4/19: CBSN AM
Special counsel findings released to public; measles outbreak spreads across U.S.
Vaccine
4 ways vaccine skeptics mislead you on measles and more
Vaccine scare tactics haven't shifted, but more parents are falling for them. Here's what the rhetoric gets wrong and how it endangers children.
U.S. measles cases reach 125 this year, topping 2022's large outbreaks
The CDC estimates the U.S. could reach 300 measles cases in 2024 — more than the recent peak two years ago.
U.S. measles cases so far this year now exceed all of 2023
Infections of the highly contagious measles virus have been reported in 17 states in the first three months of 2024.
U.S. to stop giving out free COVID tests
The U.S. government said it will stop accepting orders for free at-home COVID-19 tests on Friday. This comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on masking, testing and isolation times. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBS News with a look at the updates.
The mRNA miracle workers
Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, whose research enabled the development of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines, were named Nobel Prize-winners; their breakthrough may reshape vaccine treatment for a host of diseases.
Measles makes a comeback in U.S.
Despite being declared eliminated in 2000, measles cases are rising across the U.S., with 36 instances identified in 16 states since January. Florida emerged as a hotspot with nine cases, as the state's surgeon general challenges CDC vaccine guidelines. CBS News' chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook provides an in-depth analysis of this alarming development.
Measles can be deadly and is highly contagious — but it is preventable
As of mid-February, at least 15 states have reported measles cases and multiple ongoing, uncontained outbreaks.
Florida surgeon general defies CDC guidelines
In response to a measles outbreak at a Florida elementary school, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has defied more than 50 years of established medical guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ladapo is leaving attendance decisions to parents, is not recommending the measles vaccine or requiring unvaccinated people to stay home. Manuel Bojorquez reports.
Thousands of schools at risk of measles outbreak
More than 8,500 schools in the U.S. are at risk of a measles outbreak as the share of unvaccinated kindergartners grew significantly in the past three years, a CBS News investigation found. Stephen Stock explains.
Flu cases on the rise after holiday season
Cases of respiratory viruses are climbing across the U.S. after weeks of decline, according to new CDC data. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBS News with his advice to stay safe during flu season.
Search your school: U.S. schools at risk of measles
Thousands of schools are below a critical threshold to achieve herd immunity against measles, a CBS News investigation found.
Do laws that ban vaccine exemptions work?
State Rep. Paul Harris, a Republican from Washington state, helped pass legislation to remove personal vaccine exemptions there. Maine banned both philosophical and religious exemptions, and the Maine Council of Churches lobbied lawmakers to remove religious exemptions.
Why is a 95% vaccination rate so important?
Penn State University professor of biology and infectious diseases Dr. Matt Ferrari explains why a difference of a few points in the vaccination rate can greatly increase the risk of a measles outbreak.
What is herd immunity and why does it matter?
Penn State University professor of biology and infectious diseases Dr. Matt Ferrari explains how herd immunity works.
Thousands of kids at risk from measles
Multiple measles outbreaks have sickened people in the U.S. recently, including in Philadelphia and Washington state. Experts agree that measles can easily spread among unvaccinated people. National investigative correspondent Stephen Stock explains why so many in the United States may be at risk.
Viral infections on the rise, CDC says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is raising concerns about increasing hospitalizations for COVID-19, RSV and the flu. The group says infections are on the rise as fewer people are getting their vaccinations. Lilia Luciano reports.
New vaccine advice for fall virus season
Health officials have updated advice for protecting against seasonal viruses. Dr. Celine Gounder explains what's new this year and who will need a COVID-19 booster.
What Omicron subvariant BA.2 means to U.S.
Dr. Céline Gounder, editor at large for public health at Kaiser Health News, joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the new dominant Omicron subvariant strain BA.2. It comprises more than 72% of positive cases in the United States. She addresses how it compares to previous strains and variants, how our vaccines are holding up against it and whether the surge in the U.K. is a sign of what's to come in the U.S.
What's causing measles outbreaks? Experts point to waning herd immunity
Despite a safe and effective vaccine to protect against measles, a decrease in children getting immunized is leading to a comeback of the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.
Landmark malaria vaccination program for Africa launches in Cameroon
History is made in Cameroon as the first doses of a malaria vaccine are rolled out in a widespread, international mass-vaccination effort.
Midwife who gave 1,500 kids pellets instead of vaccines put "lives in jeopardy"
Jeanette Breen administered the pellets as an alternative to vaccinations and then falsified their immunization records, the New York Health Department said.
How fringe anti-science views infiltrated politics — and what it means in 2024
Opposition to vaccines and mainstream science has become politically charged, making dangerous misinformation harder to fight.
World leaders gather to discuss hypothetical Disease X pandemic
World leaders and health experts gathered at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos to discuss a hypothetical disease X pandemic.
Flu cases in some Southern states on the rise
Nationally, the number of flu cases has decreased. But in some Southern states, flu activity is still high, including in Dallas County, Texas, where almost 20% of tests are positive. Omar Villafranca reports.
Trump issues new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship
His earlier executive order along those lines was struck down by the Supreme Court in June.
Live
Iran, Oman deal on Strait of Hormuz getting close, Tehran says
Iran and Oman are close to agreeing on new arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, but not for a full reopening of the vital waterway, Iran's state news agency says.
Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles projected to lose GOP primary in Tennessee
Two-term Rep. Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary for his Tennessee House seat, the Associated Press projects, despite securing an endorsement from President Trump.
Several dead in Thailand high school shooting after suspect kills grandparents
A student shot several people at a high school outside Bangkok on Friday, killing three teachers and three students and wounding 15 others, police said.
Cruz calls for Trump to arm Iranians: "Our objective should be regime collapse"
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz told Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast that President Trump should heap more pressure on Iran — including by arming Iranians to "let them overthrow their own government."
FAA orders inspections of 737 Max jets after cracks found in older planes
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after cracks were found in parts of some older model Boeing planes.
Flesh-eating bacteria has killed 5 in Louisiana this year, officials say
A flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters is responsible for at least five deaths so far this year in Louisiana, state health officials reported Thursday.
Bessent announces crackdown on undocumented immigrants' use of U.S. banks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Arizona bankers the administration won't allow "risks posed by the extension of financial services to illegal aliens."
Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out"
Though Rep. Haley Stevens stressed a unified front moving forward, she was evasive on whether she would appear with El-Sayed on the campaign trail.
U.S.
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Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles projected to lose GOP primary in Tennessee
Two-term Rep. Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary for his Tennessee House seat, the Associated Press projects, despite securing an endorsement from President Trump.
Court orders Meta and Instagram to pay $567M to address kids' mental health
A New Mexico court has ordered Instagram and Facebook parent company Meta to pay $567 million to address harms to young people from its platforms.
FAA orders inspections of 737 Max jets after cracks found in older planes
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after cracks were found in parts of some older model Boeing planes.
Spokane arson suspect had planned devastating wildfire for weeks, police say
Police said a man charged with starting a wildfire confessed to the crime, describing how he planned it for weeks and created a device to ignite a blaze that destroyed hundreds of buildings.
Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out"
Though Rep. Haley Stevens stressed a unified front moving forward, she was evasive on whether she would appear with El-Sayed on the campaign trail.
MoneyWatch
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First on CBS
Trump to announce $180 million to boost mining education
President Trump is planning to announce over $180 million in grants to boost educational programs for the mining industry, CBS News has learned, part of a bid to increase critical mineral production.
Court orders Meta and Instagram to pay $567M to address kids' mental health
A New Mexico court has ordered Instagram and Facebook parent company Meta to pay $567 million to address harms to young people from its platforms.
Bessent announces crackdown on undocumented immigrants' use of U.S. banks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Arizona bankers the administration won't allow "risks posed by the extension of financial services to illegal aliens."
America's water systems are getting hacked amid security gaps, experts say
The nation's 152,000 public water systems often lack defenses against malicious actors, cybersecurity experts said. Here's what to know.
Entrepreneurship is booming in the U.S. Gen Zers are leading the way.
Young Americans, tired of working for others and boosted by AI, are driving a surge in new businesses.
Politics
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Cruz calls for Trump to arm Iranians: "Our objective should be regime collapse"
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz told Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast that President Trump should heap more pressure on Iran — including by arming Iranians to "let them overthrow their own government."
First on CBS
Trump to announce $180 million to boost mining education
President Trump is planning to announce over $180 million in grants to boost educational programs for the mining industry, CBS News has learned, part of a bid to increase critical mineral production.
Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles projected to lose GOP primary in Tennessee
Two-term Rep. Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary for his Tennessee House seat, the Associated Press projects, despite securing an endorsement from President Trump.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn wins Republican primary for Tennessee governor
Sen. Marsha Blackburn had faced two primary challengers, including Rep. John Rose.
Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out"
Though Rep. Haley Stevens stressed a unified front moving forward, she was evasive on whether she would appear with El-Sayed on the campaign trail.
HealthWatch
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Flesh-eating bacteria have killed 5 in Louisiana this year, officials say
A flesh-eating bacterium found in warm coastal waters is responsible for at least five deaths so far this year in Louisiana, state health officials reported Thursday.
Minnesota Chipotle burrito bowl meal led to sepsis hospitalization, lawsuit says
A Minnesota woman says she fainted, spiked a 102-degree fever, and was hospitalized with sepsis three days after eating a chicken burrito bowl at a Chipotle in Roseville, and genetic testing connected her case to a multistate outbreak, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
What Fauci has said about COVID origins, gain-of-function research
Thursday's vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress follows years of tension with GOP Sen. Rand Paul, hinging on the origins of the coronavirus and a controversial type of research.
FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initial pushback
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna that uses mRNA technology, the drugmaker announced.
Toddler twins reunited after cancer treatment
A video showing 3-year-old twins Millie and Maverick reuniting after one of them had to undergo cancer treatment hours away from their home has gone viral. Matt Gutman reports.
World
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Cruz calls for Trump to arm Iranians: "Our objective should be regime collapse"
GOP Sen. Ted Cruz told Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast that President Trump should heap more pressure on Iran — including by arming Iranians to "let them overthrow their own government."
Several dead in Thailand high school shooting after suspect kills grandparents
A student shot several people at a high school outside Bangkok on Friday, killing three teachers and three students and wounding 15 others, police said.
U.S. Marine vet, detained in Russia since 2022, hospitalized in serious condition
Robert Gilman, 32, is being held at a Russian hospital in what his advocate, Eric Lebson of Global Reach, described as a "dissociative stupor."
Star Cambridge professor resigns amid plagiarism allegations
Jason Arday, who joined Cambridge in 2023 at the age of 37, became one of Britain's most high-profile academics after sharing an extraordinary life story.
Red alert issued for major Italian cities as heat wave grips Europe, sets Austria record
The heat has set a national temperature record in Austria, fueled wildfires in France and disrupted energy and transportation systems across the continent.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Diarra Kilpatrick on her show's new season
Diarra Kilpatrick, who stars in "Diarra from Detroit," joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the show's new season, which premiered on Paramount+ last week.
Amanda Kloots on her new dating show
Amanda Kloots, a Broadway dancer, podcast host and best friend to reality star Harry Jowsey, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss their new Netflix series "Let's Marry Harry."
Inside the risky business of Broadway musicals
The costs of a Broadway musical production have skyrocketed in recent years. CBS News contributor Jamie Wax reports.
Aaron Pierre talks new series, "Lanterns"
Actor Aaron Pierre is starring as John Stewart in the new series "Lanterns." He tells "CBS Mornings" why this character is special to him, what it's like to join the DC Universe and how he managed undergoing surgery during the audition process.
Stranger rescues band from car troubles
A kind stranger named Ernie helped rock band The Autumn Kings make it to their tour stop after their car broke down in Wisconsin. Matt Gutman reports.
Technology
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Technology
Kids dropping phones for summer jobs
Meet the children leaving their devices behind this summer to flex their entrepreneurial muscles with summer jobs.
Concerns over misuse of Flock cameras
Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media, joins CBS News to discuss criticisms of Flock cameras and the push by some cities to replace Flock cameras with different surveillance devices like license plate readers.
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.
Cyberattacks target U.S. water systems
U.S. officials suspect Iran-backed hackers may be behind cyberattacks that have been reported in at least 12 states. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has more details.
Meta says its AI model breached a third-party company during testing
Tech giant Meta revealed Wednesday that one of its artificial intelligence models hacked another organization during testing, the third time in recent weeks that an AI model has improperly accessed a third-party company.
Science
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Science
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Crime
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Several dead in Thailand high school shooting after suspect kills grandparents
A student shot several people at a high school outside Bangkok on Friday, killing three teachers and three students and wounding 15 others, police said.
Cyber scams costing Americans billions
Matt Gutman reports on how he almost fell for a scam involving his bank as more Americans are becoming victims to similar cyber crimes each year.
Concern grows over misuse of Flock cameras
Privacy groups are expressing concerns over Flock cameras, the devices that capture license plates and are often used in criminal investigations. They argue that police may be using them for improper reasons. Mark Strassman reports.
Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism resigns
Jason Arday, who made history as Cambridge's youngest Black professor, has resigned after accusations of plagiarism and fabrications in his biography. Arday has denied any deliberate wrongdoing. Holly Williams has the details.
Young children hit woman with stolen car
Police say two children under the age of 10 stole and crashed their parents' car in Oakland, California, on Thursday, sending a woman and themselves to the hospital. Da Lin reports.
Space
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Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
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.
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.
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.
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
Cruz calls for Trump to arm Iranian protesters
As the U.S. angles for a deal with Iran, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz told Aaron MacLean on the "School of War" podcast that President Trump should heap more pressure on Iran's regime — including by arming Iranians to "let them overthrow their own government."
61 years since Voting Rights Act was signed
Sixty-one years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, helping advance equal access to the ballot box by banning racial discrimination. Now, court rulings, new election laws and federal policy proposals are renewing questions about voter access. Election law expert and CBS News contributor David Becker has more.
Louisiana officials warn of flesh-eating bacteria
As the summer season continues to bring people to the beach, the Louisiana Health Department warns to take precautions against a potentially fatal flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters. Officials confirmed nine cases this year and five deaths.
Hall of Fame Game kicks off 2026 NFL preseason
The 2026 NFL preseason kicks off Thursday night as the Carolina Panthers take on the Arizona Cardinals in the annual Hall of Fame Game. Zack Rosenblatt, senior NFL writer for the Athletic, joins CBS News to discuss the game and the upcoming season.
Kids dropping phones for summer jobs
Meet the children leaving their devices behind this summer to flex their entrepreneurial muscles with summer jobs.