COVID testing scarce as Omicron variant soars
COVID testing scarce as Omicron variant soars
Pandemic
COVID and weather cause travel misery
Flight delays and cancellations, driven by COVID cases and winter storms, affected travelers across the country who have been trying to get home after the holidays. Errol Barnett reports.
Kids return to school despite Omicron surge
Most school districts are starting school in-person Monday despite surging COVID-19 cases across the U.S. Meanwhile, teachers' unions are pushing for virtual learning. Meg Oliver reports.
Biden to provide update on Omicron variant
President Biden will provide an update on the U.S. response to the latest COVID-19 variant Omicron as cases continue to spread around the world. This comes amid a crucial few weeks for the president as he tries to pass his social spending plan and a government shutdown looms. Chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Experts predict huge Black Friday sales
More than 108 million people plan to shop either in-store or online on Black Friday. After a quieter year last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, holiday sales are forecast to increase up to 10.5%. Meg Oliver reports.
South Africa's lessons on surviving Omicron
After just eight weeks since the world first heard about Omicron, discovered here in South Africa, the countries wave dropped as sharply as it had risen with very little interruption to people’s lives. Foreign correspondent Debora Patta revisits the horror of the Delta wave and speaks to a vaccinologist who tells her he is optimistic the worst of the pandemic could be over.
Holiday air travel to hit pre-COVID level
More than 4 million Americans are expected to fly this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, and airports nationwide are bracing for the pre-pandemic level of traffic. Errol Barnett has the latest from some Delta Air Lines crews working around the clock during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
A view from COVID's frontline
Alan Hawes, who became a nurse 11 years ago, takes pictures of what many will never see.
Biden's focus leads to frustration: poll
The latest CBS News poll found Americans are frustrated with the Biden administration's handling of COVID-19, the economy and inflation after nearly a year of his presidency. Ed O'Keefe reports from the White House.
Holiday travel upended by Omicron surge
Thousands of flights were canceled over the Christmas holiday weekend due in part to rising Omicron cases among airline staff. Airlines are now calling on the CDC to shorten the isolation period for employees to limit further disruptions. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports from Los Angeles.
Faith-based tourism returns despite Omicron
The faith-based tourism sector was one of the first to rebound after the pandemic shut down all travel two years ago. Chris Livesay speaks with religious travelers willing to take some risks for their spiritual well-being.
How to fight pandemic "languishing"
As did many Americans, bestselling author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant says he began to feel "off" and a "little blue" during the pandemic. He did some research and put a name on that feeling: "languishing." As part of the "CBS Morning" series with TED "Ideas That Matter," Grant discusses the fun and effective way he worked to fight off the "languishing" blues.
LAUSD to vote on COVID vaccine mandate
The Los Angeles Unified School District is voting today on whether to mandate COVID vaccines for all students 12 and up. But as Jamie Yuccas reports, the battle over mask and vaccine mandates in schools stretches far beyond California, with parents split over how to handle children making up a quarter of all new COVID cases nationwide.
New NYC mayor on reopening amid COVID surge
New York City is facing the biggest number of COVID-19 hospitalizations since spring of 2020, but the city's new mayor is urging schools and businesses to stay open. Mayor Eric Adams joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the city's response to the latest pandemic surge, and combating crime.
Dr. Fauci on new variant of concern Omicron
Dr. Anthony Fauci joins "CBS Mornings" with a look at why Omicron — the newly detected COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading and quickly driving international travel bans — is more concerning than others, what we know about it and what we still need to learn.
Pretrial hearings for 9/11 suspects resume
A pretrial hearing will be held on Tuesday for five men accused of aiding the hijackers who killed nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001. The last time they were due in court was in February 2020 and the hearing comes nearly 20 years after the attacks. Catherine Herridge has the latest from Guantanamo Bay.
Boy who won mullet contest donates prize
An Arkansas boy who won a mullet hair contest was inspired to give back to others. Allan Baltz grew a mullet when the pandemic began and then entered the hair competition. What he decided to do next moved his family and his town. Meg Oliver reports from Jonesboro, Arkansas, on the boy with big hair and a big heart.
U.S. bans travel from African countries
The threat from the Omicron variant, the latest strain of the coronavirus, prompted the U.S. to ban travel from countries in southern Africa. Dr. Anthony Fauci says the travel bans will buy the U.S. more time to get prepared. Errol Barnett reports from Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C.
CDC director on Omicron and the holidays
President Biden addressed a concerned nation Tuesday about his plans to fight the Omicron variant. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss her thoughts on Mr. Biden's latest plans and if the country is prepared to face the anticipated spike in COVID cases.
Dr. Walensky on CDC's new COVID guidelines
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss why the agency issued new COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidelines.
Dr. Agus on Omicron concerns and treatments
CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest research into the severity and contagiousness of the Omicron variant.
U.K. posts record daily COVID case numbers
The U.K. has recorded its highest number of daily COVID infections since the start of the pandemic, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s top medical adviser warns that he expects records to be broken again and again over the coming weeks as the Omicron variant sweeps Britain. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams speaks with young Londoners lining up to receive their booster shots.
ICU's reaching dangerous capacity levels
We've hit a grave new milestone in the fight against COVID-19, one in 500 people in the U.S. has now died from the virus. The news comes as ICU beds around the country continue to fill fast with unvaccinated COVID patients, leaving little room for those with other health emergencies. Manuel Bojorquez reports.
NYC students return to in-person learning
Some parents are pushing back against New York City schools' plans to return to in-person learning Monday, since children under 12 are still ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Meg Oliver spoke with officials and concerned parents from the largest district in the nation, which could serve as a model for other districts across the U.S. this fall.
Partygate report released; PM apologizes
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized Monday after an inquiry found that Downing Street parties while Britain was in lockdown represented a "serious failure" to observe the standards expected of government or to heed the sacrifices made by millions of people during the pandemic. Imtiaz Tyab speaks with Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, who is critical of Johnson.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Major outage leaves more than 130,000 customers in San Francisco without power
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
Bowen Yang leaves "SNL" after 8 seasons
Comedian and actor Bowen Yang performed his final sketch on "SNL" Saturday night, after announcing his unexpected mid-season exit from the show.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
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A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.
Sean Ono Lennon on the legacy of John & Yoko
The music of The Beatles, and of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, is timeless. And yet, musician, songwriter and producer Sean Ono Lennon says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, by reminding the world of its power. He talks with Anthony Mason about the Oscar-winning animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"; and of the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko," which features material he'd never heard before.
Technology
More Technology
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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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.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
More Space
Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Nature: Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota
We leave you this Sunday before Christmas with trumpeter swans a-swimmin' near Brainerd, Minnesota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. Faith Salie pays a visit.
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.