President Trump is so far refusing to sign the latest round of coronavirus aid passed by Congress, as he demands direct payments to Americans be increased from $600 to $2,000. New Jersey Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer and New York Republican Congressman Tom Reed, co-chairs of the bipartisan “Problem Solvers Caucus,” spoke to CBSN’s Tom Hanson about what is being done as key eviction protection and unemployment benefit deadlines approach. Source

There are growing concerns over a massive post-holiday coronavirus surge as millions ignore warnings to stay home for Christmas. CBSN’s Tom Hanson spoke with Dr. Scott Kelly, the chief medical officer of CytoDyn, about the state of the virus in the U.S. and what we know about the new strains detected overseas. Source

Britain and the European Union have reached agreement a post-Brexit trade deal after months of contentious negotiations. The deal comes almost four years after Britain voted to leave the European bloc. CBS News foreign correspondent Roxana Saberi joined CBSN’s Tom Hanson to discuss the latest. Source

“What he is right now is very, very nervous and he is very scared,” the president’s former personal attorney told CBSN. Source

Nine workers died and hundreds were sickened in a COVID-19 outbreak at the plant earlier this year. Source

President Trump is using his last days in office to pardon several of his closest allies. But his former personal attorney Michael Cohen, who pled guilty to financial charges and lying to Congress, was not on that list. Cohen joined CBSN to discuss what he thinks of the president’s actions as well as his insights into potential legal issues Mr. Trump could face over his financial dealings. Source

Evacuations were ordered as Santa Ana winds brought dangerously gusty and dry conditions to Southern California. Source

“Americans are waiting for final approval of the bipartisan $900 billion COVID-19 relief deal, which includes $600 individual stimulus checks. But the bill remains delayed as President Trump calls on Congress to increase the checks to $2,000 each. Stephen Gandel, senior reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, joined CBSN to break down the status of the economic relief package. ” Source

“Good Christmas decorations are better than bad Christmas decorations, but even bad Christmas decorations are better than none at all.” Source

Both Roger Stone and Paul Manafort were prosecuted for charges related to former special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation​. Source