Essential workers slammed again as Omicron variant spreads
COVID-19 is again hitting nurses, flight crews and other frontline staff. "We don't have enough hands," one grocery worker says.
MoneyWatch
Hundreds of U.S. flights canceled on Christmas Eve due to Omicron spread
United, Delta and other domestic airlines have scrubbed more than 600 flights, although holiday travel remains brisk.
COVID antiviral pills could be game changer—if you can find them
Supplies of antiviral pills from Pfizer initially will be scarce, with some states getting only 100 courses of treatment.
The rising threat to businesses in 2022? Water.
Climate change means thousands of office buildings, malls and apartments are at greater risk of flooding, analysis finds.
Audi gives losing "Wheel of Fortune" contestant a new car
Outrage ensued after Charlene Rubush lost out on a new Audi despite guessing correctly. So the automaker saved the day.
Amazon will give workers more power to organize a union
Nation's second-largest employer is facing a restless workforce as it continues to expand during the pandemic.
This site just topped Google as most visited online destination
Social media platform's explosive growth vaults it past the search giant and Facebook as most trafficked site.
Retail sales could reach $859 billion this holiday season
November and December sales could be up as much as 11.5% from 2020, according to the National Retail Federation.
Coal miners union asks Manchin to support Build Back Better
Coal workers have already suffered from the decline of fossil fuels. Build Back Better would have helped, union says.
More asphyxiation deaths linked to adult bed rails
Consumers urged not to use hundreds of thousands of devices sold nationwide at medical supply stores and online.
Tesla video games will no longer work in cars that are moving
A new software patch that Tesla plans to release will stop Passenger Play from activating when a vehicle is in drive.
Number of workers filing for jobless aid near historic low
Only 205,000 Americans applied for unemployment last week, showing businesses remain reluctant to cut staff.
Intel apologizes for asking suppliers to avoid Xinjiang
China's foreign ministry blasts reports of forced labor in mostly Muslim region as "completely lies."
Major industrial accident ignites fire at ExxonMobil refinery
Four people were injured, but no deaths were reported. Authorities said they aren't sure what caused the fire.
More than 110 million Americans to travel for holidays despite COVID surge
AAA says traveling is almost at pre-pandemic levels.
Latest News
"It's a great day for planet Earth": NASA launches $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope
It's the most expensive science probe ever built — a $10 billion effort to explore the origins of the universe.
Hundreds more U.S. flights canceled on Christmas due to Omicron
United, Delta and other domestic airlines have scrubbed hundreds of flights, although holiday travel remains brisk.
Dozens reported dead in Myanmar massacre
A witness who spoke to the Associated Press said the bodies were tied up with rope and set on fire.
El Salvador frees 3 women imprisoned for abortions
The women had been sentenced to 30 years in prison under the nation's strict anti-abortion laws after suffering obstetric emergencies, activists said.
Queen Elizabeth's Christmas message touches on love and loss
"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones," the queen said. "This year, especially, I understand why."
Essential workers slammed again as Omicron variant spreads
COVID-19 is again hitting nurses, flight crews and other frontline staff. "We don't have enough hands," one grocery worker says.
Flooding and snow hit the West as the South expects record highs
National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions for some areas over the holiday weekend.
Christmas Powerball prize could reach $400 million
It's the third time this year that the prize has reached the $400 million mark.
Astronomers discover record-breaking group of "rogue planets"
It's the largest number of the mysterious cosmic nomads ever discovered.
Money Tech
More
2,750 people have more wealth than half the planet: report
Inequality during the pandemic has swelled to the highest level in over a century, new economic data show.
Revolutionary telescope set for Christmas liftoff
NASA is slated to launch its James Webb Space Telescope to space on Christmas. The agency is hoping the $10 billion telescope will provide more insight into the universe. Mark Strassmann has more.
Essential workers slammed again as Omicron variant spreads
COVID-19 is again hitting nurses, flight crews and other frontline staff. "We don't have enough hands," one grocery worker says.
Audi gives losing "Wheel of Fortune" contestant a new car
Outrage ensued after Charlene Rubush lost out on a new Audi despite guessing correctly. So the automaker saved the day.
COVID antiviral pills could be game changer—if you can find them
Supplies of antiviral pills from Pfizer initially will be scarce, with some states getting only 100 courses of treatment.
Small Business
More
Small Business
Bringing equity to the VC funding process
New data released by Crunchbase shows that only 2.2% of all venture funding went to female-founded startups in the first eight months of this year. Deena Shakir, partner at Lux Capital, joins CBSN to discuss what needs to change to bring equity for female entrepreneurs and investors.
A third of small businesses have reinstated COVID-19 rules
As the Delta variant surges, many small employers are again taking precautions in the way they do business.
NYC giving artists $5,000 checks from Biden stimulus
Some 1,800 artists will receive $5,000 checks, while other federal funds will go to cabbies and homeless people.
Their small business was big events — then they had to adapt
The Vintage Market had shows with up to 30,000 in attendance. After the pandemic, its owners found new ways to survive.
44% of small businesses have less than 3 months of cash
"Everything is up in the air," said one Ohio bakery owner who worries that COVID-19 could shut her down again.
Retirement
More
More Americans are working into old age
A growing swath of seniors are working beyond 65, with many needing to supplement their paltry retirement savings.
How gig economy workers can save for retirement
Several types of plans are available, but figuring out which one is right for you can be confusing, so here's some help
When delaying your Social Security benefits pays off
The impact of your age when you begin collecting benefits can be more financially significant than you think
Claiming Social Security too early costs Americans $3.4 trillion
Only 4% of retirees claim the benefit at the optimal time. Everyone else is losing out on $111,000 per household
Hardship withdrawals from your company's 401(k)
The rules for hardship withdrawals are strict and the costs of taking money from your future retirement can be sky-high
U.S.
More U.S.
NASA launches $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope: "It's a great day for planet Earth"
It's the most expensive science probe ever built — a $10 billion effort to explore the origins of the universe.
Why "It's a Wonderful Life" continues to stand the test of time
"It's a Wonderful Life" debuted 75 years ago — but it wasn't an instant commercial success.
Special tradition behind Boston Common's Christmas tree
Nova Scotia sent Boston a Christmas tree as a gesture of thanks in 1918 — a gift repeated in 1971 and every year since.
COVID outbreak hits another Florida-based cruise ship
Carnival Freedom cruise was denied entry to Bonaire and Aruba after an undisclosed number of passengers and crew tested positive.
Christmas Powerball prize could reach $400 million
It's the third time this year that the prize has reached the $400 million mark.
Politics
More Politics
Bidens spending Christmas with family at the White House
Instead of celebrating in Delaware, as they usually do, the Bidens are spending this Christmas at the White House, at the request of their grandchildren.
U.S. to lift COVID-related travel restrictions on 8 African countries
The travel restrictions were imposed in late November on eight countries.
Why many House Democrats aren't running for reelection
Twenty-three Democrats so far are leaving the House, compared to just 11 Republicans.
Comedian Frank Caliendo on "The Takeout"
On "The Takeout" podcast this week, comedian Frank Caliendo talks with Major Garrett about how the divisiveness of national politics has changed comedy.
40 federal judges confirmed in 2021; Biden nominates two more
This is the largest number of confirmed judges since Reagan was president.
Health
More Health
Essential workers slammed again as Omicron variant spreads
COVID-19 is again hitting nurses, flight crews and other frontline staff. "We don't have enough hands," one grocery worker says.
COVID antiviral pills could be game changer—if you can find them
Supplies of antiviral pills from Pfizer initially will be scarce, with some states getting only 100 courses of treatment.
U.S. to lift COVID-related travel restrictions on 8 African countries
The travel restrictions were imposed in late November on eight countries.
CDC shortens isolation time for health care workers with COVID-19
Federal officials say the change was motivated by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and a staffing crunch at hospitals nationwide.
Times Square New Year's Eve celebration scaled back
The famous celebration will host less audience members and require them to wear masks and be fully vaccinated.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Essential workers slammed again as Omicron variant spreads
COVID-19 is again hitting nurses, flight crews and other frontline staff. "We don't have enough hands," one grocery worker says.
Hundreds of U.S. flights canceled on Christmas Eve due to Omicron spread
United, Delta and other domestic airlines have scrubbed more than 600 flights, although holiday travel remains brisk.
COVID antiviral pills could be game changer—if you can find them
Supplies of antiviral pills from Pfizer initially will be scarce, with some states getting only 100 courses of treatment.
The rising threat to businesses in 2022? Water.
Climate change means thousands of office buildings, malls and apartments are at greater risk of flooding, analysis finds.
Audi gives losing "Wheel of Fortune" contestant a new car
Outrage ensued after Charlene Rubush lost out on a new Audi despite guessing correctly. So the automaker saved the day.
World
More World
La Palma's longest volcanic eruption officially declared over
The volcanic eruption was the island of La Palma's longest active eruption on record, officials said.
El Salvador frees 3 women imprisoned for abortions
The women had been sentenced to 30 years in prison under the nation's strict anti-abortion laws after suffering obstetric emergencies, activists said.
Queen Elizabeth's Christmas message touches on love and loss
"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones," the queen said. "This year, especially, I understand why."
Duchess of Cambridge surprises audience with Christmas piano song
The royal wowed a Christmas Eve audience with a beautiful piano performance alongside singer-songwriter Tom Walker.
Dozens reported dead in Myanmar massacre
A witness who spoke to the Associated Press said the bodies were tied up with rope and set on fire.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Why "It's a Wonderful Life" continues to stand the test of time
"It's a Wonderful Life" debuted 75 years ago — but it wasn't an instant commercial success.
The Christmas legacy of Boris Karloff
He's mean and green and one of the holiday season's best-known characters. But the man who gave voice to the “Grinch” had a monster-sized career all his own. Michelle Miller has his story.
Kat Edmonson performs "Let It Snow"
On a special Christmas day “Saturday Session,” Kat Edmonson makes her return. Born and raised in Houston, she headed to Austin to pursue her music career. Her self-released first album zoomed into the top 20 on Billboard's Jazz chart. Then her last album debuted at number one. She's now out with a special Yuletide collection. From her new album "Holiday Swingin: A Kat Edmonson Christmas,'" Kat Edmonson performs "Let It Snow."
Kat Edmonson performs "White Christmas"
On a special Christmas day “Saturday Session,” Kat Edmonson makes her return. Born and raised in Houston, she headed to Austin to pursue her music career. Her self-released first album zoomed into the top 20 on Billboard's Jazz chart. Then her last album debuted at number one. She's now out with a special Yuletide collection. From her new album "Holiday Swingin: A Kat Edmonson Christmas,'" Kat Edmonson performs "White Christmas."
The history behind “It’s a Wonderful Life”
75 years and five days ago, "It's a Wonderful Life" premiered on the big screen, just in time for Christmas. The film would earn five Oscar nominations, but surprisingly wasn't considered a commercial success. Yet over the decades, with a big boost from television, "It's a Wonderful Life" would grow into a timeless classic that still resonates to this day. Dana Jacobson explains.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Revolutionary telescope set for Christmas liftoff
NASA is slated to launch its James Webb Space Telescope to space on Christmas. The agency is hoping the $10 billion telescope will provide more insight into the universe. Mark Strassmann has more.
This site just beat Google as most visited online destination
Social media platform's explosive growth vaults it past the search giant and Facebook as most trafficked site.
Amazon will give workers more power to organize a union
Nation's second-largest employer is facing a restless workforce as it continues to expand during the pandemic.
Intel apologizes for asking suppliers to avoid Xinjiang
China's foreign ministry blasts reports of forced labor in mostly Muslim region as "completely lies."
NASA's new telescope faces nail-biting journey
At a cost of $10 billion, the James Webb Space Telescope is the biggest and most expensive science instrument to be sent to space. Mark Strassmann reports hundreds of things will have to go right in the weeks after launch before the telescope can take a single image.
Science
More Science
NASA launches $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope: "It's a great day for planet Earth"
It's the most expensive science probe ever built — a $10 billion effort to explore the origins of the universe.
Astronomers discover record-breaking group of "rogue planets"
It's the largest number of the mysterious cosmic nomads ever discovered.
NASA to launch $10 billion space telescope
NASA is hoping for its biggest Christmas present yet: the successful launch of the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to lift off early Christmas morning. Webb will replace the 31-year-old Hubble Space Telescope as the leading space observatory. Researchers hope it can tell us more about the history of the universe. CBS News senior space analyst Bill Harwood joins CBSN with more.
Comet Leonard lights up the night sky this Christmas
Leonard is the most anticipated and dazzling comet of the year.
Giant fossil found in Nevada is first of its kind
It's the largest animal found from that time period, both in the sea and on land, and currently holds the title of first giant animal to ever inhabit Earth.
Crime
More Crime
DA to seek much shorter sentence for trucker in deadly crash
Rogel Aguilera-Mederos was given 110 years but millions signed a petition calling for the term to be cut. Celebrities and fellow truckers are also backing him.
Texas board withdraws pardon recommendation for George Floyd
Floyd, who was from Houston, was killed last year by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
After 25 years, DNA could solve JonBenét Ramsey murder case
The murder of the 6-year-old beauty queen is a cold case that still haunts many Americans.
5 teens charged in carjacking of Representative Mary Gay Scanlon
Five teenagers have been charged in the armed carjacking of Scanlon in Philadelphia.
Legal analyst on guilty verdict for Kim Potter
A Minnesota jury has found former police officer Kim Potter guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter for the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins CBSN to discuss the outcome of the trial
Space
More Space
NASA launches $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope: "It's a great day for planet Earth"
It's the most expensive science probe ever built — a $10 billion effort to explore the origins of the universe.
Astronomers discover record-breaking group of "rogue planets"
It's the largest number of the mysterious cosmic nomads ever discovered.
Successful launch for Webb space telescope
NASA is celebrating the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. The $10 billion observatory lifted off on Christmas, and once it is fully operational, scientists hope it will reveal new information about our universe and its origins. CBS News senior space analyst Bill Harwood joins CBSN with more.
Watch: Launch of James Webb Space Telescope
NASA and the European Space Agency launched the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope on Christmas morning. The most powerful space telescope ever built, it's designed to shed light on the earliest stars and galaxies. Watch the liftoff here.
NASA to launch $10 billion space telescope
NASA is hoping for its biggest Christmas present yet: the successful launch of the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope, which is set to lift off early Christmas morning. Webb will replace the 31-year-old Hubble Space Telescope as the leading space observatory. Researchers hope it can tell us more about the history of the universe. CBS News senior space analyst Bill Harwood joins CBSN with more.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
White House Christmas decorations celebrate "Gifts from the Heart"
Festive photos show the White House decked out for the holiday season.
The hunt for Forrest Fenn's treasure
Forrest Fenn hid a treasure somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. Five men died searching for it.
Natalie Wood
A look at the actress' career, from child star to her untimely and mysterious death
A closer look at the Nikki Kuhnhausen murder case
Inside the life of a teenage girl and how her disappearance inspired a movement.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
Latest Videos
More Latest Videos
Latest Videos
Being Different in the Delta
A new episode of CBSN Originals' Reverb series explores the history of anti-Asian racism in Mississippi's Delta region and a new generation that's demanding change.
Successful launch for Webb space telescope
NASA is celebrating the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope. The $10 billion observatory lifted off on Christmas, and once it is fully operational, scientists hope it will reveal new information about our universe and its origins. CBS News senior space analyst Bill Harwood joins CBSN with more.
Impact of the child tax credit enhancement
The monthly enhanced child tax credit benefit is likely to be halted for January without an extension from Congress, according to the IRS. CBS News political contributor and Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright joined CBSN to discuss the child tax credit's impact so far and what could happen next.
The Trials of Critical Race Theory
A new episode of CBSN Originals' Reverb series examines the backlash to so-called critical race theory in schools and the impact on students and teachers.
La Palma volcanic eruption declared over
A major volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma that began in September has finally ended after destroying about 3,000 buildings. CBSN's Debra Alfarone has details.