U.S. braces for arrival of Omicron variant
Researchers are racing to analyze the new Omicron variant and the strength of the arsenal to fight it as cases spread across the world. Errol Barnett has the details.
Omicron Variant
Researchers race to assess Omicron variant
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been found in 20 countries so far. CBS news correspondent Errol Barnett reports on how U.S. officials are already preparing for the arrival of the new strain. Then, Dr. Marie-Elizabeth Ramas, a family medicine physician, joins CBSN to discuss protective measures against the variant and more.
Economic uncertainty looms for Biden administration
President Biden traveled to Minnesota Tuesday to highlight aspects of his $1 trillion infrastructure plan. Mr. Biden's trip comes as concerns over the new COVID-19 variant, rising inflation and issues within the nation's supply chain threaten to derail his overall economic agenda. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN's Ed O'Keefe to discuss.
Researchers race to learn about Omicron
CBS News foreign correspondent Deborah Patta reports on the researchers racing to learn more about the Omicron variant first reported by South Africa, which has now spread to 19 countries and territories. Dr. Dyan Hes, the founder of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss the latest concerns over the variant and vaccine efforts.
WHO says people who are above 60 and unvaccinated should postpone travel
WHO named Omicron a variant of concern on Friday, and 56 countries issued travel restrictions in the following days.
U.S. officials expect vaccines to retain some effectiveness against Omicron
"There's every reason to believe, as we talk about boosters, when you get a level high enough, that you are going to get at least some degree of cross protection."
Omicron variant was in Europe before South Africa raised the alarm
Authorities in the Netherlands say testing has confirmed that COVID cases identified on November 19 and 23 were the new strain — days before researchers identified it.
Biden faces pressure on Omicron variant
President Joe Biden urged caution, but stressed this is not the time to panic during his remarks from the White House yesterday on the Omicron variant. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with more on what the administration is doing in light of the new coronavirus strain.
Medical personnel deployed for COVID support
The federal government is deploying dozens of additional U.S. military medical personnel to Michigan and New Mexico to support civilian health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. David Claeys, president of Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss what the addition of 22 medical professionals from the Department of Defense will mean for his team.
Powell warns Congress that inflation may keep rising next year
He tells Senate panel that the new COVID-19 variant could have an impact on economic activity and inflation.
Biden says Omicron variant is "cause for concern, not a cause for panic"
"Sooner or later, we're going to see cases of this new variant here in the United States," the president said.
Scientist who helped discover Omicron variant warns of its potential
The Omicron variant has more than 50 mutations, enhancing the virus' ability to infect the body.
Biden says Omicron variant is "not a cause for panic"
President Biden urged Americans to stay calm in response to the new COVID variant Omicron, saying it's "cause for concern, not a cause for panic." It's not yet clear whether the variant spreads more easily or causes more severe infections. Errol Barnett reports.
Dr. Ashish Jha on new Omicron variant
Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, says "it's a little alarmist" to call the Omicron variant the Frankenstein of all COVID variants. Norah O'Donnell sits down with Jha to discuss more.
South African president says travel bans do damage
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is urging Western nations to lift travel restrictions against his country and others in the region. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta dives into why these bans were enforced in relation to experts' current knowledge of the Omicron variant.
How the White House is responding to Omicron
President Biden says while the Omicron variant is a cause for concern, it's not cause for panic. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Mr. Biden once again urged Americans to get vaccinated and to get their booster shots. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN's Bradley Blackburn to discuss the Biden administration's response to the new variant and more.
Exclusive: Inside facility investigating Omicron variant
CBS News has an exclusive look inside a lab in South Africa where the Omicron variant was first discovered. Debora Patta shares more.
Omicron coronavirus variant spreads globally
The U.S. is barring travelers from several African countries in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports from South Africa and Alonzo Plough chief science officer and vice president of research, evaluation and learning at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, joins CBSN to discuss the variant.
Global leaders fear spread of Omicron variant
U.S. officials are imposing travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens from South Africa and seven other nations to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports on why these officials believe the measures are necessary. Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University, and CBSN's Tanya Rivero discuss the threat posed by the variant and U.S. officials' response to its spread.
White House preps for busy end of the year
President Biden is hoping to pass his Build Back Better social spending plan as a government shutdown and debt ceiling crisis loom. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN AM from the White House with more.
Omicron COVID variant threatens U.S. recovery
Travel restrictions take effect today as the coronavirus Omicron variant spreads globally. Dr. Andy Pekosz, a virologist with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, joins CBSN AM to discuss the variant and what we know about contagious it is.
WorldView: Japan bans foreign visitors
Japan announced it will ban all foreign visitors, one of an increasing number of countries tightening their borders as an emergency precaution as the Omicron coronavirus variant spreads. Lucy Craft reports from Tokyo for CBSN AM on the global pandemic and other international headlines.
Global concerns grow over Omicron variant
Researchers are trying to learn more about the Omicron COVID-19 variant and whether or not it is resistant to existing vaccines or more deadly than other variants. CBS news foreign correspondent Debora Patta takes us inside one of the labs in South Africa where the new strain was first discovered. Then, Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology, immunology and pediatrics at the University of Iowa, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
New York officials recommend indoor mask wearing in response to Omicron
Residents are encouraged to wear masks in public and indoor settings where risk of spread is higher.
Fauci on Omicron variant: "We should not be freaking out"
Dr. Anthony Fauci said it's going to take some time — perhaps a couple of weeks — to "get a good handle" on the newly discovered strain.
Exclusive
Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account
Survivors of an Iranian attack that killed six U.S. service members have disputed the Pentagon's description of events and said their unit in Kuwait was left dangerously exposed.
Exclusive
California officials make arrests in LA hospice fraud crackdown
California's attorney general filed charges against 21 suspects, accusing the group of defrauding the state of $267 million. Arrests come after a CBS News investigation into hospice fraud.
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Trump's ceasefire with Iran mired in dispute over Israel's war in Lebanon
As Trump issues a new warning to Iran to comply with a tenuous two-week ceasefire, the two sides don't even seem to agree on the terms of the deal.
First lady Melania Trump slams "baseless lies" tying her to Jeffrey Epstein
First lady Melania Trump delivered a televised statement denying a relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Husband arrested in Bahamas in connection to wife's disappearance
The search for Lynette Hooker is ongoing in the Bahamas, as the U.S. Coast Guard takes the lead on investigative efforts and has launched a criminal investigation, a U.S. official said.
DOJ probing NFL over games on paid platforms, sources say
The NFL is being investigated for practices that allegedly harm consumers for licensing games to multiple platforms — paid streaming platforms, paid cable networks, and others, sources said.
USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
The U.S. Postal Service, which lost $9 billion in 2025, recently warned that it could run out of money within 12 months.
Independence Arch, or "Arc de Trump," plans include taxpayer funds
The president says the arch will commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
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First lady Melania Trump slams "baseless lies" tying her to Jeffrey Epstein
First lady Melania Trump delivered a televised statement denying a relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Independence Arch, or "Arc de Trump," plans include taxpayer funds
The president says the arch will commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
Exclusive
California officials make arrests in LA hospice fraud crackdown
California's attorney general filed charges against 21 suspects, accusing the group of defrauding the state of $267 million. Arrests come after a CBS News investigation into hospice fraud.
DOJ probing NFL over games on paid platforms, sources say
The NFL is being investigated for practices that allegedly harm consumers for licensing games to multiple platforms — paid streaming platforms, paid cable networks, and others, sources said.
USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
The U.S. Postal Service, which lost $9 billion in 2025, recently warned that it could run out of money within 12 months.
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DOJ probing NFL over games on paid platforms, sources say
The NFL is being investigated for practices that allegedly harm consumers for licensing games to multiple platforms — paid streaming platforms, paid cable networks, and others, sources said.
USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
The U.S. Postal Service, which lost $9 billion in 2025, recently warned that it could run out of money within 12 months.
CPI report may show inflation hitting 2024 levels amid soaring gas prices
Economic forecasts show that this week's March Consumer Price Index could show prices climbing at their fastest pace in nearly two years.
Will the Iran ceasefire ease U.S. gas prices? Here's what experts think.
Gas prices in the U.S. continued to edge up on Wednesday even as oil prices fell. Here's how long it could take for fuel costs to recede.
This male model sporting a crisp summer shirt isn't real. Will consumers care?
Many brands are turning to AI to advertise their products. Others are rejecting the technology, pledging to lean into "real" images.
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First lady Melania Trump slams "baseless lies" tying her to Jeffrey Epstein
First lady Melania Trump delivered a televised statement denying a relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Independence Arch, or "Arc de Trump," plans include taxpayer funds
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California officials make arrests in LA hospice fraud crackdown
California's attorney general filed charges against 21 suspects, accusing the group of defrauding the state of $267 million. Arrests come after a CBS News investigation into hospice fraud.
DOJ probing NFL over games on paid platforms, sources say
The NFL is being investigated for practices that allegedly harm consumers for licensing games to multiple platforms — paid streaming platforms, paid cable networks, and others, sources said.
USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
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Medicaid work rules will stress states' staffing capacity
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2 more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
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Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
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Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
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New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
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A man stole a handbag outside a London pub. Inside was a Faberge egg and watch.
A man who stole a handbag containing a Faberge egg and watch worth at least $2.8 million from a London pub was jailed for more than two years.
Israel's war in Lebanon has become a flashpoint for the Iran ceasefire
The U.S. and Israel publicly disagree with Iran and Pakistan over whether the country to Israel's north is included in the Iran ceasefire.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
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Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account
Survivors of an Iranian attack that killed six U.S. service members have disputed the Pentagon's description of events and said their unit in Kuwait was left dangerously exposed.
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Behind Anthropic's alarming AI model
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Analysis finds AI will reshape 50-55% of jobs
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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.
Anthropic claims new AI too powerful to release
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AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
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A man stole a handbag outside a London pub. Inside was a Faberge egg and watch.
A man who stole a handbag containing a Faberge egg and watch worth at least $2.8 million from a London pub was jailed for more than two years.
"Ketamine Queen" sentenced to 15 years
Jasveen Sangha, the woman described as the "Ketamine Queen," was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in federal prison for her role in the death of "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry. Carter Evans reports.
Husband arrested after wife falls overboard
Brian Hooker has been arrested by the Royal Bahamas Police Force after his wife, Lynette Hooker, apparently fell overboard from their dinghy and was swept away by currents. Hooker's lawyer denies any wrongdoing. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports.
Doctor found guilty of attempted manslaughter
Gerhardt Konig, the anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife in Hawaii last year, was found guilty Wednesday of attempted manslaughter based upon extreme mental or emotional disturbance.
Doctor accused of trying to kill wife on hike found guilty of attempted manslaughter
Jurors delivered their verdict Wednesday in the trial of an anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife during a cliffside hike in Hawaii.
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NASA drops Artemis II moon mission playlist with astronauts' wake-up songs
The moon music tradition started more than 50 years ago, NASA said as it shared the Artemis II crew's playlist this week.
NASA gears up for Artemis II crew's return to Earth
With Artemis II astronauts closing out on-board tests, flight controllers are prepping for reentry and splashdown Friday.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Artemis II crew on path back to Earth after historic trip around the moon
The Artemis II crew flew farther from Earth than any humans in history as they passed over the far side of the moon on Monday night.
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
The NASA astronauts also sent down Easter messages Sunday while gearing up for a historic pass behind the moon Monday.
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Iran says the U.S. is violating the ceasefire agreement announced earlier this week between the two countries by letting Israel continue its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran is still holding a tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer, Natalie Brand and Caitlin Huey-Burns have more.
Democrats seek to limit Trump's Iran powers
Democratic lawmakers are taking action to curb President Trump's powers over Iran, but a favorable outcome seems unlikely. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
U.S.-Iran ceasefire on shaky ground
Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon have become a potential breaking point in the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire. CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab and Nancy Cordes report.