Hundreds more U.S. flights canceled on Christmas due to Omicron
United, Delta and other domestic airlines have scrubbed hundreds of flights, although holiday travel remains brisk.
COVID-19
Pandemic causes more flight cancellations
Hundreds of flights in the U.S. and thousands worldwide have been canceled this Christmas due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, fueled by the highly contagious Omicron variant. CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg joins CBSN to discuss what travelers can do to help navigate the chaos.
Holiday COVID surge & flight cancellations
A rise in COVID-19 cases is forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and disrupting Americans' holiday plans. CBS News' Michael George reports, and then CBSN's Debra Alfarone talks with Washington Post health and science reporter Fenit Nirappil about navigating the second year of holidays in the pandemic.
Pope Francis’ Christmas blessing
Pope Francis is urging the world to be more open to dialogue this Christmas. In his holiday message delivered Saturday morning, he says that is key to resolving the large number of conflicts seen in places like Syria, Iraq and Yemen. It comes as Christians throughout Europe try to embrace the holiday while keeping concerns about Omicron in mind. Roxana Saberi has that part of the story.
Holiday travel hit by latest COVID surge
The holiday season is being dampened by the coronavirus pandemic again this year. More than 700 U.S. flights are already canceled today and that's on top of hundreds that were called off on Christmas Eve. The holiday travel woes are the latest reminder of just how disruptive the pandemic has become. Michael George has more.
Omicron’s impact on Christmas in Bethlehem
For the second straight year, outside tourists will largely be barred from Bethlehem for Christmas because of COVID-19. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee reports on the global Christmas Eve celebrations, and CBS News radio correspondent Robert Berger joined CBSN with how Bethlehem is observing the holiday amid the pandemic.
Bethlehem traditions continue despite pandemic
Christmas celebrations continued this year despite rising COVID-19 cases. Pope Francis held a Christmas Eve Mass with about 1,500 attendees as smaller crowds gathered in the city of Bethlehem. Imtiaz Tyab has more.
Shorter COVID isolation time for health workers
The Biden administration is lifting COVID-related travel restrictions on eight African nations December 31. And the CDC is shortening the isolation time for health care workers who test positive for COVID-19 from 10 days to seven. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University, joins CBSN's Elise Preston to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
Tips for coping with holiday stress
Travel snafus and the rise in COVID-19 cases will keep some families apart during this holiday season, adding to the stress level many Americans are feeling. Psychiatrist and certified addiction medicine physician Dr. Daniel Bober joins CBSN to share his advice.
COVID curtails Christmas plans worldwide
Countries around the world are scaling back Christmas celebrations for the second year in a row as the Omicron variant causes another wave of COVID-19. CBS News correspondent Roxana Saberi joins CBSN from London with the latest on the impact.
Bidens to spend Christmas at White House
President Biden and his family will spend Christmas at the White House this year, instead of traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands. And Vice President Kamala Harris will receive another COVID-19 test after one of her staff members tested positive this week. She and her husband are spending Christmas in Los Angeles. CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini joins CBSN from the White House with more.
Essential workers slammed again as Omicron variant spreads
COVID-19 is again hitting nurses, flight crews and other frontline staff. "We don't have enough hands," one grocery worker says.
COVID antiviral pills could be game changer—if you can find them
Supplies of antiviral pills from Pfizer initially will be scarce, with some states getting only 100 courses of treatment.
Flights canceled, plans upended by Omicron
The COVID-19 Omicron variant is wreaking havoc on holiday plans. CBS News' Courtney Kealy reports, then Dr. Bob Lahita spoke with Bradley Blackburn on CBSN about what you should know if you're going to gather with your family this Christmas.
Religious pilgrimages on the rebound after pandemic put them on hold
The coronavirus pandemic forced the Catholic Church to cancel its annual pilgrimage in 2020, but this year travelers were back.
U.S. COVID cases surge ahead of holidays
New cases of the Omicron variant are spreading rapidly in the U.S. ahead of the holidays. People are dealing with long lines at testing sites across the nation. At-home testing kits are also short in supply and pharmacies are limiting how many customers can buy. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen reports from New York City. Then critical care physician Dr. Lakshmana Swamy joins CBSN's Debra Alfarone to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
Omicron spike sparks surge in COVID testing
This year's holiday season is looking like a repeat of last year -- all thanks to the Omicron variant. Cases are surging, hospitalizations are rising and health care workers are overwhelmed. Nancy Chen has the latest.
COVID precautions for holiday gathering
With COVID-19 cases once again on the rise, what can you do to best protect your family during holiday gatherings? Dr. Jon LaPook has the answers.
Scientists learn more about risk from Omicron
New studies out of South Africa and the U.K. suggest the Omicron variant is less likely to cause hospitalizations -- but it can still be deadly. The FDA also authorized a new antiviral pill to treat COVID-19. CBS News' Nancy Chen reports on the latest, and then Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, spoke with Jessi Mitchell on CBSN about the Omicron research and how some patients are experiencing different symptoms than earlier strains.
Biden defends response to Omicron
President Biden is addressing growing frustration with long COVID testing lines across the country. Some critics argue the federal government should be doing more. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN with details.
FDA approves second COVID treatment pill
The FDA has authorized the second antiviral pill to treat COVID-19. CBS News' Michael George reports. Then Dr. Jeremy Faust, emergency physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital at Harvard Medical School, joins CBSN to break down how the drugs work. He also explains why he thinks the CDC should implement "circuit breakers," short-term restrictions on high-risk activities to help curb the spread of the Omicron variant.
CDC shortens isolation time for health care workers with COVID-19
Federal officials say the change was motivated by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and a staffing crunch at hospitals nationwide.
Putin holds his end-of-year press conference
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon press conference in Moscow today amid escalating tensions with the U.S. over Moscow's military buildup at the Ukrainian border. He covered many topics, including relations with the West, COVID-19 and inflation. CBS News reporter Mary Ilyushina joins CBSN from Moscow with the details.
Times Square New Year's Eve celebration scaled back
The famous celebration will host less audience members and require them to wear masks and be fully vaccinated.
First-time jobless claims remain low
There are signs the job market is tightening as new jobless claims remain low. 205,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Irina Ivanova joins CBSN with more.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
Live
Iran says strait won't open until the U.S. "corrects" behavior
The United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said one of its ships was targeted while transiting the strait on Saturday.
First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In Idaho, new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana. An investigation raises hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't.
Haitian pregnant woman in Florida fears deportation as TPS ends
A 29-year-old expectant mother is in hiding, concerned that she will be deported at any moment after the Trump administration ended the Temporary Protected Status program for hundreds of thousands of Haitian migrants.
Some meat products with jalapeños may be linked to salmonella outbreak, USDA says
Federal officials issued a public health alert for meat products containing jalapeños that may be linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across at least 27 states.
Winning Powerball numbers drawn for $863 million jackpot
The total is also the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot in the game's history.
NFL legend Roger Craig reveals he has vascular dementia during Hall of Fame speech
The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday.
U.S.
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First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In Idaho, new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana. An investigation raises hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't.
Rescuing a candlepin bowling alley helps bolster a Maine community
Autumn Mowery was 18 when she took over a candlepin bowling alley threatened with the wrecking ball, challenging herself to maintain a pillar of the community.
Woman, 5-month-old baby die after vessel overturns in New York Harbor
A 46-year-old man was arrested on reckless endangerment charges, and authorities are investigating whether the boat was an illegal charter.
Some meat products with jalapeños may be linked to salmonella outbreak, USDA says
Federal officials issued a public health alert for meat products containing jalapeños that may be linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across at least 27 states.
MoneyWatch
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A quandary for the Fed: Dealing with hot inflation and cool job growth
A sudden slump in hiring has dramatically changed the outlook for the Federal Reserve's September interest rate decision.
Energy company sues data center over who should pay for AI buildout
At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.
Americans got their biggest raises in 40 years. Inflation took most of it.
The typical American's paycheck has grown faster since 2019 than in any stretch since the early 1980s. But prices climbed nearly as fast, swallowing about 80% of the wage increase.
July jobs report reveals unexpected loss of 23,000 jobs
Friday's jobs report showed employers shed jobs last month, rather than adding 95,000 new hires that had been forecast by economists.
Warren presses U.S. companies to share tariff refunds with customers
Companies receiving billions in refunds for U.S. tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court should return money to consumers, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.
Politics
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National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bernie Sanders on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Dr. Stephen Patrick on drug testing new mothers
In this web exclusive, Dr. Stephen Patrick, a newborn ICU doctor and researcher on how the opioid crisis affects pregnant women and infants, talks with CBS News' Erin Moriarty about what happens after a mother tests positive for a substance during pregnancy. Patrick argues that automatically referring mothers to child welfare or law enforcement over a single drug test - even for substances like marijuana, which are legal in much of the country - can create more harm than it prevents: driving women away from prenatal care, disproportionately affecting Black and Native American families, and separating moms from newborns without evidence of harm.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In more than 40 states, marijuana is now a legal method of relieving pain. But in Idaho, more than a thousand new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana – following childbirth. In other states, women have even been sent to jail. The findings of a joint investigation by "CBS Sunday Morning" and the Marshall Project raise hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't. Erin Moriarty reports. [This story was produced in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system.]
8/9: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Seth Doane. Featured: Saving a candlepin bowling alley; THC tests jeopardize young mothers; writer Gay Talese; actor Tim Curry; protecting the habitat of Venus fly traps; and the world's largest truck stop.
Some meat products with jalapeños may be linked to salmonella outbreak, USDA says
Federal officials issued a public health alert for meat products containing jalapeños that may be linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across at least 27 states.
Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
World
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National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bernie Sanders on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck discovered off coast of Sicily
The discovery was made by an underwater fisherman who described it as the "most incredible" in his life.
Entertainment
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Tales from Gay Talese
A legend among writers and reporters, and a leading practitioner of the "New Journalism," Gay Talese talks of a career writing about the famous and not-so-famous, from Frank Sinatra, to aging sports figures, mobsters and nudists.
Tales from Gay Talese
For more than six decades, Gay Talese has been a celebrated legend among writers and reporters – a leading practitioner of the "New Journalism." At 94, he talks with New Yorker writer Kelefa Sanneh of a career writing about the famous and not-so-famous (including mobsters, aging sports figures and nudists), and why his renowned 1966 Esquire article about Frank Sinatra didn't require his actually talking to the Chairman of the Board.
The life and mystique of Tim Curry
In 50 years on screen, Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Clue" and "It," has played roles campy, comical, and menacingly sinister, yet his most inscrutable role is still Tim Curry. The actor talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his memoir "Vagabond" (which is decidedly not a Hollywood tell-all); the stroke he suffered in 2012, and learning how to speak again; and why he never sought to curry stardom. (Originally broadcast Oct. 19, 2025.)
8/9: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Seth Doane. Featured: Saving a candlepin bowling alley; THC tests jeopardize young mothers; writer Gay Talese; actor Tim Curry; protecting the habitat of Venus fly traps; and the world's largest truck stop.
Phillip Jeffries turns walls into artwork
A family-owned wallpaper company made luxury design their booming business. Meg Oliver takes a look inside Phillip Jeffries, the decor business turning walls into works of art.
Technology
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Technology
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Meta must pay nearly $1B in fines, court says
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others, must pay nearly $1 billion after a court found the social media giant to have put children and teen users at risk. A New Mexico judge ruled that Meta must pay $567 million into a fund to pay for harm prevention and awareness, in addition to $375 million in civil penalties previously decided by a jury.
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.
Energy company sues data center over who should pay for AI buildout
At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.
Meta fined $567M over child safety issues
Meta, the tech giant that operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms, faces another financial penalty for allegedly failing to keep kids safe. A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $567 million for its failure to warn the public about the dangers its products pose to children.
Science
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Science
Protecting the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world. (Originally broadcast April 26, 2026.)
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Crime
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Family of murdered photographer wonders if his killer acted alone
Joe Shymanski, a, well-known Washington D.C. photographer, was murdered and dismembered in 2023. His ex-wife's former boyfriend, Brandon Holbrook, was convicted in the case. Shymanski's family still wonders if anyone else was involved.
Survivor's testimony key in helping convict ex-boyfriend of murder
C.C. Opanowski says it's still difficult to process the fact that a person she once loved was convicted of murder. She hopes that others can learn from her story.
Police release video of In-N-Out shooting
Three people were killed during a shooting that began at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. The gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Investigators have now released security footage as they probe the motive for the shooting.
Police warn of "video game style" driving
Driving like a "Grand Theft Auto" player in real life is both illegal and highly dangerous, police warn. Kris Van Cleave went on a ride-along to see what the California Highway Patrol is dealing with.
Police release footage of In-N-Out shooting
Police have released surveillance and body camera footage revealing new details about the shooting at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho, that killed three people. Carter Evans has more.
Space
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Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
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.
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.
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.
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
D4vd Charged with Murder
Following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains in a vehicle registered to D4vd last fall, what were the key developments that led to charges this week? On this episode of "Case by Case," we examine all of the new details coming out of the case against singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, who professionally goes by D4vd. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales and CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman break down what we know so far about Celeste's death and the alleged abusive relationship she had with the singer.
The Au Pair Affair: Banfield Sentenced to Life
On Friday, June 5, Brendan Banfield was sentenced to life in prison without parole for orchestrating an elaborate plot to murder his wife, Christine Banfield, while carrying on an affair with the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. The scheme involved luring an unsuspecting man, Joseph Ryan, to the Banfield home and attempting to frame him for the crime. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green and "48 Hours" producer Michelle Sigona share the most passionate moments from victim impact statements. You'll also hear from Brendan Banfield in court as he maintained his innocence.
Inside D4vd's Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case
A preliminary hearing offers the clearest look yet at the case against singer-songwriter D4vd, who is charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green is joined by Los Angeles Times investigative crime writer Richard Winton to unpack the latest courtroom developments, the prosecution's strategy, the defense's response, and the evidence that could determine whether the case advances to trial.
Disturbing New Allegations Against D4vd
On April 29, prosecutors released a brief outlining their case against singer-songwriter D4vd, who has been charged in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On this episode of "Case By Case," we examine the state's timeline of events, including the allegation that D4vd stabbed Celeste and went to great lengths to cover up the crime. Plus, an update on Nick Reiner who appeared in the same court just hours before D4vd. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty and Los Angeles Times crime writer Richard Winton dig into the new details on both stories.
Job market shrank in July
The jobs report released last week showed the job market shrank in July, after months of growth. Employers shed 23,000 jobs that month, far below the 83,000 jobs that were expected to be gained.