Trump attacks big Pharma, announces programs to lower drug prices
This is the final 2020 edition of the CBS News Trail Markers — much thanks to the CBS News teams who contributed and to you for reading.
Trail Markers
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Top Republican Michigan legislators to meet Friday with Trump
The meeting comes at the president's request.
Trump campaign transfers $3 million to Wisconsin for recount
The campaign is requesting recounts in Milwaukee and Dane Counties, both heavily Democratic.
Trump considering 2024 presidential bid
Trump has "100%" mentioned it in conversations with his top advisers in recent days, a Trump campaign senior adviser and a Trump ally told CBS News.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Biden pleads with Democrats and Republicans to come together for COVID-19 relief bill
"The idea the president is still playing golf and not doing anything about it is beyond my comprehension," the president-elect said. "What is he doing?"
Biden projected to take 306 Electoral College votes to Trump's 232
In 2016, President Trump received 306 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton's 232.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Obama tells "60 Minutes" he's "more troubled" by GOP members "humoring" Trump
"They appear to be motivated — in part because — the president doesn't like to lose and — never admits loss," Mr. Obama said.
Dems and GOP worry about Facebook and Google political ad bans
Georgia Senate runoffs take place January 5, and both parties are eager to get voters registered and casting ballots in early voting period.
Biden's congratulatory calls with world leaders aren't involving State Dept
A transition expert calls the lack of help from State Dept with the calls "unprecedented."
2020 Daily Trail Markers: McConnell takes victory lap and backs Trump's refusal to concede
Control of the Senate will not likely be decided until the two Senate runoffs in Georgia take place on January 5.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: As recount talk grows, remember: Margins have to be very, very, very thin to affect calls
The 2000 race is of course an extreme example.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Both campaigns keep up pleas for donations
After a record-breaking election in terms of fundraising, if you thought the emails and text message appeals for donations would end on Election Day, think again!
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Biden projected winner of Michigan and Wisconsin but legal challenges loom
The Trump campaign has called for a recount in Wisconsin.
Election Day is here - Trail Markers special early edition
Tens of millions are expected to turn out, and over 100 million Americans have already cast their ballots in early and mail-in voting.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: On Election Eve, 97 million Americans have already voted
If you are waiting in line when the polls close, stay in line because you still have the right to vote.
COVID-19 considered a top issue in GOP ads in just 2 battleground states
Republicans are tiptoeing around the pandemic on national and local airwaves.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: How ads from the two campaigns differ in the final sprint
An analysis of ads by Kantar/Campaign Media Analysis Group found Trump campaign ads since June took a more negative tone or contrasted with his opponent.
Supreme Court won't expedite review of Pennsylvania ballot extension
"[T]here is simply not enough time at this late date to decide the question before the election," Justice Alito wrote. "That does not mean, however, that the state court decision must escape our review."
Trump hits the campaign trail in Nebraska
There's a single electoral college vote up for grabs in Nebraska's 2nd District; Nebraska is one of two states to split electoral college votes among congressional districts.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Why not make Election Day a national holiday?
Voting experts urged that declaring Election Day a federal holiday wouldn't solve any of the frustrating problems we're now seeing.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Senate Democratic hopefuls are raising serious cash. They're also spending it.
Jaime Harrison, Sara Gideo and Mark Kelly all raised record-breaking funds.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Trump and Biden meet for final debate as Americans have started casting their ballots
Some form of voting is underway in all 50 states.
Obama hits the trail for Biden in Pennsylvania
He made his first in-person appearance for Biden in the Keystone State at a socially distanced drive-in rally.
Early in-person voting begins in Wisconsin
There was steady turnout and long lines in some parts of the state Tuesday.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Trump says in campaign call that Fauci is a "disaster"
Mr. Trump said Fauci is a "very nice man" but "loves being on TV" and that he has "made a lot of bad calls."
Politics
Afghan charged with planning Election Day attack previously worked for CIA
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was previously employed by the intelligence agency before coming to the U.S.
Harris campaign surpasses $1 billion in fundraising, source says
The Harris campaign has seen a donation windfall in the three months since Harris became the Democratic nominee.
Appeals court weighs fate of DACA protections for 500,000 "Dreamers"
DACA has been the subject of a years-long court battle and remains in legal jeopardy due to a lawsuit by Texas and other Republican-led states that oppose the policy.
Ethel Kennedy, human rights advocate and widow of RFK, dies at 96
After her husband was assassinated in 1968, Ethel Kennedy raised their 11 children and spent decades working for human rights.
Obama to hit campaign trail for first time in support of Harris
Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have a relationship dating back to his run for Senate in 2004.
Lake, Gallego spar over immigration, trade personal barbs in debate
Republican Kari Lake and Democrat Ruben Gallego are battling for Arizona's open Senate seat, a race that could determine control of the Senate.
Biden assures Florida residents, "We've got your back" ahead of Milton
During his remarks, President Biden also accused former President Trump of leading the "onslaught of lies" about hurricane aid.
Springfield, Ohio, grapples with real health challenges as well as false claims
What is really happening in Springfield, Ohio, is a microcosm of the health care challenges immigration hot spots throughout the country are facing.
FEMA leader vows "whole federal family" will respond to Hurricane Milton
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said on Wednesday that the agency has a "layered approach" to staffing.
Donald Trump's "God Bless the USA" Bibles were printed in China
Donald Trump's $59.99 "God Bless the USA" Bibles were printed in China, a country he has accused of stealing American jobs.
Supreme Court grapples with case of death row inmate who's had 3 last meals
Richard Glossip, an Oklahoma death row inmate, and Gentner Drummond, the state's attorney general, are asking the Supreme Court to grant Glossip a new trial.
Walz says "Electoral College needs to go"
"I think all of us know the electoral college needs to go," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. "But that's not the world we live in."
Reporter's notebook: Walz, Vance continue orange bowling tradition
In the decades-old tradition, the press corps traveling with a candidate rolls an orange up the aisle of the campaign jet with a question written on it. An answer is written on the orange and then rolled back to reporters.
What is Harris' "Medicare at Home" plan and how would it work?
Kamala Harris says she would expand Medicare to cover in-home senior healthcare costs.
Trump gifted Putin a COVID test machine early in pandemic, book claims
In his new book "War," Bob Woodward claims Donald Trump has had at least seven phone calls with Vladimir Putin since leaving office.
U.S.
More U.S.
Afghan charged with planning Election Day attack previously worked for CIA
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was previously employed by the intelligence agency before coming to the U.S.
Harris campaign surpasses $1 billion in fundraising, source says
The Harris campaign has seen a donation windfall in the three months since Harris became the Democratic nominee.
Fisher-Price recalls more than 2 million infant swings after 5 deaths
Fisher-Price is offering $25 to product owners who remove and destroy swing parts that increase risk of suffocation.
Appeals court weighs fate of DACA protections for 500,000 "Dreamers"
DACA has been the subject of a years-long court battle and remains in legal jeopardy due to a lawsuit by Texas and other Republican-led states that oppose the policy.
Trial of University of Idaho murders suspect delayed until August 2025
Bryan Kohberger faces four murder charges in the fatal stabbings of four college students in November 2022.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Fisher-Price recalls more than 2 million infant swings after 5 deaths
Fisher-Price is offering $25 to product owners who remove and destroy swing parts that increase risk of suffocation.
FDA authorizes over-the-counter combined COVID-19 and flu test
Healgen Scientific's combined COVID-19 and flu test gives people a new way to check what's causing their symptoms, FDA says.
U.S. inflation continued to cool in September, latest CPI data shows
Inflation in September fell to an annual rate of 2.4%, its lowest point since early 2021, as gas and energy costs continued to ease.
Here's the 2025 COLA increase for Social Security recipients
Social Security benefits are given a cost-of-living adjustment each year. The 2025 COLA increase is the smallest since 2021.
United to fly to 8 new cities overseas — here's where you can go
United Airlines is adding new overseas destinations in what the carrier calls its largest international expansion.
Politics
More Politics
Afghan charged with planning Election Day attack previously worked for CIA
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was previously employed by the intelligence agency before coming to the U.S.
Harris campaign surpasses $1 billion in fundraising, source says
The Harris campaign has seen a donation windfall in the three months since Harris became the Democratic nominee.
Appeals court weighs fate of DACA protections for 500,000 "Dreamers"
DACA has been the subject of a years-long court battle and remains in legal jeopardy due to a lawsuit by Texas and other Republican-led states that oppose the policy.
Ethel Kennedy, human rights advocate and widow of RFK, dies at 96
After her husband was assassinated in 1968, Ethel Kennedy raised their 11 children and spent decades working for human rights.
Obama to hit campaign trail for first time in support of Harris
Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have a relationship dating back to his run for Senate in 2004.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Fisher-Price recalls more than 2 million infant swings after 5 deaths
Fisher-Price is offering $25 to product owners who remove and destroy swing parts that increase risk of suffocation.
FDA authorizes over-the-counter combined COVID-19 and flu test
Healgen Scientific's combined COVID-19 and flu test gives people a new way to check what's causing their symptoms, FDA says.
Why free COVID tests from the government are expiring so soon
Many of the free COVID tests being shipped out now will be expiring within a few months.
California cheesemaker linked to deadly listeria outbreak shut down by Feds
Rizo-López Foods can no longer manufacture and distribute cheese and other dairy products, Justice Department says.
Springfield, Ohio, grapples with real health challenges as well as false claims
What is really happening in Springfield, Ohio, is a microcosm of the health care challenges immigration hot spots throughout the country are facing.
World
More World
Ukrainian reporter Victoria Roshchyna dies in Russian detention
Victoria Roshchyna, who would have turned 28 this month, disappeared last year after she traveled to east Ukraine for a report.
How life has changed for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since Oct. 7
A Palestinian-American in the Israeli-occupied West Bank says he's been kept off his land for a year. For others, it's been much worse.
Prince William and Kate meet with families of victims of stabbing attack
Prince William and Princess Catherine carried out their first joint public engagement since the end of Kate's chemotherapy.
U.N. says Israeli troops fire on peacekeepers in Lebanon, wounding 2
The United Nations mission in southern Lebanon, where Israel is battling Iran-backed Hezbollah, says Israeli forces have fired on international peacekeepers.
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is retiring next month
Rafael Nadal won 22 Grand Slam singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Rachel Bloom talks Netflix special
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Rachel Bloom, creator and star of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," returns with her new Netflix special, "Death, Let Me Do My Special." Bloom opens up about the challenges of her daughter's birth and the loss of her writing partner during the pandemic.
Cage the Elephant on upcoming tour with Oasis
Rock band Cage the Elephant recently celebrated one billion Spotify streams for "Cigarette Daydreams" and wrapped their largest tour to date, including a sold-out Madison Square Garden show. In an interview with Anthony Mason, the Shultz brothers talk about the challenges that shaped their latest album, "Neon Pill."
Fat bear champion "Grazer" wins again
In a fierce competition, 20-year-old bear Grazer won Alaska's Fat Bear Contest for the second year in a row, defeating fan favorite Chunk, who had killed one of her cubs earlier this summer. Grazer claimed victory by more than 40,000 votes
Taylor Tomlinson reveals who would be her dream guest on "After Midnight"
Taylor Tomlinson opens up about her new comedy tour, "Save Me," which tackles personal topics like growing up in church.
Museum nearly loses beer can art to trash
A Dutch museum exhibit featuring hand-painted beer cans was almost lost forever when a staff member mistakenly threw them in the trash. A curator returned early from break and saved the art in time.
Technology
More Technology
Some iPhone users can send texts when service is down. Here's how.
Apple's new mobile operating system could help iPhone users stay in touch if Hurricane Milton knocks out cell service.
Over a dozen states sue TikTok
Fourteen attorneys general have sued TikTok claiming the social media app harms teens and their mental health. They allege the Chinese-owned app violates consumer protection laws and claim TikTok relies on "addictive features" that keep users on the app.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
TikTok sued by multiple states over app's impact on kids' health
The attorneys general of more than a dozen states and Washington D.C. claim TikTok falsely claims its platform is safe for children.
Guns for sale on social media despite Meta's policies against it
Glocks, military-style rifles and "ghost guns" have all been advertised for sale on easily accessible sites like Facebook and Instagram, a new report finds.
Science
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Science
Research on worms leads to Nobel Prize
Two scientists' groundbreaking research on worms has earned them the Nobel Prize in medicine. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun uncovered microRNA, tiny molecules that help control what cells do, which could help develop new medicines.
SpaceX launches European asteroid probe as hurricane weather closes in
Despite an initially dismal forecast, SpaceX got a break in the weather to send Europe's Hera asteroid probe on its way.
Maps show which states could see northern lights this weekend
The northern lights could dazzle millions of Americans in some northern states this weekend.
Type of firefly could be first on federal endangered species list
The Bethany Beach firefly is the first lightning bug species to be considered for protections under the Endangered Species Act.
How climate change threatens plants, animals
In this episode of "Climate Watch: Protecting the Planet," CBS News senior environmental correspondent Ben Tracy speaks to scientists and experts about the growing number of critically endangered plants and animals and how humans can help.
Crime
More Crime
Afghan charged with planning Election Day attack previously worked for CIA
Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was previously employed by the intelligence agency before coming to the U.S.
Trial of University of Idaho murders suspect delayed until August 2025
Bryan Kohberger faces four murder charges in the fatal stabbings of four college students in November 2022.
After newly elected mayor beheaded, others ask for protection
Mayor Alejandro Arcos had been sworn into office less than a week before he was murdered.
Supreme Court hears arguments around ghost guns
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case involving ghost guns, which are assembled with build-it-yourself kits sold online with no background checks. The justices appeared to signal they were leaning toward upholding the Biden administration's crackdown on the guns, which would require serial numbers and background checks. Jan Crawford reports.
Retired Houston officer gets 60 years for deaths of couple during drug raid
A former Houston police officer was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the murder of a married couple during a raid that revealed corruption in the narcotics unit.
Space
More Space
Stunning images show Hurricane Milton from space
Images from space show the progress of Hurricane Milton towards the western coast of Florida.
SpaceX launches European asteroid probe as hurricane weather closes in
Despite an initially dismal forecast, SpaceX got a break in the weather to send Europe's Hera asteroid probe on its way.
Stormy weather, approaching hurricane, threaten launch delays
With a hurricane approaching, two high-priority NASA and European missions to an asteroid and Jupiter's moon Europa face delays.
Maps show which states could see northern lights this weekend
The northern lights could dazzle millions of Americans in some northern states this weekend.
New Vulcan rocket takes off on second test flight
Despite an apparent problem with one of two strap-on boosters, the Vulcan reached orbit and otherwise performed as expected.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Clues and evidence in the John McCabe case
A teenager's murder in Lowell, Massachusetts, goes unsolved for more than 40 years -- were the clues there all along?
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Hurricane Milton rescues continue
Efforts to recover from Hurricane Milton's wrath are underway in Florida. Rescues continue in flooded areas as millions remain without power. CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch has the latest on the weather, and CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has more on rescues in Clearwater. Also, Lee County officials have updates on response efforts.
Last CPI report before Election Day
The latest Consumer Price Index report, the last that will be released before Election Day, showed inflation continued to cool in September. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger has more.
Update on efforts to restore power in Florida
Bryan Garner, spokesperson for the Florida Power & Light Company, joined CBS News to discuss the ongoing process to restore power to millions of Florida residents in the dark after Hurricane Milton.
Trump still spreading false claims about FEMA
In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, former President Donald Trump is continuing to peddle false claims that FEMA is diverting disaster relief funds to migrants. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
Harris briefed on Milton response efforts
Vice President Kamala Harris is getting briefings on the federal response to Hurricane Milton as she continues making her case to voters on the campaign trail. CBS News campaign reporter Shawna Mizelle has more.