Omicron detected in 89 countries and cases are doubling fast, says WHO
It remains unclear if the rapid growth is because the variant evades existing immunity, is inherently more transmissible than previous variants, or a combination of both.
Omicron Variant
COVID variants fuel new infections nationwide
More than 120,000 new COVID-19 cases are being reported every day in the U.S. CBS News' Elise Preston reports on disruptions caused by the Delta and Omicron variants ahead of the holiday season. Then, Dr. Bhavna Lall, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
U.S. faces new COVID wave before holidays
The U.S. is facing another wave of COVID-19 cases as the holiday travel season begins. Cases are surging in more than a quarter of the country as the Delta variant continues to wreak havoc. Elise Preston has the latest.
COVID-19 cases skyrocket as variants spread
COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in large parts of the country as the Delta and Omicron variants spread throughout major cities and towns, with Christmas Eve only a week away. Laura Podesta joins CBSN AM with the latest.
Health officials warn unvaccinated Americans
Health officials fear the highly contagious Omicron strain, already detected in 40 states, will become the nation's most dominant coronavirus variant in the coming weeks, and urged Americans to get vaccinated and boosted. Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss the CDC's decision to no longer recommend Johnson and Johnson's one-dose vaccine to unvaccinated Americans and other coronavirus-related news.
Omicron variant reported in 38 states
Though reported Omicron cases have so far been mild, experts advise that every precaution should be taken to prevent infection.
White House appeals vaccine policy challenge
The Biden administration is asking the Supreme Court to reinstate its vaccine policy for workers at federally funded hospitals. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined CBSN with more on the emergency filings, which look to block rulings by lower court judges that halted the requirement from going into effect in several states, and other news from the White House.
COVID-19 surges ahead of holidays
Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations are continuing to climb at an alarming rate in the U.S. ahead of the busy holiday season. CBS News correspondent Meg Oliver reports on how the recent COVID-19 surge is prompting disruptions across the country. Then, Dr. Shad Marvasti, an associate professor and the director of Public Health, Prevention and Health Promotion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
France imposes travel restrictions on U.K.
Cases of COVID-19 are skyrocketing in the U.K. More than 78,000 people tested positive for the virus Wednesday, the highest number of daily cases recorded in Britain since the start of the pandemic. Health officials fear the record could be a sign of things to come. In response, France is instituting new travel restrictions on the U.K. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams has more from London on Britain's vaccination campaign, and CBS News' Elaine Cobbe spoke with CBSN's Elise Preston about what the new restrictions could mean for the French economy ahead of the holidays.
U.S. braces for COVID surge before holidays
Health officials are sounding the alarm about the rising number of COVID-19 cases nationwide. States and businesses are revising their coronavirus plans. Meg Oliver has the details.
U.S. facing double coronavirus surge
Hospitals across the U.S. are bracing for a surge of COVID-19 patients as both Delta and Omicron variants are spreading. CBS News' Courtney Kealy joins CBSN AM with more as health officials urge all eligible Americans to get their vaccinations and a booster shot.
London Calling: U.K. COVID cases soar
The U.K. is seeing a record number of coronavirus cases. Many of the infections are of the new Omicron variant. CBS News contributor Simon Bates explains how the government and the prime minister are responding in the latest installment of London Calling.
Concerns grow over Omicron
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the Omicron variant now accounts for an estimated 3% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. CBS news correspondent Nikki Battiste has the latest on the new strain. Then, physician Dr. Robert Rock joins Lana Zaka on CBSN to discuss the recent concerns over Omicron and more.
South Korea sees surge of COVID cases
COVID-19 cases are rising in South Korea after the country eased restrictions. But cases are on the decline in other southeast Asian countries. Elizabeth Palmer reports from Seoul.
COVID-19 again upending college life as campuses shut down
"This is not quite how we expected to end the semester," officials at one school said as infections surge.
U.S. records 800,000 COVID-19 deaths
The U.S. has reached another devastating milestone, surpassing 800,000 COVID-19-related deaths. Meanwhile, health officials are urging eligible Americans to get their boosters as the Omicron variant continues to spread. Dr. Annalee Baker, an associate professor of emergency medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, joined CBSN to discuss the latest coronavirus headlines.
COVID vaccines don't need to be changed for Omicron for now, says Fauci
Fauci pointed to early lab data showing that "our booster vaccine regimens work against Omicron."
Colleges scrambling to cope with renewed COVID challenge
The Omicron variant has them starting to require booster shots, extend mask mandates, limit social gatherings and, in some cases, revert to online classes.
Pro sports taking big COVID hit as Omicron variant spreads rapidly
The NFL, NBA and NHL are all affected. More and more players are sidelined after testing positive for the virus and some games are being postponed.
2 Pfizer doses 70% effective against Omicron hospitalization, data show
Preliminary analysis of the latest real-world data from South Africa shows that while two shots of the vaccine alone may not stop an infection, it will help avoid serious illness.
Despite Omicron's takeover, expert says South Africa "in a good space"
Unlike previous COVID variants, Omicron has not brought a spike in hospitalizations. One vaccinologist thanks natural immunity, and says it will be a "true test" for the vaccines.
South Africa president positive for COVID-19
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19, amid the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. The 69-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms and is fully vaccinated. CBS foreign correspondent Lucy Craft joins "CBSN AM" from Tokyo with more on this story and other international headlines.
Britain announces new COVID restrictions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to speed up the COVID-19 booster vaccine rollout amid an increase in Omicron variant cases in the country. Charlie D'Agata reports.
First Omicron death confirmed in U.K. as PM warns of "tidal wave" of infection
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the variant will account for a majority of new COVID cases in London within a day as it spreads at a "phenomenal rate."
Scientist in South Africa says Omicron "may have" peaked in Johannesburg
Dr. Tulio Oliveira, who leads the team that first reported the Omicron variant, says it "may have" reached its peak in Johannesburg.
Trump warns U.S. "will take very strong action" if Iran hangs protesters
"We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen," President Trump said in an exclusive interview airing Tuesday on "CBS Evening News."
Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran's crackdown on protesters
Information trickling out of Iran suggests a far deadlier crackdown on protesters than previously reported.
6 Minnesota federal prosecutors resign amid Renee Good investigation pressures
At least six career prosecutors in the Minneapolis U.S. Attorney's office have resigned as the office continues to face pressure to treat the investigation of the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE officer as an assault on a federal officer case.
Trump says Renee Good likely a "solid, wonderful person" under "normal circumstances"
President Trump told CBS News he believes the woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, was likely a "very, solid wonderful person," but her actions before she was killed were "pretty tough."
Supreme Court seems likely to uphold state transgender athlete bans
The Supreme Court heard two cases involving laws from Idaho and West Virginia that ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports.
Trump is taking aim at borrowing costs. Will it work — or backfire?
President Trump's plans to ease the financial pressures on Americans are bold but could backfire, experts said.
Scott Adams, Dilbert comic strip creator, dies at age 68
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at the age of 68, his first ex-wife revealed on Tuesday.
Mass exodus at DOJ Civil Rights Division, sources say
At least six prosecutors, most of whom are supervisors in the Civil Rights Division's criminal section, will be leaving their jobs.
Their 21 kids were taken by the state. They've since had more surrogate-born babies.
The couple had so many kids in their Los Angeles-area mansion a neighbor "thought it was a kindergarten." The investigation has only gotten stranger.
U.S.
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Read the full transcript of Tony Dokoupil's interview with President Trump here
Read the full transcript of President Trump's interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil below.
Trump: Jerome Powell has "been a lousy Fed chairman"
President Trump brushed off a question about whether the Justice Department probe amounts to political retribution.
Claudette Colvin, civil rights icon arrested for not giving up bus seat, dies at 86
In 1955, at the age of 15, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks' act of defiance.
Looking to kickstart your career? These are the best jobs for 2026.
Focusing on these sectors could give your job search a boost, according to a new ranking of the best jobs for 2026.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
MoneyWatch
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Trump: Jerome Powell has "been a lousy Fed chairman"
President Trump brushed off a question about whether the Justice Department probe amounts to political retribution.
Looking to kickstart your career? These are the best jobs for 2026.
Focusing on these sectors could give your job search a boost, according to a new ranking of the best jobs for 2026.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
Trump boosts his economic strategy in Michigan speech: "Tariff's my favorite word"
President Trump defended his tariffs at a speech in Michigan, after he visited a factory in Dearborn.
Trump is taking aim at borrowing costs. Will it work — or backfire?
President Trump's plans to ease the financial pressures on Americans are bold but could backfire, experts said.
Politics
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Read the full transcript of Tony Dokoupil's interview with President Trump here
Read the full transcript of President Trump's interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil below.
Trump says Renee Good likely a "solid, wonderful person" under "normal circumstances"
President Trump told CBS News he believes the woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, was likely a "very, solid wonderful person," but her actions before she was killed were "pretty tough."
Trump warns U.S. "will take very strong action" if Iran hangs protesters
"We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen," President Trump said in an exclusive interview airing Tuesday on "CBS Evening News."
6 Minn. federal prosecutors resign amid Renee Good investigation pressures
At least six career prosecutors in the Minneapolis U.S. Attorney's office have resigned as the office continues to face pressure to treat the investigation of the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE officer as an assault on a federal officer case.
Trump boosts his economic strategy in Michigan speech: "Tariff's my favorite word"
President Trump defended his tariffs at a speech in Michigan, after he visited a factory in Dearborn.
HealthWatch
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ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses
"Make America Healthy Again" policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets.
"Enough": Oprah Winfrey on her weight-loss lessons
Oprah Winfrey is one of the best-known, most-admired and successful people on the planet. But for years she seemed powerless to conquer her fluctuating weight problem … until new medications, and a new attitude about her weight, gave her a breakthrough, which she describes in "Enough," a new book she has co-written with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. They talk with Jane Pauley about an individual's genetically-influenced weight range, and how to reset it. Winfrey also relates the long road she traveled since she began her TV career in Nashville, facing sexism, racism, and comments about her weight.
NYC nurses strike looms as negotiations pass midnight deadline
The potential for a major nurses strike in New York City is growing by the minute, with major hospitals and the New York State Nurses Association failing to get a deal done before Sunday's midnight deadline.
World
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Rampaging elephant kills 20 people, including children, in India
Children and the elderly are among the dead, as well as a professional elephant handler, officials said.
Greenland's prime minister says "we choose Denmark" over the U.S.
The comments come ahead of Wednesday's meeting between the foreign ministers of Greenland and Denmark, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran's crackdown on protesters
Information trickling out of Iran suggests a far deadlier crackdown on protesters than previously reported.
Foreign central bank chiefs voice "full solidarity with" Fed chief Powell
The heads of 10 central banks and other financial institutions say it's "critical to preserve" the Fed's independence, as Powell is pressured by the Trump administration.
BBC to seek dismissal of Trump's $10B defamation lawsuit
British public broadcaster BBC wants a Florida court to throw out Trump's lawsuit, with lawyers arguing a lack of jurisdiction.
Entertainment
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Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Scott Adams, Dilbert comic strip creator, dies at age 68
Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the "Dilbert" comic strip, has died at the age of 68, his first ex-wife revealed on Tuesday.
Behind-the-scenes at the Golden Globes
Celebrities brought glitz and glamor to the red carpet Sunday at the Golden Globes. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke with some of Hollywood's biggest stars and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the awards night.
NAACP Image Awards nominations
The NAACP Image Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in arts and entertainment. Comedian and actor Deon Cole and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson exclusively reveal some of the nominees on CBS Mornings for this year's awards.
Technology
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Woman says AI chatbot Grok generated sexual deepfake images of her
Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk's children, alleges Grok generated and published sexual deepfake images of her without permission.
Mother speaks out over AI chatbot Grok
Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok is facing intense criticism, accused of allowing X users to generate sexually explicit images of real women and children. One of the alleged victims is Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Musk's children. She said she discovered people used Grok to generate and publish sexualized deepfake images without her permission and share them on X. Musk has not responded to a request for comment.
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.
British regulators on Grok AI images
British regulators are investigating X for lewd AI images generated by Grok, the AI arm of Elon Musk's social platform. Michael Goodyear, an associate professor at New York Law School, joins CBS News with more.
Pentagon adopting Musk's Grok AI despite growing backlash against it
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will start using Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok. The word comes days after Grok drew global outcry for generating highly sexualized deepfake images.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
Trump posts about Minnesota ICE raids
President Trump posted on social media about the expanding Minnesota ICE raids and promised a day of "RECKONING & RETRIBUTION" is coming. CBS News' Lana Zak reports.
Minnesota takes on Trump administration
The state of Minnesota, and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, are suing the Department of Homeland Security and several Trump administration officials over the massive operations involving federal law enforcement. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Man admits to starting fire at synagogue
Investigators say Stephen Spencer Pittman admitted to starting a fire at Mississippi's largest synagogue. Newly obtained video shows a man dousing Jackson's Beth Israel Congregation with liquid from a gas container. Jason Allen reports.
Over 1,500 pounds of meth found in secret labs in Mexico
More than 1,500 pounds of methamphetamine were seized from clandestine laboratories in Mexico, authorities said.
Space
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Space
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Astronaut says early return to Earth is "right call," but "bittersweet"
Mike Fincke thanked NASA for making crew health the agency's top priority.
NASA hopes to return Crew 11 to Earth next week over medical issue
NASA officials reported Thursday that an unidentified member of Crew 11 was dealing with "a medical situation" that would require the crew to return to Earth sooner than anticipated.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Trump on Iran protests, Fed's Powell and more
President Trump shared a warning for Iran, called Jerome Powell a "lousy Fed chairman," and defended the ICE agent who killed Renee Good in Minneapolis during an exclusive interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Juan Guiadó on Venezuela's future
Former Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guiadó fled to the U.S. after a failed coup against Nicolás Maduro in 2019. Guiadó joins "The Takeout" to discuss his hopes for his home country's future now that Maduro is in U.S. custody.
Clintons refuse to testify on Epstein
Bill and Hillary Clinton are refusing to appear before the House Oversight Committee to testify in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Videos show rows of body bags at Iran hospital
As reports out of Iran suggest the situation there is much more violent than initially thought, President Trump is threatening to take "very strong action" if Iranian authorities begin hanging anti-government protesters this week, as is feared. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports. Then, CBS News national security contributor Samantha Vinograd joins with analysis.
Iranian women's rights activist on regime
Two sources tell CBS News that at least 12,000 people are dead in Iran after widespread protests. The numbers are hard to verify as many means of communication have been cut off there for several days. Iranian women's rights activist Masih Alinejad joins CBS News to discuss.