Multiple studies suggest lower risk of hospitalization with Omicron
Scientists warn that the picture could change as more people become ill with the highly transmissible new variant, and that health systems could still be overwhelmed.
Omicron Variant
U.K. works to contain Omicron variant
The United Kingdom is dealing with a wave of new COVID-19 cases as the Omicron variant spreads throughout the country. Now, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing pressure to contain it. CBS News contributor Simon Bates discusses how he might be able to steer his country through this latest surge in this week's installment of "London Calling."
FDA authorizes Pfizer pill to treat COVID
The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday it has authorized Pfizer's antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 as the new Omicron variant hits all 50 U.S. states. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen reports on how the new strain is causing disruptions across the country. Then, CBS News correspondent Mark Strassman has the latest on Omicron's impact on travel as tens of millions of Americans hit the road for the holidays. And lastly, Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne, an adjunct assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, joins Elise Preston on CBSN to break down the day's headlines.
Pause on student loan repayments extended
On Wednesday, President Biden extended the pause on federal student loa repayments another 90 days, until May 1, 2022. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett and CBS News' Elise Preston discuss the extension and the pressure the president is facing to address student loan debt on a larger scale.
NYC Corrections Department warns of COVID crisis at Rikers Island
The correction department's commissioner said the risk to inmates at the jail "are at a crisis level."
Omicron spike collides with holiday travel surge
The FDA authorized the first pill to treat COVID-19. The milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising, with health officials warning of a possible tsunami of new Omicron cases that could overwhelm hospitals. Nancy Chen has the details.
110 million expected to travel for the holidays
Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases, Americans don't want to spend another Christmas away from their families. Instead, they're hitting the roads and airports at near pre-pandemic levels. Mark Strassmann reports.
D.C. to require proof of vaccination for many indoor settings
"I don't make any of these types of decisions lightly," Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
U.S. struggles to meet COVID testing demand
As the highly contagious Omicron variant takes hold in the U.S., manufacturers and labs are struggling to keep up with testing demand. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo talks to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the challenges posed by the pandemic.
CDC warns of spiking COVID-19 case numbers
As the Omicron variant continues to spread across the U.S., states and the federal government are taking new measures to try to mitigate COVID-19. CBS News' Nancy Chen reports, and Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rajeev Fernando joins CBSN to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
Biden's plan to fight Omicron variant
President Biden has unveiled new plans to help fight the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant. The new steps include the government providing 500 million rapid at-home tests, adding more testing sites and deploying 1,000 members of the military to overwhelmed hospitals. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN to discuss.
Fauci: Population immunity "entirely conceivable" despite Omicron surge
Fauci's remarks come as the U.S. faces a major spike of infections ahead of the holidays, with nearly 930,000 new cases over the last seven days.
At-home tests, vaccinations become key to safe holiday gatherings
President Biden is expected to emphasize CDC data that shows the unvaccinated are eight times more likely to be hospitalized and four times more likely to die from COVID.
Biden outlines plan to address Omicron variant
The Biden administration is unveiling new plans to fight the spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen reports on the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. Then, Dr. Ben Weston, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest.
Biden unveils strategy to combat Omicron
Starting in January, President Biden says Americans will have access to 500 million free, at-home COVID-19 tests. The White House says it is also planning to deploy U.S. military troops to overwhelmed hospitals and increase the number of vaccination sites as Omicron infections surge. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano with with more on the president's plan.
Biden launches new plan to combat Omicron
President Biden announced a series of new plans to help combat the rising coronavirus cases and bring relief to overwhelmed health care systems. Ed O'Keefe has the details.
Omicron threat grows ahead of holidays
The Omicron variant is spreading faster than any previous coronavirus strain by far. More than 250,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the U.S. on Monday, the highest level since September. Nancy Chen has the latest.
Omicron becomes dominant COVID strain in U.S.
Omicron has become the nation's most dominant strain of COVID-19 in a matter of weeks, prompting the Biden administration to announce Tuesday additional action to curb its spread. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more, and Dr. Len Horovitz, pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss how the Omicron variant is affecting American's plans ahead of the holidays.
Omicron becomes most common variant in U.S.
The highly contagious Omicron variant is now the most prevalent in the U.S., outpacing Delta. And a new study found that Omicron is over five times more likely to re-infect someone who has already had COVID-19. Julie Wernau, a health and medicine reporter at the Wall Street Journal, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.
Biden addresses spike in Omicron cases
President Biden unveiled a new plan Tuesday to tackle the Omicron variant. CBSN's Lilia Luciano speaks with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe and Dr. Anand Swaminathan, emergency medicine physician at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in New Jersey, about the new measures.
Omicron puts a "winter chill" on economic recovery
Restaurants shuttered, sporting events postponed and colleges sent students home early in what feels like a reprise of 2020.
COVID shutters some Broadway productions
Rising COVID-19 cases in New York City are forcing several Broadway shows to shut down during the industry's busiest week of the year. CBS News contributing correspondent Jamie Wax gives CBSN's Lilia Luciano an update.
Omicron's quick spread raises concerns
One week ahead of Christmas, federal health officials are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases primarily fueled by the Delta variant — with fears that holiday gatherings and the highly infectious Omicron variant will create yet another surge. The latest outbreak is triggering a nationwide push for Americans to get booster shots. Elise Preston reports.
Dr. Fauci on Omicron, breakthrough cases
Dr. Anthony Fauci joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on the Omicron variant, handling breakthrough cases in vaccinated people, and President Biden's message to Americans ahead of his address to the nation.
NBA has no plans to pause season amid virus surge
Seven NBA games have been postponed with more potentially in doubt, and over 100 players and coaches have entered the league's health and safety protocols.
Live
Trump's profanity-laced ultimatum to Iran looms over new bid for truce
Trump's threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if it doesn't make a deal to end the war by Tuesday is looming over a Pakistani ceasefire push.
Exclusive
Liam Conejo Ramos worries about ICE taking him again, his parents say
Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old whose detention by ICE sparked global outrage, constantly worries about being detained again, his parents told CBS News in an exclusive interview.
Inside the daring mission to rescue a U.S. airman downed in Iran
U.S. forces mounted an urgent and high-risk rescue effort to find an airman who was forced to eject from a downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran.
Will high-speed rail ever arrive in the U.S.?
An ambitious state-run high-speed rail project linking Los Angeles and San Francisco has gone off track.
Former CENTCOM commander calls rescue of U.S. airman a "hard lesson for Iran"
Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, a former commander of U.S. Central Command, outlined takeaways on the search-and-rescue mission for a missing U.S. airman on "Face the Nation," and called it a "hard lesson for Iran."
What NASA is looking for in the coming days as Artemis II loops around the moon
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlined the most critical moments he expects in the coming days as Artemis II astronauts continue their journey around the far side of the moon.
Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says
A U.S. crew member who went missing when an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over a remote area of Iran has been rescued by U.S. forces.
Family buries "unjustly accused" Mexican teen who died in ICE custody
Royer Perez Jimenez was a "hard worker" who immigrated at 15 to "triumph and help his family," his uncle said.
Patients experience life-changing moment at free health clinic
Americans are driving hundreds of miles and waiting on line for days to get free medical help from RAM.
U.S.
More U.S.
Mysterious pod of killer whales never seen before visits Seattle
Three orcas that had not previously been recorded in the Seattle area have delighted whale watchers with several visits.
Inside the daring mission to rescue a U.S. airman downed in Iran
U.S. forces mounted an urgent and high-risk rescue effort to find an airman who was forced to eject from a downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran.
4 killed in Alabama car crash during pursuit by state trooper
The driver was trying to elude the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's highway patrol on a rural road in southeast Alabama's Pike County when the crash occurred late Friday night.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 5, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and retired Gen. Frank McKenzie join Ed O'Keefe.
Artemis II crew take new photo of far side of the moon
The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission captured a new image of the far side of the moon, which the agency released Sunday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
See which stores are open and closed for Easter 2026
Some major retailers and other stores will close their doors on Easter, so it's best to plan ahead. Here's what to know.
Sauté pans sold at Costco recalled after metal caps "forcefully eject"
One consumer reported sustaining bruising and burn injuries.
Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says he sees inflation as risk to 2026 rate cuts
Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said mounting inflation risks "complicates the picture" on interest rates.
3 ways the Iran war is hitting Americans' pocketbooks
U.S. consumers are starting to feel the financial impact of the Iran war. Here's how the conflict is seeping into the economy.
3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS are recalled
The eye drops — sold under multiple brands — have been recalled over concerns about sterility, according to the FDA.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Liam Conejo Ramos worries about ICE taking him again, his parents say
Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old whose detention by ICE sparked global outrage, constantly worries about being detained again, his parents told CBS News in an exclusive interview.
CIA World Factbook shuttered by Trump administration
The Trump administration has shut down the CIA World Factbook, and there's much lamenting about the demise of a free, trusted source many people used to check basic facts about countries.
Inside the daring mission to rescue a U.S. airman downed in Iran
U.S. forces mounted an urgent and high-risk rescue effort to find an airman who was forced to eject from a downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 5, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and retired Gen. Frank McKenzie join Ed O'Keefe.
What NASA is looking for in the coming days as Artemis II loops around the moon
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlined the most critical moments he expects in the coming days as Artemis II astronauts continue their journey around the far side of the moon.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
He thought he was in good health — until fainting during a bike ride
John Cantrell was enjoying his retirement until an unexpected condition forced him to choose between two kinds of heart surgery.
HHS announces national program to study effect of microplastics on humans
The Environmental Protection Agency also added microplastics to its contaminant candidate list for the first time.
FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss pill
The FDA approved a new GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
More World
U.S. woman missing after husband says she fell off boat in Bahamas
An American woman disappeared in the Bahamas on Saturday, after her husband said she fell from their dinghy and was swept out to sea.
Family buries "unjustly accused" Mexican teen who died in ICE custody
Royer Perez Jimenez was a "hard worker" who immigrated at 15 to "triumph and help his family," his uncle said.
Live
Trump's profanity-laced ultimatum to Iran looms over new bid for truce
Trump's threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if it doesn't make a deal to end the war by Tuesday is looming over a Pakistani ceasefire push.
Inside the daring mission to rescue a U.S. airman downed in Iran
U.S. forces mounted an urgent and high-risk rescue effort to find an airman who was forced to eject from a downed F-15E fighter jet over Iran.
Falling tree kills 3, including 10-month-old, on Easter egg hunt in Germany
Three people, including a 10-month-old girl, were killed Sunday when high winds toppled a tree during an Easter egg hunt, German police said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Actress Tori Spelling hospitalized after Southern California crash
"Beverly Hills, 90210" actress Tori Spelling was involved in a two-car crash in Temecula on Thursday night, according to her manager and Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials.
4/5: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The Vatican's Mosaic Studio; a fight over history at West Bank archaeological sites; Dan Levy on his new series "Big Mistakes"; the creative talents behind "Hacks"; the latest on the Artemis II lunar mission; the works of Renaissance artist Raphael; and the beauty of moss.
The sublime perfection of Raphael
One of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance is now the subject of the first comprehensive exhibition of his work ever in the United States, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Extended Interview: Jean Smart
In this web exclusive, Jean Smart, the Emmy-winning star of "Hacks," talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about filming the final season of her HBO series.
Inside the final season of "Hacks"
The Emmy-winning HBO comedy "Hacks," about the travails of comedian Deborah Vance and her writer, Ava, is launching its fifth and final season. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder about saying goodbye to roles that were a match made in comedy heaven. Smith also talks with the show's co-creators: Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs and Lucia Aniello (who describes directing one episode while in labor).
Technology
More Technology
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
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.
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Science
More Science
Science
Artemis II astronauts speak during historic lunar mission
On Monday, the astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft will loop around the Moon's far side, part of a mission pushing human beings farther from Earth than anyone has ever been. Correspondent Mark Strassmann talked with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen as the crew was about 180,000 miles from home, preparing for their historic lunar flyby.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
Crime
More Crime
Robbery reveals sinister plot to kill a man with a root beer float
When Harold Allen died suddenly in his home in Freetown, Indiana, no one suspected anything out of the ordinary. Nine months later, a burglary at his home would lead to a murder investigation and an unusual weapon.
Would Michigan investigators be able to prove murder in a case without a body?
After Dee Warner, a Michigan businesswoman and mother, disappeared from her home, her family believed she has been murdered and suspected her husband Dale Warner. But without physical evidence, they knew it would be hard to prove.
Man arrested at retirement home for wife's murder decades earlier
Janice Randle was found dead in her bed in 1992, but police couldn't make an arrest in the case until new information emerged.
From 1996: FBI arrests suspected Unabomber
On April 3, 1996, the FBI arrested Theodore Kaczynski in the Unabomber case, ending one of the longest and most intense manhunts in U.S. history. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
More on Pam Bondi's firing
President Trump's firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi is raising questions about their dynamic in the months prior. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
Space
More Space
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
The NASA astronauts also sent down Easter messages Sunday while gearing up for a historic pass behind the moon Monday.
Artemis II crew take new photo of far side of the moon
The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission captured a new image of the far side of the moon, which the agency released Sunday.
Despite toilet trouble, Artemis II crew reflects on wonder of deep space experience
Amid ongoing toilet trouble, the Artemis II astronauts reflected on the wonder of sailing through deep space to the moon.
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
NASA shares first photos of Earth taken by Artemis II
The photo shows the entire planet, as well as the Northern and Southern lights.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Where the Artemis II crew will be today
The Artemis II crew is about to make history in space. Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy joins CBS News with more details.
Trump ratchets up Strait of Hormuz threats
President Trump is expected to address the rescue of two U.S. airmen after their F-15E fighter jet was downed over Iran. This comes as Mr. Trump's threats over the Strait of Hormuz get heated. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Ramy Inocencio report.
Exclusive interview with Liam Ramos, family
In a CBS News exclusive interview, Camilo Montoya-Galvez speaks with five-year-old Liam Ramos and his parents about their detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and how the Trump administration is still trying to deport them.
4/5/2026: Return to RAM; Ghost Train; The Mardi Gras Indians
First, a report on patients, cut off from health care, getting help. Then, the state of high-speed rail in the U.S. And, a look at the Mardi Gras Indians keeping tradition alive.
4/5: CBS Weekend News
Latest details on daring mission to rescue U.S. airman from Iran after fighter jet shot down; Trump sends profanity-laden threat to Iran.