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December 5, 2025

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Video shows survivors killed in follow-up strike, alarming lawmakers

Strikes: A Navy admiral who oversaw strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean told lawmakers there was never a "kill them all" order, but a video of the attack left questions as Congress scrutinizes the mission that killed two survivors. Details >

On Capitol Hill: Adm. Frank "Mitch" Bradley appeared before lawmakers for a series of closed-door classified briefings as they investigate a report that Bradley ordered the follow-up strike to comply with Defense Secretary Hegseth's demands. Read more >

Video: According to a video shown to lawmakers and described to Reuters by sources, the blast sent shrapnel raining down on the vessel. After the smoke cleared, two men were seen clinging to a severed section of the front of the boat and appeared to be unarmed. Details >

Reaction: Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., characterized the footage as "one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service." Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., praised military leaders, declaring the mission "lawful" and the strikes as "justified and righteous." The latest >

Attacks: The operation was the first of more than 20 military strikes on suspected drug boats under the Trump administration's campaign to combat the flow of drugs into the U.S. The strikes have killed 87 people, with one carried out in the eastern Pacific on Thursday. What to know >

Congress briefing on boat strike that targeted survivors: 5 takeaways >

Trump, Hegseth defend boat strikes in Cabinet meeting >

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FBI says it cracked 2021 DC pipe bomb case with no new tips or information

'Diligent police work': Authorities said there was no breakthrough in the case that led them to arrest Brian Cole Jr. for a pair of pipe bombs left in Washington, D.C., on the night before the Capitol riots. Rather, agents reexamined existing evidence. Affidavit lays out clues >

Investigation: Cole is accused of targeting the Republican and Democratic committee headquarters at the Capitol complex. No injuries were reported, though authorities said the devices had the potential to kill. Read more >

Motive: A retired FBI profiler credited with helping crack the "Unabomber" case is curious to learn Cole's motivations. James Fitzgerald told NewsNation that while many criminals attack victims directly, bombers plot from a distance. Watch the 'Elizabeth Vargas Reports' interview >

Grand jury rejects new indictment against New York AG Letitia James

Prosecution: A grand jury rejected the Justice Department's request to secure a new indictment against New York Attorney General Letitia James. How often do grand jurors refuse to return an indictment? >

Ruling: Prosecutors sought to secure an indictment from the grand jury in Virginia after a judge dismissed the previous mortgage fraud prosecution against James. And here's why >

The charges: James initially faced bank fraud accusations linked to a 2020 home purchase in Virginia. She has denied wrongdoing and accused the Trump administration of using the justice system to seek revenge against the president's political opponents. Details of the allegations >

What's next? Prosecutors are expected to try again for an indictment against James, a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press. Read more >

How will 'Trump Accounts' for children work?

Donation: Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged billions to provide 25 million American children 10 and younger an incentive to claim new investment accounts created as part of President Donald Trump's tax and spending legislation. When the accounts will launch >

Trump Accounts: Under the federal plan, which was first pushed by Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, the U.S. Treasury will deposit $1,000 into investment accounts for American children whose parents claim the benefit. Who's eligible for a 'Trump Account'? >

Contributions: The investments are expected to reach up to 80% of children across 75% of the nation's ZIP codes, according to Invest America. Parents can contribute up to $2,500 annually in pretax income, and others can also pitch in. How do I open a 'Trump Account'? >

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING 👀

Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appears in court in an attempt to throw out key evidence.
Trump attends the final draw for soccer's 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a summit seeking the expansion of defense and trade ties.
The UK's Princess Kate hosts an annual community Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.

At least seven deaths and hundreds of serious injuries may be tied to malfunctioning glucose monitors manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The latest >

A man who wore a clown mask while carrying a chainsaw on the streets of New York has been found guilty of two felony charges. Photos >

A 50-year-old man and his 3-month-old granddaughter are dead after a violent dog attack in Tennessee. Read more >

The Supreme Court revived the Texas congressional map that ignited a redistricting war. What we know >

Parents in Missouri have been jailed for allegedly locking up their children, denying them food and forcing them to care for themselves. The investigation >

A Florida woman was stopped by federal agents, who removed her from her car as she screamed that she was a U.S. citizen. Video >

Indiana police officers arrested an Amazon driver and then finished making his deliveries. Read more >

NOMINATE A REMARKABLE WOMAN

Do you know an incredible woman who's making a difference through community service, personal achievement or innovation? She could receive a $25,000 donation for the nonprofit of her choice and an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to Nashville! Nominate a Remarkable Woman in your life by Dec. 19! Nominate >