Should you be masking with new COVID variants? Experts weigh in.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not announced new mask mandates, some experts say you may want to consider it, depending on your situation.
COVID-19
As COVID flares, some schools and businesses reinstate mask mandates
In some places, the emergence of new COVID-19 variants is spurring the return of mask requirements and other safety measures.
What to know about COVID booster shots
A summer uptick in COVID cases has sparked interest in new vaccine boosters. CBS News' Errol Barnett explains when they will be available and who should get one.
COVID hospitalizations jump 22% this week — and CDC predicts further increases
So far, the CDC doesn't think the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant is to blame.
2021: How do coronavirus variants form
There's no magic bullet to stop coronavirus variants, says virologist Paul Duprex, and that's giving the virus a competitive edge. There are three new COVID-19 variants now spreading around the country. 60 Minutes reported on variants in 2021.
Atlanta-based Morris Brown College says they are reinstating Covid mask mandates
Morris Brown College is reinstating its Covid mask mandate for the next two weeks as a result of positive cases at the Atlanta University Center.
New COVID variant raising concerns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are tracking the new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant after it was reported at a University of Michigan lab. The CDC also says COVID hospitalizations jumped 14% the week of Aug. 5. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joined CBS News to talk about the variant.
Dogs beat tests in detecting COVID, study says
Man's best friend may be better at detecting COVID-19 than some of the world's best technology. Researchers are finding that a dog's nose can identify the virus faster than some PCR tests -- even with patients who present no symptoms. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
Doctor on next COVID boosters
The CDC says it is tracking a newly discovered COVID-19 strain, BA.2.86. One of the cases of the highly mutated variant was confirmed in Michigan. CBS News' Errol Barnett spoke with Dr. Bernard Camins, the medical director for infection prevention at Mount Sinai in New York City, who said "everyone will likely meet the criteria to get the new booster" in the fall.
Highly mutated strain of new COVID variant reported in Michigan
Cases of the new COVID variant BA.2.86 have been spotted in Michigan, Denmark and Israel.
The CDC works to overhaul lab operations after COVID test flop
CDC officials are working to overhaul laboratory operations to try to keep from repeating mistakes. But it's a big job, observers say. And the stakes are high.
COVID hospitalizations rise for fourth straight week
ER visits are also climbing, with the steepest rise in kids.
Man posing as doctor to sell fake COVID-19 cure arrested after manhunt
Gordon Hunter Pedersen, 63, said his "structural alkaline silver" product made the virus "incapable" of infecting someone.
What to know about the new COVID variant EG.5
The CDC says the EG.5 variant, also known as Eris, now makes up the largest proportion of new COVID-19 infections nationwide. Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at Saint Joseph Health, joined CBS News to discuss the new variant and how to keep yourself safe.
COVID-19 EG.5 variant dominant in U.S.
The fast-spreading new COVID-19 variant EG.5 now makes up the largest proportion of new COVID-19 infections nationwide, the CDC says. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases for the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joined CBS News to discuss how to protect yourself.
Loss of smell or taste was once a telltale sign of COVID. Not anymore.
The latest research suggests a prevalence of just 3% to 4% for this once-common symptom in recent waves.
First long COVID treatment clinical trials from NIH getting underway
Researchers will test a range of potential treatments, from melatonin to Paxlovid, to see if they relieve symptoms of long COVID.
CDC says new COVID variant is dominant, including strain some call "Eris"
It is unclear which regions of the U.S. have the most EG.5 infections.
Searching for Pathogen X
Bill Whitaker reports from Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest, where scientists are trying to find the next deadly virus before it finds us.
Deadline to pay pandemic back rent passes in Los Angeles
Thousands of Los Angeles tenants had rent waived during the first 19 months of the pandemic and many now owe a small fortune.
How did schools spend COVID-19 funds?
Congress provided nearly $200 billion in emergency funding for schools within the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite the huge sums of money, the nation's report card found student test scores are still lower across the board compared with pre-pandemic levels. Professor Thomas Kane, economist and faculty director at Harvard University's Center for Education Policy Research, joined CBS News to discuss why schools have struggled to get a handle on COVID recovery.
Doctors warn of summer COVID spike
While overall COVID-19 numbers remain relatively low, the CDC is reporting hospitalizations are up 12.1% in the past week. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joined CBS News to discuss the rise in cases and what we might expect in the fall.
COVID hospitalizations climb for 2nd week. Is it a summer surge?
COVID-19 trends remain far below levels seen at this time last year, but the numbers are ticking upwards.
4/9: CBSN AM
Biden says U.S. gun violence is "international embarrassment"; Coping with burnout amid pandemic
4/15: CBSN AM
Former Minnesota officer charged with second-degree manslaughter; Dollar General to hire 20,000 workers
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
U.S. airman faces charges for criticizing Trump over Iran war
The charges against Major Jason Watson are believed by his attorneys to be among the only instances for officers of his rank in the history of the U.S. military to be charged under Article 88.
Live
Iran says it's ready for new U.S. sanctions, has 2-year plan
Iran's economy minister says the country has been preparing for the sanctions U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
Abdul El-Sayed distances himself from Hasan Piker
Popular left-wing streamer Hasan Piker drew stiff criticism from prominent Democrats on Monday after arguing that some Jewish Americans' support for Israel is "making antisemitism worse."
Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
South Carolina holds runoff to replace late Sen. Lindsey Graham on ballot
Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, is facing off against Rep. Ralph Norman for the GOP nomination.
Watch Live: Lindsay Clancy trial resumes with forensic psychologist testimony
Lindsay Clancy's murder trial resumes Tuesday in Massachusetts with more testimony from a forensic psychologist hired by the prosecution.
Judge rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's effort to overturn sex-trafficking conviction
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's effort to toss out her 2021 conviction on sex-trafficking charges and 20-year prison sentence.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
U.S.
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Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
United Airlines to add 10 new international routes. See where.
The new overseas routes represent the largest expansion in the airline's history, United said.
Musk's data centers push out family that's owned land for generations
A plant in Southaven, Mississippi, that powers Elon Musk's SpaceXAI data centers in the area has sparked backlash from residents concerned about noise and air pollution.
U.S. airman faces charges for criticizing Trump over Iran war
The charges against Major Jason Watson are believed by his attorneys to be among the only instances for officers of his rank in the history of the U.S. military to be charged under Article 88.
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
MoneyWatch
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Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
United Airlines to add 10 new international routes. See where.
The new overseas routes represent the largest expansion in the airline's history, United said.
Callaway Golf CEO says "mistakes were made" over controversial ad
The ad for a new driver had sparked an online backlash, with viewers criticizing the spot for trivializing violence against women.
Why Trump's Canada tariffs are likely to have a modest impact on prices
Although some Canadian goods will get more expensive in the U.S., trade experts don't expect a broader inflation spike.
Gen Xers fret over Social Security. "I will likely be working in retirement."
Millions of Generation X Americans expect to depend on Social Security as their main — or only — source of retirement income.
Politics
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Abdul El-Sayed distances himself from Hasan Piker
Popular left-wing streamer Hasan Piker drew stiff criticism from prominent Democrats on Monday after arguing that some Jewish Americans' support for Israel is "making antisemitism worse."
Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
U.S. airman faces charges for criticizing Trump over Iran war
The charges against Major Jason Watson are believed by his attorneys to be among the only instances for officers of his rank in the history of the U.S. military to be charged under Article 88.
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Judge rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's effort to overturn sex-trafficking conviction
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's effort to toss out her 2021 conviction on sex-trafficking charges and 20-year prison sentence.
HealthWatch
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Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
World
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Will the U.S. sanctions against Iran work if they don't include China?
Analysts say without meaningful sanctions against China, Iran will likely survive this latest round of financial punishment.
Russian ex-official says "unknown sources" could attack U.K. drone plants
Former senior Russian diplomat says U.K. factories making drones for Ukraine "could be attacked - not by Russia, but from unknown sources."
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Rape and murder of toddler in Nepal sparks calls for the death penalty
Protesters and politicians enraged by the rape and murder of a 3-year-old girl in Nepal are demanding the country institute the death penalty.
Chinese ship caught with banned shark fins in Pacific Ocean
The ship was among four vessels detained in a surveillance crackdown by 11 Pacific island nations, assisted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Misty Copeland on retirement and her new book
Misty Copeland, who retired from ballet last year, sits down with "CBS Mornings" to give an update on how retirement is going and to share details about the new book in her young adult series, "StarFire Academy."
Nayeema Raza on "Smart Girl Dumb Questions"
Nayeema Raza, who hosts the podcast "Smart Girl Dumb Questions," joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the inspiration behind the show and share some of her favorite "dumb" questions. Plus, she helps Gayle, Nate and Vlad figure out who's the best flirt.
"Cooking with Levi" family on new cookbook
Levi Zhang and his parents share some recipes from their new cookbook and talk about how their viral videos started.
Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
Technology
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Musk's data centers push out family that's owned land for generations
A plant in Southaven, Mississippi, that powers Elon Musk's SpaceXAI data centers in the area has sparked backlash from residents concerned about noise and air pollution.
Elon Musk's data centers spark backlash
In Southaven, Mississippi, some residents are pushing back on SpaceXAI's expanding footprint in the region.
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.
Key takeaways from China's robot games
China's World Humanoid Robot Games is a technological showcase, but also a possible glimpse into the future of robotics. Anna Coren reports.
How the Robot Games are going in Beijing
The World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, in a stadium repurposed from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Many of the machines on display can now outrun and out-jump even the best real-life Olympians. Anna Coren has the story.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Dramatic moment in Lindsay Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy's defense team asked for a mistrial after a prosecution witness brought up Clancy's religious beliefs. The judge denied the request but reprimanded prosecutors. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi has the latest analysis.
49ers' Jed York could face NFL punishment
San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York was arrested in Ohio over the weekend and pleaded no contest to amended charges originally stemming from a prostitution arrest. Now, he could face punishment from the NFL. Carter Evans reports.
Lindsay Clancy trial final witness expected
The prosecution's final rebuttal witness is expected Tuesday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her children in a state of postpartum psychosis. Closing arguments are expected Wednesday.
Multiple people dead, including kids, in shooting and fire at Montana home
The suspect in the incident later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, law enforcement said.
Rape and murder of toddler in Nepal sparks calls for the death penalty
Protesters and politicians enraged by the rape and murder of a 3-year-old girl in Nepal are demanding the country institute the death penalty.
Space
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First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
Photos show 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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Latest analysis of midterm elections
President Trump's Darline Graham endorsement will be tested in today's special Republican Senate runoff in South Carolina. Kyle Kondik, managing editor of "Sabato's Crystal Ball," the newsletter for UVA's Center for Politics, shares his analysis of Republican strategy.
Dramatic moment in Lindsay Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy's defense team asked for a mistrial after a prosecution witness brought up Clancy's religious beliefs. The judge denied the request but reprimanded prosecutors. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi has the latest analysis.
Air Force officer charged for Trump criticism
Legal experts will have to decode rare criminal charges against Major Jason Watson, an Air Force officer who publicly criticized President Trump. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more details on this unusual case.
U.S. threatens sanctions on Iran partners
The U.S. threatened secondary sanctions on any nation that trades with Tehran amid a campaign of economic warfare against Iran. Phil Luck, former deputy chief economist at the State Department during the Biden administration, joins with more insight.
Misty Copeland on retirement and her new book
Misty Copeland, who retired from ballet last year, sits down with "CBS Mornings" to give an update on how retirement is going and to share details about the new book in her young adult series, "StarFire Academy."