What to know about COVID-19 as fall approaches
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the virus, breakthrough infections and booster shots.
Delta Variant
Public schools facing massive enrollment drop
Enrollment in public schools during the pandemic has seen a significant drop, according to the Education Department. Carter Evans takes a look at why students are vanishing from the system.
J&J says its COVID booster shot strengthens immunity
Johnson & Johnson released data on its booster shot that shows a second dose eight months after the initial dose increases immunity. CBS News' Mark Strassmann has more on the company's announcement amid a surge in pediatric COVID cases. Then, Dr. Jeremy Faust, an attending physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital's department of emergency medicine, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the rest of the day's coronavirus headlines.
Thousands of Mississippi students catch COVID
In Mississippi, low vaccination rates are leading to a surge in COVID cases, including students heading back to school. In August alone, nearly 12,000 Mississippi students tested positive for COVID, with another almost 29,000 students forced to quarantine. Mark Strassmann reports.
U.S. health officials urge Americans to get vaccinated
Health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated as most U.S. counties experience "high" coronavirus transmission. As CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports, Dr. Fauci says the nation could get control of the virus by next spring if more people roll up their sleeves. Then, Dr. Adam Brown, an emergency physician and the COVID national task force chair at Envision Healthcare, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the rest of the day's COVID headlines.
COVID fears cause school bus driver shortage
As schools reopen nationwide, bus drivers are in high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Errol Barnett has this story.
San Antonio teachers push for in-person classes
Teachers at a San Antonio school are campaigning door-to-door, hoping to convince parents to let their children resume in-person classes this fall. Teachers claim that in-person learning is not only better for academic performance, but critical for their school’s funding. Janet Shamlian has more.
Delta variant drives COVID surge
Coronavirus cases continue to spike across the country as the Delta variant fuels new infections. The nation saw a 14% jump in the number of COVID-19 cases caused by the highly contagious strain. Michael George joins with the latest.
ICU beds in short supply as COVID-19 cases continue to spike
The nation saw a 14% jump in the number of COVID-19 cases caused by the highly contagious strain.
Delta variant ravages the southern U.S.
The more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 is ravaging the south. As Manuel Bojorquez reports, hospitalizations are spiking in the southern states. Then, Dr. Taison Bell, a critical care and infectious disease physician and the medical ICU director at the University of Virginia, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the coronavirus news of the day.
Lawsuit over NYC's COVID vaccine mandate
New York City now requires customers and employees of restaurants, gyms and other indoor public venues to show proof of vaccination. Mayor Bill de Blasio calls it a necessity as the Delta variant causes a rise in COVID-19 cases. But a group of small businesses is suing the city, claiming they're unfairly targeted and that there should be exemptions. Katie Honan, a reporter at The City, spoke with CBSN's Omar Villafranca about the controversy.
COVID booster shots coming soon
CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian has the latest on the summer surge in coronavirus cases as the Biden administration prepares to roll out booster shots next month. Then Dr. Adam Brown, an emergency physician and the COVID-19 national task force chair at Envision Healthcare, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest on vaccines and the risk of "breakthrough" infections.
Delta surge strains hospitals across southern states
Many ICU units throughout the South are at or nearing capacity as the Delta variant sweeps through the region. Janet Shamlian reports.
Alabama runs out of ICU beds as COVID cases surge
Hospitals in Alabam have run out of intensive care unit beds as coronavirus cases spike across the state.
Mississippi doctor on COVID-19 surge
Mississippi is seeing thousands of new COVID-19 cases per day and hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of severely ill patients. Dr. LouAnn Woodward from the University of Mississippi Medical Center spoke with Laura Podesta on CBSN about what the situation is like there and what schools need to do to keep children healthy.
Garth Brooks cancels tour dates because of COVID Delta surge
"Now, watching this new wave, I realize we are still in the fight and I must do my part," Brooks said.
Delta fuels need for COVID-19 boosters & tests
The Delta variant is fueling the need for COVID-19 booster shots and more regular testing. Dr. Tara Narula explains the data behind the new policy.
Study: Vaccines don't lower viral load in Delta breakthrough cases
Oxford research indicates people who catch the Delta variant despite vaccination may pose a significant infection risk, even though they're unlikely to get seriously ill.
Biden unveils plan for COVID vaccine booster shots
The Biden administration is recommending COVID booster shots for Americans who have been vaccinated in order to help fight the Delta variant. David Begnaud has more details.
Travelers are canceling trips with COVID numbers rising again
As the Delta variant fuels another spike in COVID-19 numbers, people longing to see friends and loved ones are struggling with what to do.
TSA to extend mask mandate through January 2022
"The purpose of TSA's mask directive is to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation," the agency said Tuesday.
COVID-19 symptoms and the Delta variant
U.S. scientists are investigating whether fully vaccinated people are experiencing different symptoms with the Delta variant than with prior variants.
Even some Trump hotels requiring masks as COVID spreads
The former president has shunned face coverings, but guests at several of his properties still need to wear them.
Retail sales slid in July amid jump in COVID-19 cases
Consumers spent less on clothing, furniture and sporting goods, a sign the pandemic is again hurting the economy.
Doctors fight "two pandemics": COVID surge and misinformation
At Baton Rouge General, they're treating 180 COVID patients — 78 of which are in the ICU.
Live
Trump reverses course on 20% fee for Strait of Hormuz cargo
Trump said Tuesday he "decided to replace" a 20% fee on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which he announced a day before, with trade and investment deals from Gulf states.
ICE halts most vehicle stops following deadly shootings, sources say
Neither of the victims of the ICE shootings in Maine or Texas were the target of enforcement operations, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
E. Jean Carroll receives $5 million sex abuse, defamation payment from Trump
A jury concluded in 2023 that Trump should pay Carroll $5 million in damages.
Maps show extreme heat and flood threats across U.S.
Much of the U.S. is facing either extreme heat or excessive rainfall and potential flooding on Tuesday. Here's where the greatest threats are expected.
Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained for repairs
President Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained for repairs, after weeks of railing against alleged vandals.
DoD watchdog finds 155mm artillery plant built 2 years ago has produced nothing
An ammunition plant in Mesquite, Texas, has not produced any metal projectile parts after the Army spent $469 million to establish the facility.
U.S. uses sea drones in combat for first time to attack Iranian port
The U.S. military shared video of what it said was its first use of sea drones in combat, to attack an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility.
Folarin Balogun addresses FIFA decision to lift red card suspension
U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun told "CBS Mornings" he "was in shock" when he received a red card in a World Cup match and discussed FIFA's decision to lift the one-game ban.
Dr. Céline Gounder: Lindsey Graham died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
U.S.
More U.S.
DoD watchdog finds 155mm artillery plant built 2 years ago has produced nothing
An ammunition plant in Mesquite, Texas, has not produced any metal projectile parts after the Army spent $469 million to establish the facility.
ICE halts most vehicle stops following deadly shootings, sources say
Neither of the victims of the ICE shootings in Maine or Texas were the target of enforcement operations, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
United's newest economy upgrade guarantees an empty middle seat
United Airlines has a solution to passengers squabbling over who gets the armrest: empty middle seats.
E. Jean Carroll receives $5M sex abuse, defamation payment from Trump
A jury concluded in 2023 that Trump should pay Carroll $5 million in damages.
Warsh vows to tackle inflation in first testimony as Fed chairman
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh told the House Financial Services Committee that the central bank has "no tolerance for persistently elevated inflation."
MoneyWatch
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Shippers balk at Trump's Strait of Hormuz fees: "Dangerous Pandora's Box"
Industry insiders say "there is no legal basis" for Trump to impose a 20% fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which could cost tens of millions of dollars per ship.
United's newest economy upgrade guarantees an empty middle seat
United Airlines has a solution to passengers squabbling over who gets the armrest: empty middle seats.
Warsh vows to tackle inflation in first testimony as Fed chairman
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh told the House Financial Services Committee that the central bank has "no tolerance for persistently elevated inflation."
Inflation eased more than expected in June, CPI report shows
Lower gasoline prices slowed inflation in June, though many household costs remained stubbornly high.
States call out big businesses with employees on Medicaid
With the federal Medicaid work requirement looming in January, Democrats are considering state legislation to call out big companies that employ workers enrolled in the safety net health program.
Politics
More Politics
DoD watchdog finds 155mm artillery plant built 2 years ago has produced nothing
An ammunition plant in Mesquite, Texas, has not produced any metal projectile parts after the Army spent $469 million to establish the facility.
E. Jean Carroll receives $5M sex abuse, defamation payment from Trump
A jury concluded in 2023 that Trump should pay Carroll $5 million in damages.
U.S. citizens traveling in Congo must spend 21 days elsewhere before entering U.S.
U.S. health officials are concerned about the spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trump says Reflecting Pool has been drained for repairs
President Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained for repairs, after weeks of railing against alleged vandals.
Why gaining full control of Strait of Hormuz has proven so hard for U.S.
Restoring oil tanker traffic in the vital Middle East shipping corridor to prewar levels likely will require a much bigger armada of U.S. warships if not tens of thousands of American troops on Iranian soil, experts say.
HealthWatch
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States call out big businesses with employees on Medicaid
With the federal Medicaid work requirement looming in January, Democrats are considering state legislation to call out big companies that employ workers enrolled in the safety net health program.
Dr. Céline Gounder: Lindsey Graham died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Common knee surgery may do more harm than good, 10-year study shows
A Finnish study followed patients for 10 years after they had a popular knee surgery. For many, the pain continued or even worsened.
New Jersey works to destroy firefighting foam laced with cancer-linked PFAS
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are working to collect, remove and destroy all of their aqueous film-forming foam.
Departments getting rid of firefighting foam
Fire departments across the U.S. are changing how they extinguish fires. For decades, they used foam that contained so-called "forever chemicals" that are now linked to cancer. More than a dozen states are now working to collect, remove and destroy all of it. Mark Strassmann has more.
World
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Shippers balk at Trump's Strait of Hormuz fees: "Dangerous Pandora's Box"
Industry insiders say "there is no legal basis" for Trump to impose a 20% fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which could cost tens of millions of dollars per ship.
Man describes harrowing escape from wildfire that killed wife and friends
A last minute decision meant Malcolm Timbrell survived one of Spain's deadliest wildfires ever, but his wife and friends were trapped by a wall of flames.
U.S. uses sea drones in combat for first time to attack Iranian port
The U.S. military shared video of what it said was its first use of sea drones in combat, to attack an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Why gaining full control of Strait of Hormuz has proven so hard for U.S.
Restoring oil tanker traffic in the vital Middle East shipping corridor to prewar levels likely will require a much bigger armada of U.S. warships if not tens of thousands of American troops on Iranian soil, experts say.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Gelfand on "The Real Wolf of Wall Street"
"The Real Wolf of Wall Street," a new documentary from See It Now Studios on Paramount+, focuses on the real-life story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont. Howie Gelfand, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont, explains why he decided to be part of the documentary and how the 2013 film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, got the real story wrong.
Alan Ritchson on thriller "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson talks about starring in "Motor City," which has nearly no dialogue, how his process was different and why he thinks it will resonate with audiences.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Technology
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Technology
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
New York enacts nation's first statewide moratorium on building new data centers
Building new data centers in New York will be paused for a year in order to allow state officials to establish guidelines protecting residents and the environment, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
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.
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
Family says they're forced to sell home to help power data centers
Georgia Power says building a new transmission line will require acquiring more than 300 parcels of land, including residential properties.
Science
More Science
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Kagan opening statements on security funding
Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are on Capitol Hill to testify before House lawmakers in response to a request for increased security funding amid growing threats against members of the highest court.
Second fatal ICE shooting in a week
Joan Sebastian Guerrero's death in Maine marks the second time in a week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have shot and killed a civilian. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that a man "attempted to flee the scene" when stopped by ICE. Guerrero's killing has prompted calls for an investigation. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
Witnesses on ICE shooting in Maine
Witnesses are describing what they saw during the moments after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in Maine. One source with knowledge of the investigation says Joan Sebastian Guerrero was killed during the encounter. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Judge's stunning rebuke of Trump, DOJ
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams slammed President Trump, his lawyers, and the Justice Department over a lawsuit against the IRS, saying it was filed for an "improper purpose." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Gelfand on "The Real Wolf of Wall Street"
"The Real Wolf of Wall Street," a new documentary from See It Now Studios on Paramount+, focuses on the real-life story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont. Howie Gelfand, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont, explains why he decided to be part of the documentary and how the 2013 film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, got the real story wrong.
Alan Ritchson on thriller "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson talks about starring in "Motor City," which has nearly no dialogue, how his process was different and why he thinks it will resonate with audiences.
Tips to save on summer travel and staycations
With the cost of gas and airfare higher than last year, Kelly O'Grady has money-saving tips to help you plan your dream summer vacation or staycation.
New inflation data from June
Recently released Labor Department data indicates inflation cooled more than expected in June due to falling gas prices following U.S. diplomatic efforts with Iran. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady has more.
Kagan on interactions with Lindsey Graham
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan took a moment before her opening remarks on Capitol Hill to honor the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, recalling her nomination process and her interactions with the lawmaker.