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
No new Iran negotiations planned despite Trump comments, U.S. officials say
President Trump, who called Tehran "unbelievably duplicitous," said the talks are the "last chance" for Iran to forge a deal and avoid an escalation.
Trump says Jeanine Pirro "choked" in dropping Reflecting Pool cases
"She folded like an umbrella," President Trump said of Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Justice Dept. moves to dismiss Jan. 6 class action lawsuit
The Justice Department argued that the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters had until Jan. 6, 2023, to sue the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, missing the deadline to file a lawsuit by over two years.
Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case contradicted himself on ransom note
Investigators in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie released two ransom notes, including one contradicting what the Arizona sheriff overseeing the case told CBS News.
Trump raises concerns in call with Rep. Max Miller amid abuse allegations
Ohio Rep. Max Miller's reelection campaign has been upended by allegations that Miller assaulted his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their 2-year-old daughter.
Twin Falls In-N-Out shooting suspect identified after 3 killed, 7 wounded
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Chad Williams, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
More Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool charges dropped by Pirro's office
Since Friday, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has dropped charges against three more people accused of vandalism.
Cornyn, Tillis back Blanche for attorney general after deal on DOJ fund
GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina formally announced their support on Monday for Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
Senate candidate El-Sayed questions assumption Michigan voters are moderates
Populist Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens top the Democratic field going into Tuesday's Senate primary. Former Rep. Mike Rogers is running unopposed for the GOP nomination.
U.S.
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Trump raises concerns in call with Rep. Max Miller amid abuse allegations
Ohio Rep. Max Miller's reelection campaign has been upended by allegations that Miller assaulted his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their 2-year-old daughter.
More Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool charges dropped by Pirro's office
Since Friday, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has dropped charges against three more people accused of vandalism.
Man charged with setting one of the 3 devastating Spokane area wildfires
More than 700 buildings in the Spokane area have been destroyed and 400 more haven't been assessed, officials said as three fires burned in the area and an arrest was made in connection with one of them.
Justice Dept. moves to dismiss Jan. 6 class action lawsuit
The Justice Department argued that the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters had until Jan. 6, 2023, to sue the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, missing the deadline to file a lawsuit by over two years.
Senate candidate El-Sayed questions assumption Michigan voters are moderates
Populist Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens top the Democratic field going into Tuesday's Senate primary. Former Rep. Mike Rogers is running unopposed for the GOP nomination.
MoneyWatch
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25 states sue Trump administration over latest round of tariffs
New U.S. tariffs are hurting consumers and businesses, California's attorney general said in filing suit to block levies on 60 countries.
Trump says oil companies should cut gas prices after making "too much money"
President Trump said U.S. oil companies made "too much money" from high oil prices. "I'm not happy about it," he added.
What to watch for in SpaceX's first public earnings report this week
SpaceX will release its first earnings report as a public company on Tuesday in a key test for the company's stuttering stock price.
JPMorgan Chase to invest $750 billion in boosting housing and homebuying
JPMorgan Chase said the investment will include financing for 1 million affordable housing units and assistance to 500,000 people in buying homes.
Federal workers sour on government work, decrying eroding job security
Nearly two-thirds of current and retired U.S. government workers said they wouldn't re-enter public service, according to a recent survey.
Politics
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Trump raises concerns in call with Rep. Max Miller amid abuse allegations
Ohio Rep. Max Miller's reelection campaign has been upended by allegations that Miller assaulted his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their 2-year-old daughter.
More Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool charges dropped by Pirro's office
Since Friday, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has dropped charges against three more people accused of vandalism.
Justice Dept. moves to dismiss Jan. 6 class action lawsuit
The Justice Department argued that the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters had until Jan. 6, 2023, to sue the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, missing the deadline to file a lawsuit by over two years.
Senate candidate El-Sayed questions assumption Michigan voters are moderates
Populist Abdul El-Sayed and Rep. Haley Stevens top the Democratic field going into Tuesday's Senate primary. Former Rep. Mike Rogers is running unopposed for the GOP nomination.
Trump administration finalizes AI framework, official says
The order asks AI companies to share previews of powerful new models with the government before they are released to the public.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Michigan reports 2 cyclosporiasis deaths
Two people have died of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, officials said Monday, as the state battles the worst outbreak of the disease in the country. Carter Evans has the details.
Michigan health officials report 2 deaths among cyclosporiasis cases
Two Michigan residents who had "significant underlying health conditions" have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said.
RFK Jr., Oz blame ACA enrollment drop on fraud, but experts cite rising costs
Rising premiums forced many people in Affordable Care Act plans to give up their coverage. But the Trump administration claims a huge drop in enrollment is almost entirely due to its fraud crackdown.
She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
World
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Funeral held for family "wiped off the map" in Russian strike
At least two adults and four children were killed in the strike but the death toll could be higher as all the remains have not yet been formally identified.
Human remains exhumed at WWII massacre site in Ukraine
It is believed that 30 to 40% of the 50 remains so far discovered at the site were children.
Morocco blames Ceuta border surge on misleading info spread online
Morocco is blaming a massive surge of migrants into Ceuta on various factors, including "malicious exploitation of digital platforms" and the spread of misleading information.
Live
No new Iran negotiations planned despite Trump comments, U.S. officials say
President Trump, who called Tehran "unbelievably duplicitous," said the talks are the "last chance" for Iran to forge a deal and avoid an escalation.
Suspect arrested in Greece after U.K. woman's body found in suitcase
Police say the suspect transported the body to an abandoned site in a suitcase and subsequently used her bank cards to withdraw money.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Hollywood on hot streak at the box office
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" leapt straight to the top of the box office this weekend. Its $360 million opening weekend debut is the biggest in U.S. history. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss all the latest movie news.
"My Favorite Person" takes over socials
A social media trend encouraging users to share what they love about their favorite person is bringing light to TikTok and other platforms.
Ariana Grande to step out of public eye
A representative for pop star Ariana Grande says the singer is planning to step out of the public eye after wrapping her ongoing Eternal Sunshine Tour amid "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." Grande has also dropped out of the London-based musical "Sunday in the Park with George," which is set to open next year.
New Spider-Man movie breaks box office records
At the box office, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" swung to a massive $360 million in its domestic debut, making it the biggest opening weekend ever. Brooks Barnes, chief Hollywood correspondent for The New York Times, joins to discuss.
Why the 2027 Met Gala is already causing controversy
Designer John Galliano is known for his theatrical and dramatic designs, but his legacy is also marked by antisemitic and racist comments.
Technology
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Trump administration finalizes AI framework, official says
The order asks AI companies to share previews of powerful new models with the government before they are released to the public.
U.S. probes cyberattack on water systems
Lauryn Williams, the deputy director and senior fellow of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins to discuss the U.S. probe into Iran possibly targeting water systems in Michigan and Minnesota.
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.
Hugging Face CEO calls hack by rogue OpenAI model "very weird and unprecedented"
An artificial intelligence model that was being tested by OpenAI went rogue and hacked the firm Hugging Face on its own, in what Hugging Face CEO Clément Delangue called a "very weird and unprecedented" incident.
CEO of AI firm Hugging Face on OpenAI hack
ChatGPT maker OpenAI revealed that its technology hacked into another AI company on its own during internal testing. Hugging Face CEO Clement Delangue, whose company was hacked, described the "very weird and unprecedented" incident in an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" -- and offered suggestions on how future incidents could be prevented.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Crime
Questions about Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News last Thursday that he didn't have a ransom note saying Nancy Guthrie was dead. But one day later he released a note saying just that. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
New details in Idaho In-N-Out shooting
New information is coming out about the shooting at an In-N-Out restaurant in Idaho that killed three people over the weekend. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case contradicted himself on ransom note
Investigators in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie released two ransom notes, including one contradicting what the Arizona sheriff overseeing the case told CBS News.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released
Six months after Nancy Guthrie went missing, the Pima County, Arizona, sheriff has released two ransom notes, including one that claims Guthrie died "shortly after she was taken." Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Deadly shooting at Idaho In-N-Out
Officials say three people were killed and seven were injured in a shooting at an In-N-Out in Idaho over the weekend. Officials believe the shooter acted alone and are investigating possible motives. Lilia Luciano reports.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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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.
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.
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.
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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8/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Trump says he's giving Iran a "last chance" at diplomacy; Blanche one step closer to confirmation as attorney general.
Hollywood on hot streak at the box office
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" leapt straight to the top of the box office this weekend. Its $360 million opening weekend debut is the biggest in U.S. history. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss all the latest movie news.
Survey finds discontent among federal workers
According to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 64% of workers say it's unlikely they would choose a federal career again. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
Latest on In-N-Out Idaho shooting
Three people were killed by a 24-year-old gunman at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday. Lilia Luciano breaks down what we know.
Fallout after OpenAI hacking incident
Matt Shumer, CBS News AI contributor, shares his thoughts on last month's incident where a rogue OpenAI model that was being tested hacked an outside company's data processing system.