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.
Live
U.S. wraps up 3rd night of Iran strikes as Trump vows to "keep" Strait of Hormuz
President Trump says the U.S. will "probably run" the Strait of Hormuz, as dueling attacks with Iran continue over control of the strategic waterway.
Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, appointed to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his pick to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham's death.
Man fatally shot by ICE in Maine was not intended target of warrant, lawmakers say
Maine Sen. Angus King said he told Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that he wanted a transparent investigation into the shooting in Biddeford.
Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
First on CBS
Video shows NBA's Brandon Clarke stopped by police 6 weeks before his death
Arkansas police said they found bags of capsules containing a green powdery substance in Brandon Clarke's car, which he told them was kratom.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit in scathing decision
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS had been filed for an "improper purpose."
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
U.S.
More U.S.
Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
First on CBS
Video shows NBA's Brandon Clarke stopped by police 6 weeks before his death
Arkansas police said they found bags of capsules containing a green powdery substance in Brandon Clarke's car, which he told them was kratom.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
12 states sue to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The suit poses a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies.
Millions of Americans take on debt and drain savings to afford food
A quarter of working-age adults use credit cards to purchase groceries but struggle to repay their debts, a new study finds.
High energy costs from Iran war heighten pressure on struggling farmers
As the agriculture industry in Louisiana contends with major energy cost hikes brought on by the Iran war, some farmers are unsure if their businesses will survive.
Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump refuses to sign it
A landmark housing bill automatically became law overnight after President Trump declined to sign it.
Politics
More Politics
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit in scathing decision
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS had been filed for an "improper purpose."
Who could replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate after his sudden death?
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death late Saturday has set off a scramble for who will succeed him in the Senate.
Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, appointed to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his pick to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham's death.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Common knee surgery may do more harm than good, 10-year study shows
A Finnish study followed patients for 10 years after they had a popular knee surgery. For many, the pain continued or even worsened.
New Jersey works to destroy firefighting foam laced with cancer-linked PFAS
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are working to collect, remove and destroy all of their aqueous film-forming foam.
Departments getting rid of firefighting foam
Fire departments across the U.S. are changing how they extinguish fires. For decades, they used foam that contained so-called "forever chemicals" that are now linked to cancer. More than a dozen states are now working to collect, remove and destroy all of it. Mark Strassmann has more.
U.S. citizen working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded on the continent.
World
More World
Music group "still shocked" after bandmates killed in small plane crash
Surviving members of the beloved Bahamian musical group Da Pond Band are speaking out about their friends who were killed when a small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing 10 people.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
British counterterrorism police lead probe into murder of politician
British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence" came to light.
Trump says U.S. reinstating Iran blockade in Strait of Hormuz
Trump says the U.S. will be known as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT," and will charge 20% on all cargo shipped via the waterway to cover security costs.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Extended interview: Sean Evans
Vladimir Duthiers speaks with Sean Evans about how he came to host "Hot Ones," his interview with Conan O'Brien, who he would like to see on the show and more.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
Technology
More Technology
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
Family says they're forced to sell home to help power data centers
Georgia Power says building a new transmission line will require acquiring more than 300 parcels of land, including residential properties.
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.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
AI slop floods social media, report says
A new report from AI detector Pangram found that AI-generated content is flooding socials like X and Reddit, with LinkedIn accounting for nearly two-thirds of all AI content detected. Pangram CEO and co-founder Max Spero joins CBS News to discuss his findings.
Science
More Science
Science
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
Crime
More Crime
Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
Police chase goes through Ohio golf course
Video from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows the chaotic chase through a golf course for a suspect wanted in a stabbing last week in Ohio. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
Investigating police shootings of bystanders
A CBS News investigation found that no federal agency is tracking police shootings of innocent bystanders, making it difficult to hold officers accountable. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
British counterterrorism police lead probe into murder of politician
British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence" came to light.
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Surviving members of Da Pond Band discuss crash
Surviving members of the beloved Bahamian musical group Da Pond Band are speaking out about their friends and bandmates who were killed when a small plane operated by Flamingo Air crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing all 10 people on board.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit
A federal judge on Monday imposed professional penalties against lawyers representing President Trump in a civil lawsuit he brought against the IRS and harshly criticized the Justice Department for its handling of the case, concluding that the suit was brought for an "improper purpose." CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
GOP strategist on memories of Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham is being remembered for his wit and political effectiveness after his sudden death over the weekend. Republican strategist Matt Whitlock joins CBS News to discuss.
Details on newest U.S. strikes against Iran
The United States is carrying out a third night of airstrikes against Iran. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.