COVID spike straining hospitals
The steady climb of COVID infections, driven in part by the highly contagious Delta variant, and the unvaccinated, is putting a new strain on hospitals. Michael George has the latest.
Delta Variant
California's vaccinated frustrated with unvaccinated
According to a CBS News poll, people in California overwhelmingly say the state's recent rise in COVID-19 cases was preventable if more people had gotten vaccinated and taken more precautions. CBS news elections and surveys director Anthony Salvanto joined CBSN to discuss the recent polling.
COVID-19 hospitalizations skyrocket across U.S.
CBS News’ Mark Strassmann reports from Georgia, where 88% of ICU beds are in use and COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.
COVID-19 cases surged 400% since last month
The CDC reports the U.S. is averaging over 113,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, more than a 400% increase from last month. Meanwhile, the FDA is authorizing a third shot of vaccine for immunocompromised people to help them fight off the Delta variant. John Moore, a professor of immunology and microbiology at Weill Cornell Medical College, discussed the latest on the vaccines with CBSN's Tanya Rivero.
Applying for a job? Better get vaccinated.
Employers from airlines to software firms to Wall Street brokerages are mandating worker vaccines for COVID-19.
Making the most out of hybrid working
The spread of the Delta coronavirus variant means many companies and employees are uncertain of how plans to return to the office will be impacted. Keith Ferrazzi, founder and chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a global consulting and coaching firm, joined CBSN to discuss how company leaders can optimize their hybrid work-from-home models.
27 people aboard Carnival cruise test positive for COVID-19
Infected include 26 crew members and one passenger, all vaccinated, on a cruise that set sail from Galveston, Texas.
COVID risks at massive music festival
Organizers behind the massive four-day Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago say they're taking precautions to make sure attendees are safe from COVID. But health officials are concerned now that the Delta variant is becoming widespread.
COVID vaccine mandates "gaining momentum"
The pressure to increase coronavirus vaccinations is mounting as the CDC warns cases, hospitalizations and deaths are on the rise in the U.S. As CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports, more businesses, schools and cities are now issuing vaccine mandates in the hopes of slowing the spread. Then, Dr. Annalee Baker, an associate professor of emergency medicine at NYU's Grossman School of Medicine, joins CBSN's Michael George to discuss the latest.
U.S. jobless claims drop for 3rd consecutive week
The Department of Labor reported that U.S. jobless claims dropped for the third week in a row. It signals the American economy is strengthening but economists are still concerned about the impact from the rising COVID-19 cases. Axios markets reporter Courtenay Brown joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss.
Masks and respirators are back in high demand
Some mask makers were caught flat-footed when orders soared at the end of July, especially from Delta variant hotspots.
Delta variant worsens U.S. summer surge
The U.S. is facing a worsening coronavirus outbreak amid a Delta variant surge. As CBS News' Janet Shamlian reports, some hospitals are overwhelmed yet again. Then, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anand Swaminathan joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the day's coronavirus headlines, including a plan to authorize booster shots for immunocompromised people.
U.S. is averaging 100,000 COVID cases a day
As the Delta variant spreads nationwide and hospitalizations spike, especially in the South, health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the latest, and Dr. Teresa Murray Amato joins CBSN AM to discuss.
Hospitals swamped with COVID patients
The United States is back to hitting record numbers of coronavirus patients as the Delta variant spreads. Plus, hospitals are seeing an alarming number of children being hospitalized. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn joins CBSN AM with more details.
COVID Delta variant’s impact on kids
Doctors are increasingly concerned about the COVID-19 Delta variant’s impact on children. The number of kids hospitalized with the virus has been rising over the past few weeks, as officials also try to increase vaccination rates among teens and adults. Riley Griffin, a health care reporter for Bloomberg News, joins CBSN AM to discuss.
Florida schools reopen amid COVID surge
Doctors are warning about new dangers posed by COVID-19's Delta variant to children as the state of Florida reopens its schools. Some parents and officials are at odds over requiring children to wear masks.
COVID cases in kids rise as some schools impose mask mandates
The risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools high due to the Delta variant, even if adults are fully vaccinated, according to a new CDC-funded study. As CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports, those findings come as several school districts in Florida and Texas defy impose mask mandates despite state orders. Then, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano with her analysis.
Texas struggles with COVID-19 surge
New cases of COVID-19 are surging among unvaccinated Americans nationwide. Cities like Austin, Texas, are running out of ICU beds, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott is doubling down on his executive order banning mask mandates. CBS News’ Debra Alfarone reports on the spike in cases as children prepare to go back to school. Then Dr. Ogechika Alozie, medical director at Sunset ID Care, joins CBSN with more on efforts to combat COVID-19.
Study: J&J vaccine protects against Delta
According to a study of nearly 480,000 health care workers out of South Africa, the single-dose vaccine from Johnson and Johnson is up to 71% effective at protecting against severe illness and hospitalization from the Delta variant of COVID-19, and 96% effective at preventing death. Dr. Dyan Hes joined CBSN to discuss the latest data and its impact on vaccination efforts.
Food stamps — now $7 a day — are set to get chopped
A 15% hike in nutritional aid ends next month. Experts say that will increase food insecurity for millions of Americans.
DOJ defends latest federal eviction moratorium
The Justice Department has defended the CDC's temporary extension of the federal eviction moratorium in a court filing last week. It cited concerns over the rising cases of COVID fueled by the Delta variant. But, the Biden administration is facing criticism from those who say they don't have the authority to continually extend the deadline. Jessica Levinson, CBS News legal contributor and professor at Loyola Law School, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with her insight.
"Our ICU's are full" with COVID, doctor says
Daily coronavirus cases in the U.S. have hit 100,000 for the first time since February, and children are among those hospitalized with the virus, particularly in hard-hit states in the South. CBS News' Debra Alfarone has the latest, and Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, an associate professor of infectious disease at the University of Florida, joins CBSN to discuss the pandemic as children in his state head back to school without a mask mandate.
U.S. averages more than 100,000 new daily COVID cases
As CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports, the U.S. is now averaging more than 100,000 new coronavirus cases daily. The former head of the FDA warns that numbers could become higher as the new school year kicks off. Dr. Shad Marvasti, a family medicine physician and associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano with more.
Gyms fear they'll go the way of Blockbuster stores
Some 9,000 health clubs have closed since the pandemic. The industry is stretching for $30 billion in relief from Congress.
Businesses large and small say: Mask up, again
McDonald's, Home Depot and others reimpose masks indoors, as more bars and restaurants require vaccine for entry.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Major outage leaves more than 130,000 customers in San Francisco without power
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
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The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Entertainment
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Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet has won three Grammys and sold 10 million albums. Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee talk about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas.
Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet Pentatonix has won three Grammy Awards and sold 10 million albums, while their YouTube videos have been streamed more than six billion times. David Pogue talks with group members Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas – and about introducing musical instruments to the mix.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
As a holiday treat for "Sunday Morning" viewers, The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," a highlight of Radio City's "Christmas Spectacular" since its debut in 1933.
Technology
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Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
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Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Secret Santa (and a Baltimore elf) spread holiday cheer
Every year, Secret Santa (actually an anonymous, wealthy businessman) goes around the country handing out hundreds of $100 bills to random strangers, often accompanied by Steve Hartman. This time, Santa recruited Baltimore doctor Michael Zolicofer, a.k.a. Dr. Z, to help spread good tidings to random strangers and life-long patients alike.
Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet Pentatonix has won three Grammy Awards and sold 10 million albums, while their YouTube videos have been streamed more than six billion times. David Pogue talks with group members Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas – and about introducing musical instruments to the mix.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
As a holiday treat for "Sunday Morning" viewers, The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," a highlight of Radio City's "Christmas Spectacular" since its debut in 1933.
Almanac: December 21
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.