Pfizer starting study of vaccine geared toward Omicron variant
The new U.S. study is enrolling up to 1,420 healthy adults, ages 18 to 55, to test the updated Omicron-based shots for use as a booster or for primary vaccinations
Omicron Variant
Pfizer targets Omicron variant
Pfizer and BioNTech are working on a trial to test a modified COVID-19 vaccine aimed at targeting the Omicron variant. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joined CBS News to discuss the latest on the pandemic, including why the FDA has halted use of two monoclonal antibody treatments that don't work well against Omicron.
Omicron surge adds complications to U.S. economy
The spread of the Omicron variant is causing an additional complication to the U.S. economy, which is already struggling with high inflation and a supply chain crisis. And data shows nearly 9 million Americans were out of work in January because they were caring for someone with COVID-19 or being ill with the virus themselves. Joshua Hausman, associate professor of public policy and economics at the University Of Michigan and research associate at the National Bureau Of Economic Research, joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more.
Face The Nation: McCaul, Gottlieb, Americans weigh in on COVID-19
Missed the second half of the show? The latest on Republican Congressman Michael McCaul's urge to impose Russia sanctions, COVID-19 vaccine for kids, and Americans weigh in on COVID-19 and the economy.
Gottlieb doesn't expect vaccine for kids under 5 before late March
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner, says the FDA and Pfizer are "looking very closely at the data that's accrued to see if they can make a decision around this."
Omicron infections decline nationwide
While COVID-19 infections fueled by the Omicron variant are leveling off nationwide, some states are still seeing high rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Lilia Luciano has more.
More children hospitalized with COVID
This week marks two years since COVID-19 was first detected in the United States, and while there are some encouraging signs that Omicron has peaked in some parts of the country, there's a troubling rise in the number of kids being infected. Michael George has the latest.
COVID cases floor Missouri Children's Hospital
Dr. Anthony Fauci said he "absolutely did not know when the FDA will authorize" a COVID vaccine for young children — walking back comments he made indicating that could happen within a month. It comes as infections among children are soaring across the country. Carter Evans has more.
Kids' COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise
COVID-19 hospitalizations for children are climbing, with an average of more than 900 kids admitted a day. CBS News' Michael George reports, then Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
Omicron batters states with low vaccination rates
Thursday marks two years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on how the virus is impacting states with low vaccination rates, and the battle over masks in schools. Then, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anand Swaminathan joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
First-time jobless claims rise
First-time unemployment claims took an unexpectedly large jump last week. The U.S. Labor Department reports 286,000 people filed new claims the week ending January 15th. Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
U.S. debuts site for free at-home COVID tests
Some hospitals are overwhelmed, facing an influx of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Pfizer says that its oral pill is showing efficacy against Omicron in lab tests. Dr. Jen Caudle joins CBSN to break down some of the latest coronavirus headlines.
Omicron pushes Missouri hospitals to the brink
At St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, COVID-19 hospitalizations have tripled in recent weeks. Few of those patients are vaccinated. Carter Evans has more.
Omicron continues to overwhelm U.S. hospitals
The Biden administration is planning to give out 400 million free N95 masks to Americans in the coming weeks as the coronavirus surge tightens its grip on hospitals in hard-hit areas of the country. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports from Missouri, where COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising among the unvaccinated. Then, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
Biden to hold first 2022 press conference
President Biden is set to hold his first formal news conference of 2022. It comes a day ahead of the first anniversary of his presidency. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN to discuss.
Omicron could force many restaurants to close
The surge of Omicron cases in the U.S. is putting thousands of restaurants at risk of closing for good. While the Biden administration set aside more than $28 billion in the American Rescue Plan for restaurants, that aid didn't reach every business that needed help. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo joined CBSN to discuss.
Website for free COVID-19 tests launches
Americans are now able to order free, at-home COVID-19 test kits. The website went live on Tuesday, one day before its official launch. Ed O'Keefe reports.
Free home COVID tests amid Omicron surge
The Biden administration is offering four free at-home COVID testing kits per household as much of the U.S. is still confronting a surge of Omicron cases. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports, then Dr. Dyan Hes, founder of Gramercy Pediatrics, joins CBSN to discuss this and other coronavirus news.
England is about to drop virtually all anti-COVID restrictions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says thanks to booster shots and people following the rules, the Omicron wave "has now peaked" in the U.K., so the rules are being lifted.
North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed
COVID-19 infections are continuing to surge in parts of the U.S. In North Carolina, recent data shows one in three people tested positive for the virus. And some local hospitals are struggling to keep up. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports from Charlotte.
Biden admin offers free at-home COVID tests
Some Americans were able to order free at-home COVID-19 tests Tuesday, one day before the government's official website was set to roll out. The Omicron-driven surge continued to rage in parts of the country, while some early hot spots are seeing a decline in cases. CBS news national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports on the recent spike in cases nationwide. Then, Dr. Ben Weston, an associate professor in the department of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
Omicron drives "hellacious" worker shortages
A "Great American Sickout," thanks to the spread of the Omicron variant is forcing businesses to cope with worker shortages as the U.S. struggles to combat the spread of the coronavirus. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Amy Picchi joins CBSN with more.
Omicron slows in parts of the U.S.
The Omicron surge is slowing in parts of the U.S., but Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to the president, warns the variant may not be the end of the pandemic. The COVID death rate in Los Angeles County is the highest it's been in 10 months. Dr. Jerry Abraham, director of vaccine programs at Kedren Health in Los Angeles, joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero with more.
Omicron could force more restaurant closures
"Whether we reopen is completely contingent on whether we receive RRF funding," said one restaurant owner.
South Africa is over Omicron, and that may be good news for the U.S.
Scientists believe the country has "reached a turning point in this pandemic," and their experience, along with similar pictures emerging in the U.K. and New York, is cause for optimism.
Iran threatens protesters, U.S. troops in region, as unrest enters week 2
As activists say Iran's anti-government unrest has seen almost 120 people killed, the nation's rulers threaten protesters, and U.S. forces across the Mideast.
Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS targets in Syria, officials say
The strikes were part of a retaliatory operation for the ISIS terrorist ambush in Palmyra, Syria, in December that killed two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter.
Trump says Venezuela "starting process" of releasing political prisoners
President Trump previously said he had called off "second wave of attacks" on a cooperative Venezuela.
Suspect arrested in murders of Ohio dentist and his wife, police say
Michael McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, according to court records obtained by CBS News. Tepe and her husband, Spencer, were shot and killed in Columbus on Dec. 30.
3 congressional lawmakers say they were denied access to ICE facility in Minneapolis
Three Democratic lawmakers said they were denied access to the ICE facility at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Trump's threats inspiring Iran protesters but might not deter crackdown
The leader of an independent Iranian news publication says President Trump's warnings are alarming officials and encouraging demonstrators.
Protests continue in Minneapolis amid fallout over deadly ICE shooting
Minneapolis is reeling after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman on the city's south side Wednesday morning.
Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
U.S.
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A young mom was near death from lead poisoning. Who was trying to kill her?
Hannah Pettey, 22, a married mother of two from Alabama, suffered debilitating pain and lost more than 45 pounds as her health rapidly declined. Doctors suspected either her mother or her husband were trying to poison her.
Cold case murder victim was a bridesmaid in killer's wedding
The investigation into the 1995 murder of Texas teacher Mary Catherine Edwards went cold for years. Advances in forensic science and tireless work by investigators would reveal the startling connection between the victim and her killer.
Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
Washington National Opera says it's leaving the Kennedy Center
The Washington National Opera is moving performances away from the Kennedy Center.
Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
MoneyWatch
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Trump urges credit card companies to slash interest rates to 10% for one year
President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates late Friday, an idea that has drawn strong support from lawmakers in both parties but pushback from card issuers.
Looking for a job? Here are the best U.S. cities to find openings.
Midsize cities like Pittsburgh and Columbia, South Carolina, offer some of the best employment prospects, analysis finds.
Trump posted some U.S. jobs data the before its official release
The White House said it will review its protocols for releasing economic data after President Trump's "inadvertent public disclosure."
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
Politics
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Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
3 congressional lawmakers say they were denied access to ICE facility in Minneapolis
Three Democratic lawmakers said they were denied access to the ICE facility at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Congress debating possible consequences for ICE after Renee Good's death
Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions, from a full investigation and policy changes to the defunding of ICE operations and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
Greenland's leaders said the island's future must be decided by its people.
Over $120M in USDA award payments to MN suspended, Sec. Rollins says
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Friday that she is suspending payments on all active and future awards from the USDA to Minnesota amid the long-running fraud scandal in which the White House has alleged a misuse of federal funds.
HealthWatch
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Doctors thought he had cancer. An offhand suggestion led to a rare diagnosis.
Andy Provencher spent a year searching for the cause of his exhausting symptoms before a physician's assistant suggested a rare illness.
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Book excerpt: "Enough" by Dr. Ania Jastreboff and Oprah Winfrey
The media superstar, who has struggled with weight for much of her life, and a Yale School of Medicine doctor team up for a book that examines the biology of obesity, offering a new way forward.
RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
RFK Jr. announces new dietary guidelines. Here's what to know.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limits on added sugars and mention gut health. Here's what to know.
World
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Iran threatens protesters, U.S. troops in region, as unrest enters week 2
As activists say Iran's anti-government unrest has seen almost 120 people killed, the nation's rulers threaten protesters, and U.S. forces across the Mideast.
Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS targets in Syria, officials say
The strikes were part of a retaliatory operation for the ISIS terrorist ambush in Palmyra, Syria, in December that killed two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter.
Kurdish fighters evacuate Aleppo after days of violent clashes with Syrian forces
Kurdish fighters were evacuated from a contested neighborhood in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, officials said, a move that could bring an end to several days of violent clashes with government forces.
Stolen cars being smuggled to Mexico, where they're almost impossible to recover
Authorities warn organized theft rings are going after high-end SUVs, pickups and performance cars in the U.S. and smuggling them into Mexico.
Entertainment
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The Golden Globes are tonight. Here's how to watch live and what to know.
Here is everything you need to know about how to watch and stream the 2026 Golden Globes live.
Bob Weir, founding Grateful Dead member, dies
Bob Weir, a co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died. Weir was a cornerstone of the band, as a singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Actor Timothy Busfield faces child sex abuse charge in New Mexico
Timothy Busfield is known for appearances in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething."
Golden Globes predictions
"CBS Saturday Morning" predicts winners for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, which airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm ET.
Technology
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Technology
How to outsmart cybercriminals and protect your data
In his new book "Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime," former FBI Counterintelligence Operative Eric O'Neill describes the art of outsmarting cybercriminals and protecting your data and wallet. O'Neill spoke with CBS News' Major Garrett about steps people can take to stay safe online.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
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.
U.K. could ban X if platform can't "get a grip" on AI sexualized images
Britain's leader says all options on the table if Musk's X platform doesn't stop Grok AI tool being used to generate non-consensual sexualized images.
Privacy impact of Gmail tools driven by AI
Millions of Americans who use Gmail are getting a new package of tools, driven by artificial intelligence. Google says it's trying to make Gmail more like a personal assistant as it brings more of its Gemini AI to your inbox with three updates. The changes come with some privacy concerns. Jo Ling Kent explains.
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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A young mom was near death from lead poisoning. Who was trying to kill her?
Hannah Pettey, 22, a married mother of two from Alabama, suffered debilitating pain and lost more than 45 pounds as her health rapidly declined. Doctors suspected either her mother or her husband were trying to poison her.
Cold case murder victim was a bridesmaid in killer's wedding
The investigation into the 1995 murder of Texas teacher Mary Catherine Edwards went cold for years. Advances in forensic science and tireless work by investigators would reveal the startling connection between the victim and her killer.
Arrest made in Ohio dentist murder mystery
Michael McKee, 39, is accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife, Monique, and her husband, Spencer Tepe. The couple was found dead in their Columbus, Ohio, home last month. Ali Bauman reports.
Chicago man arrested in murders of Ohio dentist and his wife, police say
Michael McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, according to court records obtained by CBS News. Tepe and her husband, Spencer, were shot and killed in Columbus on Dec. 30.
Mangione's lawyers fight to block death penalty
Luigi Mangione was back in court on Friday, where his lawyers worked to block the Justice Department from seeking the death penalty in his federal trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded not guilty in April 2025.
Space
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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.
NASA cutting ISS mission short
Four crew members aboard the International Space Station will be brought home more than a month early in the coming days as NASA cuts its mission short due to health concerns. NASA says the ailing astronaut is stable and while it is not an emergency, weeks more in space are not in the best interest of their health.
ISS crew returning early due to medical issue
The crew at the International Space Station will return home early because of what NASA is calling a medical concern with a crew member. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
NASA postpones spacewalk for medical concerns
NASA on Thursday postponed a scheduled spacewalk on the International Space Station due to a "medical concern." CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
NASA will bring space station crew home early after medical issue
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station was scrapped because of what NASA called a "medical concern" with an unidentified crew member.
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
The Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey
When a young woman nearly dies from poisoning, investigators focus on the two people she trusted the most. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports.
Bob Weir, founding Grateful Dead member, dies
Bob Weir, a co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died. Weir was a cornerstone of the band, as a singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Tracking the Killer of Mary Catherine Edwards
A schoolteacher is murdered in her own home. Years later investigators discover she was a bridesmaid at the killer's wedding. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports.
Dr. Color's work to maintain Painted Ladies beauty
Aside from the Golden Gate Bridge, there's probably no more famous landmark in the Bay Area than the Painted Ladies. Itay Hod shows how one man has been fighting to keep the beloved homes picture-perfect.
Wildfire wounds remains in L.A. area, a year later
This week marks one year since wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles region. At least 31 people were killed, and thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed. Most have not been rebuilt. Andres Gutierrez reports.