CBS Weekend News, December 12, 2020
Mass coronavirus vaccine distribution plan underway; Arkansas family harassed over "Black Santa" decorations
Michigan
Pfizer on distributing its COVID vaccine
Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine have begun to rollout of Pfizer's manufacturing facility in Michigan. The company aims to distribute 50 million doses globally by the end of the year. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
COVID vaccine distribution plan underway
With the FDA approving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the next challenge is figuring out the logistics of prompt nationwide distribution. The first of roughly 3 million vaccines will begin shipping in a matter of hours. Manuel Bojorquez reports.
Dr. David Agus answers COVID vaccine questions
The FDA on Friday approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agues answers some common questions on the new vaccine.
A look at the plan to distribute COVID vaccines
Now that the FDA has given the green light for a coronavirus vaccine, experts say inoculations could start to be administered in a matter of days. But first, the vaccine needs to be shipped to hospitals, pharmacies and doctor's offices across the country. Lana Zak spoke with Richard Smith, the FedEx Express regional president of the Americas and executive vice president of global support.
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist on state's pandemic response
Michigan's top epidemiologist says the state's coronavirus caseload is plateauing, though residents must remain on high alert as hospitalizations climb. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist joined CBSN to discuss how Michigan officials are responding to the pandemic.
Michigan Secretary of State on election audits
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is preparing to conduct multiple statewide audits of the 2020 election to affirm public confidence in its integrity. It comes as she and others face attacks from President Trump and his allies over unfounded claims of fraud. Secretary Benson joined "CBSN AM" to discuss.
4 states ask SCOTUS to reject suit seeking to overturn election results
The attorneys general of Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Georgia rebuked GOP efforts to reverse Joe Biden's victory.
Body found of pilot of F-16 that crashed in Michigan
Wisconsin Air National Guard "Fighting Falcon" went down in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The crash's cause is under investigation.
Service dog missing for over 3 years reunites with family
A Michigan couple received a very special Christmas surprise this year — the return of their beloved dog.
GOP AGs back Trump legal fight
President Trump has met with Republican state attorneys general who are backing a lawsuit in the Supreme Court to invalidate presidential election votes in Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Weijia Jiang has details.
U.S. no longer expected to see northern lights this week
Space weather officials on Thursday afternoon downgraded the forecast for the storm, eliminating the possibility of aurora borealis across the U.S.
Texas sues to block other states' election results
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing over the election results in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia, four battleground states that helped swing the race for President-elect Joe Biden. Michigan's attorney general called it a "publicity stunt." CBS News 2020 campaign reporter Adam Brewster joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano to discuss what Paxton is arguing, and where the lawsuit could be headed.
Ohio State vs. Michigan canceled over COVID-19 concerns
Ohio State is currently undefeated, but a lack of a conference championship could make it more difficult to get a slot in the College Football Playoff.
Teen scientist is Time Magazine's "Kid of the Year"
Gitanjali Rao, 15, has been named Time Magazine's first-ever "Kid of the Year." The teen scientist has been taking on some of the world's biggest problems, including inventing a lead testing kit inspired by Flint, Michigan. Adriana Diaz shares her story.
Detroit mayor says U.S. "not yet geared up" for mass vaccinations
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city is preparing to vaccinate 5,000 people per day if and when a vaccine is approved.
Impact of Trump-led election challenges on Black voters
Voting rights activists say they're concerned about possible long-term impacts of President Trump's efforts to challenge vote counts in predominantly Black communities. Attempts by his legal team to expose alleged voter fraud in states across the Rust Belt have largely failed, but some say these efforts to undermine faith in the electoral process could depress future voter turnout among Black Americans. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the latest.
Michigan certifies election results
Michigan has certified its election results, officially declaring President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the state. One Republican canvasser joined two Democrats in the decision Monday night. CBS News 2020 campaign reporter Adam Brewster joined “CBSN AM” with the latest and what this means for the Trump campaign.
Michigan certifies election results and Biden's victory in the state
President Trump and his allies have been trying unsuccessfully through the courts and other means to overturn Michigan's election results.
Michigan certifies vote count
Michigan is certifying its election results after President-elect Joe Biden won the state, despite efforts from the Trump campaign and some Republicans to block it. CBS News 2020 campaign reporter Adam Brewster spoke to CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano about what comes next for the state.
Trump makes 4th public appearance since election
President Trump made his fourth public appearance since Election Day on Friday, when he held a news conference to discuss his administration's efforts to reduce the price of prescription drugs. The president did not take questions about his unproven claims of widespread voter fraud or his campaign's ongoing efforts to overturn the results of the election. CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid and CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe join Lana Zak to discuss.
Where the Trump campaign and Republicans' election-related lawsuits stand
The Trump campaign is seeking to block the certification of election results in several key states, alleging with scant evidence ballots were fraudulently cast.
Trump still falsely claims he won election
As the virtual G20 summit kicked off Saturday, President Trump continued to falsely claim he won the presidential election. Mr. Trump also skipped a session focused on the coronavirus pandemic to play golf. Chip Reid has more.
Dems denounce Trump's attempts to pressure Michigan officials
The president is set to meet with Michigan' Republican legislative leaders at the White House.
Trump continues to fight election results
President Trump is meeting with several Michigan Republican lawmakers as the state move towards certifying its election results, showing President-elect Joe Biden winning the state. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports on the latest, and Associated Press White House reporter Zeke Miller spoke to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about Mr. Trump's efforts to subvert the choice of voters in states he lost.
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.
Live
Seized ship taken toward Iran as Trump and Xi agree on Strait of Hormuz
A ship was taken by unknown parties toward Iranian waters after an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off Oman.
Exclusive
Will Trump ask Putin to bring these Americans home?
Anastasia Antonov believes that her father, Aleksandr, was arrested by the Russian government last year because he is an American citizen. Now, she is appealing to President Trump to push Vladimir Putin's government to free her father.
Netanyahu says Israel will sue The New York Times
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government plans to file a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
CIA Director 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.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
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.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
U.S.
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American passenger from hantavirus-hit cruise ship on life in quarantine
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
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.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
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.
MoneyWatch
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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.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record price at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" diamond was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Politics
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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.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
Sponsored
Activities that challenge your mind may help maintain brain health
Challenging your mind, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
World
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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.
FBI offers $200K for info on Air Force officer accused of spying for Iran
The FBI said Thursday that it's still trying to locate Monica Witt, who is accused of defecting to Iran in 2013 and revealing highly classified U.S. intelligence.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
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.
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
Technology
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Technology
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.
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.
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.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Science
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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.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Space
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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."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
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.
U.S.-China summit highlights bigger picture
In Taiwan, Tony Dokoupil spoke with people on the streets who spoke against China's government and communism, not against the people.
Americans increasingly rely on food pantries
Families are flooding back to food pantries across the country as prices are rising faster than paychecks for the first time in three years. Jason Allen reports.
Pilot, passenger recount plane crash at sea
Ten passengers survived a plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean this week, thanks to the actions of its pilot. That pilot and one of his passengers spoke with Cristian Benavides.
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.