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.
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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.
Live
U.S.-Iran Strait of Hormuz standoff and Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue
There's no confirmation of plans for new U.S.-Iran talks as the costly Strait of Hormuz standoff and Israel's fight with Hezbollah both continue despite ceasefires.
Justice Department drops probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that the Federal Reserve's inspector general will investigate cost overruns in project to renovate the central bank's headquarters.
As U.S. re-arms during ceasefire, long-term concerns about munitions supplies
The Trump administration has sought to project confidence in the U.S. military's munitions stocks after more than a month of war with Iran, but long-term supply questions remain.
U.S. special forces soldier who won $409K on Maduro bet is arrested
The soldier allegedly bet on Nicolás Maduro's removal as president of Venezuela before news of the raid was reported, a law enforcement source told CBS News.
Melania Trump adds White House-shaped beehive to South Lawn
The new beehive expands existing beekeeping and honey production operations at the White House.
Netanyahu says he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the successful operation for prostate cancer happened 18 months ago and that he is now in "excellent physical condition."
Trump confirms he's weighing a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines "for the right price"
President Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop.
Oklahoma tornado destroys homes, forces Air Force base to close
A powerful tornado in Oklahoma on Thursday ripped roofs off buildings, destroyed homes, knocked down power poles and forced an Air Force base to close.
2 missing USF doctoral students are now considered endangered, police say
Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were last seen in the Tampa area on April 16, the University of South Florida Police Department said. Loved ones say their disappearances are out of character and they're concerned.
U.S.
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Melania Trump adds White House-shaped beehive to South Lawn
The new beehive expands existing beekeeping and honey production operations at the White House.
Justice Department drops probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that the Federal Reserve's inspector general will investigate cost overruns in project to renovate the central bank's headquarters.
Video, images show elite forces searching for U.S. ship's missing crew
New video and photos show the search for the five crewmembers who remain missing after a U.S.-flagged ship capsized in the Pacific Ocean.
As U.S. re-arms during ceasefire, long-term concerns about munitions supplies
The Trump administration has sought to project confidence in the U.S. military's munitions stocks after more than a month of war with Iran, but long-term supply questions remain.
Oklahoma tornado destroys homes, forces Air Force base to close
A powerful tornado in Oklahoma ripped roofs off buildings, destroyed homes, knocked down utility poles and forced an Air Force base to close.
MoneyWatch
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Planning a summer flight? Book now before prices surge, airline experts say.
"If you haven't booked for this summer, get busy," Atmosphere Research Group Airline industry analyst Henry Harteveldt told CBS News.
Air travel prices likely to get worse in coming weeks, Chevron CEO says
Travelers could see airline fares rise and fewer flights available in the coming weeks, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Only one Trump "gold card" visa has been approved, Lutnick says
The Trump administration started accepting applications in December for foreigners willing to pay $1 million for the right to live in the U.S.
Nearly 208,000 heated socks sold at Costco recalled due to burn injuries
The 32 Degrees Heated Socks can pose a burn risk due to the combination of heat, friction, moisture and pressure created during athletic activities.
Meta to cut 8,000 jobs as it charges into AI
Meta plans to lay off roughly 10% of its workforce as the technology giant steps up its spending on artificial intelligence.
Politics
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Melania Trump adds White House-shaped beehive to South Lawn
The new beehive expands existing beekeeping and honey production operations at the White House.
Justice Department drops probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that the Federal Reserve's inspector general will investigate cost overruns in project to renovate the central bank's headquarters.
As U.S. re-arms during ceasefire, long-term concerns about munitions supplies
The Trump administration has sought to project confidence in the U.S. military's munitions stocks after more than a month of war with Iran, but long-term supply questions remain.
Hegseth says U.S. blockade of Iranian vessels to continue for "as long as it takes"
Hegseth indicated during a Pentagon news conference that the Trump administration is in no hurry to reach a peace deal as the war continues.
Trump confirms he's weighing a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines "for the right price"
President Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop.
HealthWatch
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Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives
Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
World
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Netanyahu says he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the successful operation for prostate cancer happened 18 months ago and that he is now in "excellent physical condition."
Live
U.S.-Iran Strait of Hormuz standoff and Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue
There's no confirmation of plans for new U.S.-Iran talks as the costly Strait of Hormuz standoff and Israel's fight with Hezbollah both continue despite ceasefires.
60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Hegseth says U.S. blockade of Iranian vessels to continue for "as long as it takes"
Hegseth indicated during a Pentagon news conference that the Trump administration is in no hurry to reach a peace deal as the war continues.
Cartel members linked to notorious drug lord's brother captured in Mexico
The U.S. has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Aureliano Guzman Loera, known as "El Guano."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Survivor" castaway on elimination from game
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" speaks with the latest eliminated contestant from "Survivor 50" about exiting the game, strategy and transitioning to the jury.
"Giant" explores Roald Dahl scandal
"Giant," which is now on Broadway, dramatizes a real-life scandal that stained the legacy of world-famous children's author Roald Dahl. Anthony Mason spoke to John Lithgow, who stars in the play, and playwright Mark Rosenblatt.
DiCaprio speaks at 2016 Paris Agreement signing
On April 22, 2016, the U.N. held a signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at curbing climate change, featuring several speakers from various nations, including actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. Watch his full speech from the event.
Donnie Wahlberg talks "Boston Blue" success
Donnie Wahlberg talks about starring in the series "Boston Blue" and the emotional moments he shared with the cast members when he revealed the show was being renewed for a second season. He also discusses if his wife, Jenny McCarthy, could make an appearance on the show.
Vinyl record sales continue resurgence
New data shows interest in vinyl records is only getting stronger, with social media and and special releases from artists like Taylor Swift helping drive the trend. Jarred Hill has more.
Technology
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Meta to cut 8,000 jobs as it charges into AI
Meta plans to lay off roughly 10% of its workforce as the technology giant steps up its spending on artificial intelligence.
Victim has "nothing left" as AI fuels a surge in crypto fraud schemes
One woman's entire life savings was stolen from her by sophisticated scammers who used artificial intelligence to perfectly manipulate her.
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.
How to dispose of e-waste this Earth Day
Tuesday marks Earth Day, and if you have any unused devices at home, there are green ways to dispose of them. CNET senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta to track workers' computer use to train AI
Business Insider got a look at an email Meta, the parent company of Facebook, sent to all employees, letting them know that it would start tracking their interactions with their computers to train the company's artificial intelligence. Business Insider tech correspondent Charles Rollet joins to discuss.
Science
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60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Mysterious "golden orb" found in deep sea in 2023 is finally identified
Scientists spent over two years identifying a mysterious object found off the coast of Alaska in 2023.
Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Crime
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Crime
Probe into bet on Maduro's capture
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke is being investigated for allegedly betting on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's removal from office before the raid was made public. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Cartel members linked to notorious drug lord's brother captured in Mexico
The U.S. has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Aureliano Guzman Loera, known as "El Guano."
Police stop man before alleged mass shooting
Florida police say they stopped a mass shooting by arresting a man who was on his way to Jazz Fest in New Orleans with a handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Cristian Benavides has details.
2 rival groups open fire in mall food court
A shooting broke out at a major mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where police said a feud in the food court ended with bullets flying and at least five people in the hospital. Matt Gutman reports.
What to expect from Baton Rouge investigation
At least one person was killed and several others were hurt during a shooting at a mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thursday. Police have five suspects in custody. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more. Editor's note: CBS News has removed an earlier report in light of new information from Louisiana authorities about the number of people hurt in the shooting.
Space
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Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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
Justice Department drops Jerome Powell probe
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Friday that the Justice Department is dropping the investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Trump redoing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
In Oval Office remarks Thursday, President Trump discussed plans to renovate the stone lining of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with a swimming pool-style surface, colored "American flag blue."
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that might just become essentials in your everyday life. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Best new hotels, restaurants and cruises
Condé Nast Traveler senior features editor Megan Spurrell shares a preview of the magazine's 2026 Hot List, which breaks down the best new places to stay, eat and cruise.
Probe into bet on Maduro's capture
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gannon Ken Van Dyke is being investigated for allegedly betting on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's removal from office before the raid was made public. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.