Americans celebrate freedom from COVID-19
CBS News senior correspondent Mark Strassmann reports on America's birthday and where we are as a country in terms of gaining our freedom from the virus.
Pandemic
Delta variant fuels new spikes
Concerns are mounting over the Delta variant as the U.S. prepares for July 4 celebrations. Experts are particularly worried about areas with low vaccination rates, and as Janet Shamlian reports, many of those are in the South. Then, Dr. Amesh Adalja, infectious disease expert and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
Holiday travel set to break records
Nearly 50 million Americans are expected to travel over the July 4 weekend, making it the busiest travel weekend since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Errol Barnett has more.
Principal handwrites notes to each graduate
Principal Jeff Reaves wanted to personally congratulate members of the Matanzas High School class of 2021 after the pandemic disrupted their final year and a half of high school. So he handwrote 459 notes – one for each graduate. Nancy Chen reports.
U.S. COVID infections up 10% this week
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say new COVID-19 infections are up 10% in the U.S. this week as many Americans plan to travel for the July 4 holiday. Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at St. Joseph Health, joined CBSN to discuss the latest developments, which could be because of lagging vaccination rates and spread of the more contagious Delta variant.
Record-breaking heat in Pacific Northwest
At least 100 people have died in the West during historic heat. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano visited a farm in Southern Washington where field workers are suffering through the punishing heat.
Pumping up the prices
Friday morning, millions of Americans are hitting the road to get a jump start on their 4th of July weekend. More than 47 million people are expected on roadways and in the skies, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels this holiday weekend. Errol Barnett reports.
Inside the COVID-19 origins investigation
The U.S. intelligence community is halfway through its 90-day review into what we know about the origins of the coronavirus. CBS News senior investigative correspondnet Catherine Herridge spoke to CBSN Washington reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns about the investigation into the lab leak and animal transmission theories.
CDC reaffirms mask guidance despite variants
The CDC maintains that fully vaccinated Americans can go without masks in most situations, even though the World Health Organization recommended everyone continue to wear masks to slow the spread of the Delta variant. Dr. Ron Elfenbein, medical director and owner of First Call Medical Center, joined CBSN to discuss this guidance and more on the pandemic.
Tokyo Olympics move forward despite pandemic
Despite a spike in coronavirus infections, Tokyo is still planning to go ahead with the Olympics set to begin July 23. Japan’s Prime Minister said it's possible the games will be held without spectators. CBS News foreign correspondent Lucy Craft joins “CBSN AM” from the host city with the latest.
One way to boost vaccination rates? Give workers paid time off
Most workers whose employers encouraged vaccination or offered PTO had gotten at least one shot, according to Kaiser.
Experts meeting on COVID-19 and kids
The CDC director will join doctors working with Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna and the FDA to talk about the impact of COVID-19 on kids. The group will also discuss the role of pediatric vaccines and some of the uncertainties surrounding them. Internal medicine specialist and immunologist Dr. Neeta Ogden joined CBSN to discuss the meeting and the impact of the highly contagious Delta variant.
WorldView: Deadly ferry accident near Bali
We're following several international headlines, including a deadly ferry accident near Bali, Germany withdrawing all of its troops from Afghanistan, rare comments from Kim Jong Un over COVID-19 in North Korea, and new local lockdowns in Australia. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay joins "CBSN AM" with the roundup.
Delta variant restrictions triggered globally
Global concern over the Delta variant of the coronavirus is triggering a new wave of social and travel restrictions on countries where the variant is causing large numbers of infections. As Roxana Saberi reports, countries like Britain that are being classified as "extreme high risk" for travel after an explosion in cases.
COVID vaccines may offer long-term immunity
CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus joins "CBS This Morning" to break down a new study that found mRNA COVID-19 vaccines likely produce long-term immunity against the coronavirus and discusses what is known about vaccine effectiveness as the more contagious Delta variant continues to spread.
U.K. feels strain of COVID-19 Delta variant
British health authorities are in a race against time with the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus. The town of Bolton, England, might offer a blueprint for increasing vaccinations and reversing the upward case trend. CBS News foreign correspondent Roxana Saberi joins CBSN AM from London.
COVID long-haulers may face financial hurdles
Some long-haulers suffering from long-term coronavirus symptoms are now facing financial challenges as well. Anna Werner spoke with several people who faced challenges getting disability and health care coverage.
Pandemic's impact on mental health in America
The CDC says more than 54% of the country has been vaccinated, causing most states to lift their coronavirus restrictions. However, new guidance from the World Health Organization says that even fully vaccinated people should continue wearing masks because of the highly contagious Delta variant. Doctor Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis, joins CBSN to discuss the impact this type of conflicting information could have on the mental health of Americans.
Small businesses boom after the pandemic
The U.S. is seeing a boom in new small businesses despite the economic and health care challenges the country has faced over the past year. John Haltiwanger, a professor in the economics department at the University of Maryland, joined CBSN to discuss his latest research on the boom.
Reimagining the workplace during the pandemic
Many Americans are returning to the office for the first time during the pandemic or prefer to keep their work from home lifestyle. Caroline Fairchild, editor-at-large for LinkedIn News, joined "CBS This Morning" to share advice for navigating this transition and how to build a case for a more flexible work environment.
First cruise ship from U.S. sets sail
For the first time since the pandemic began, a cruise ship set sail from the U.S. The ship is at around 40% capacity and nearly every passenger is vaccinated. Janet Shamlian is aboard the ship for the historic sail and spoke to a family from Tennessee excited to be cruising again. She reports from the boat.
Puerto Rico to receive $4B in federal education COVID relief
Teachers, students have struggled with ongoing power outages and unreliable internet amid virtual learning.
Delta variant continues to spread globally
Even Australia, which had early success stopping the COVID-19 pandemic by closing its borders, is facing an outbreak. The country is reporting fewer than 5% of adults are vaccinated. Elizabeth Palmer reports.
Why commuting to work may have mental health benefits
As the world reopens, many employees are still working from home, and a number of them hope it stays that way. But could it be better for your health to return to the office? James Bailey, the Hochberg Professor of Leadership at George Washington University's School of Business, joins CBSN to explain.
Some vaccines linked to rare heart conditions
The FDA is adding a warning to some coronavirus vaccines that have been linked to rare heart inflammation in young people. Despite that risk, experts are still recommending vaccinations for everyone 12 and older because complications from the virus could be more severe. Nikki Battiste reports.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation
Starmer will step down weeks after a brutal round of local elections and as he faced a challenge from within his Labour Party.
Live
U.S., Iranian negotiators meet; Trump threatens Iran over Hezbollah
The appearance was a rare face-to-face meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials as they launched a 60-day sprint to negotiate over the fate of Iran's nuclear program.
Poll finds Americans want Iran war ended, but few say U.S. got better of agreement
Most suspect Iran nuclear program not stopped and think conflict wasn't worth the costs.
Trump says several people arrested for alleged vandalism of Reflecting Pool
President Trump claims the problems with the Reflecting Pool in Washington are due to vandalism.
Rep. Jason Crow says he's worried "Americans are at risk" with Pulte as acting DNI
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said he's worried that "Americans are at risk" with Bill Pulte serving as the top intelligence chief.
3 dead, 7 wounded in rare Philippines school shooting, police say
Two students with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines, killing three fellow students and wounding another seven, police said.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors
The U.S. military has conducted another strike against a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two and leaving six survivors, SOUTHCOM said.
Trump-backed populist wins tight Colombia presidential vote, sparking protests
A flamboyant Trump-backed lawyer who's never held public office narrowly won Colombia's polarizing presidential runoff, swinging the country hard right and sparking violent protests.
Head of nation's second-largest school district resigns amid FBI probe
Nearly four months after federal agents raided his home and district headquarters, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced his resignation as the head of the Los Angeles Unified School District on Sunday.
U.S.
More U.S.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors
The U.S. military has conducted another strike against a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two and leaving six survivors, SOUTHCOM said.
Wyndham Clark holds on to win U.S. Open
Wyndham Clark began the final round up six shots, but ended up winning by just one, securing his second U.S. Open title in four years.
Serena Williams will return to singles tennis at Wimbledon, as a wild card
Serena Williams recently returned to competition in doubles after nearly four years away from professional tennis.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 21, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N Ambassador Mike Waltz, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Rep. Jason Crow join Margaret Brennan.
Rep. Jason Crow says he's worried "Americans are at risk" with Pulte as acting DNI
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said he's worried that "Americans are at risk" with Bill Pulte serving as the top intelligence chief.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Poll finds Americans want Iran war ended, but few say U.S. got better of agreement
Most suspect Iran nuclear program not stopped and think conflict wasn't worth the costs.
Here's who qualifies for the Trump adminstration's student loan rate cut
The temporary discount applies to eligible federal Direct Loan borrowers who use automatic payments.
Prediction markets are betting on celebrities to boost their brands
Kalshi has enlisted Lionel Messi and Timothée Chalamet as prediction markets compete to attract new users and cement their place in the mainstream.
A father of 3 wanted to leave wealth to his kids. He turned to a coffee can.
Matthew Ankrum wanted to build wealth for his daughters and teach them about financial stability. A new book shares how.
What's open and closed for Juneteenth 2026?
Juneteenth will affect banking, mail service and financial markets, although retailers and restaurants are largely staying open.
Politics
More Politics
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation
Keir Starmer will step down as U.K. Prime Minister weeks after a brutal round of local elections and as he faced a challenge from within his Labour Party.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors
The U.S. military has conducted another strike against a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two and leaving six survivors, SOUTHCOM said.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 21, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N Ambassador Mike Waltz, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Rep. Jason Crow join Margaret Brennan.
Rep. Jason Crow says he's worried "Americans are at risk" with Pulte as acting DNI
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado said he's worried that "Americans are at risk" with Bill Pulte serving as the top intelligence chief.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5. Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids (and their families) get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5, with diet and exercise both key factors in the increase. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising, while helping decrease the risk of problems tied to obesity later in life, such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
Strange symptom leads to man's Stage IV cancer diagnosis
An app notification informed Joe Gillette that he had been diagnosed with aggressive, late-stage cancer.
World
More World
3 dead, 7 wounded in rare Philippines school shooting, police say
Two students with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines, killing three fellow students and wounding another seven, police said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation
Keir Starmer will step down as U.K. Prime Minister weeks after a brutal round of local elections and as he faced a challenge from within his Labour Party.
Trump-backed populist wins tight Colombia presidential vote, sparking protests
A flamboyant Trump-backed lawyer who's never held public office narrowly won Colombia's polarizing presidential runoff, swinging the country hard right and sparking violent protests.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors
The U.S. military has conducted another strike against a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two and leaving six survivors, SOUTHCOM said.
Trump administration "laser focused" on Iran's nuclear program, Waltz says
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the Trump administration is "laser focused" on addressing Iran's nuclear program in an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
John Mulaney on sobriety and fatherhood
John Mulaney says he grew up feeling that comedy was his destiny. The Emmy Award-winning standup comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" writer talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about how he deals with sobriety today (and about a 2020 intervention which he describes as "star-studded"), and how fatherhood – along with his wife, actress Olivia Munn – has changed his outlook. (An earlier version of this story originally aired March 9, 2025.)
Manet and Morisot: Impressions of an artistic friendship
Édouard Manet, a towering figure of Impressionist art, was also a mentor to Berthe Morisot, a female painter who's remained largely in Manet's shadow, until now. The two, whose friendship led to changes in both of their artistic styles, are the subjects of an exhibition currently at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Correspondent Lee Cowan pays a visit.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including famed TV sitcom director James Burrows, the co-creator of "Cheers."
Waylon Jennings' son Shooter on rescuing his dad's music
Singer, musician, and Grammy-winning music producer Shooter Jennings is keeping alive the legacy of his late father, country star Waylon Jennings, by producing long-lost material that he found stashed away. Hear music from the upcoming album "Diamonds."
Technology
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Waymo recalls robotaxis after some vehicles entered construction zone
The recall follows multiple incidents in which Waymo robotaxis drove past ramp-closure signs and into freeway construction zones.
Americans on AI's future impact
A Pew survey shows 40% of Americans think AI's future impact will be negative. MIT Sloan professor Eric So joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones
When parents and educators in Greystones, Ireland saw children dealing with increasing anxiety, they acted – and took phones out of the equation.
Science
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Science
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Seahorses and seadragons, some of Nature's most curious creatures
Seahorses are unique ocean inhabitants with a head like a horse, a pouch like a kangaroo, a tail like a monkey, and the ability to camouflage themselves like a chameleon. They also exhibit an unconventional gender dynamic, in that the males do the work of carrying around fertilized eggs. Correspondent Conor Knighton goes in search of these fascinating fish – and their equally fascinating cousins, seadragons – at the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
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.
Crime
More Crime
3 dead, 7 wounded in rare Philippines school shooting, police say
Two students with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines, killing three fellow students and wounding another seven, police said.
Survivors speak up to help convict man of murder, sexual assault
David Pearce was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales after a night of partying in Los Angeles. He was also found guilty of raping seven other women who came forward to testify at his trial.
New Jersey council member and former mob boss arrested for extortion
John Alite, 63, was once the top enforcer for the Gotti crime family and a longtime member of the Gambino family.
Mangione's legal team axes psychiatric defense
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione have withdrawn their plan to pursue a psychiatric defense in his New York state murder trial over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the decision.
U.K. actress accused of trying to smuggle $208M of meth into Australia
Actress Emaa Hussen, who played alongside Jason Statham in "Redemption," is accused of trying to smuggle 700 pounds of methamphetamine into Australia.
Space
More Space
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
How the World Cup ball has changed
The World Cup has been held for 96 years. The sport of soccer has changed a lot over the last century, and so has the ball. Michael George reports.
New recommendations to prevent child drownings
Drowning remains the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics is updating its recommendations on drowning prevention. Jarred Hill reports.
Americans taking up Ikebana
A hobby celebrating nature that dates back hundreds of years is finding new life in the United States. Michael George reports on why more and more people are giving Japanese flower arranging a try.
6/21/2026: Youngest Survivors; What Happened to the Great White Sharks?
First, a report on the miracle babies of the Mauthausen camp. And, South Africa's missing great white sharks.
6/21: CBS Weekend News
Trump threatens new attacks as U.S. and Iranian negotiators meet; at least 70 major fires burning in western U.S.