Coronavirus updates from March 15, 2020
On Saturday night, weary travelers who returned to the U.S. were greeted with packed, hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.
Pandemic
Ireland closes all pubs and bars amid coronavirus pandemic
The country is shuttering its watering holes — just days before St. Patrick's Day.
Live
Coronavirus updates: Spain goes on lockdown, following Italy's example
Every aspect of modern life is being hit in the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Spain goes on lockdown amid growing coronavirus crisis
Since the first case was confirmed in Spain on January 31, an average of 146 people a day have been infected with the virus.
Woman, 82, is the first person in N.Y. to die from coronavirus
New York is leading the country in the number of coronavirus cases.
Apple closes all stores outside China over coronavirus
The company said stores in China will now reopen.
Stocks surge as Trump declares national emergency amid coronavirus pandemic
Officials worldwide are being forced to accept that slowing the coronavirus' spread will require Herculean, and incredibly painful sacrifices.
Ex-Surgeon General: "You have to be thoughtful" in social events
Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served as Surgeon General in the Obama administration, spoke to "CBS Evening News" anchor Norah O'Donnell.
Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft's board of directors
Microsoft announced the news on Friday, saying that the company's co-founder plans to focus on global health, development, education, and climate change.
Trump declares national emergency over coronavirus
Stocks surged after Mr. Trump's announcement, with the Dow rising nearly 2,000 points at its close.
Greece's first female president sworn in before empty parliament
Handshakes were reportedly excluded from the ceremony to try to prevent the spread of the virus.
Virus "unknowns" put U.S. in unprecedented situation, top expert says
The current coronavirus testing system in the United States is "failing," Fauci said at a Congressional committee hearing.
Justin Trudeau's wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, tests positive for coronavirus
Authorities worldwide are racing to combat and contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Disney World and Disneyland are closing amid coronavirus
Disney theme parks in Florida, Paris and California will temporarily close after March 15, and Disney cruise lines will suspend new departures beginning March 14.
Fast and Furious 9, "A Quiet Place" sequel delayed
A wave of shows and movies have been impacted by the pandemic.
Colin Hanks posts about parents' coronavirus diagnosis
He said Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are "in good spirits."
Tokyo Olympics — and billions of dollars — threatened by coronavirus
The new National Stadium, a $1.4 billion effort for the city of Tokyo, may not see its debut as the grand centerpiece of the 2020 Olympics as mass gatherings are getting cancelled around the world.
NYC and Chicago postpone St. Patrick's Day Parades
"As you might imagine this was not an easy decision and we don't take it lightly," said Chicago's mayor.
Top Trump trade official calls for payroll tax cut
Peter Navarro, director of trade and manufacturing policy for the White House, says Democrats are playing politics by not supporting payroll tax
India suspends all tourist visas until April 15
More than 60 people have contracted the virus in the country.
Coronavirus is now a pandemic. What does that mean?
The World Health Organization has officially designated the novel coronavirus a pandemic.
French mayor defends huge Smurf rally amid coronavirus fears
The coronavirus pandemic didn't stop thousands of Smurfs from gathering to break a world record.
Should you wear a face mask to protect against coronavirus?
The CDC has asked Americans to be prepared for the COVID-19 illness to spread in the United States.
Plague Inc. game sees surge of popularity amid outbreak
The game is attracting a new generation of players as coronavirus continues to spread worldwide.
CBS suspends "The Amazing Race" amid coronavirus fears
Contestants are being sent home from Scotland immediately as the coronavirus outbreak spreads around the world.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
Live
Iran says it "cannot trust" U.S. in negotiations as Trump says "we control" strait
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump also claimed to have "wiped out" Iran's armed forces.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote Congo province has recorded 65 deaths so far and has 246 suspected cases, Africa CDC says.
Exclusive
ICE releases wife of U.S. Army soldier after monthlong detention
ICE has released the wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier after a month in detention, her husband told CBS News.
CIA Director Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
U.S.
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Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
Meet the horses running in the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes will feature its biggest field in 15 years with 14 horses in the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
American passenger from hantavirus-hit cruise ship on life in quarantine
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
MoneyWatch
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How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Politics
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Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Exclusive
ICE releases wife of U.S. Army soldier after monthlong detention
ICE has released the wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier after a month in detention, her husband told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote Congo province has recorded 65 deaths so far and has 246 suspected cases, Africa CDC says.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
World
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Live
Iran says it "cannot trust" U.S. in negotiations as Trump says "we control" strait
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump also claimed to have "wiped out" Iran's armed forces.
5 tourists killed in cave diving accident; search underway for bodies
The University of Genoa said the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.
Cartel leader "The Gardener" hit with U.S. charges after dramatic capture
Jalisco cartel boss Audias Flores Silva was arrested in an operation by Mexican Navy special forces based on information provided by U.S. agencies.
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote Congo province has recorded 65 deaths so far and has 246 suspected cases, Africa CDC says.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Drake releases three new albums
In a surprise, Drake dropped three new albums Thursday night, including "Iceman." It's the Canadian rapper's first new music since his explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Technology
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Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
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.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Science
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Cartel leader "The Gardener" hit with U.S. charges after dramatic capture
Jalisco cartel boss Audias Flores Silva was arrested in an operation by Mexican Navy special forces based on information provided by U.S. agencies.
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Space
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
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.
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
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Soldier's wife released by ICE
After a month in custody, the wife of an active-duty U.S. solider has been released by ICE. Jose Serrano's wife was detained in April during an immigration appointment that was supposed to protect military spouses from being deported.
Supreme Court on Mifepristone mail access
The Supreme Court is allowing mail access to the Mifepristone abortion pill, ensuring that patients nationwide will continue to obtain the treatment for now. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Drake releases three new albums
In a surprise, Drake dropped three new albums Thursday night, including "Iceman." It's the Canadian rapper's first new music since his explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Trump's second full day in China with Xi
President Trump says he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Taiwan, Iran and potential trade deals as he concludes his Asia trip. CBS News' Anna Coren and Olivia Rinaldi report.