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.
Savannah Guthrie says "we will pay" in new plea for mother's safe return
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Saturday, saying her family is willing to pay for the safe return of their mother.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47
Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down has died following "his courageous battle with cancer," the rock band announced Saturday on social media.
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Nancy Pelosi to endorse Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, a source familiar confirmed to CBS News.
U.S.
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Did a popular acne medication drive a Texas teen to shoot his friends?
Connor Hilton, 17, said that after taking Accutane, a prescribed acne medication, he began to have suicidal and homicidal thoughts – thoughts that, his defense argued, led him to shoot two friends in the head at his Friendswood, Texas, home. Prosecutors weren't convinced.
Nancy Pelosi to endorse Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, a source familiar confirmed to CBS News.
Savannah Guthrie says "we will pay" in new plea for mother's safe return
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Saturday, saying her family is willing to pay for the safe return of their mother.
Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show? Here's the full list
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60.
MoneyWatch
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Washington Post publisher Will Lewis resigns just days after paper enacts mass layoffs
Will Lewis, CEO and publisher of the Washington Post, has resigned just three days after the storied newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff.
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Politics
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Nancy Pelosi to endorse Jack Schlossberg in New York congressional race
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to endorse Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, a source familiar confirmed to CBS News.
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
HealthWatch
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Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
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Ilia Malinin stunned by Yuma Kagiyama in Olympic figure skating short program
The U.S. ended Saturday in first place with 44 points. Japan was five points back going into the men's, women's and pairs free skates to decide the medals Sunday.
Jake Paul joins JD Vance to watch U.S. women's hockey team at Olympics
The U.S. women's hockey team eased to a 5-0 win over Finland on Saturday afternoon.
Italy nabs first gold medal of Milano Cortina Olympics in speedskating upset
Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, shaving more than two-and-a-half seconds off the mark set by Dutch legend Irene Schouten four years earlier in Beijing.
4 suspects arrested after bombing at Pakistan mosque leaves 31 dead
Friday's attack was the deadliest suicide bombing in Islamabad in nearly 20 years.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Entertainment
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Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47
Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down has died following "his courageous battle with cancer," the rock band announced Saturday on social media.
Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show? Here's the full list
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60.
Twisted Sister cancels reunion shows as frontman Dee Snider resigns
Lead singer and frontman Dee Snider said he suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years.
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Did a popular acne medication drive a Texas teen to shoot his friends?
Connor Hilton, 17, said that after taking Accutane, a prescribed acne medication, he began to have suicidal and homicidal thoughts – thoughts that, his defense argued, led him to shoot two friends in the head at his Friendswood, Texas, home. Prosecutors weren't convinced.
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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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Diving into Hilary Knight career at final Olympics
Ice hockey forward Hilary Knight showed the world why she's one of the greatest players ever. With her 14th goal, the captain of Team USA moved into a tie for the most goals scored by a U.S. Women's hockey player at the Winter Olympics. Andres Gutierrez reports on her career and her last Olympic run.
Levi's aims to share their story at their stadium
The countdown is on for the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Kris Van Kleave is outside what's been called the Field of Jeans.
What to know after first full day of the Olympics
Saturday marked the first full day of the Olympic Winter Games in Italy. Switzerland took the first gold medal in men's downhill skiing. In all, five medal events were held, but no gold yet for Team USA. Seth Doane has the latest details from Cortina, Italy.
Fallout over Epstein files escalates in the U.K.
The political fallout in Britain following the latest Epstein documents release became so intense that on Saturday, there were growing calls for the U.K.'s prime minister to step down.
Trump refuses to apologize for racist video
President Trump refused to apologize after sharing a racist video on Truth Social and then later taking it down. Willie James Inman has more.