Want a medical exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine? Good luck.
Valid medical conditions that might excuse someone are "very, very rare -- like one in a million," one disease expert said.
Vaccine Mandate
Mississippi's COVID crisis and abortion dispute
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves opposes vaccine mandates, even as his state has one of the highest death rates per capita in the U.S. The state is also in the news with the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to hear arguments on its restrictive abortion law. Mississippi Today senior political reporter Bobby Harrison joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with details.
Exemptions for COVID-19 vaccine mandates grow
Sweeping new vaccine mandates could force millions of vaccine holdouts to become inoculated against COVID-19, but many individuals with religious beliefs or disabilities could still be exempt from getting their shots. CBS news MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo joined Lana Zak to discuss.
China looms large in debates over security
Tensions between the U.S. and China are escalating as the White House announces a new pact with the U.K. and Australia to counter Beijing's growing military and economic influence across the world. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN to discuss the future of U.S.-China relations and other news from the White House, including a new book that reveals General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called China in the waning days of the Trump administration.
What counts as a religious exemption to a vaccination mandate?
Simply saying, "I believe in God, I can't be vaccinated" won't get you an exemption, labor attorney says.
FDA neutral on COVID boosters
The FDA is not yet taking a definitive stance on whether or not booster shots are needed to help protect people from coronavirus infections. A key advisory committee is set to meet to discuss authorizing an extra dose of Pfizer's vaccine in the coming days. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca reports from Tennessee, where first vaccine doses remain low. Then, Dr. Adam Brown, an emergency physician and the COVID-19 national task force chair at Envision Healthcare, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
Pfizer, Moderna call for COVID booster shots
Pfizer and Moderna are pushing for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, but the Food and Drug Administration has yet to support a third dose. Many Americans still need to be convinced to get their first shot. Omar Villafranca has more.
Biden meets with CEOs and business leaders on COVID-19
The Biden administration is ordering companies with 100 employees or more to require COVID-19 vaccines or testing.
Doctor on vaccine mandates, COVID in kids
Dr. Dyan Hes, the founder of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss the latest COVID-19 headlines including vaccine mandates and in-person learning at K-12 schools.
Judge blocks medical worker vaccine mandate in New York state
Health care workers' Constitutional rights were violated because state order barred religious exemption, court rules.
Maryland weighs decision to join vaccine lawsuit
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says he doesn't expect to join a GOP-led lawsuit over a federal COVID vaccine mandate for private employers. Several Republican governors have voiced their opposition to the plan and are planning to take legal action against the Biden administration. CBSN's Elaine Quijano has more.
Biden responds to vaccine mandate criticism
President Biden is hitting back after Republican governors and lawmakers criticized him over new COVID-19 vaccine mandates. During a visit to a middle school in the nation's capital Friday, the president accused some GOP governors of being "cavalier" with the health of children and their communities. This comes as the Delta variant continues to fuel cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports on the president's COVID-19 action plan, then joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.
White House defends new vaccine mandates
The White House is defending President Biden's new COVID-19 vaccine mandates as several Republican leaders threaten to take legal action against the administration over its renewed push to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Mr. Biden is traveling west to campaign for embattled California Governor Gavin Newsom before the last day to vote in the state's recall election and to visit areas damaged by wildfires. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN to discuss.
Unvaccinated more likely to die from COVID
Citing the findings of a new study, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said unvaccinated individuals are at greater risk of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and death. Dr. Ali Raja, a professor at Harvard Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss that and the rest of the day's coronavirus headlines.
Hospital maternity ward on "pause" after unvaxxed staff resigns
Lewis County General Hospital in upstate New York says it will pause maternity-ward services starting September 25.
GOP resists Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate
Republican leaders are pushing back against President Biden’s vaccine mandate. However, new research shows the unvaccinated are 11 times more likely to be hospitalized or die of COVID-19. Weijia Jiang reports.
GOP governors pledge to sue over Biden's business vaccine mandate
"Have at it," President Biden said of legal challenges.
Why Biden's vaccine mandate could revive the economic recovery
Economists say mandating widespread vaccinations could help the nation's economy recover faster from the Delta variant.
Details of Biden's COVID-19 strategy
President Biden unveiled his most expansive actions yet in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, including vaccine mandates for federal workers and large companies. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the details and joins Anne-Marie Green on CBSN to discuss the president's action.
Expert calls new vaccine mandates "essential"
The Biden administration is taking its toughest stance yet to get Americans vaccinated against COVID-19 with new sweeping vaccine mandates. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports from the White House on reactions to President Biden's strategy, and John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College, joined CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss.
Los Angeles mandates COVID-19 vaccines for eligible students
COVID vaccines will be mandatory for all eligible students by Thanksgiving if they want to attend in-person classes.
Biden announces COVID-19 vaccine mandates that will affect 100 million Americans
The Department of Labor is developing an emergency rule requiring vaccinations at workplaces with 100 or more employees.
Special Report: Biden announces new COVID vaccine rules
President Biden announced several major new steps to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, including a vaccine mandate for all federal workers and contractors, and requirements for vaccination or testing at companies with more than 100 employees. "We have made so much progress," he said. "Now we just have to finish the job." Norah O'Donnell anchors this CBS News Special Report, with CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. Read more here.
Biden to unveil new federal COVID strategy
President Biden is expected to announce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal employees and new requirements for vaccination or testing at companies with 100 or more employees. CBS News' Skyler Henry has details. Then Dr. Teresa Murray Amato, chair of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, spoke with CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the potential impact.
COVID cases top 40 million in U.S.
Justin Gill, DNP, an urgent care nurse practitioner and vice president of the Washington State Nurses Association, joins CBSN to discuss the latest details on the coronavirus pandemic. the growing number of infections in children, and how masks and vaccines can help turn the tide.
Frustration mounts for thousands still without power after deadly Indiana storms
Several days of powerful storms walloped northwest Indiana, killing at least seven people and displacing about 1,000. The storms brought record rainfall that flooded several communities.
Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate
The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll considering stepping down, sources say
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering stepping down from his post by the end of the year, two people familiar with the matter told CBS News Saturday.
Live
Iran's president defends U.S. memorandum of understanding as best path forward
The new head of Iran's supreme national security council issued the warning to countries who join the U.S.'s economic war on Tehran.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Chinese humanoid robot beats Usain Bolt's sprint world record
Two human records were smashed by robots competing in the Olympics-like World Humanoid Robot Games in China.
Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's appeal for a new trial in killing of Austin Metcalf
The decision comes after both prosecutors and Anthony's new defense team revealed more details in a tense two-day hearing.
Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections, cites "huge risk"
After Ukraine's fired defense minister publicly called for wartime elections, Zelenskyy said it would risk splitting the country.
Cardiac event reveals Olympian's rare heart condition: "There was a God present"
Olympian Jenny Simpson said she won't be able to run again after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition earlier this year.
U.S.
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Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
The botanist's bestselling books, "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry," advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth, and sharing the gifts of nature - ideas, she says, some may see as subversive.
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, ER visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. How can you best avoid tick bites?
Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate
The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll considering stepping down, sources say
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering stepping down from his post by the end of the year, two people familiar with the matter told CBS News Saturday.
How an oil trail led to suspect in South Carolina hit-and-run homicide
A trail of clues — including an oil leak, security video and data from a truck's onboard computer — lead S.C. investigators to a jealous man suspected of running down a romantic rival.
MoneyWatch
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Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Politics
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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll considering stepping down, sources say
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering stepping down from his post by the end of the year, two people familiar with the matter told CBS News Saturday.
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, former U.S. senator from Kansas, dies at 94
Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker of Kansas was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without following a spouse into office.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Trump threatens defamation suit against left-leaning think tank
President Trump's legal team is threatening to sue left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress for defamation over a report it issued that found "no evidence that National Guard deployments have reduced violent crime."
HealthWatch
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The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, ER visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. How can you best avoid tick bites?
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are addressing an epidemic of Alpha-gal, and talks with experts about how best to avoid tick bites.
Olympian Jenny Simpson shares rare diagnosis
Retired Olympic runner Jenny Simpson earned a slew of accolades for her performances in three Olympic Games — but two months ago, she nearly died after suffering a cardiac event. Simpson spoke with Errol Barnett about her diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, the rare ailment she'd unknowingly carried for four decades.
How a teen found "a sense of control" as she fought cancer
Alayna Riozzi-Bodine was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma the summer before her senior year of high school.
Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
World
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Mexican official accused by U.S. of drug trafficking abruptly resigns again
Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya is accused of allegedly colluding with the infamous Sinaloa Cartel to distribute drugs inside the U.S.
Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections, cites "huge risk"
After Ukraine's fired defense minister publicly called for wartime elections, Zelenskyy said it would risk splitting the country.
Chinese humanoid robot beats Usain Bolt's sprint world record
Two human records were smashed by robots competing in the Olympics-like World Humanoid Robot Games in China.
European wildfires expose, detonate buried explosives from past wars
The wildfires burning across Europe this summer have revealed World War I and II ordnance lurking beneath the blackened landscape.
Russian and Ukrainian attacks kill at least 10 after deadly mall drone strike
The attacks come a day after a two-wave drone strike on a shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown killed 16 people.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]
Milan's Casa Verdi, a rest home for musicians living in harmony
Opera great Giuseppe Verdi, one of history's most successful composers, used his fortune to create a retirement home for professional musicians "not favored by fortune." Residents of Casa Verdi in Milan not only share their lifetimes of artistry, they also provide master classes to young musicians. Chris Livesay reports.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actress Hayden Panettiere, star of "Nashville" and "Heroes."
From the ashes arise origami koi
Robert Lang, a physicist who became a leading figure in the world of origami, lost a lifetime's work of folded paper art to the 2025 wildfires in Altadena, Calif. He then set out to recreate his designs – and the origami community joined in.
Technology
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Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
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.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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How an oil trail led to suspect in South Carolina hit-and-run homicide
A trail of clues — including an oil leak, security video and data from a truck's onboard computer — lead S.C. investigators to a jealous man suspected of running down a romantic rival.
Uber driver gets roped into police car chase
A Houston Uber driver found himself involved in police activity after two officers jumped into his vehicle in pursuit of a suspect. Lana Zak has the story.
Judge denies Karmelo Anthony a new trial
Karmelo Anthony's murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence are staying in place after a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial.
Child social media addiction trial underway
A landmark trial which accuses tech giant Meta of harming children through addictive social media products is underway in Oakland. Kenny Choi has the details.
Fighting wage theft in New York City
The Economic Policy Institute estimates that workers lose more than $50 billion a year to wage theft. New York City is cracking down on the crime and other abuses of low-income workers.
Space
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First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Nature: Harbor seals in Oregon
We leave you this Sunday morning with harbor seals in Netarts Bay on the Oregon coast. Videographer: Charles Schultz.
Update: The battle over Stars and Stripes
This past July, "Sunday Morning" reported on concerns voiced by staff members at Stars and Stripes (a publication partly funded by the Department of Defense) regarding its editorial independence. On Friday, the Pentagon fired the paper's editor-in-chief, publisher, and a reporter. [The separation notices are subject to appeal.] Steve Hartman has the details.
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
Gallery: Photos of the Week
"Sunday Morning" looks at some of the most evocative images captured the week of August 16-22, 2026.
The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]