A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
Omicron Variant
U.S. COVID hospitalizations steadily rising
COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased significantly over the past month and are expected to continue rising, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, demand for in-person and at-home COVID tests is also surging. Elaine Quijano has details.
Highly mutated strain of new COVID variant reported in Michigan
Cases of the new COVID variant BA.2.86 have been spotted in Michigan, Denmark and Israel.
2/2: CBS News Mornings
Central and Northeastern U.S. bracing for snow, ice, frigid temperatures; Teen's initiative sends thousands of books to hospitals and schools
3/14: CBS News Mornings
Dozens reported killed as Russia expands assault in western Ukraine; Guest worker visa applications soar amid labor shortage
CDC tracking new COVID variant EU.1.1
Nearly 100 cases of the COVID variant EU.1.1 have been reported in Utah — more than any other state.
New variant XBB.1.5 now more than a quarter of U.S. cases
XBB.1.5's prevalence remains highest in the Northeast, according to the CDC's latest estimates.
Examining the new COVID travel policy from China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 5, all travelers coming to the U.S. from China will have to test negative for COVID-19 before boarding flights. Associated Press reporter Dake Kang spoke with CBS News about China's struggles with COVID-19.
BF.7: What to know about the Omicron COVID variant
Although reports from China about this variant's characteristics are concerning, it doesn't appear to be growing too much elsewhere in the world.
CDC says it's now tracking a new COVID variant known as XBB
The XBB variant has climbed to 3.1% of new COVID cases nationwide, the CDC now estimates.
In his final COVID briefing, Fauci hopes for less deadly COVID wave this winter
The president's outgoing chief medical adviser pointed to new CDC data suggesting the updated boosters will increase protection against infection.
CDC now tracking BN.1, the latest new COVID variant on the rise
The strain has climbed to make up 4.3% of new COVID-19 cases nationwide.
Special Report: Biden speaks on fight against COVID
President Biden updated the nation on his administration's efforts to contain COVID-19, announcing that he was doubling and accelerating the U.S. order for a Pfizer antiviral pill, and also that insurance companies would reimburse Americans for home tests. He urged Americans to get vaccinations and boosters. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus join the CBS News Special Report to discuss the president's remarks.
NIH investigates Boston University COVID experiments amid controversy
Boston University says its research with "chimeric recombinant" viruses did not lead to a "gain of function."
11/29: CBSN AM
Omicron variant threatens U.S. recovery efforts; Hanukkah ceremonies and celebrations underway worldwide
"Pretty troublesome": New COVID variant BQ.1 growing rapidly
The CDC said BQ.1 and one of its descendants, BQ.1.1, represent "a small but fast-growing subset of the Omicron variant."
New COVID boosters for kids 5 and up
Children ages 5 and up are now eligible to get the new COVID-19 booster shots, which target both the original coronavirus and its Omicron variants. CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus joins us to discuss the vaccine, and he also answers questions about a new study on colonoscopies.
Back-to-school COVID-19 safety concerns
As we head into another school year, some parents are concerned over the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in the classroom. Only about 30% of elementary school-aged kids are fully vaccinated, and experts warn the U.S. could see another fall or winter surge of cases. Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief at Children's Hospital New Orleans, joins CBS News to discuss.
12/19: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," there is frustration and fear as we head into the holiday season, amid what top U.S. health officials are calling an incoming tidal wave of COVID cases.
FDA authorizes Omicron booster shots
New COVID booster shots that target the latest Omicron variants could be available within days, after the FDA authorized the updated boosters made by Pfizer and Moderna.
Dr. Agus answers questions on COVID rebound
CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus explains why COVID-19 cases sometimes "rebound" in patients who were treated with Paxlovid. He also answers viewers' questions about Omicron subvariants and whether there's a risk of catching monkeypox at the gym.
China fights COVID outbreak
What's behind the spike in COVID cases in China, and what the government is trying to do to combat it? Ben Cowling, the head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Hong Kong University, joins CBS News to discuss.
CDC warns of more contagious sub-variant
Health officials are warning Americans to continue to take caution against COVID-19. Lenny Bernstein, a health reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the concerns over a sub-variant called BA.2.
Vaccine-resistant COVID could develop
So far, COVID-19 vaccines have continued to offer some protection against variants. But a vaccine-resistant strain could develop in the future. Dr. Mark Dybul, the CEO of Enochian Biosciences, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss the risk, as well as the latest data on Pfizer's antiviral pill.
Omicron subvariant BA.5 driving U.S. COVID cases
Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 now account for more than nine out of 10 new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. CBS News reporter Alexander Tin joined "Red and Blue" to discuss the latest numbers from the CDC.
Live
U.S.-Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday, Trump says
President Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened "immediately," once the memorandum of understanding is signed.
Knicks capture first NBA title in 53 years
The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years with a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center, court filing says
A federal appellate court denied a last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to stop the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center on Friday.
With uncertainty around H-1B visa fee, U.S. businesses unsure how to move forward
Earlier this week, a federal judge invalidated the White House's $100,000 H-1B fee policy in response to a lawsuit brought by 20 states.
"It rips my heart apart": U.S. military veteran calls on ICE to release wife
An American citizen who served in the Army and the Texas National Guard for roughly 20 years is desperately urging immigration officials to release his wife, who is facing deportation to Honduras.
2 men charged after gear stolen from England's World Cup team
Footwear and soccer balls were among the items taken, the BBC reported, but the theft did not include anything "game-critical."
NBA star James Harden arrested in Houston for unlawful carrying of a weapon
NBA star James Harden was booked into jail and released on bond less than 2 hours later.
Fighter jet crashes in Washington state, sparking wildfire
A pilot survived after a fighter jet crashed into a mountain Saturday afternoon in Yakima County, Washington, sparking a wildfire, officials said.
Body found outside Tijuana stadium where Iran team is training for World Cup
Mexican authorities are investigating how a corpse ended up outside a stadium in the border city of Tijuana, where Iran's national team has been training for the World Cup.
U.S.
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Fighter jet crashes in Washington state, sparking wildfire
A pilot survived after a fighter jet crashed into a mountain Saturday afternoon in Yakima County, Washington, sparking a wildfire, officials said.
How an Iowa woman became a key witness in her own murder
The last words spoken by Angela Prichard, 55, an Iowa wife and mother who called 911 to report she was in danger, was the first clue investigators had to identify her killer.
With uncertainty around H-1B visa fee, U.S. businesses unsure how to move forward
Earlier this week, a federal judge invalidated the White House's $100,000 H-1B fee policy in response to a lawsuit brought by 20 states.
Ford recalls over 250K Focus models over engine stall risk
Ford is recalling more than 250,000 vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under a previous recall meant to fix a problem that caused the engine to stall while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.
NBA star James Harden arrested in Houston for unlawful carrying of a weapon
NBA star James Harden was booked into jail and released on bond less than 2 hours later.
MoneyWatch
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With uncertainty around H-1B visa fee, U.S. businesses unsure how to move forward
Earlier this week, a federal judge invalidated the White House's $100,000 H-1B fee policy in response to a lawsuit brought by 20 states.
DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
Former SpaceX welder becomes a millionaire after historic IPO
Juan Hernandez, a former SpaceX employee, owns 6,500 company shares. On the first day of public trading, his wealth ballooned by $1,046,175.
Why the liberal arts can help young Americans prepare for the era of AI
The advent of AI puts a premium on developing skills like critical thinking and communication, according to education experts. The liberal arts can help.
Politics
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"It rips my heart apart": U.S. military veteran calls on ICE to release wife
An American citizen who served in the Army and the Texas National Guard for roughly 20 years is desperately urging immigration officials to release his wife, who is facing deportation to Honduras.
Trump says U.S. killed Tren de Aragua leader in airstrike in Venezuela
The U.S. military has killed Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua, President Trump announced Friday.
DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
Ohio voting rights group facing criminal fraud investigation, sources say
The FBI executed a search warrant at the office of an Ohio-based group known for its voter registration work as part of an ongoing fraud-related investigation, sources told CBS News.
Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center, court filing says
A federal appellate court denied a last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to stop the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center on Friday.
HealthWatch
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Her Stage IV cancer had no symptoms. Innovative surgery saved her life.
A chance emergency room visit led to Amy Piccoli's diagnosis with late-stage colorectal cancer.
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient
The FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen that's been in use in Europe for years. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
New sunscreen option wins FDA approval after years of delay
A sunscreen ingredient that's been available in Europe, Japan and South Korea for years has finally been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Safety concerns over weight loss drug
There's a new safety concern about doctors prescribing one experimental weight loss treatment, retatrutide, that hasn't even been FDA approved yet. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
World
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Body found outside Tijuana stadium where Iran team is training for World Cup
Mexican authorities are investigating how a corpse ended up outside a stadium in the border city of Tijuana, where Iran's national team has been training for the World Cup.
Ukrainian drone attack kills 1, injures 3 in southern Russia
Ukraine's General Staff said that its forces had hit an oil preparation and pumping station overnight in Russia's Volgograd region.
Police dress up as World Cup mascots to carry out drug sting
The officers in mascot costumes used a metal sledgehammer to break down a door to enter with colleagues.
Armed men kidnap respected security expert in gang-wracked Haiti
James Boyard is the cabinet director of Haiti's Defense Ministry and also serves as inspector general of Haiti's police.
2 men charged after gear stolen from England's World Cup team
Footwear and soccer balls were among the items taken, the BBC reported, but the theft did not include anything "game-critical."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
6/13: Saturday Morning
The White House is readying for Sunday's UFC event as questions remain over peace negotiations with Iran. Plus, the U.S. dominated Paraguay 4-1 in the team's first World Cup game.
Young the Giant performs "Mind Over Matter"
Young the Giant broke out in 2010 with hits like "My Body" and "Cough Syrup," which boast more than 400 million streams on Spotify. Their latest record, "Victory Garden," is out now. Here's Young the Giant performing "Mind Over Matter."
Young the Giant performs "Evergreen"
Young the Giant broke out in 2010 with hits like "My Body" and "Cough Syrup," which boast more than 400 million streams on Spotify. Their latest record, "Victory Garden," is out now. Here's Young the Giant performing "Evergreen."
Young the Giant performs "Different Kind of Love"
Young the Giant broke out in 2010 with hits like "My Body" and "Cough Syrup," which boast more than 400 million streams on Spotify. Their latest record, "Victory Garden," is out now. Here's Young the Giant performing "Different Kind of Love."
DOJ approves Paramount-Warner Bros. merger
The Justice Department has given the merger between CBS News' parent company, Paramount Skydance, and Warner Bros. Discovery the green light. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has the latest.
Technology
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As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
SpaceX expansion plans impact local community
Residents near SpaceX's South Texas campus have mixed opinions about Elon Musk's company and its plans to expand operations. CBS News' Jason Allen reports from Starbase, Texas.
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.
Why the liberal arts can help young Americans prepare for the era of AI
The advent of AI puts a premium on developing skills like critical thinking and communication, according to education experts. The liberal arts can help.
Uproar over planned data center near zoo
Residents are protesting plans for a 70,000-square-foot data center near the Nashville Zoo. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Science
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Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Crime
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How an Iowa woman became a key witness in her own murder
The last words spoken by Angela Prichard, 55, an Iowa wife and mother who called 911 to report she was in danger, was the first clue investigators had to identify her killer.
Police dress up as World Cup mascots to carry out drug sting
The officers in mascot costumes used a metal sledgehammer to break down a door to enter with colleagues.
Armed men kidnap respected security expert in gang-wracked Haiti
James Boyard is the cabinet director of Haiti's Defense Ministry and also serves as inspector general of Haiti's police.
Texas shooting kills at least 1, injures 10
On Wednesday, a 45-year-old gunman opened fire on police in Midland, Texas, allegedly refusing to surrender to police. He fled, finally barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary building and shooting wildly. All of those shot were civilians. The gunman was found dead on Friday, with the FBI and state agencies investigating. Jason Allen has more.
Midland gunman was on the run before shooting
At least one person is dead, and 10 others are injured after a gunman opened fire in Midland, Texas, on Friday. The shooter died after a standoff with police. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen reports.
Space
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NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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?
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
Could Angela Prichard Have Been Saved?
A woman repeatedly called police for help when she was attacked, stalked, and intimidated by her husband. It didn't stop him from killing her. "48 Hours" contributor Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Game 5 of NBA Finals in San Antonio
Game 5 of the NBA Finals is in San Antonio on Saturday, and the big question is whether the Knicks clinch or the Spurs survive. Game 4 was the most-watched game ever on social media with 3 billion views and counting. Doug Williams reports from San Antonio.
Business owner says he relies on H-1B visas
This week, a federal judge struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. The much higher fee was intended to prevent foreign workers from taking American jobs. But some business owners say the U.S. depends on that talent. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Royal family watches Royal Air Force flyover
The Royal family gathered on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on Saturday to greet the crowds and watch a Royal Air Force flyover in celebration of the king. Holly Williams has more from London.
U.S. men win first World Cup match
The heat is on for the World Cup and so is the temperature. Saturday's matches will be played with the mercury in the 80s. Nicole Valdes reports on the U.S.'s dominating debut.