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
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth faces lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Exclusive
Details revealed on where Cole Allen is being held in D.C. jail complex
Cole Allen, 31, is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump and two firearms-related offenses stemming from the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night.
Exclusive
Confrontation between officers and alleged shooter at D.C. gala lasted 7 seconds
Seven seconds passed between when the alleged gunman at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner — carrying a shotgun initially concealed by a jacket — first encountered federal law enforcement and when he was subdued, sources told CBS News.
Trump signs bill funding DHS, ending record-breaking 76-day shutdown
The longest shutdown of a federal department in U.S. history came to an end on Thursday when President Trump signed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security following a breakthrough on Capitol Hill.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
Trump drops Casey Means as surgeon general nominee, names Nicole Saphier
President Trump picked Dr. Nicole Saphier as his new nominee for surgeon general, and blamed Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy for Casey Mean's nomination stalling in the Senate.
Exclusive
Fire aboard Navy destroyer USS Higgins, officials say
One of the officials told CBS News that the fire knocked out power and propulsion on the guided-missile destroyer, a mainstay of the Navy's forward presence in Asia.
Louisiana suspends House primaries for May 16 elections
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said Thursday that the state will suspend its May 16 House primaries in the wake of the Supreme Court striking down the state's Congressional map.
U.S.
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2 employees killed in Kentucky bank robbery, suspect at large, police say
Kentucky State Police said a man went to a U.S. Bank in Brea, Kentucky, and shot and killed a man and a woman, both employees at the bank.
5 wounded in possible stabbing attack at Washington high school
The suspect, a student, was detained at the scene, police said.
Texas mother of 4 released from ICE custody after more than a month in detention
Meenu Batra, a single mother of four adult U.S. citizens, was arrested on March 17 by federal immigration officers while traveling for a work trip.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
MoneyWatch
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"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Thermos recalls 8.2 million containers after stoppers caused vision loss
The Thermos Stainless King Food Jars and Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles were sold at Walmart, Target and Amazon.com.
Buying a computer? AI is making it more expensive.
A memory chip shortage is driving up computer prices for consumers, reversing a decades-long drop in hardware costs.
GDP rose at 2% annual rate in first quarter as U.S. economy rebounds
The AI boom propped up U.S. economic growth in the first quarter, but inflation due to the Iran war is casting a cloud.
Politics
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Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
Exclusive
Confrontation between officers and alleged shooter at D.C. gala lasted 7 seconds
Seven seconds passed between when the alleged gunman at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner — carrying a shotgun initially concealed by a jacket — first encountered federal law enforcement and when he was subdued, sources told CBS News.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
What states could try to redistrict and add more GOP seats
The Supreme Court's ruling on Wednesday about Louisiana's congressional map could have implications for several states as it narrowed the section of the Voting Rights Act about majority-minority districts.
Iran war's true cost closer to $50 billion, not $25 billion, U.S. officials say
A Pentagon official publicly placed the Department of Defense's cost for Operation Epic Fury at $25 billion.
HealthWatch
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Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Funding cuts for fentanyl test strips raise concerns: "It doesn't make sense"
Test strips cost about $1 each and can be used to check drugs for dangerous contaminants, including fentanyl and xylazine.
Trump drops Casey Means as surgeon general nominee, names Nicole Saphier
President Trump picked Dr. Nicole Saphier as his new nominee for surgeon general, and blamed Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy for Casey Mean's nomination stalling in the Senate.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
World
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U.K. raises terrorism threat level to "severe" after stabbing attack
The U.K. has raised its national threat level from "substantial" to "severe," citing the increasing threat of Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism in the country.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
Jewish Londoners describe "utter horror" and living in fear after latest attack
"We've been warning about this for a long time," one local resident told CBS News. "It's like a tsunami — you see the smaller waves before the big one hits."
Tina Brown: King showed U.S.-U.K. ties are "bigger than current politics"
CBS News contributor Tina Brown said King Charles' address to Congress during his visit to the U.S. showed "the meaning of monarchy."
Exclusive
Fire aboard Navy destroyer USS Higgins, officials say
One of the officials told CBS News that the fire knocked out power and propulsion on the guided-missile destroyer, a mainstay of the Navy's forward presence in Asia.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
A look at Spencer Pratt's mayoral campaign
Spencer Pratt, who starred in the mid-2000s reality TV show "The Hills," released a new ad in his campaign for Los Angeles mayor that's getting attention online. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Stars preview "Devil Wears Prada 2"
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are reprising their iconic roles for "The Devil Wears Prada 2" 20 years after the original film was released. The stars speak to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King and give an inside look at the movie.
Eliminated survivor contestant on new twist
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) The fifth member of the "Survivor 50" jury, who was eliminated during Wednesday's episode, talks about being voted off and a huge twist in the game.
David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Technology
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Technology
Elon Musk concludes testimony in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's testimony concluded Thursday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Elon Musk cross-examined in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk was cross-examined in his lawsuit against OpenAI on Thursday. In testimony on Wednesday, he said he was "a fool" for funding OpenAI. He is accusing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, of betraying him and the public by abandoning its core mission as it transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. WIRED senior writer Maxwell Zeff joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Buying a computer? AI is making it more expensive.
A memory chip shortage is driving up computer prices for consumers, reversing a decades-long drop in hardware costs.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
Fin Gómez on correspondents' dinner shooting
CBS News political director and executive director of politics and White House Fin Gómez reflects on the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack on "The Daily Report," saying he was proud of "our fellow colleagues."
New details on Greg Biffle theft
Within hours of the plane crash that killed Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife and kids, authorities say someone was trying to break into his accounts and steal his money. Mark Strassmann has more details from police.
NYT reveals possible Epstein suicide note
The New York Times reported that the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein may have left a suicide note following an earlier incident about three weeks before his death. However, that note has been sealed in a separate case for nearly seven years and remains out of public view. Meg Oliver reports.
New details about correspondents' dinner
The man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump last weekend appeared in court on Thursday as new details are still emerging about the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Powerful blast sends officers into the air
Police say a man forced his way into a home in the New York City borough of Queens, where his family was, and then, when police arrived, he intentionally set off an explosion. Tom Hanson reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
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.
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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Hegseth testifies on Iran war at Senate hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, facing intense questioning from Democrats on the Pentagon budget, the war with Iran and more. These are some of the most notable exchanges from the hearing.
Breaking down OPEC and its influence
President Trump gave his endorsement to the United Arab Emirates' decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, on Wednesday. "The Daily Report" breaks it down.
Why did Saudi Arabia pull LIV Golf funding?
LIV Golf is seeking new backers after Saudi Arabia's public investment fund announced it will be pulling its funding at the end of the season. Gabby Herzig, a staff writer at The Athletic, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Fin Gómez on correspondents' dinner shooting
CBS News political director and executive director of politics and White House Fin Gómez reflects on the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack on "The Daily Report," saying he was proud of "our fellow colleagues."
Analyst breaks down economy amid Iran war
The national average gas price is up to $4.30 per gallon, the highest in four years, as President Trump said Thursday that gas prices "will drop like a rock" when the Iran war ends. Ted Rossman, principal analyst at Bankrate, joins "The Daily Report" with more.