In Hawaii, Kilauea produced a spectacular triple lava fountain, sending lava columns more than 1,000 feet into the air and destroying a live camera used to monitor the volcano.
On the West, a long-running Colorado prison program that trained incarcerated men to rehabilitate wild mustangs was closed after budget decisions by the Bureau of Land Management ended a 30-year partnership. The program provided training for horses and vocational growth for inmates; its termination means Colorado’s roundup horses will be shipped out of state. Prison participants and locals expressed disappointment; at least one horse was adopted locally as the program wound down. The BLM said contract extensions were issued as it evaluates next steps and other prison programs’ contracts expire next year.
Today marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor; remembrance ceremonies honored the dead although very few survivors remain. CBS profiled veteran Del Thielke, a Navy ordnance man who was aboard a carrier in the South Pacific for four years and one of the few still alive who was present at the formal Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri — a moment he still recalls with deep faith and gratitude.
Previewing upcoming programming: the CBS schedule includes interviews and features, and “60 Minutes” tonight will air an interview with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, her first since announcing her resignation from Congress.
That is tonight’s CBS Weekend News.