"CBS Evening News" headlines for December 21, 2020
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
House Democrats issue subpoenas in probe of interference at CDC
The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis said "efforts to interfere with scientific work at CDC were far more extensive and dangerous than previously known."
CDC panel makes recommendation for next Americans to get vaccine
Phase 1B includes Americans 75 and older and frontline workers — including police, firefighters, teachers and grocery workers.
Experts warn of "catastrophic" wave of evictions if ban ends
Nothing will stop renters from being "pushed out into the streets" if moratorium lapses on December 31, expert says.
Whitman: Ignoring science is dangerous
Former New Jersey governor and EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss accusations of political interference by the Trump administration at the CDC, as well as President-elect Joe Biden's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, the current head of North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality, Michael Regan.
A former CDC director explains how the COVID-19 vaccine will be rolled out
"The FDA's process was transparent and thorough, and we should all be grateful to the scientists who made this achievement possible," former Acting CDC Director Dr. Richard Besser told "Face the Nation"
FDA panel endorses Pfizer vaccine
An FDA advisory panel recommended granting Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Harvard Chan School of Public Health epidemiologist Dr. Micahel Mina joins CBSN's "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on some of the concerns raised during the meeting on safety and efficacy data.
CDC director allegedly ordered deletion of email
The head of a House oversight committee questioned whether CDC Director Robert Redfield interfered with coronavirus guidance.
N.Y. official on CDC request for personal data
New York state pushed back against a request from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect data from residents who receive a coronavirus vaccine. The federal agency asked all 50 states to sign an agreement that allows them to obtain personal information from vaccinated people, including names and birthdays. Leaders like New York Governor Andrew Cuomo believe the Trump administration would use the information to deport undocumented immigrants, which the agency denies. New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul joined "CBSN AM" to discuss.
CDC calls for everyone to wear a mask
As cases of COVID-19 surge nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now say everyone should wear a mask when away from home. Matthew Fox, a professor of epidemiology and global health at Boston University, joins CBSN with the latest on the pandemic.
#IWearAMaskBecause urges Americans to remain vigilant
"Isn't 273,000 families enough yet?"
Former CDC head on vaccines, COVID safety
The daily coronavirus death average in the U.S. topped 2,000 in the last week, pushing the national toll past 278,000. There are more than 14 million confirmed cases in the country. Former CDC director and current CEO and President of the Resolve to Save Lives initiative Dr. Tom Frieden joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss the state of the pandemic.
CDC recommends "universal mask wearing" outside home
New guidance lists "universal wearing of face masks" as the first strategy to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
CDC releases new mask guidance
The CDC is now urging ""universal mask use"" as coronavirus cases continue to surge. Dr. Caneri Webb, the director of Health Policy and Equity at the University of Virginia's School of Medicine, joined CBSN to break down the latest in the fight against the virus.
CDC urges indoor mask use amid COVID-19 surge
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who have been potentially exposed to the coronavirus should wear a mask inside their homes to protect their families. Adriana Diaz has details.
U.S. daily coronavirus cases surpass 180,000
The director of the CDC is warning this winter could be the "most difficult time" in the nation's public health history. Hospitals are being overwhelmed as new daily cases skyrocket to more than 180,000. Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña, the director of global health at Northwell Health, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
Deadliest day of COVID pandemic so far
Wednesday was the single deadliest day for the U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic began. CBS News' David Begnaud has more on the toll nationwide, and Dr. Céline Gounder, a member of President-elect Joe Biden's COVID-19 advisory board, joined CBSN to discuss the latest on the pandemic and Biden's plans to tackle it.
Doctor urges Americans to cancel holiday travel
The U.S. has recorded its single worst daily death toll since the beginning of the pandemic, and health officials say the number of infections and deaths will only continue to rise, in part due to the delayed effects of Thanksgiving travel. CBS News correspondent David Begnaud reports on new safety measures being implemented by local officials, and Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, an internal medicine physician at California Medical Center, joined CBSN to discuss what action needs to be taken to mitigate spread, and what obstacles health care workers are facing.
CDC reduces quarantine time from 2 weeks to 10 days with no symptoms
The shorter time period is meant to encourage more people to quarantine.
U.K. OKs Pfizer vaccine for emergency use
The U.K. has given Pfizer the go-ahead to distribute the world's first coronavirus vaccine backed by rigorous science. Dr. Neeta Ogden, an internal medicine specialist and immunologist, joined CBSN to discuss how the country got ahead of the U.S. and what American regulators can learn from the U.K.'s timeline.
Former HHS Secretary on CDC vaccine recommendations
Kathleen Sebelius, the Health and Human Services Secretary under President Obama, joins CBSN to talk about the CDC advisory group's recent recommendations on who should receive the coronavirus vaccine once it's made available.
CDC panel weighs in on vaccine distribution
With only about 40 million COVID-19 vaccine doses available, a CDC advisory panel suggested priority be given to seniors in long-term care and frontline health care workers while officials also work to update quarantine protocols. David Begnaud reports.
Experts suggest first group for COVID vaccine
On Tuesday, A CDC advisory panel voted to recommend that health care workers and long-term care facility residents and employees should be the first people in the United States to receive coronavirus vaccines. Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the rising coronavirus cases and the latest vaccine news
CDC panel on COVID vaccine distribution
A CDC panel recommended on Tuesday that health care workers and nursing home residents should be first to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Those initial doses from Pfizer and Moderna, which have not yet been FDA approved, could be distributed in two weeks. CBS News correspondents Mola Lenghi and David Begnaud have the latest details, and Dr. Uzma Syed, an infectious disease specialist, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss what she will be looking at once the vaccines are out in the public.
CDC advisers vote on who should get COVID vaccine first
A CDC advisory panel has voted that the first people to receive the coronavirus vaccine should be health care workers and nursing home patients. Distribution could begin as early as December 15. Mola Lenghi has more.
Live
Trump says U.S. "obliterated" every target on Kharg Island; Iran war nears 2-week mark
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. military had conducted "one of the most power bombing raids" on Iran's Kharg Island, a vital oil hub for the country.
Judge quashes subpoenas sent to Fed in DOJ criminal probe
A federal judge has quashed a pair of grand jury subpoenas sent to the Federal Reserve Board as part of a criminal probe by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office.
Trump announces Ric Grenell stepping aside as Kennedy Center president
Matt Floca will be the new CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center, President Trump announced.
Man charged with selling stolen firearm used in Old Dominion shooting
The stolen gun used in the Old Dominion University was sold this week to the shooter for $100, according to a federal law enforcement affidavit.
All 6 crew members killed in crash of U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft in Iraq
The U.S. military has confirmed that all six crew members were killed when an American KC-135 refueling plane taking part in the Iran war crashed in western Iraq.
DOJ moves to drop charges against man who burned U.S. flag outside White House
Jan Carey was facing two misdemeanor criminal counts in Washington, D.C., federal court.
Jury finds defendants guilty of terrorism charges in attack on Prairieland ICE center
Nine defendants were on trial on charges related to the July 4 attack on the Prairieland ICE detention center in North Texas.
New details emerge on attack at Michigan synagogue and suspect's history
The attacker rammed a vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield and opened fire, but he was the only one killed, law enforcement officials said.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
U.S.
More U.S.
How a beloved resident has been embraced by his town for more than a half-century
Clinton, New Jersey, is known primarily for its old grist mill, its quaint downtown, and its historic resident, "Dave the Rave."
DOJ moves to drop charges against man who burned U.S. flag outside White House
Jan Carey was facing two misdemeanor criminal counts in Washington, D.C., federal court.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Man charged with selling stolen firearm used in Old Dominion shooting
The stolen gun used in the Old Dominion University was sold this week to the shooter for $100, according to a federal law enforcement affidavit.
Trump announces Ric Grenell stepping aside as Kennedy Center president
Matt Floca will be the new CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center, President Trump announced.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Chart shows what you're paying for when you buy a gallon of gas
U.S. gas prices are surging as the Iran war drives up the global cost of oil. But what exactly accounts for what you pay at the pump?
High oil prices are boosting airfares. These tips could save you money.
Planning a trip? Travel experts recommend booking your flight soon as the Iran war drives up airline and ticket costs.
These 2 bills would erase income taxes for millions of Americans
Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing tax reforms that would eliminate federal income taxes for millions of Americans.
Toyota recalls 550,000 Highlander SUVs because seats may fail to lock
Parts defect affecting Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles can increase the risk of injury, according to a safety notice. Here's what to know.
Economic growth late last year was much weaker than previously thought
GDP grew at a sluggish 0.7% pace in the final months of 2025 as the government shutdown hurt economic activity.
Politics
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DOJ moves to drop charges against man who burned U.S. flag outside White House
Jan Carey was facing two misdemeanor criminal counts in Washington, D.C., federal court.
Trump announces Ric Grenell stepping aside as Kennedy Center president
Matt Floca will be the new CEO and executive director of the Kennedy Center, President Trump announced.
Exclusive
Security detail requested for U.S. official who asked for Lisa Cook, Adam Schiff probes
A security detail has been requested from the federal health department's inspector general for top federal housing official Bill Pulte.
Democrats seek clarity on Epstein accountant's statements on Trump accuser
Richard Kahn, who worked closely with Epstein for more than a decade, testified before the Oversight Committee on Wednesday.
Trump posts renderings showing Kennedy Center exterior after planned renovation
The Kennedy Center is set to close for two years on July 4.
HealthWatch
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Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
Disease once linked to mining hits workers in countertops industry
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone for kitchen countertops, can scar human lungs beyond repair.
"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Investigation
There's one building in LA with 89 registered hospices: "Ground zero" for fraud?
A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.
World
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New release of oil reserves will put U.S. supplies at 40-year low
The latest release of oil follows historic withdrawals from the Biden administration to combat gas prices from the Ukraine war.
Latin American drug kingpin wanted by U.S. is arrested in Bolivia
Notorious Latin American narco trafficker Sebastian Marset, who eluded police for years, was handed over to U.S. authorities after his arrest Friday in Bolivia.
Tourists, expats detained in UAE over content showing Iran war impacts
The head of an advocacy group said 21 people were facing charges under the UAE's cybercrime laws as of Thursday, including a 60-year-old British tourist.
Iran says major U.S. tech firms now among its targets in the Middle East
Suspected Iranian cyber and drone attacks are already impacting U.S. tech companies, and Iran says a list of American firms are now on its target list.
Democratic senators file war powers resolution to try to restrain Trump on Cuba
Senate Democrats have filed legislation hat would keep the U.S. from attacking Cuba without congressional approval as they seek to force a vote on President Trump's stated goal of a "takeover" of the Caribbean country.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Actors, fans prepare for 98th Oscars
The 98th Academy Awards Sunday will feature a battle of vampires versus revolutionaries as the films "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" compete for many of the show's top prizes. Nigel Smith, senior movies editor for People, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
Texas prepares for SXSW 2026
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with the latest details on preparations for SXSW 2026.
2026 Oscar winner predictions
The 98th annual Academy Awards will be held on Sunday. With 10 films nominated for the night's biggest honor, best picture, an expert says there are only two major contenders. Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner previews Hollywood's big night.
James Blake on new album, leaving his label
Grammy-winning artist James Blake speaks about making his first solo album as an independent artist. He talks to Anthony Mason about why he decided to leave his record label, what it's like to work with some of the world's biggest musicians and the passion behind his music.
Technology
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Technology
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
Jury deliberates in social media trial
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
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.
3 teens took part in a weeklong experiment to curb screen time. It worked.
For one week, three New Jersey high schoolers agreed not to take their phones to bed, and to try different tools to reduce screen time.
How Pentagon-Anthropic AI dispute escalated
The Trump administration has blacklisted AI giant Anthropic, labeling it a supply chain risk. The company has sued in response. New York Times tech reporter Sheera Frenkel joins CBS News to break down the feud.
Science
More Science
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
FBI: Synagogue attacker died by suicide
The suspect in the Michigan synagogue attack died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the FBI said at a news conference on Friday. CBS News correspondent Ash-har Quraishi has the latest.
Officials give update on synagogue attack
Officials in Michigan gave an update about Thursday's synagogue car ramming attack that the FBI is investigating as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
New details from Virginia, Michigan attacks
The U.S. is on high alert after two separate domestic attacks on Thursday: A shooting at Old Dominion University, and a car ramming at a Michigan synagogue. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest details on the incidents.
Synagogue attacker spent $2,000 on fireworks
CBS News has learned that the man who attacked a Michigan synagogue on Thursday purchased $2,000 worth of fireworks days before the incident. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Video shows synagogue attacker buying $2,250 in fireworks ahead of attack
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali made two purchases at a Phantom Fireworks store in Livonia, Michigan. He told the store staff the fireworks were for the end of Ramadan.
Space
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Space
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
From the archives: Grappling with the 1973 oil crisis
On Nov. 29, 1973, CBS News aired a special report titled "Making It Through This Winter," spotlighting the ways Americans were making do amid the oil crisis. Watch the program in full.
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
Michigan synagogue clergy grappling with attack
Clergy members at a Detroit-area synagogue are grateful no one was seriously hurt after an armed man rammed his car full of explosives into their building. But the community is now grappling with an endless amount of emotional wounds. Jonah Kaplan has the latest.
Minnesota settles with Lyft in service animal case
Rideshare company Lyft will ensure the rights of passengers with service animals under a settlement announced this week. This comes after a Minnesota woman who is blind reported that multiple drivers refused to let her service dog in their cars.
Meet "Dave the Rave," pillar of New Jersey town
Clinton, New Jersey, is known primarily for its old grist mill, its quaint downtown, and its historic…Dave the Rave. Steve Hartman has the story.