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.
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Savannah Guthrie pleads for public's help in search for missing mom Nancy
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help on Monday at what she called "an hour of desperation" in the search for her mother, Nancy.
U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
U.S. military strikes another alleged drug vessel; search on for 1 survivor
The U.S. military struck its 39th alleged drug-carrying boat on Monday, killing two people and leaving one survivor who is now the focus of a search-and-rescue effort.
DOJ asks to dismiss Steve Bannon's criminal charges
The Justice Department is moving to toss out its case against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was jailed for declining to testify before the House Jan. 6 panel.
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
See the Olympic medal count for the 2026 Winter Games
Here is a look at where the medal count stands for Team USA and other nations as the competition heats up in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
U.S.
More U.S.
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Judge blocks California law banning federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks
A federal judge has blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
DOJ asks to dismiss Steve Bannon's criminal charges
The Justice Department is moving to toss out its case against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was jailed for declining to testify before the House Jan. 6 panel.
41 U.S. states are getting warmer, each in its own way, report says
Researchers at two Spanish universities found that 84% of the contiguous U.S. states has shown signs of warming over the last 70 or so years, which is more than previously suggested.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
OpenAI starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
Starbucks adds menu items as it looks to energize growth
New items, such as a strawberry matcha loaf, represent the chain's latest effort to boost sales as part of its "Back to Starbucks" campaign.
How much gold is in an Olympic gold medal, and how much is it worth?
Olympic medals have what's known as a "melt value." But they're worth far more financially than their mineral contents, an auction expert notes.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. military strikes another alleged drug vessel; search on for 1 survivor
The U.S. military struck its 39th alleged drug-carrying boat on Monday, killing two people and leaving one survivor who is now the focus of a search-and-rescue effort.
Judge blocks California law banning federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks
A federal judge has blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
DOJ asks to dismiss Steve Bannon's criminal charges
The Justice Department is moving to toss out its case against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was jailed for declining to testify before the House Jan. 6 panel.
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer says she'll testify if Trump grants her clemency
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer said she would be willing to cooperate with a House panel's probe if President Trump grants her clemency, and would testify that he is "innocent of any wrongdoing."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
World
More World
U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
See the Olympic medal count for the 2026 Winter Games
Here is a look at where the medal count stands for Team USA and other nations as the competition heats up at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
U.S. makes final in Olympic curling mixed doubles, facing Sweden for gold
Team USA's mixed doubles curling gold medal match against Sweden is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Meet the American girl skiing into Philippines Winter Olympics history
Skier Tallulah Proulx, 17, was raised in the U.S., but she's making Olympic history as the Philippines' first female, and youngest athlete in any Winter Games.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Bad Bunny and the politics of the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is a football game, an entertainment spectacle, a global billboard and a crucible of American political discord. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett explains.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
Cultural impact of Bad Bunny's performance
Ingrid Fajaro, a staff writer at Billboard, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the cultural impact of Bad Bunny's halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.
Technology
More Technology
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Trial over social media addiction in kids begins
Opening statements began Monday in Los Angeles in a landmark trial over alleged social media addiction in children. 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.
OpenAI starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Second ransom deadline for Guthrie passes
A second ransom deadline passed Monday for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Nancy Guthrie. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports on the search and former FBI special agent Jeff Harp joins to discuss the situation.
Search for Nancy Guthrie in Day 9
The children of Nancy Guthrie, including "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, are praying for signs of life more than a week after their mother disappeared. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more from Tucson, Arizona.
Savannah Guthrie: "An hour of desperation"
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Monday, pleading for the public's help in finding her mother, Nancy. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Savannah Guthrie asks for public help for mom
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie posted a new video Monday pleading for the public's help in the search for her missing mother, Nancy. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has more.
Cops: 1 in custody after Maryland school shooting
Police say one person is in custody after at least one person was shot at a Maryland high school on Monday. CBS affiliate WUSA reports.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Savannah Guthrie pleads for help in mom's search
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help at what she called "an hour of desperation." As Jonathan Vigliotti reports, the search for her missing mom, Nancy Guthrie, has entered its second week with few new leads and no new suspects.
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Player's mom didn't know Super Bowl was a big deal
Nick Emmanwori just won it all in his rookie season as a safety with the Seattle Seahawks, and his mom was somewhere in that cheering crowd of 70,000. But Justina Emmanwori is not your typical football mom. Tony Dokoupil has more on her viral interview.
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth in House deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who herself was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.