U.S. officials expect vaccines to retain some effectiveness against Omicron
"There's every reason to believe, as we talk about boosters, when you get a level high enough, that you are going to get at least some degree of cross protection."
COVID-19
Omicron variant was in Europe before South Africa raised the alarm
Authorities in the Netherlands say testing has confirmed that COVID cases identified on November 19 and 23 were the new strain — days before researchers identified it.
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.
Medical personnel deployed for COVID support
The federal government is deploying dozens of additional U.S. military medical personnel to Michigan and New Mexico to support civilian health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. David Claeys, president of Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss what the addition of 22 medical professionals from the Department of Defense will mean for his team.
Biden urges booster shots as Omicron spreads
The Biden administration is working on its response to the Omicron variant as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages all Americans to get a COVID vaccine booster. Chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN AM with more news from Washington.
Most big employers say they are mandating COVID-19 vaccines
Yet support for vaccine mandates could wane if a court strikes down contested OSHA rule requiring shots or testing.
Powell warns Congress that inflation may keep rising next year
He tells Senate panel that the new COVID-19 variant could have an impact on economic activity and inflation.
Biden says Omicron variant is "cause for concern, not a cause for panic"
"Sooner or later, we're going to see cases of this new variant here in the United States," the president said.
Scientist who helped discover Omicron variant warns of its potential
The Omicron variant has more than 50 mutations, enhancing the virus' ability to infect the body.
Biden says Omicron variant is "not a cause for panic"
President Biden urged Americans to stay calm in response to the new COVID variant Omicron, saying it's "cause for concern, not a cause for panic." It's not yet clear whether the variant spreads more easily or causes more severe infections. Errol Barnett reports.
Dr. Ashish Jha on new Omicron variant
Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, says "it's a little alarmist" to call the Omicron variant the Frankenstein of all COVID variants. Norah O'Donnell sits down with Jha to discuss more.
South African president says travel bans do damage
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is urging Western nations to lift travel restrictions against his country and others in the region. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta dives into why these bans were enforced in relation to experts' current knowledge of the Omicron variant.
How the White House is responding to Omicron
President Biden says while the Omicron variant is a cause for concern, it's not cause for panic. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Mr. Biden once again urged Americans to get vaccinated and to get their booster shots. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN's Bradley Blackburn to discuss the Biden administration's response to the new variant and more.
Exclusive: Inside facility investigating Omicron variant
CBS News has an exclusive look inside a lab in South Africa where the Omicron variant was first discovered. Debora Patta shares more.
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 leaders fear spread of Omicron variant
U.S. officials are imposing travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens from South Africa and seven other nations to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports on why these officials believe the measures are necessary. Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University, and CBSN's Tanya Rivero discuss the threat posed by the variant and U.S. officials' response to its spread.
Supply chain crisis could disrupt holiday shopping
About 63 million Americans were expected to take part in Cyber Monday shopping despite potential shipping delays caused by supply chain backlogs. CBS News' Meg Oliver reports on the busiest online shopping day of the year. Then, Rob Handfield, the Bank of America university distinguished professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University, joins CBSN with his expectations for the supply chain this holiday season and beyond.
White House preps for busy end of the year
President Biden is hoping to pass his Build Back Better social spending plan as a government shutdown and debt ceiling crisis loom. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN AM from the White House with more.
Omicron COVID variant threatens U.S. recovery
Travel restrictions take effect today as the coronavirus Omicron variant spreads globally. Dr. Andy Pekosz, a virologist with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, joins CBSN AM to discuss the variant and what we know about contagious it is.
WorldView: Japan bans foreign visitors
Japan announced it will ban all foreign visitors, one of an increasing number of countries tightening their borders as an emergency precaution as the Omicron coronavirus variant spreads. Lucy Craft reports from Tokyo for CBSN AM on the global pandemic and other international headlines.
White House Christmas decorations honor COVID frontline workers
Fewer people are likely to see the decked-out mansion in person this year, with public tours still suspended because of the continuing threat from COVID-19.
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.
1/21: CBS Evening News
Senate impeachment trial of Trump begins; USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after months at sea.
1/22: CBS Evening News
House managers present case against Trump in impeachment trial; Therapy bull giving seniors the ride of a lifetime
1/30: CBS Evening News
WHO declares coronavirus a global health emergency; San Francisco sea lions celebrated 30 years after invading the docks
Live
U.S., Iran trade more strikes after Trump says ceasefire is "over"
The U.S. began a second night of strikes Wednesday and Iran responded in kind after President Trump declared earlier in the day that the ceasefire was "over."
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
NASA chief flew private military jets over D.C. for July 4th despite FAA disapproval
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a flyover Saturday — with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger — despite safety objections from the FAA.
How Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner
Maine Democrats are facing a ticking clock to find a new candidate to go up against GOP Sen. Susan Collins this fall, after Graham Platner dropped out of the race following a sexual assault allegation.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
Nolan Wells' family seeks answers after missing Mississippi teen found dead
The family of Nolan Wells, who was found dead after a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Trump hails "unity" at NATO summit, despite recent tensions
President Trump concluded the NATO summit with a press conference touting the "tremendous love" exhibited by the allies.
U.S.
More U.S.
Second Memphis fatal shooting in 4 days by federal task force, officials say
A member of a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis shot and killed a man there on Wednesday, the second fatal shooting by a task force member in four days.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
Sons of man killed by ICE officer in Houston demand independent probe
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo worked for 35 years to send all three of his American citizen sons to college, his son said. He was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Tuesday.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Stocks slide, oil surges after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
Oil prices jumped 6% while U.S. stocks fell as renewed Middle East conflict threatens crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Politics
More Politics
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
NASA chief flew private military jets over D.C. for July 4th despite FAA disapproval
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a flyover Saturday — with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger — despite safety objections from the FAA.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
World
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June was the hottest on record for Western Europe, second hottest globally
A new report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service also found that June temperatures in Western Europe were nearly 5.5 degrees above average.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Doctor with "lust for murder" convicted in deaths of 15 patients
The doctor allegedly killed 12 women and three men between 2021 and 2024. He allegedly set fire to some of the victims' apartments to cover up the killings.
Telegram used to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say
The suspects posted videos of their attacks and referred to women as "cars," sedatives as "fuel" and rape as "driving," according to court documents.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The War and Treaty performs "Litty"
The War and Treaty performs "Litty" from their new album "The Story of Michael and Tanya" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.
Goo Goo Dolls perform "Slide"
The Goo Goo Dolls perform their hit song "Slide" as America rings in its 250th birthday
2026 Emmy nominations are announced: See the full list
The nominations for the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, with the final season of HBO Max's "Hacks" setting a new record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
Cristo Fernández on kid's book, loving soccer
"Ted Lasso" actor Cristo Fernández shares the inspiration behind his new children's book "Fútbol is Life!" The bilingual book draws on Fernández's childhood experiences growing up in Guadalajara and is "a love letter to the game" of soccer.
Restaurants rebound with "Kitchen Undercover"
Chef Antonia Lofaso helps struggling restaurants get back on track with her new show, "Kitchen Undercover." Lofaso joins "CBS Mornings" to explain how.
Technology
More Technology
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
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.
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
Science
More Science
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Lawyers battle over evidence in Kirk case
In Utah, a judge is weighing whether 23-year-old Tyler Robinson should face trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and whether a recorded interview with Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner should be made public. Carter Evans reports.
Person of interest in custody after stray bullet hits 5-year-old in Detroit
Kaizer, 5, is expected to make a full recovery after a stray bullet struck him while he rode his bicycle near his west side Detroit home Tuesday evening, his family said.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk death back in court
Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder, is due back in court today as he faces Day 3 of preliminary hearings. This comes after prosecutors unveiled footage of him on the Utah college campus where Kirk was killed. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Ex-Wisconsin judge fined $5,000, spared prison in ICE obstruction case
A former Wisconsin judge will soon learn her sentence for felony obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal officers.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
Rahm Emanuel delivers tough love on Israel
Former Chicago mayor and former U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel spoke at Tel Aviv University on Wednesday. The potential Democratic presidential candidate called to end unconditional U.S. support for Israel as part of a larger political shift among Democrats.
Analysis of Trump revoking Iran's oil waver
The rise in oil prices comes after the Trump administration on Tuesday revoked a waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil. CBS News coordinating producer Richard Escobedo has more.
Middle East expert on U.S. strikes on Iran
U.S. Central Command said the U.S. military is conducting a new wave of strikes on Iran at the direction of the president. The second night of strikes came after President Trump said the fragile ceasefire between the two countries was over as far as he was concerned. Will Todman, senior fellow for the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has more.
Graham Platner suspends his campaign
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. He has denied all claims. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Details: Graham Platner suspends his campaign
Maine Democrat Graham Platner has dropped out of his race for Senate following sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Jessi Mitchell anchors this special report.