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.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
Luigi Mangione returning to court for crucial evidence hearing
Luigi Mangione will be back in court Friday as a crucial court hearing about what evidence should be admitted in the trial continues.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case, identified as Virginia man
Authorities say the FBI has arrested a man suspected of placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says
The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
U.S.
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Luigi Mangione returning to court for crucial evidence hearing
Luigi Mangione will be back in court Friday as a crucial court hearing about what evidence should be admitted in the trial continues.
Endangered jaguar spotted at watering hole in Arizona
Officials have said that jaguar breeding in the U.S. has not been documented in more than a century.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
MoneyWatch
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Politics
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Jasmine Crockett called Texas Senate race contenders as she weighs jumping into fray
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirmed to CBS News she's spoken with would-be opponents.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
HealthWatch
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Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
How to avoid holiday stress
The holiday season can be a wonderful, but also stressful time – filled with unrealistic expectations. A recent poll found 41% of adults anticipate more holiday stress this year. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma has tips to unwind during the holidays.
World
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7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says
The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Entertainment
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Kaytranada on rise to fame and his new album
Grammy winning DJ and producer Kaytranada has become one of the most influential voices in dance and electronic music, and has collaborated with top artists. He spoke with "CBS Mornings" about his latest album, touring and his journey in music.
Richie Moriarty talks 5th season of "Ghosts"
Actor and comedian Richie Moriarty talks with "CBS Mornings" about the fifth season of the comedy series "Ghosts," what's next for his character and how the cast has bonded.
Technology
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Technology
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News with 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.
India revokes order for phone makers to install security app amid uproar
India's government, amid an uproar over privacy, has revoked an order quietly issued to smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run security app.
OpenAI responding to Google's moves: WSJ
OpenAI has declared a "code red" as Google threatens to unseat the AI industry's early leader, according to the Wall Street Journal. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Crime
Questions about D.C. pipe bombs case suspect
A Virginia man faces two federal charges in connection with the pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
7 tons of cocaine seized off Colombia, 11 arrested unharmed, navy says
The seizures come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is calling on the U.S. to end strikes in the region against apparent drug-carrying vessels.
New evidence in Luigi Mangione hearing
New evidence was presented in court in connection with the case against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
James on grand jury refusing to re-indict
New York Attorney General Letitia James reacted to news of a federal grand jury refusing to re-indict her after earlier fraud charges against her were thrown out. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi has more.
Pentagon announces new boat strike
The Pentagon announced another strike against an alleged drug-carrying boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This comes as lawmakers react to a classified briefing on the controversial Sept. 2 strikes targeting a vessel near Venezuela. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Questions about D.C. pipe bombs case suspect
A Virginia man faces two federal charges in connection with the pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Cervical cancer screening guidelines updated
The American Cancer Society is suggesting a change to cervical cancer screening guidelines so women have the option for self-collection of samples. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder explains.
Eye Opener: Arctic air blasting millions
Frigid temperatures are expected in parts of the U.S. through the weekend. Plus, more details have emerged about the classified briefing on the controversial Sept. 2 boat strikes near Venezuela. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Pentagon announces another boat strike
The Pentagon announced another strike on an alleged drug boat in the Pacific Ocean, hours after lawmakers received a classified briefing on a Sept. 2 attack. Charlie D'Agata reports.
Lawmakers on Sept. 2 boat strikes
Republicans and Democrats in Congress received a classified briefing on the deadly Sept. 2 strikes against a vessel apparently carrying drugs toward the U.S. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports.