Omicron Variant News

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Omicron Variant

FDA authorizes Pfizer pill to treat COVID

The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday it has authorized Pfizer's antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 as the new Omicron variant hits all 50 U.S. states. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen reports on how the new strain is causing disruptions across the country. Then, CBS News correspondent Mark Strassman has the latest on Omicron's impact on travel as tens of millions of Americans hit the road for the holidays. And lastly, Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne, an adjunct assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, joins Elise Preston on CBSN to break down the day's headlines.

Dec 22, 2021
11:46

110 million expected to travel for the holidays

Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases, Americans don't want to spend another Christmas away from their families. Instead, they're hitting the roads and airports at near pre-pandemic levels. Mark Strassmann reports.

Dec 22, 2021
02:18

Omicron spike collides with holiday travel surge

The FDA authorized the first pill to treat COVID-19. The milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising, with health officials warning of a possible tsunami of new Omicron cases that could overwhelm hospitals. Nancy Chen has the details.

Dec 22, 2021
04:13

House Oversight Committee Hearing On Making D.C. The 51st State

D.C. to require proof of vaccination for many indoor settings

"I don't make any of these types of decisions lightly," Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

Dec 22, 2021

U.S. struggles to meet COVID testing demand

As the highly contagious Omicron variant takes hold in the U.S., manufacturers and labs are struggling to keep up with testing demand. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo talks to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Dec 22, 2021
06:38

CDC warns of spiking COVID-19 case numbers

As the Omicron variant continues to spread across the U.S., states and the federal government are taking new measures to try to mitigate COVID-19. CBS News' Nancy Chen reports, and Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rajeev Fernando joins CBSN to discuss the latest on the pandemic.

Dec 22, 2021
12:07

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Biden's plan to fight Omicron variant

President Biden has unveiled new plans to help fight the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant. The new steps include the government providing 500 million rapid at-home tests, adding more testing sites and deploying 1,000 members of the military to overwhelmed hospitals. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN to discuss.

Dec 22, 2021
10:16

Fauci: Population immunity "entirely conceivable" despite Omicron surge

Fauci's remarks come as the U.S. faces a major spike of infections ahead of the holidays, with nearly 930,000 new cases over the last seven days.

Dec 22, 2021

At-home tests, vaccinations become key to safe holiday gatherings

President Biden is expected to emphasize CDC data that shows the unvaccinated are eight times more likely to be hospitalized and four times more likely to die from COVID.

Dec 22, 2021

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Biden unveils strategy to combat Omicron

Starting in January, President Biden says Americans will have access to 500 million free, at-home COVID-19 tests. The White House says it is also planning to deploy U.S. military troops to overwhelmed hospitals and increase the number of vaccination sites as Omicron infections surge. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano with with more on the president's plan.

Dec 21, 2021
07:35

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Biden outlines plan to address Omicron variant

The Biden administration is unveiling new plans to fight the spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen reports on the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. Then, Dr. Ben Weston, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest.

Dec 21, 2021
08:14

Biden launches new plan to combat Omicron

President Biden announced a series of new plans to help combat the rising coronavirus cases and bring relief to overwhelmed health care systems. Ed O'Keefe has the details.

Dec 21, 2021
01:50

Omicron threat grows ahead of holidays

The Omicron variant is spreading faster than any previous coronavirus strain by far. More than 250,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the U.S. on Monday, the highest level since September. Nancy Chen has the latest.

Dec 21, 2021
03:26

NBA has no plans to pause season amid virus surge

Seven NBA games have been postponed with more potentially in doubt, and over 100 players and coaches have entered the league's health and safety protocols.

Dec 21, 2021

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Omicron becomes most common variant in U.S.

The highly contagious Omicron variant is now the most prevalent in the U.S., outpacing Delta. And a new study found that Omicron is over five times more likely to re-infect someone who has already had COVID-19. Julie Wernau, a health and medicine reporter at the Wall Street Journal, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.

Dec 21, 2021
05:46

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Biden addresses spike in Omicron cases

President Biden unveiled a new plan Tuesday to tackle the Omicron variant. CBSN's Lilia Luciano speaks with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe and Dr. Anand Swaminathan, emergency medicine physician at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in New Jersey, about the new measures.

Dec 21, 2021
13:54

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Omicron becomes dominant COVID strain in U.S.

Omicron has become the nation's most dominant strain of COVID-19 in a matter of weeks, prompting the Biden administration to announce Tuesday additional action to curb its spread. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more, and Dr. Len Horovitz, pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss how the Omicron variant is affecting American's plans ahead of the holidays.

Dec 21, 2021
07:02

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COVID shutters some Broadway productions

Rising COVID-19 cases in New York City are forcing several Broadway shows to shut down during the industry's busiest week of the year. CBS News contributing correspondent Jamie Wax gives CBSN's Lilia Luciano an update.

Dec 21, 2021
06:41

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Airports fill despite rising covid-19 cases

Transportation Security Administration checkpoints have recorded more than double the amount of travelers passing through airports compared with the same week last year. Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy at the U.S. Travel Association, joins CBSN to discuss the travel boom amid an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Dec 21, 2021
05:41

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Omicron expected to dampen economy

Following a strong summer and autumn of consumer spending, some economists predict the U.S. economy may slow down as the Omicron variant spreads. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo joins CBSN to discuss.

Dec 21, 2021
08:01

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World leaders weigh tougher COVID restrictions

The director-general of the World Health Organization is urging people to cancel or postpone their holiday gatherings as the Omicron variant spreads globally. He warned the celebrations could overwhelm hospital systems and lead to more infections and deaths. This comes as leaders in the U.K. and other European nations consider tightening restrictions ahead of Christmas. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams joined Anne-Marie Green on CBSN to discuss the COVID surge.

Dec 21, 2021
07:15

Dr. Fauci on Omicron, breakthrough cases

Dr. Anthony Fauci joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on the Omicron variant, handling breakthrough cases in vaccinated people, and President Biden's message to Americans ahead of his address to the nation.

Dec 21, 2021
08:21

Omicron becomes the dominant COVID variant in the U.S.

The variant now makes up more than 73% of new infections, a nearly six-fold increase compared to the week before.

Dec 21, 2021

U.S. sees rapid spread of Omicron variant

Researchers in the U.S. suggest the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant strain is more contagious than the Delta strain as the White House announces a plan for free at-home testing. Dr. John Moore, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University joins CBSN to discuss the latest on the coronavirus pandemic.

Dec 21, 2021
10:51

NHL pausing season 2 days early over rise in COVID-19 cases

The league announced Monday night that it will open its annual holiday break two days earlier than scheduled and have it run through Saturday.

Dec 20, 2021

GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal

Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.

8H ago

Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries

The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.

6H ago

Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA

The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.

10H ago

Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed

The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."

15H ago

Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 in Beirut as diplomats push for cease-fire

The strikes, which destroyed an eight-story building and left a crater in the ground, were the fourth in Beirut in less than a week.

4H ago

Fred Harris, former senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94

It fell to Fred Harris, chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970, to help heal the party's wounds from the tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.

5H ago

Orlando Pride v Washington Spirit - NWSL 2024 Championship Game

Marta's Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit for their first NWSL title

Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the NWSL Shield and the title in the same year.

4H ago

2 killed in U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crash in Northern Colorado

Two people were killed and a third was injured when a U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crashed in Colorado's Front Range Saturday morning.

7H ago

Trump Ally Bessent Says Yellen Using Post To Aid Biden 2024 Bid

Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary

Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.

16H ago

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Marta's Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit for their first NWSL title

Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the NWSL Shield and the title in the same year.

4H ago

Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor

When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.

4H ago

Fred Harris, former U.S. senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94

5H ago

GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal

Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.

8H ago

Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA

The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.

10H ago

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Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.

If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.

Nov 22

Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary

Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.

16H ago

Walmart Semi-Truck Traveling On The Interstate

Walmart must pay driver it accused of fraud $35 million, jury says

A jury ruled that Walmart must pay a former employee almost $35 million after finding that the retailer defamed him.

Nov 22

Eggs are getting scarcer and pricier ahead of the holidays. Here's why.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — is killing layer hens and reducing the nation's egg supply.

Nov 22

Supreme Court takes up FCC fund dispute over subsidies for rural telecom services

The Universal Service Fund was created by Congress in 1996.

Nov 22

Politics

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Fred Harris, former U.S. senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94

5H ago

GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal

Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.

8H ago

Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA

The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.

10H ago

Trump meets with NATO head in Florida for talks on global security

In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida.

19H ago

A Special Screening Of The HBO Documentary Film 'Bleed Out'

Trump nominates Marty Makary, who opposed COVID vaccine mandates, to head FDA

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration.

Nov 22

HealthWatch

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New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis

Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.

17H ago

1 infant dead in California, 9 hospitalized in latest listeria outbreak

Laboratory findings show that Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were making people sick, the CDC said.

Nov 22

E. coli outbreak in St. Louis sickens 106, hospitalizes 2

More than half of the cases involve students, parents and guests of Rockwood Summit High School who attended events where food from Andre's Banquets and Catering was served.

Nov 22

What to know about the newly identified chemical in U.S. drinking water

Researchers have identified a chemical in certain tap water across the United States as chloronitramide anion. Here's what to know.

Nov 22

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.

Nov 22

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Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries

The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.

6H ago

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech in Saint Petersburg on Sept. 12, 2024.

Russia bans child adoption from countries that allow gender transition

The adoption ban would apply to at least 15 countries, most of them in Europe, and Australia, Argentina and Canada.

13H ago

Kayaker's leg amputated after 20-hour rescue to free him from rocks

Officials said the man, a tourist in his 60s, was kayaking with friends in the Franklin River when he slipped and became trapped.

16H ago

Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 in Beirut as diplomats push for cease-fire

The strikes, which destroyed an eight-story building and left a crater in the ground, were the fourth in Beirut in less than a week.

4H ago

A craving for good food flips gender roles in Italy

Around the world, women cook more meals per week than men, but Italy serves as the exception to the rule.

17H ago

Entertainment

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Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed

The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."

15H ago

Jonathan Majors' ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit

Lawyers for actor Jonathan Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, according to a joint filing in Manhattan federal court.

17H ago

The Coward Brothers perform "Early Shirley"

The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Early Shirley."

18H ago
03:00

The Coward Brothers on new album

The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. The pair opened up to CBS Saturday Morning about their fictional personas and that long hiatus earlier this week.

18H ago
03:58

The Coward Brothers perform "Tipsy Woman"

18H ago
04:35

Technology

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Technology

Who has the best Black Friday tech prices?

Black Friday is almost here, but some of the hottest tech items are already on sale. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco joins CBS News to discuss high-demand gifts and what retailers offer the best prices.

Nov 22
03:28

AI grandma fights back against scammers

Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.

Nov 22

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.

Mar 28
03:27

Australia could ban social media for kids

Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.

Nov 21
01:46

DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly

The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.

Nov 21
01:57

Science

More Science

Science

How are U.S. winters permanently changing?

This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.

Nov 22
03:56

Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care

The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.

Nov 22

Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year

A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.

Nov 21

How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires

Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.

Nov 20

Restoring forests decimated by wildfires

Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.

Nov 20
03:34

Crime

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Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor

When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.

4H ago

$20 million settlement reached in death of woman fatally shot by officer

Teresa Gomez, 45, was fatally shot in 2023 after a Las Cruces police officer on a bicycle approached her while she sat in a parked car with another person, authorities said.

12H ago

MEXICO-VIOLENCE-CRIME-DRUGS-TOURISM-CULTURE

Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico

The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.

14H ago

U.S. accuses former Colombia general of extrajudicial killings

Former general Mario Montoya and his family are barred from traveling to the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Nov 22

4.78 tons of cocaine, $193,000 in cash found in shipping containers

Prosecutors said eight people were detained following searches carried out in Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this month.

Nov 22

Space

More Space

Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space

Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.

Nov 22

Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight

The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.

Nov 22
13:00

Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch

President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.

Nov 19
10:13

SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch

President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.

Nov 19

Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows

Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.

Nov 15

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The Coward Brothers perform "Early Shirley"

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The Coward Brothers on new album

The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. The pair opened up to CBS Saturday Morning about their fictional personas and that long hiatus earlier this week.

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