CBS Evening News, November 17, 2020
States impose new restrictions amid record coronavirus hospitalizations; Dolly Parton helped fund Moderna COVID-19 vaccine research.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Labs across U.S. test for COVID Omicron variant
The U.S. is sequencing 80,000 positive PCR tests per week to test for variants and learn how fast the variant is spreading — and how infectious it is.
Researchers race to assess Omicron variant
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been found in 20 countries so far. CBS news correspondent Errol Barnett reports on how U.S. officials are already preparing for the arrival of the new strain. Then, Dr. Marie-Elizabeth Ramas, a family medicine physician, joins CBSN to discuss protective measures against the variant and more.
CBS Evening News, December 21, 2020
Nations ban travel with Britain over more infectious COVID strain; "Season of Giving": Kindness becomes contagious among Minnesota strangers
WHO says people who are above 60 and unvaccinated should postpone travel
WHO named Omicron a variant of concern on Friday, and 56 countries issued travel restrictions in the following days.
Biden faces pressure on Omicron variant
President Joe Biden urged caution, but stressed this is not the time to panic during his remarks from the White House yesterday on the Omicron variant. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with more on what the administration is doing in light of the new coronavirus strain.
Omicron coronavirus variant spreads globally
The U.S. is barring travelers from several African countries in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports from South Africa and Alonzo Plough chief science officer and vice president of research, evaluation and learning at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, joins CBSN to discuss the variant.
Global concerns grow over Omicron variant
Researchers are trying to learn more about the Omicron COVID-19 variant and whether or not it is resistant to existing vaccines or more deadly than other variants. CBS news foreign correspondent Debora Patta takes us inside one of the labs in South Africa where the new strain was first discovered. Then, Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology, immunology and pediatrics at the University of Iowa, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
Military service members face deadline to get COVID-19 vaccine
U.S. Navy Surgeon General Rear Admiral Bruce Gillingham said that service members who do not get vaccinated "can be administratively separated for not following a direct order."
COVID Omicron variant fuels global concerns
Global leaders are racing to contain a potentially more dangerous new coronavirus strain that was first discovered in South Africa. On Friday, the World Health Organization officially declared the Omicron strain a "variant of concern." CBS News foreign correspondent Debra Patta has more from Johannesburg on the increased precautionary measures some countries are taking to slow the spread of the virus, then Lana Zak speaks with Dr. Sujan Gogu, a physician who is part of the founding circle of Doctors in Politics, about the dangers of the Omicron variant.
New COVID variant found in South Africa
A new strain of the coronavirus found in South Africa is alarming scientists around the world. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta and CBS News reporter and researcher Max Bayer explain why this new variant is so concerning.
U.S. COVID infections on the rise
COVID-19 cases have jumped more than 16% over the past week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with at least 30 states reporting increasing cases and hospitalizations. Columbia University Pediatric surgeon Dr. Susannah Hills spoke with CBSN's Anne-Marie Green about what people should keep in mind during the holiday season.
"General Hospital" actor Steve Burton fired for refusing vaccine
Steve Burton has intermittently starred on the soap opera since 1992, portraying the character of Jason Morgan.
Delta variant makes up 99% of U.S. COVID cases
COVID-19 cases are surging in several parts of the U.S. ahead of the holidays. Infections are also rising among children. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Hiral Tipirneni joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest pandemic news.
WorldView: Deadly Bulgaria bus crash
At least 45 people, including 12 children, are dead after a bus carrying mostly North Macedonian tourists crashed and caught fire on a highway in western Bulgaria. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports from Johannesburg on this and other stories making headlines around the world.
U.S. COVID-19 death toll in 2021
Coronavirus cases are rising in more than 30 states ahead of Thanksgiving. It comes as the White House reports about 3 million Americans received a third dose over the weekend following the FDA's authorization of both Moderna and Pfizer's booster for all adults. Vice Dean of Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health Dr. Joshua Sharfstein joined CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
Doctor on rise in COVID ahead of Thanksgiving
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise again ahead of the busy holiday travel season. Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña joins CBSN to discuss what this means for families planning to gather this Thanksgiving.
Protests in Europe on new COVID restrictions
As Europe becomes an epicenter of COVID-19 infections, Governments in Europe are beginning to implement social restrictions as COVID-19 surges, but protests are breaking out across the continent. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reports for CBSN on the growing unrest.
COVID-19 significantly raises risk to pregnant women and their babies, studies find
Researchers found that pregnant women with COVID-19 had higher rates of ICU admission, death and stillbirths.
CDC decides to allow COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all adults
Many states have already moved to allow all adults to receive a COVID vaccine booster shot, ahead of the official CDC decision.
Moderna asks FDA to clear booster for all adults
Moderna has formally requested the FDA authorize expansion of its COVID-19 booster shot to all adults. Federal health officials are expected to authorize expansion of Pfizer's booster this week. It comes as cases continue to rise across the U.S. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Owais Durrani joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.
Austria to impose nationwide COVID lockdown and vaccine mandate
The lockdown will last up to 20 days, and the vaccination requirement for adults starts in February, as much of Europe tries to fend off another wave of coronavirus infections.
FDA could approve boosters for all adults
The Food and Drug Administration could authorize the Pfizer booster shot for all adults as early as Thursday. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja joins CBSN to discuss how expanding booster shot eligibility will effect the country's fight against COVID-19.
COVID-19 cases up in some European countries
Parts of Europe are seeing a wave of COVID-19 infections as colder weather sets in, forcing some countries to implement new social restrictions and partial lockdowns. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reports on the current surge for CBSN.
Pfizer's COVID pill and booster eligibility
The FDA and CDC could expand eligibility of the Pfizer booster shot as early as this week. The drugmaker is also seeking emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 antiviral pill, Paxlovid. CBS News' Naomi Ruchim reports, and then Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss the latest progress in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Live
U.S. death toll in Iran war rises to 6 as Trump warns of long campaign
The U.S. military said Monday that the number of Americans killed during the ongoing conflict with Iran now stands at six. Follow live updates on Day 4 of the war.
Exclusive
Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Iran conflict were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
Exclusive
Photo shows slain Texas gunman with Iranian symbol on his T-shirt
The gunman who killed 2 and wounded 14 at a bar in Austin also wore a hoodie that said "Property of Allah."
Video of Clintons' Epstein testimony released by House committee
The House Oversight Committee released recordings of last week's depositions with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
6 U.S. service members killed in Iranian strike in Kuwait, Pentagon says
The first U.S. casualties of the war with Iran occurred among American personnel based in Kuwait.
Federal appeals court rejects DOJ's push to delay start of tariff refund process
The Supreme Court ruled last month at President Trump did not have the authority to issue his sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
Melania Trump presides over U.N. Security Council meeting
The White House announced first lady Melania Trump would preside over the meeting last week before the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military mission in Iran.
U.S.
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DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
SCOTUS blocks Calif. law against schools outing transgender students to their parents
The Supreme Court order blocks for now a California law that bans automatic parental notification requirements if students change their pronouns or gender expression at school.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Exclusive
DNC announces top cities, date for 2028 convention, won't hold midterm convention
The DNC is announcing Monday that the 2028 national convention will be held from Aug. 7 to Aug. 10, CBS News has learned.
MoneyWatch
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Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Federal appeals court rejects DOJ's push to delay start of tariff refund process
The Supreme Court ruled last month at President Trump did not have the authority to issue his sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
More U.S. employees are hugging tight to their jobs. Here's why.
More employees are clinging to their positions in a trend known as "job-hugging." That's making it harder for job-seekers to find work.
Gas prices are set to rise. Here's what you could pay at the pump.
U.S. motorists could soon see higher prices at the pump as oil prices surge following the attacks in Iran.
Politics
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Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Exclusive
Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
CBS News poll finds views of deportation operations continue to divide country
A new CBS News poll finds most Americans say nationwide ICE operations should be decreased.
HealthWatch
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States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
World
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Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
Satellite images show Iranian sites before and after airstrikes
The satellite images show damage to sites including the Choqa Balk-e drone facility and former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Insurgents raid village in South Sudan, killing at least 169 people
Women and children were among the dead, in addition to dozens of combatants, officials said.
Travel chaos intensifies with airports closed, flights canceled amid Iran war
Air travel chaos intensified as the war with Iran stretched into a third day — keeping airspace and airports in the Middle East closed and leaving travelers stranded.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
USA hockey stars joke about "Heated Rivalry" and Trump invite on "SNL"
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
Extended interview: Marc Shaiman
In this web exclusive, composer Marc Shaiman, a Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, talks with Tracy Smith about his career; his new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner"; and his collaboration and friendship with Rob Reiner.
Broadway, Hollywood composer Marc Shaiman on being a "sore winner"
A Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, Marc Shaiman has written about his nearly 50 years in show business in a new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner."
Technology
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Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
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.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
Science
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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.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
New details on slain Texas gunman
At least two people are dead, and 14 others are injured after a shooting outside an Austin, Texas, bar on Sunday. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible terror attack. CBS News' Jason Allen and Camilo Montoya-Galvez have more.
Chilling photo shows grinning suspect in Scotland stabbing
A man was arrested for a stabbing incident in Edinburgh, Scotland, after a standoff with police in which he was photographed leaning out a window with a menacing grin.
Officials give update on Austin bar shooting
Authorities in Texas gave an update Monday on the shooting that killed two people at a bar in Austin over the weekend. The incident is being investigated for possible terrorism ties to the U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Latest details on deadly Austin bar shooting
A deadly shooting at a popular bar in Austin, Texas, is being investigated for possible links to terrorism. Two people were killed and 14 others injured, authorities said.
Exclusive
Photo shows slain Texas gunman with Iranian symbol on his T-shirt
The gunman who killed 3 and wounded 13 at a bar in Austin also wore a hoodie that said "Property of Allah."
Space
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Space
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.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
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.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
Americans react to U.S. strikes on Iran
Americans across the political spectrum are reacting to the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Spike in gas prices likely amid Iran war
The war with Iran is impacting the global oil market and will likely lead to a spike in gas prices in the United States. Sahar Razavi, director of the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center at Sacramento State, joined CBS News to discuss.
Trump says U.S. will "easily prevail" in Iran war
For a third day, U.S. and Israeli forces are pounding Iran, striking more than a thousand targets across the country, including key government and military buildings in the capital. For now, the Iranian regime's military is fighting back hard, firing missiles and launching drones in at least 11 countries, including Israel and Kuwait. Tony Dokoupil and Matt Gutman have the latest.
How U.S. and Israel are escalating strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israeli militaries have carried out more than 1,000 strikes in the last three days, including attacks on army bases, warships and missile launchers. Charlie D'Agata has details
The decadeslong conflict behind war with Iran
If you're looking for an origin point of the current war with Iran, don't look to the earliest hours of this Saturday. Tony Dokoupil explains.