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.
Live
Iran war keeps Strait of Hormuz paralyzed and gas prices on the rise
The Iran war could escalate further as President Trump threatens to hit key oil infrastructure if Tehran doesn't drop its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Trump urges other nations to help open Strait of Hormuz
In remarks ahead of a meeting with the Kennedy Center board of trustees, Mr. Trump provided an update on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Ex-wife told 911 the Michigan synagogue attacker was "not stable" before incident
A person believed to be the ex-wife of the suspect in the attack at Michigan's Temple Israel told authorities that the suspect was "not stable" ahead of the attack, according to a 911 call obtained by CBS News Detroit.
Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
The 2026 Democratic primary campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat is largely a three-person race. Voters go to the polls Tuesday in Illinois.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Cuba plans to open up to investment from nationals in U.S. amid pressure from Trump
The Cuban government is planning to allow Cuban nationals who live abroad to invest in the island, a government official told NBC News, as the country faces economic collapse and pressure from the Trump administration.
U.S.
More U.S.
Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
The 2026 Democratic primary campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat is largely a three-person race. Voters go to the polls Tuesday in Illinois.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Trump requests delay of China trip because of Iran war
President Trump was planning to visit China at the end of March.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Costco recalls meatloaf meal due to salmonella risk
Costco is recalling a meatloaf and potato meal kit because one of its ingredients may be contaminated with salmonella.
Hyundai stops sales of some 2026 models after a child's death
Hyundai's announcement came after a child died in an incident involving a Palisade vehicle, which the car maker said is still under investigation.
With gas prices still rising, experts recommend 3 ways to save fuel
Small adjustments, like maintaining a steady speed while driving, can help maximize fuel efficiency, experts say.
Gas prices edge higher with Brent crude remaining above $100 per barrel
Gas prices have jumped almost 79 cents per gallon from a month ago, raising fresh inflation concerns.
The Iran war is making it harder for Fed officials to cut interest rates
Some economists think the Fed, facing inflationary pressures from rising energy prices, may not cut interest rates at all this year.
Politics
More Politics
Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
The 2026 Democratic primary campaign for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin's Senate seat is largely a three-person race. Voters go to the polls Tuesday in Illinois.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Trump requests delay of China trip because of Iran war
President Trump was planning to visit China at the end of March.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
More World
At least 23 dead in suspected suicide bombings in Nigeria, police say
At least 23 people were killed and more than 100 wounded in suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Nigeria, police said. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the conflict-battered city in recent history.
Pakistani strike hits rehab hospital in Afghanistan, Taliban says
The Taliban in Afghanistan claim that a Pakistani military airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul has killed over 400 people, but Pakistan alleges the site was a weapons depot.
Trump requests delay of China trip because of Iran war
President Trump was planning to visit China at the end of March.
Cuba plans to open up to investment from nationals in U.S. amid pressure from Trump
The Cuban government is planning to allow Cuban nationals who live abroad to invest in the island, a government official told NBC News, as the country faces economic collapse and pressure from the Trump administration.
Cuba begins restoring power after energy grid collapses in nationwide blackout
The latest blackout in Cuba comes over a week after another massive outage affected the island's west, leaving millions without power.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Stars walk Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet
Oscar winners Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan and other celebrities appeared on the red carpet for the Vanity Fair party after the awards show. See some of the red carpet looks.
Did "Sinners" get snubbed at the Oscars?
The 2026 Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles on Sunday. Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier breaks down the winners and the biggest upsets.
Oscars 2026 best dressed
CBS News contributor Lauren Sherman breaks down some of the best looks from the 2026 Oscars, where looks from Chanel and Dior dominated the red carpet.
Lizzo announces children's book
Grammy award-winner Lizzo exclusively announced on "CBS Mornings" her latest project, a children's book called "Little Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Flute." She spoke with Gayle King about her inspiration for the book and message for young readers.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
U.S. hospitals, insurers turn to AI for claims
A constant battle in the U.S. health care system is the fight between insurers and providers over the cost of medical procedures and who foots the bill. Both sides are turning to artificial intelligence to make their case. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder explains.
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
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.
Jury deliberates in social media trial
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
3 teens took part in a weeklong experiment to curb screen time. It worked.
For one week, three New Jersey high schoolers agreed not to take their phones to bed, and to try different tools to reduce screen time.
Science
More Science
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
More Crime
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Suspect in California teen's 2019 disappearance rearrested, indicted in her killing
Authorities have made an arrest in the cold case disappearance of California teenager Victoria Marquina.
Closing arguments in Kouri Richins trial
Closing arguments are expected to begin on Monday in Kouri Richins' murder trial. She's accused of giving her husband a deadly dose of fentanyl four years ago before she later published a children's book about grief. The case included 13 days of testimony, but the defense did not call any witnesses. If convicted, Richins could face life in prison.
Space
More Space
Space
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
3/16: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Trump calls for other countries to help open Strait of Hormuz; White House chief of staff Susie Wiles diagnosed with breast cancer.
An Oscar for a film meant to make us feel again
For years, CBS News' own Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp documented the bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. The resulting film, "All the Empty Rooms," just won an Oscar. Tony Dokoupil has more.
Tips for braving airport chaos this spring break
With the spring and summer travel seasons on the horizon, many are wondering how worried to be about long security lines at the airport. Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy website, joins to discuss.
Iran strikes U.S. oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Since the start of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran just over two weeks ago, 500 tankers have been stuck by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Imtiaz Tyab reports.