Dr. Francis Collins on the Omicron variant
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the risk posed by the Omicron variant.
Omicron Variant
Inside the Omicron lab
"This is the Frankenstein of mutations," Alex Sigal from the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban, South Africa, said. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta met the scientists in the lab where Omicron was first discovered.
Biden urging caution on Omicron variant
President Biden said on Monday the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, is "cause for concern," not a "cause for panic," and urged Americans to get vaccinated. While the strength of Omicron is still unknown, the CDC is already taking action and expanding vaccine guidance. Nancy Cordes reports.
Researchers race to learn about Omicron
CBS News foreign correspondent Deborah Patta reports on the researchers racing to learn more about the Omicron variant first reported by South Africa, which has now spread to 19 countries and territories. Dr. Dyan Hes, the founder of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City, joins CBSN to discuss the latest concerns over the variant and vaccine efforts.
Global concerns grow over Omicron variant
Researchers are trying to learn more about the Omicron COVID-19 variant and whether or not it is resistant to existing vaccines or more deadly than other variants. CBS news foreign correspondent Debora Patta takes us inside one of the labs in South Africa where the new strain was first discovered. Then, Dr. Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology, immunology and pediatrics at the University of Iowa, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
How the White House is responding to Omicron
President Biden says while the Omicron variant is a cause for concern, it's not cause for panic. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Mr. Biden once again urged Americans to get vaccinated and to get their booster shots. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN's Bradley Blackburn to discuss the Biden administration's response to the new variant and more.
Dr. Ashish Jha on new Omicron variant
Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, says "it's a little alarmist" to call the Omicron variant the Frankenstein of all COVID variants. Norah O'Donnell sits down with Jha to discuss more.
Exclusive: Inside facility investigating Omicron variant
CBS News has an exclusive look inside a lab in South Africa where the Omicron variant was first discovered. Debora Patta shares more.
Biden says Omicron variant is "not a cause for panic"
President Biden urged Americans to stay calm in response to the new COVID variant Omicron, saying it's "cause for concern, not a cause for panic." It's not yet clear whether the variant spreads more easily or causes more severe infections. Errol Barnett reports.
New York officials recommend indoor mask wearing in response to Omicron
Residents are encouraged to wear masks in public and indoor settings where risk of spread is higher.
Global leaders fear spread of Omicron variant
U.S. officials are imposing travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens from South Africa and seven other nations to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports on why these officials believe the measures are necessary. Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University, and CBSN's Tanya Rivero discuss the threat posed by the variant and U.S. officials' response to its spread.
South African president says travel bans do damage
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is urging Western nations to lift travel restrictions against his country and others in the region. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta dives into why these bans were enforced in relation to experts' current knowledge of the Omicron variant.
Fauci on Omicron variant: "We should not be freaking out"
Dr. Anthony Fauci said it's going to take some time — perhaps a couple of weeks — to "get a good handle" on the newly discovered strain.
Omicron coronavirus variant spreads globally
The U.S. is barring travelers from several African countries in a bid to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports from South Africa and Alonzo Plough chief science officer and vice president of research, evaluation and learning at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, joins CBSN to discuss the variant.
WHO criticizes travel bans on southern African countries
While investigations continue into the Omicron variant, WHO recommends that all countries "take a risk-based and scientific approach and put in place measures which can limit its possible spread."
"Good reason to be worried" as Omicron COVID variant spreads fast
But South Africa, after quickly detecting and reporting the strain, feels punished for its sound science as other nations slam the door shut.
White House preps for busy end of the year
President Biden is hoping to pass his Build Back Better social spending plan as a government shutdown and debt ceiling crisis loom. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN AM from the White House with more.
WorldView: Japan bans foreign visitors
Japan announced it will ban all foreign visitors, one of an increasing number of countries tightening their borders as an emergency precaution as the Omicron coronavirus variant spreads. Lucy Craft reports from Tokyo for CBSN AM on the global pandemic and other international headlines.
Omicron COVID variant threatens U.S. recovery
Travel restrictions take effect today as the coronavirus Omicron variant spreads globally. Dr. Andy Pekosz, a virologist with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, joins CBSN AM to discuss the variant and what we know about contagious it is.
Dr. Fauci on new variant of concern Omicron
Dr. Anthony Fauci joins "CBS Mornings" with a look at why Omicron — the newly detected COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading and quickly driving international travel bans — is more concerning than others, what we know about it and what we still need to learn.
11/29: CBSN AM
Omicron variant threatens U.S. recovery efforts; Hanukkah ceremonies and celebrations underway worldwide
Biden to provide update on Omicron variant
President Biden will provide an update on the U.S. response to the latest COVID-19 variant Omicron as cases continue to spread around the world. This comes amid a crucial few weeks for the president as he tries to pass his social spending plan and a government shutdown looms. Chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
U.S. bans travel from African countries
The threat from the Omicron variant, the latest strain of the coronavirus, prompted the U.S. to ban travel from countries in southern Africa. Dr. Anthony Fauci says the travel bans will buy the U.S. more time to get prepared. Errol Barnett reports from Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C.
Omicron variant triggers global response
Dozens of nations from Europe to Asia have blacklisted South Africa and its neighbors since South African scientists flagged Omicron on November 25. CBS News correspondent Debora Patta is in Durban, South Africa, where the variant was first detected and the strain is still being investigated.
U.S. to restrict travel from southern Africa
The U.S. on Monday will join the European Union in imposing strict new travel restrictions on South Africa and several other countries in response to the new Omicron COVID-19 variant. Debora Patta reports.
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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.
Menendez brothers due in court Monday
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to appear virtually in court on Monday for a hearing that will look into the legality of their conviction. The brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1996, are exploring several avenues to try to get out of prison. Elise Preston has the details.
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.
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.