Do you have to wear a mask on your flight? These airlines are dropping mandates
Though customers are free to continue wearing masks if they choose, passengers will not be required to mask up on many carriers for the first time in years.
Face Mask
Justice Department will appeal mask ruling if CDC says mandate is still needed
The DOJ said Tuesday that it disagrees with a district court's decision to end the mask mandate.
Uber and Lyft drop mask requirements
Uber and Lyft riders and drivers may now leave their masks at home, after a judge struck down a federal mask mandate.
Cheers, concerns as mask federal mandate struck down
Despite the relief by many passengers and airline staff, not everyone was pleased by the decision.
What the federal mask mandate ruling could mean for future pandemics
For now, federal agencies are reviewing the judge's decision, a Biden administration official said.
TSA won't enforce transit mask mandate after judge voids it
A U.S. District Court judge in Florida ruled that the mask mandate exceeds the CDC's authority.
Mask mandates return as COVID-19 cases rise across U.S.
Some colleges and one major city are reinstating masking rules in hopes of containing the Omicron BA.2 subvariant.
Airlines ask Biden to drop mask mandate and testing requirements for travelers
The CEOs of 10 U.S.-based airlines signed a letter urging President Biden to drop the requirements, as the U.K., Canada, and the European Union have already done.
Ron DeSantis asks students to take face masks off at press conference
The governor said their mask-wearing is "COVID theater."
California, Oregon, Washington to end school mask mandates
The California Teachers Association said it expected a mixed reaction to the announcement at schools.
New York governor says school mask mandate will end Wednesday
New York City's indoor vaccine mandate could end by March 7, the mayor said.
Soon only one U.S. state will still have indoor mask rules
More parts of the country are dropping mask requirements, signaling a new phase in the pandemic.
CDC may update indoor mask guidance as states loosen restrictions
The debate over masking in schools continues to simmer.
States lift face mask mandates after CDC updates guidance
Mark Strassmann reports on the CDC lifting the mask mandate and the impact.
Canadian official threatens consequences for truckers protesting COVID mandates
The weeks-long demonstrations have blocked one of the busiest bridges between the U.S. and Canada.
Where to buy face masks online after CDC updates COVID Omicron variant guidelines
From cloth masks with filters to N95 face masks, these options from Amazon, Nordstrom and more are available now
What are the differences between N95, KN95, surgical and cloth masks?
As the Omicron surge continues, our explainer is here to help you sort through the latest mask news.
Virginia school districts sue over Youngkin order making masks optional
The school boards claim the governor's executive order conflicts with current state law.
Mom charged for saying she'll "bring every single gun loaded" over school's mask rule
Officials are investigating a threat made by a parent at a Virginia school board meeting.
Flight makes U-turn over Atlantic after passenger refuses to wear mask
American Airlines Flight 38 was heading to London with 129 passengers on board when it had to turn back.
COVID Omicron mask update: 7 fashion brands you didn't know sell face masks
From luxury to under-the-radar brands, these high-end face masks offer protection from COVID-19 in style.
CBS Weekend News, April 4, 2020
U.S. coronavirus deaths surpass 8,000 while hospitals struggle to treat patients; Authorities seaching for two members of the Kennedy family
CBS Evening News, May 11, 2020
White House directs staff to wear face masks in the West Wing; Some imported face masks failing to protect first responders from coronavirus
CBS Evening News, May 19, 2020
Trump defends taking hydroxychloroquine; Teacher infected with coronavirus continues her remote class
CBS Evening News, July 16, 2020
Southern hospitals pushed to the brink as coronavirus cases soar; 7-year-old raises funds to get her school skin-colored crayons
Live
Watch Live: Fauci invokes 5th in hearing, citing Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession"
Dr. Anthony Fauci is testifying to the Senate on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a showdown between the infectious disease expert and GOP Sen. Rand Paul.
Live
Trump warns Iran is set to "get a beating" as 5-month war expands
The war in the Middle East is expanding, with Trump threatening Iran with "a beating" and the U.S. and Saudi Arabia jointly strike Iranian proxies in Iraq.
First on CBS
How Trump drafted renovation plans for Dulles, a "terrible airport"
President Trump asked for 3D models of the renovation proposals as he personally tweaked ideas to overhaul Dulles International Airport that are scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday.
Comey claims DOJ ordered illegal surveillance, seeks dismissal of "86 47" case
Former FBI Director James Comey filed new motions late Tuesday in his effort to toss out federal charges accusing him of threatening President Trump's by posting a photo of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
The Federal Reserve meets Wednesday. Could it raise interest rates?
The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on Wednesday, but persistent inflation concerns are reshaping expectations for the rest of 2026.
The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"
"Ask a Doctor" columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joined "Healthful" to discuss the brain-gut connection.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Japan quake toll rises, people still missing in damaged mall and factory
The powerful earthquake that rocked southern Japan has killed at least 18 people and more remain missing in a damaged shopping mall and a paper factory.
U.S.
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Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
Maps show where heavy rainfall poses flood risks across Northeast
The storm system that brought dangerous tornadoes to the Midwest earlier this week has now moved into New England, threatening to cause flooding in multiple states.
The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"
"Ask a Doctor" columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joined "Healthful" to discuss the brain-gut connection.
Live
Watch Live: Fauci invokes 5th in hearing, citing Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession"
Dr. Anthony Fauci is testifying to the Senate on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a showdown between the infectious disease expert and GOP Sen. Rand Paul.
Comey claims DOJ ordered illegal surveillance, seeks dismissal of "86 47" case
Former FBI Director James Comey filed new motions late Tuesday in his effort to toss out federal charges accusing him of threatening President Trump's by posting a photo of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
MoneyWatch
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Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
U.S. bans humanoid robot imports, eyeing China and national security concerns
The Federal Communications Commission is banning imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that targets China.
Canadian tourism slumped in the U.S. last year amid heightened tensions
Millions of Canadians shunned travel to the U.S. in 2025, opting to vacation at home or travel to other countries.
Americans face higher back-to-school costs. Here's what's pricier.
U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.
Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company says.
Politics
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Live
Watch Live: Fauci invokes 5th in hearing, citing Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession"
Dr. Anthony Fauci is testifying to the Senate on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting up a showdown between the infectious disease expert and GOP Sen. Rand Paul.
Grants halted at agency devoted to safety of U.S. healthcare
Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants.
Comey claims DOJ ordered illegal surveillance, seeks dismissal of "86 47" case
Former FBI Director James Comey filed new motions late Tuesday in his effort to toss out federal charges accusing him of threatening President Trump's by posting a photo of seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47."
U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi militaries announced airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces.
Trump policy clears way for civil commitment of homeless in some states
In the year since President Trump signed an executive order aimed at moving homeless people off the streets, states have expanded involuntary treatment for the homeless.
HealthWatch
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The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"
"Ask a Doctor" columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joined "Healthful" to discuss the brain-gut connection.
Grants halted at agency devoted to safety of U.S. healthcare
Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants.
What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
World
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2025 was deadliest year for antisemitic attacks in 30 years, study says
Last year, 20 people were killed in antisemitic attacks outside of Israel, making it the deadliest year for such incidents since 1994.
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
7 charred bodies found in house with narco gang-related messages
Ecuador has become a cocaine trafficking hub, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Russia charges Telegram founder with aiding terrorism, seeks his arrest
Soon after the charges were announced, Telegram's official account on X posted an image of Durov making an obscene gesture.
Entertainment
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Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
William Shatner, daughter on cancer journeys
Legendary actor William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch are opening up about their battles with Stage 4 cancer nearly at the same time as each other. Both are now cancer-free and share how they helped each other through the challenging time.
"The Odyssey" movie sparking interest in book
Moviegoers are turning out in droves for the IMAX spectacle "The Odyssey," but they're also flocking to something else: the 2,700-year-old source material. Matt Gutman has more.
Technology
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Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
Tech workers warn AI development must slow
The artificial intelligence industry faces internal pressure as developers at top technology companies caution that accelerating AI development is risky, emphasizing that the industry must pace itself and develop oversight. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Apple to lease devices
Apple announced on Tuesday a new program called "Apple Upgrade," which allows consumers the option to lease new devices. It applies to everything from watches to laptops. Kelly O'Grady explains.
AI workers sound alarm on the technology
Nearly 1,200 AI workers signed a letter on Tuesday, asking the U.S. government to slow down the development of the technology. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Science
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Crime
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7 charred bodies found in house with narco gang-related messages
Ecuador has become a cocaine trafficking hub, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Georgia teen sentenced for school shooting
Sixteen-year-old Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the 2024 shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School which killed four people.
Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Tuesday sentenced Colt Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gray pleaded guilty to killing four people in the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has the latest.
Apalachee High School shooter sentenced to life without parole
Colt Gray, the teenager who admitted to killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
Police seek third Seattle shooting suspect
Seattle police are hunting for a third suspect being linked to a deadly shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Space
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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.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Rescue crews search for Japan quake survivors
Emergency search and rescue crews are combing through the mangled wreckage of buildings after a devastating earthquake rattled southern Japan, killing over a dozen people. CBS News' Anna Coren has the latest details.
Video of U.S. woman before going missing
Newly released surveillance video appears to show missing North Carolinian Liz Waddell just before she vanished while on vacation in Grenada. CBS News' Cristian Benavides has more on the investigation.
Rescue effort underway after Japan quake
Rescuers are still searching for survivors after a powerful earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 18 people. Four people died inside a shopping center that collapsed from an explosion one hour after the quake struck. Anna Coren reports.
Tech workers warn AI development must slow
The artificial intelligence industry faces internal pressure as developers at top technology companies caution that accelerating AI development is risky, emphasizing that the industry must pace itself and develop oversight. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Trump and Zelenskyy say talks went well
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said their meeting at the White House went well. The two discussed licenses for Patriot interceptor missiles and diplomacy with Russia. CBS News' Aidan Stretch has more.