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.
Trump kicks off Freedom 250 IndyCar race in the streets of Washington, D.C.
The open-wheel race is the latest of President Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.
Frustration mounts for thousands still without power after deadly Indiana storms
Several days of powerful storms walloped northwest Indiana, killing at least seven people and displacing about 1,000.
Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate
The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll considering stepping down, sources say
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering stepping down from his post by the end of the year, two people familiar with the matter told CBS News Saturday.
Kashkari: Inflation could be extended as Canada fight goes on
Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said the tariff fight with Canada could extend U.S. inflation, should the tense trade dynamic between the historically allied countries continue.
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Iran's president defends U.S. memorandum of understanding as best path forward
The new head of Iran's supreme national security council issued the warning to countries who join the U.S.'s economic war on Tehran.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Dr. Oz says MMR is "not a lethal vaccine" despite Trump's comments
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections, cites "huge risk"
After Ukraine's fired defense minister publicly called for wartime elections, Zelenskyy said it would risk splitting the country.
U.S.
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Dr. Oz says MMR is "not a lethal vaccine" despite Trump's comments
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Byron Donalds and Seth Moulton join Margaret Brennan.
Kashkari: Inflation could be extended as Canada fight goes on
Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said the tariff fight with Canada could extend U.S. inflation, should the tense trade dynamic between the historically allied countries continue.
Trump kicks off Freedom 250 IndyCar race in the streets of Washington, D.C.
The open-wheel race is the latest of President Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
The botanist's bestselling books, "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry," advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth, and sharing the gifts of nature - ideas, she says, some may see as subversive.
MoneyWatch
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Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Politics
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Dr. Oz says MMR is "not a lethal vaccine" despite Trump's comments
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Byron Donalds and Seth Moulton join Margaret Brennan.
Kashkari: Inflation could be extended as Canada fight goes on
Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said the tariff fight with Canada could extend U.S. inflation, should the tense trade dynamic between the historically allied countries continue.
Trump kicks off Freedom 250 IndyCar race in the streets of Washington, D.C.
The open-wheel race is the latest of President Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.
Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who is on the boards of Pfizer and UnitedHealthCare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
HealthWatch
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The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, ER visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. How can you best avoid tick bites?
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are addressing an epidemic of Alpha-gal, and talks with experts about how best to avoid tick bites.
8/23: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Steve Hartman. Featured: The explosion of tick bites and Alpha-gal syndrome; singer Kenny Chesney; botanist and bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer; origami artist Robert Lang; one artist's very quirky home; an iconic photo of Harlem jazz legends; and a retirement home for musicians in Milan.
Olympian Jenny Simpson shares rare diagnosis
Retired Olympic runner Jenny Simpson earned a slew of accolades for her performances in three Olympic Games — but two months ago, she nearly died after suffering a cardiac event. Simpson spoke with Errol Barnett about her diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, the rare ailment she'd unknowingly carried for four decades.
How a teen found "a sense of control" as she fought cancer
Alayna Riozzi-Bodine was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma the summer before her senior year of high school.
World
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Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who is on the boards of Pfizer and UnitedHealthCare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Neel Kashkari, Minneapolis Fed president and CEO, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Neel Kashkari, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Byron Donalds on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Byron Donalds, Republican of Florida and candidate for Florida governor, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Dr. Mehmet Oz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Seth Moulton on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Seth Moulton, Democrat of Massachusetts and Senate primary candidate, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]
Milan's Casa Verdi, a rest home for musicians living in harmony
Opera great Giuseppe Verdi, one of history's most successful composers, used his fortune to create a retirement home for professional musicians "not favored by fortune." Residents of Casa Verdi in Milan not only share their lifetimes of artistry, they also provide master classes to young musicians. Chris Livesay reports.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actress Hayden Panettiere, star of "Nashville" and "Heroes."
From the ashes arise origami koi
Robert Lang, a physicist who became a leading figure in the world of origami, lost a lifetime's work of folded paper art to the 2025 wildfires in Altadena, Calif. He then set out to recreate his designs – and the origami community joined in.
Technology
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Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
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.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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How an oil trail led to suspect in South Carolina hit-and-run homicide
A trail of clues — including an oil leak, security video and data from a truck's onboard computer — lead S.C. investigators to a jealous man suspected of running down a romantic rival.
Uber driver gets roped into police car chase
A Houston Uber driver found himself involved in police activity after two officers jumped into his vehicle in pursuit of a suspect. Lana Zak has the story.
Judge denies Karmelo Anthony a new trial
Karmelo Anthony's murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence are staying in place after a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial.
Child social media addiction trial underway
A landmark trial which accuses tech giant Meta of harming children through addictive social media products is underway in Oakland. Kenny Choi has the details.
Fighting wage theft in New York City
The Economic Policy Institute estimates that workers lose more than $50 billion a year to wage theft. New York City is cracking down on the crime and other abuses of low-income workers.
Space
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First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
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Pentagon fires 3 from Stars & Stripes
The Pentagon fired the publisher, an editor and a reporter at the military newspaper Stars and Stripes after their comments for a CBS "Sunday Morning" piece.
Driscoll considering leaving post
CBS News has confirmed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering leaving his post by the end of the year amid friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Earlier this year, Driscoll spoke to "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" about the importance of the drone battalion tasked with studying lessons from drone warfare, particularly in Ukraine, an effort he oversaw.
Moulton on generational change
Rep. Seth Moulton, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that generational change -- which he has been talking about in some form for 10 years -- is "very authentic to me."
Donalds on Florida vaccination schedule
As President Trump has outlined a new vaccine schedule, Rep. Byron Donalds, the Republican candidate for Florida governor, said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "spreading out that vaccination schedule, I think, does make sense."
Face the Nation: Gottlieb, Donalds, Moulton
Missed the second half of the show? Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds and Rep. Seth Moulton join Margaret Brennan.