World News Summary

Del Thielke, a World War II veteran, is believed to be the last surviving witness of Japan's surrender on the USS Missouri, marking a significant moment in history, as reported by John Lauritsen. Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza has allowed for celebrations, with a 65-foot Christmas tree being lit in the city amid ongoing tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as noted by Imtiaz Tyab.

In the U.S., holiday spending is up from last year, but consumers face challenges as rising prices and stagnant wages lead to difficult financial choices, highlighting the economic strain many Americans are experiencing, according to Kati Weis.

Additionally, in a significant diplomatic development, Russia has expressed approval of President Trump's new national security strategy, suggesting it aligns with Moscow's own vision, as reported by Leigh Kiniry.

On another note, concerns about the safety of AI chatbots for children have escalated, following reports revealing that these platforms can expose minors to harmful content, raising alarms among parents and experts alike, as discussed in segments by Sharyn Alfonsi.