A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
Omicron Variant
U.S. COVID hospitalizations steadily rising
COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased significantly over the past month and are expected to continue rising, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, demand for in-person and at-home COVID tests is also surging. Elaine Quijano has details.
Highly mutated strain of new COVID variant reported in Michigan
Cases of the new COVID variant BA.2.86 have been spotted in Michigan, Denmark and Israel.
2/2: CBS News Mornings
Central and Northeastern U.S. bracing for snow, ice, frigid temperatures; Teen's initiative sends thousands of books to hospitals and schools
3/14: CBS News Mornings
Dozens reported killed as Russia expands assault in western Ukraine; Guest worker visa applications soar amid labor shortage
CDC tracking new COVID variant EU.1.1
Nearly 100 cases of the COVID variant EU.1.1 have been reported in Utah — more than any other state.
New variant XBB.1.5 now more than a quarter of U.S. cases
XBB.1.5's prevalence remains highest in the Northeast, according to the CDC's latest estimates.
Examining the new COVID travel policy from China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 5, all travelers coming to the U.S. from China will have to test negative for COVID-19 before boarding flights. Associated Press reporter Dake Kang spoke with CBS News about China's struggles with COVID-19.
BF.7: What to know about the Omicron COVID variant
Although reports from China about this variant's characteristics are concerning, it doesn't appear to be growing too much elsewhere in the world.
CDC says it's now tracking a new COVID variant known as XBB
The XBB variant has climbed to 3.1% of new COVID cases nationwide, the CDC now estimates.
In his final COVID briefing, Fauci hopes for less deadly COVID wave this winter
The president's outgoing chief medical adviser pointed to new CDC data suggesting the updated boosters will increase protection against infection.
CDC now tracking BN.1, the latest new COVID variant on the rise
The strain has climbed to make up 4.3% of new COVID-19 cases nationwide.
Special Report: Biden speaks on fight against COVID
President Biden updated the nation on his administration's efforts to contain COVID-19, announcing that he was doubling and accelerating the U.S. order for a Pfizer antiviral pill, and also that insurance companies would reimburse Americans for home tests. He urged Americans to get vaccinations and boosters. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus join the CBS News Special Report to discuss the president's remarks.
NIH investigates Boston University COVID experiments amid controversy
Boston University says its research with "chimeric recombinant" viruses did not lead to a "gain of function."
11/29: CBSN AM
Omicron variant threatens U.S. recovery efforts; Hanukkah ceremonies and celebrations underway worldwide
"Pretty troublesome": New COVID variant BQ.1 growing rapidly
The CDC said BQ.1 and one of its descendants, BQ.1.1, represent "a small but fast-growing subset of the Omicron variant."
New COVID boosters for kids 5 and up
Children ages 5 and up are now eligible to get the new COVID-19 booster shots, which target both the original coronavirus and its Omicron variants. CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus joins us to discuss the vaccine, and he also answers questions about a new study on colonoscopies.
Back-to-school COVID-19 safety concerns
As we head into another school year, some parents are concerned over the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in the classroom. Only about 30% of elementary school-aged kids are fully vaccinated, and experts warn the U.S. could see another fall or winter surge of cases. Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief at Children's Hospital New Orleans, joins CBS News to discuss.
12/19: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," there is frustration and fear as we head into the holiday season, amid what top U.S. health officials are calling an incoming tidal wave of COVID cases.
FDA authorizes Omicron booster shots
New COVID booster shots that target the latest Omicron variants could be available within days, after the FDA authorized the updated boosters made by Pfizer and Moderna.
Dr. Agus answers questions on COVID rebound
CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus explains why COVID-19 cases sometimes "rebound" in patients who were treated with Paxlovid. He also answers viewers' questions about Omicron subvariants and whether there's a risk of catching monkeypox at the gym.
China fights COVID outbreak
What's behind the spike in COVID cases in China, and what the government is trying to do to combat it? Ben Cowling, the head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Hong Kong University, joins CBS News to discuss.
CDC warns of more contagious sub-variant
Health officials are warning Americans to continue to take caution against COVID-19. Lenny Bernstein, a health reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the concerns over a sub-variant called BA.2.
Vaccine-resistant COVID could develop
So far, COVID-19 vaccines have continued to offer some protection against variants. But a vaccine-resistant strain could develop in the future. Dr. Mark Dybul, the CEO of Enochian Biosciences, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss the risk, as well as the latest data on Pfizer's antiviral pill.
Omicron subvariant BA.5 driving U.S. COVID cases
Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 now account for more than nine out of 10 new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. CBS News reporter Alexander Tin joined "Red and Blue" to discuss the latest numbers from the CDC.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Live
Iran attacks Kuwait airport as Israel, Lebanon reach tentative ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of "pilot" security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah would be banned.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
Senate advances reconciliation bill, dropping ballroom funds
Senate Republicans moved forward with a package to fund the Department of Homeland Security's immigration agencies Wednesday.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
U.S.
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Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Victim of "horrifying" Chelsea murder identified after 26 years
"Chelsea Jane Doe" has been identified as Tiffany Bradley of Pennsylvania.
American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
MoneyWatch
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American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles over faulty seat belts
Safety watchdog said seat belts in certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing them from functioning properly.
These are the best airlines in 2026, according to The Points Guy
The Points Guy's annual ranking gives extra weight to affordability this year as higher fuel costs and airline fees squeeze travelers.
Outback Steakhouse sued for $1.5M over alleged mashed potato slip-and-fall
A Virginia woman alleges she suffered serious injuries after slipping on what appeared to be mashed potatoes at an Outback Steakhouse.
Social Security checks could be cut by $500 a month in 2032, report finds
Beneficiaries would continue receiving payments if Social Security's trust fund is depleted, but checks could shrink by about 24%, according to a new report.
Politics
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Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Connie Chan and Scott Wiener advance in race to succeed Pelosi, CBS News projects
Voters in San Francisco on Tuesday advanced San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and state Sen. Scott Wiener in the race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District, CBS News projects.
HealthWatch
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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
World
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Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
North Korea announces opening of a new nuclear facility
State media photos showed what appeared to be a large centrifuge hall, indicating the plant is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Hamm talks "Your Friends & Neighbors"
Jon Hamm previews "Your Friends & Neighbors" season 2 finale, saying "it is satisfying" and provides some answers for fans. He also talks about the relatability of the show's characters and reflects on "Mad Men."
André De Shields on Tony nomination
André De Shields speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," which is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classical musical told through the lens of ballroom culture. De Shields talks about bringing ballroom to Broadway and his latest Tony nomination.
Tribeca at 25: NYC festival celebrates music, Broadway and New York stories
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Analyzing the YouTuber-to-filmmaker boom
The sci-fi horror flick "Backrooms" was the number one movie in the U.S. as of Tuesday. The filmmaker behind the movie, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is now the youngest director with a number one film globally. Brooks Barnes, The New York Times' chief Hollywood correspondent, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Peabo Bryson, singer known for Disney movie hits, dies at 75
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Technology
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Technology
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
OpenAI CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to oppose proposals that would require developers to obtain government approval before releasing new artificial intelligence models. Jordan Rae Kelly, former director for cyber incident response on the National Security Council, joins with analysis.
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.
Microsoft VP explains its AI assistant Scout
Microsoft announced a slew of new AI products during its annual Microsoft Build developers conference in San Francisco. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft vice president, speaks with CBS News about the product.
Meta unveils new AI business agent
Businesses can now expand their AI customer service with Meta's help. Senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to talk about that and some of the other big tech stories of the day.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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1 dead, 3 hurt in high school graduation shooting in Northern California, officials say
One person died and three others, including a child, were injured in a shooting Wednesday night at a high school graduation in Northern California, officials said.
Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Coast Guard searching in Lynette Hooker case
A team of specialized Coast Guard divers and investigators have been searching the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Cristian Benavides reports.
FBI kills hostage-taker in California
A 15-hour standoff at a bank building in Bakersfield, California, ended Wednesday after all hostages were freed and the suspect was killed by the FBI. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Details on suspect in bank hostage standoff
All hostages are safe and a suspect is dead after an hourslong standoff at a bank in California, police said on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Space
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NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
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.
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?
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
U.S.-Iran tensions on rise
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran have executed some of the most intense fighting since the ceasefire went into effect, and unlike other cases where military targets were hit, a civilian area came under fire. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
State of primary ballot count in California
Election results from California's primary races were still coming in on Wednesday. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has the latest on the races.
Video store sees new demand for VHS tapes, DVDs
A Brooklyn video store is going old school and it's drawing a new generation of movie fans. Evyn Moon shows how DVD and VHS are making a comeback as people trade algorithms for aisle browsing.
6/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
House passes measure that would rein in Trump on Iran; Trump says Iran talks are ongoing despite recent attack.