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
Trump says U.S. kills Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
Colorado governor commutes Trump ally Tina Peters' prison sentence
Gov. Jared Polis announced he is commuting the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who was facing more than eight years in state prison for allowing unauthorized access to voting machines following the 2020 presidential election.
Cuba's biggest threat to U.S. is collapse, says former defense secretary
In an interview with "Face the Nation," Gates said another mass exodus from Cuba is the "biggest risk."
Pirro threatens charges against parents if their teens violate local curfew
In a move aimed at curbing the growing problem of "teen takeovers," D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is threatening to bring charges against parents if their teens violate the local curfew.
Exclusive
Pentagon's rush to counter drone threat may pose safety risks, specialist says
The safety specialist's warning appeared in a memo describing how a mini-drone had detonated and injured an Army Special Forces soldier.
Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen drops reelection bid after redistricting
Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee announced Friday that he's retiring from Congress at the end of this term after his district in Memphis was redrawn.
Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
Exclusive
ICE releases wife of U.S. Army soldier after monthlong detention
ICE has released the wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier after a month in detention, her husband told CBS News.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
U.S.
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New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
A longtime Atlanta principal retired, then returned to his school as a handyman
David White retired as the longtime principal at the Burgess-Peterson Academy in Atlanta, and then returned to the school as its handyman.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Politics
More Politics
Trump says U.S. kills Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
Health officials battle new Ebola outbreak
Doctors are monitoring an Ebola epidemic in Africa that may be to blame for dozens of deaths so far. Lilia Luciano reports and spoke with a U.S. doctor who recovered from the virus.
The origins of hantavirus
The deadly hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship was caused by the Andes virus, the only known strain to spread from person to person. Rodents are known to carry hantavirus, but what's the disease's origin story? Ramy Inocencio explains.
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote province in Congo has caused 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, Africa CDC says.
World
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Trump says U.S. kills Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
U.S. reups $6M reward for American missing in Afghanistan for 12 years
Paul Edwin Overby Jr. vanished in May 2014 while researching a book in Khost province, Afghanistan, the FBI said.
Cuba's biggest threat to U.S. is collapse, says former defense secretary
In an interview with "Face the Nation," Gates said another mass exodus from Cuba is the "biggest risk."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Inside look at "Jack Ryan: Ghost War"
John Krasinski and Michael Kelly join "CBS Mornings" to discuss reuniting for the movie, "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War," after starring in the TV series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" for four seasons. They discuss the movie, their friendship and how they balance it all with their busy family lives.
Previewing new season of "Couples Therapy"
Dr. Orna Guralnik speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the new season of the docuseries "Couples Therapy," which features Guralnik counseling four new couples on how to tackle issues in their relationships, including major political differences and infidelity.
Drake releases three new albums
In a surprise, Drake dropped three new albums Thursday night, including "Iceman." It's the Canadian rapper's first new music since his explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
Technology
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Technology
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
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.
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Science
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New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
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Crime
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Sources: Iraqi national planned synagogue attacks
Federal prosecutors charged an Iraqi national on Friday with planning several terrorist attacks in the U.S. as retribution for the Iran war. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Iraqi national accused of plotting attacks
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi is facing federal charges for allegedly plotting several terror attacks in the U.S., including targeting a Jewish institution in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter and Jake Rosen report.
Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say
An Iraqi national allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks in the U.S., including at a prominent synagogue in New York, prosecutors said Friday.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Principal retires and returns as a handyman
58-year-old David White retired after 33 years in education, the last 15 spent as an elementary school principal in Atlanta. But after "just hanging out with the cat," he decided to go back to school as a handyman. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story.
Analyzing Jerome Powell's legacy
Friday marked Jerome Powell's last day as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. CBS News producer Emily Pandise takes a look at his legacy.
What role does Raúl Castro play in Cuba?
The U.S. is taking steps to indict Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president of Cuba, U.S. officials say. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Wife of Army soldier released from ICE
The wife of an active-duty U.S. Army soldier detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement was released on Thursday after a month in custody. CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.