The health stories that shaped 2024
2024 was a year of historic health headlines. From Ozempic to E. coli, CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder joins to look back at the medical stories that defined the year.
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Bernie Sanders on RFK Jr.'s health stances
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont spoke to CBS News on Thursday about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services. Sanders said he agreed with Kennedy's recent comments about the food industry and criticized some of his views as "very wrong." CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more.
Trump fills out picks to lead health agencies
President-elect Donald Trump is rounding out his Cabinet with several choices to lead the nation's top health agencies. Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joins CBS News to examine Trump's picks.
Whole Foods organic carrots and celery recalled amid E. coli outbreak
Whole Foods Market stores in five states sold recalled carrots and celery sticks that could contain E. coli.
Here's what to know about bacteria in Tom's of Maine's toothpaste
The FDA sent a warning letter flagging "significant violations" of manufacturing regulations for Tom's of Maine toothpaste.
Self-administered flu vaccine spray
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a "self-administered" influenza vaccine that could be available by next year's flu season. Dr. Roy Gulick, an infectious disease specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, joins CBS News with more.
Lactaid Milk recalled in 27 states due to trace amounts of almonds
The recall applies to a limited number of plastic containers of Lactaid Milk, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Lead found in cinnamon, spice blend products
Consumer Reports found elevated lead levels in 12 brands of cinnamon and spice blend products. Consumer Reports food safety reporter Lisa Gill joins CBS News to discuss the test and its findings.
FDA approves new COVID-19 booster
The new Food and Drug Administration-approved COVID-19 booster will address strains that are presently circulating in the U.S., according to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who joins CBS News with more details.
FDA approves first nasal spray for allergic reactions. Here's what to know.
The nasal spray "Neffy" is the first needle-free option for severe allergic reactions that the FDA has approved. The spray would be an alternative to EpiPens.
Colon cancer blood screening: What to know
The FDA has approved a new blood test for detecting colon cancer. The approval comes after a clinical study found the test could correctly detect colon cancer in 83% of participants who were not experiencing symptoms. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook has the details.
FDA approves colorectal cancer test
The FDA has approved a product that screens for colorectal cancer using blood tests. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBS News with more details.
FDA approves new Alzheimer's medication
The FDA on Tuesday approved a new medication for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Jon LaPook explains what the drug is meant to do and explores its limitations.
FDA gives green light to menthol flavored e-cigarettes for first time
Parent groups and anti-tobacco advocates blast FDA move to authorize vaping brand Njoy to market its products to the public.
Chemical hair relaxers linked to health risks
Roughly 90% of Black women have used relaxers at some point in their lives to chemically straighten their hair. New reporting in The New York Times Magazine highlights the severe and often unknown health risks these products can pose. Linda Villarosa, contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and the report's author, joins CBS News to unpack her findings.
Major Supreme Court cases still to be decided
It's the second week of June, which means the Supreme Court is expected to make some major decision as early as this Thursday. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins to break down the most closely watched cases.
Dental lab not inspected before investigation
Documents show a dental lab that made a device that was supposed to help patients with TMJ jaw disorder was never inspected by the FDA before a CBS News and KFF Health News investigation. Numerous patients have said the "anterior growth guidance appliance," or AGGA, damaged their mouths. The device's inventor, dentist Dr. Steve Galella, claimed it could cure TMJ jaw disorder and sleep apnea. The device and its inventor are under criminal investigation. They have denied wrongdoing. Anna Werner reports.
FDA prepares for spread of bird flu
Officials at the Food and Drug Administration are taking precautions in case the current strain of bird flu spreading in the U.S. jumps to humans on a large scale. The FDA commissioner testified on Capitol Hill Wednesday, saying the threat to humans is still low, but the agency is working to shore up countermeasures. Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF, has more.
Dairy cows to be tested for bird flu closely
To stop the virus from spreading, dairy cows will be tested for bird flu more closely. This comes after the FDA reported finding fragments of the bird flu virus in pasteurized grocery store milk. Regulators say there is little risk to humans.
Many cancer drugs remain unproven years after accelerated approval
The FDA's accelerated approval program is meant to give patients early access to promising drugs, but a new study found most cancer drugs do not demonstrate benefits within five years.
Takeaways from SCOTUS abortion pill arguments
Almost two years after overturning Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court justices heard arguments on access to the widely-used abortion pill mifepristone. CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford reports. Then, legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
SCOTUS skeptical of abortion pill challenge
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday to restrict access to the widely used abortion pill mifepristone. Some justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade challenged those opposing the FDA's actions to broaden access to the pill. CBS News campaign reporters Shawna Mizelle and Aaron Navarro have more.
Supreme Court hears abortion pill arguments
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on the move by the FDA to expand access to mifepristone, the drug used to terminate early pregnancies. CBS News' Shawna Mizelle breaks down the hearing's arguments.
Supreme Court hears abortion pill case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments on access to mifepristone, a pill that's taken with another drug to terminate an early pregnancy. The high court will weigh if the Food and Drug Administration adequately considered safety when it expanded access to the medication in 2016 and 2021. Robin Nunn, a federal trial attorney, joins CBS News with more.
SCOTUS abortion pill case: What to know
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Tuesday on access to the abortion pill mifepristone. CBS News' Major Garrett and Shawna Mizelle, and Politico legal editor James Romoser, join to discuss the legal ramifications and how the case may affect the 2024 election.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a conservative revolt over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Senate passes $895 billion defense bill with gender-affirming care restriction
The Senate approved the mammoth National Defense Authorization Act despite concern from some Democrats over a controversial gender-affirming care policy.
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
U.S. releases 2 Guantánamo prisoners, leaving 27 at American camp in Cuba
The Pentagon announced two more prisoners were released Wednesday from Guantánamo Bay. Another prisoner's release was announced earlier this week.
EPA grants California waiver to ban sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday granted California its request to enforce vehicle emissions standards stricter than federal rules, including the state's ban on sales of new gasoline-powered cars.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
Fed lowers rates by 0.25 percentage point, but expects fewer cuts
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points, but said it plans fewer cuts in 2025.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Sen. Warren pushes bill to make it easier to declare bankruptcy
Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Americans seeking debt relief face an overly complicated, costly bankruptcy system.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
Politics
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a conservative revolt over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
Migrants with temporary legal status ask Biden for help before Trump takes office
Migrants in the U.S. under what's known as Temporary Protection Status are worried that Trump will revoke the program upon taking office.
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What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
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Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Entertainment
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The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
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Technology
What's next for AI in 2025?
After a landmark year for AI advancements like chatbots and image generation, questions loom about the future. Generative AI expert Sam Gregory shares what's ahead.
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
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.
Free ChatGPT search engine tool from OpenAI
OpenAI is rolling out its ChatGPT search engine for free to everyone with an OpenAI account after first making the service available for paying subscribers back in October. Will Knight, senior writer with Wired, joined CBS News to discuss the tool.
2024 space exploration and advancements
2024 has been a big year for space exploration, with the shift towards privately financed missions fueling major innovations. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood discusses the latest on the Boeing Starliner astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for months, the Odysseus moon lander, Space X and NASA.
Science
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Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Sustainable gift-giving: How to reduce waste
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.
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Crime
Seeking a motive in school shooting case
Officials are probing social media and other clues that the suspect in the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting may have left behind. Investigators are trying to piece together a possible motive for the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant has more.
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison shooting suspect's family life
Records are providing more details about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting suspect and her family life. CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks down what's known as officials investigate the 15-year-old's motive.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Space
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NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
Here's when, where the Geminid meteor shower will be visible during peak
One of the best meteor showers of the year is about to peak. Here's how to watch and where you can catch the Geminids.
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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Davos Interviews
The "Davos Interviews" series aims to address some of the most significant global challenges of our times. How will technology seamlessly blend into our everyday life and how will this impact our societies in a safe & sustainable way?
Social Security benefits could increase
The Senate is voting on potential expansions to Social Security benefits for millions of Americans. CBS News' Kati Weis has more.
Man fights family's deportation
Federico Arellano, a U.S. citizen, says his family was deported over a misunderstanding after missing an immigration hearing. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Seeking a motive in school shooting case
Officials are probing social media and other clues that the suspect in the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting may have left behind. Investigators are trying to piece together a possible motive for the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant has more.
Behind decision to release Gaetz report
The House Ethics Committee's decision to release a report on former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct is a turn from what was initially determined by lawmakers who make up the group. CBS News' Taurean Small explains.