CDC confirms first case of Omicron variant in U.S.
An individual in California who had recently traveled to South Africa tested positive for the strain, the health agency said.
Omicron Variant
Expert on Omicron variant, holiday travel
Officials have identified the first known case of the Omicron variant in the country. Infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital, Dr. Celine Gounder, talks to “CBS Mornings” about what steps must be taken to combat the virus and how it could impact families' holiday plans.
Jeff Zients on Omicron variant
The first case of the highly-mutated Omicron coronavirus variant was identified in the U.S. on Wednesday. White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the administration's approach to dealing with the variant, and its plans for curbing the spread of the virus this winter.
CDC confirms first U.S. Omicron case
Health authorities in California have confirmed the first U.S. case of COVID-19 linked to the newly discovered Omicron variant. CBS News national consumer investigative correspondent Anna Werner reports on efforts to surveil for new cases of Omicron. Then, Dr. Adam Brown, an emergency physician and the COVID-19 task force chair at Envision Healthcare, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
First U.S. Omicron case reported in California
The first reported case in the U.S. of the Omicron variant was detected in California. The person was fully vaccinated and had recently traveled to South Africa, where the variant has been reported. Anna Werner has the latest.
Tourism rattled again as Omicron renews barriers to travel
Passengers must go back to brushing up on COVID-19 travel rules, and in some cases postponing trips.
First case of Omicron variant reported in U.S.
The White House is preparing to impose more restrictions on travelers coming to the U.S. as the Omicron variant has been identified in California. Plus, conservatives are considering shutting down the government over the Biden administration's vaccine mandate. CBS News congressional correspondent Kris Van Cleave and Politico national political correspondent Meridith McGraw join CBSN's "Red & Blue" with the latest.
U.S. faces potential spread of Omicron variant
The first case of the Omicron variant has been detected in the U.S. Health officials are trying to ease concerns, saying vaccines do give some protection against the new strain. Dr. Celine Gounder joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss the latest COVID-19 variant and how people can protect themselves.
Travelers into U.S. may face new requirement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may tighten COVID-19 testing requirements for travelers coming into the U.S. with cases of the Omicron variant reported in at least 20 countries and territories. "CBS Mornings" lead national correspondent David Begnaud reports how scientists are working to understand the new strain, and Dr. Susannah Hills, a pediatric airway surgeon and assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center, joins CBSN to discuss the latest on the pandemic.
Labs across U.S. test for COVID Omicron variant
The U.S. is sequencing 80,000 positive PCR tests per week to test for variants and learn how fast the variant is spreading — and how infectious it is.
FDA's advisory committee backs Merck's COVID pill
The U.S. may soon be implementing new testing requirements for travelers entering the U.S. amid growing concerns over the new COVID Omicron variant. This week a panel of FDA advisers voted to endorse Merck’s COVID-19 antiviral pill for high-risk individuals. Infectious diseases physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital and chair of that FDA panel, Dr. Lindsey Baden, joins CBSN AM to discuss.
Moderna CEO: Current vaccines less effective against Omicron
Drugmaker executive predicts a "material drop" in the efficacy of existing vaccines against the new variant.
Omicron variant, inflation cause stock drop
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the stock market's drop upon news that the Fed could end some emergency COVID measures sooner than expected. Plus, what the newly-identified Omicron COVID-19 variant is doing to the economy.
Economic uncertainty looms for Biden administration
President Biden traveled to Minnesota Tuesday to highlight aspects of his $1 trillion infrastructure plan. Mr. Biden's trip comes as concerns over the new COVID-19 variant, rising inflation and issues within the nation's supply chain threaten to derail his overall economic agenda. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN's Ed O'Keefe to discuss.
WHO says people who are above 60 and unvaccinated should postpone travel
WHO named Omicron a variant of concern on Friday, and 56 countries issued travel restrictions in the following days.
Researchers race to assess Omicron variant
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been found in 20 countries so far. CBS news correspondent Errol Barnett reports on how U.S. officials are already preparing for the arrival of the new strain. Then, Dr. Marie-Elizabeth Ramas, a family medicine physician, joins CBSN to discuss protective measures against the variant and more.
U.S. officials expect vaccines to retain some effectiveness against Omicron
"There's every reason to believe, as we talk about boosters, when you get a level high enough, that you are going to get at least some degree of cross protection."
U.S. braces for arrival of Omicron variant
Researchers are racing to analyze the new Omicron variant and the strength of the arsenal to fight it as cases spread across the world. Errol Barnett has the details.
Omicron could increase economic strain
The federal government faces new questions over economic issues that could be caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Plus, the Senate is nearing its deadline to raise the national debt ceiling. CBS News' Skyler Henry, Wall Street Journal congressional reporter Siobhan Hughes and New York Times White House correspondent Jim Tankersley join CBSN's "Red & Blue" with more.
Medical personnel deployed for COVID support
The federal government is deploying dozens of additional U.S. military medical personnel to Michigan and New Mexico to support civilian health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. David Claeys, president of Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan, joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss what the addition of 22 medical professionals from the Department of Defense will mean for his team.
Biden faces pressure on Omicron variant
President Joe Biden urged caution, but stressed this is not the time to panic during his remarks from the White House yesterday on the Omicron variant. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with more on what the administration is doing in light of the new coronavirus strain.
Biden says Omicron variant is "cause for concern, not a cause for panic"
"Sooner or later, we're going to see cases of this new variant here in the United States," the president said.
Powell warns Congress that inflation may keep rising next year
He tells Senate panel that the new COVID-19 variant could have an impact on economic activity and inflation.
Omicron variant was in Europe before South Africa raised the alarm
Authorities in the Netherlands say testing has confirmed that COVID cases identified on November 19 and 23 were the new strain — days before researchers identified it.
Scientist who helped discover Omicron variant warns of its potential
The Omicron variant has more than 50 mutations, enhancing the virus' ability to infect the body.
New Texas college, UATX, encourages civil discourse and free speech
UATX President Pano Kanelos said the school looks for students who think deeply and challenge norms. The University of Austin was founded to encourage free speech and open debate.
Poll: Trump starts on positive note as most approve of transition handling
Democrats say they're concerned or scared Trump will threaten their rights, but fewer than half feel motivated to oppose him.
Duckworth says Trump Pentagon pick is "flat-out wrong" about women in combat
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth said that Pete Hegseth is "flat-out wrong" in his view that women should not serve in the military in combat roles.
Potential winter storms forecast across the U.S. on Thanksgiving week
Forecasters have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Former Israeli hostages mark 1 year since war's only release deal
The only truce in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on Nov. 24, 2023 – fewer than two months after fighting began – led to the release of 80 Israelis held by militants in Gaza.
Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
A team of researchers has warned about "pink cocaine" for over a year
The death of music star Liam Payne has thrust "pink cocaine," sometimes also called Tusi, into the national spotlight. The National Drug Early Warning System predicted its rise back in 2023.
Israel says, rabbi killed in the UAE in "heinous antisemitic terror incident"
Zvi Kogan, 28, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who went missing on Thursday, ran a Kosher grocery store in the futuristic city of Dubai.
U.S.
More U.S.
A team of researchers has warned about "pink cocaine" for over a year
The death of music star Liam Payne has thrust "pink cocaine," sometimes also called Tusi, into the national spotlight. The National Drug Early Warning System predicted its rise back in 2023.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Duckworth says Trump Pentagon pick is "flat-out wrong" about women in combat
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth said that Pete Hegseth is "flat-out wrong" in his view that women should not serve in the military in combat roles.
Transcript: Rep.-elect Sarah McBride on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, Democrat of Delaware, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
A study to devise nutritional guidance just for you
When it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. The National Institutes of Health's new nutrition study hopes to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?"
A study to personalize nutrition guidance just for you
From the four food groups to the Food Pyramid, the U.S. government has long offered guidance to Americans hoping to eat a healthier diet. But there's growing scientific consensus that when it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. And to prove it, the National Institutes of Health has embarked on the most ambitious nutrition study ever, hoping to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?" Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
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.
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.
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.
World
More World
Former Israeli hostages mark 1 year since war's only release deal
The only truce in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on Nov. 24, 2023 – fewer than two months after fighting began – led to the release of 80 Israelis held by militants in Gaza.
Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5
The shooting took place in the coastal province of Tabasco, which is struggling with a recent increase in violence.
Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier as Hezbollah fires 185 rockets at Israel
Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines.
Gazan chefs cook up hope and humanity for online audience
Ten-year-old Chef Renad (who's gained a following on Instagram) and Hamada Shaqoura (who relies on humanitarian aid and crude cooking arrangements) educate while preparing meals in war-torn Gaza.
U.S Air Force says drones spotted near 3 bases in England last week
The drones were spotted between Wednesday and Friday near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
What makes a martini a martini?
There are very few American inventions more American than the martini – a classic cocktail of gin and vermouth, garnished with lemon. But today, a martini's ingredients may be up for debate.
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
Last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed the Fleetwood Mac founder's club, Fleetwood's on Front Street. Today, Mick Fleetwood is determined to rebuild, saying, "There has to be music."
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
As a young man, Fleetwood Mac founder Mick Fleetwood dreamed of a place – a club – where he could get his friends together. Twelve years ago, he made it happen in the west Maui city of Lahaina: Fleetwood's on Front Street. But last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed his treasured club. Today, Fleetwood says he's determined to rebuild. Correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
"Sandwiches of History": Resurrecting sandwich recipes that time forgot
Every week on his blog, "Sandwiches of History," Barry Enderwick rescues sandwich recipes from the dustbin of history. He's now collected some of the unlikeliest (and even amazing) historical recipes in a cookbook.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
A new generation of shopping cart, with GPS and AI
At a Price Chopper outside Kansas City, shoppers are test driving the new Caper Cart, featuring digital screens, GPS, cameras equipped with artificial intelligence, and packaging scanners that spit out coupons. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti looks at the technology used to "reinvent the wheel" of the shopping cart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
More Science
Science
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Law enforcement raises warning over "pink cocaine"
Law enforcement is raising alarm bells over a drug called pink cocaine. It doesn't actually contain cocaine, but is instead a combination of other substances. Tom Hanson has more on the spread of the potentially deadly drug.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
60 Minutes returns to Notre Dame
Next Sunday, 60 Minutes returns to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, bringing viewers a unique first look at the rebirth of one of the world’s great treasures.
Texas pie shop sees huge lines for Thanksgiving
Houston's Flying Saucer Pie Company has a devoted following, with people camping out overnight and lines up to half a mile long to get dessert for Thanksgiving. Janet Shamlian takes a look at what makes this shop so special.
Thanksgiving grocery prices down slightly
Shoppers buying Thanksgiving groceries are seeing some relief at the register for the first time in years. The price of staples like turkey, pumpkin and green beans are down compared to last year, although cranberries and wine have jumped. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Thanksgiving travel ramping up
Some people are already getting a headstart on their Thanksgiving travel this weekend, as airports are expected to be packed as the week progresses. More than 70 million people are also expected to drive to their holiday destinations. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Recall affects roughly 240,000 electric vehicles
Some 240,000 electric vehicles are being recalled because of the risk they could lose power while being driven. Some of the affected models include Kia vehicles and the Hyundai Genesis.