The Pentagon is under growing scrutiny after a September strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean was followed by a second strike that killed survivors. Lawmakers and outside critics are demanding more transparency, including release of classified video of the follow-up attack. 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.” Supporters of the operation say it targeted narco-terrorist activity; defense officials say internal reviews are ongoing as the administration pursues individuals it calls narco-terrorists. President Trump said any footage could be released “no problem,” while legal experts cautioned about applying the laws of war if people were attacked outside an active combat zone. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the action, saying forces were interacting with other boats at the time.
Abroad, Russia welcomed elements of the new U.S. national security strategy as broadly aligned with its interests even as Moscow launched a massive wave of attacks on Ukraine. Hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles struck targets across the country, killing at least four people and damaging civilian infrastructure, including a key railway hub. The strikes coincided with U.S. and Ukrainian officials meeting in Florida to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan that would include territorial concessions and security guarantees. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continued outreach to allies and is scheduled to meet European leaders in London to press for security assurances.
In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan is nearly complete and insisted the next phase must include disarmament of Hamas. The pause in fighting has allowed some normal activity to resume in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In Bethlehem, a traditional Christmas tree lighting in Manger Square went ahead after two years of cancellations; residents and clergy described a bittersweet relief — glad for a measure of normalcy but mindful of ongoing suffering.
On the U.S. economy, holiday shopping is up from last year but many consumers are relying on credit and buy-now-pay-later plans as price increases continue to outpace wage growth. A new poll found 46% of Americans say the cost of living is the worst they can remember. The Federal Reserve is set to meet amid political pressure to cut interest rates and internal disagreements among policymakers. President Trump has drawn criticism, including from some in his own party, over statements about affordability and inflation; the administration plans to highlight falling gasoline prices — recently dipping under $3 per gallon in some areas — at an event focused on affordability.
Weather disruptions affected travel across the country. The Pacific Northwest saw heavy rain and mountain snow with flood risks, while a southern low drawing Gulf moisture threatened a messy mix of rain and snow across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic that could complicate I-95 commutes. The upper Midwest endured bitter cold and wind chills well below zero.
In sports, the expanded 12-team college football playoff bracket was released, with the top four seeds — Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia and Texas Tech — receiving automatic byes to the second round. The format left some programs and fans disgruntled, including ACC champion Duke and Notre Dame, both omitted from the field.
A Tennessee Christmas parade took an unexpected turn when a black bear wandered the route, scattering spectators before moving on. In Hawaii, Kilauea produced a spectacular triple lava fountain, shooting lava columns more than 1,000 feet into the air and destroying a volcanic monitoring camera.
In the West, a long-running Colorado prison program that trained incarcerated men to rehabilitate wild mustangs ended after Bureau of Land Management budget decisions ended a three-decade partnership. The program provided training for horses and vocational opportunities for inmates; with its termination, roundup horses will be sent out of state. Participants and locals expressed disappointment. The BLM said contract extensions were in place while it evaluates next steps and noted other prison program contracts expire next year.
Today marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Remembrance ceremonies honored the dead as few survivors remain. CBS profiled veteran Del Thielke, a Navy ordnance man who served in the South Pacific and was among the small number present for Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri.
Looking ahead to tonight’s programming, CBS will air interviews and features, including a “60 Minutes” interview with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene — her first since announcing her resignation from Congress.
That is this edition of CBS Weekend News.