Omicron Variant News

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Omicron Variant

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Special Report: Biden speaks on fight against COVID

President Biden updated the nation on his administration's efforts to contain COVID-19, announcing that he was doubling and accelerating the U.S. order for a Pfizer antiviral pill, and also that insurance companies would reimburse Americans for home tests. He urged Americans to get vaccinations and boosters. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus join the CBS News Special Report to discuss the president's remarks.

Jan 4, 2022
14:53

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Education secretary on keeping schools open

President Joe Biden says he wants all schools to stay open despite concerns over the highly contagious Omicron variant. A growing number of school districts are adjusting their return from the holiday break because of COVID-19 outbreaks and staffing shortages. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona joins CBSN's Nikki Battiste to discuss what his office is doing to help schools navigate the pandemic.

Jan 4, 2022
07:53

Omicron now 95% of new COVID infections in U.S., CDC estimates

The once-dominant Delta variant now makes up only a small fraction of cases around the country.

Jan 4, 2022

U.S. doubling and accelerating order of Pfizer antiviral pills

President Biden announced the increase and acceleration of the order on Tuesday.

Jan 4, 2022

FDA approves booster shots for some kids

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15 and immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11, in response to the Omicron variant, which is driving a surge of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. Dr. Dyan Hes, founder of Gramercy Pediatrics, joins CBSN to discuss the latest coronavirus headlines.

Jan 4, 2022
08:11

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Pfizer's COVID-19 booster authorized for kids as young as 12

Millions of Americans as young as 12 could soon be able to get a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine after the FDA authorized third doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's shot for that age group. CBS News correspondent Meg Oliver reports on the latest step by the agency. Then, Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, an infectious disease physician at John Cochran VA Medical Center and the Director of Health for the city of St. Louis, joins Nancy Cordes on CBSN with her analysis.

Jan 3, 2022
11:45

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U.S. battles uptick in COVID cases as Omicron spreads

The FDA has authorized Pfizer booster shots for a select group of children. Vanderbilt University Medical Center professor Dr. William Schaffner joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss the latest U.S. efforts to combat COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

Jan 3, 2022
07:23

Millions return to in-person classes despite huge jump in COVID cases

Districts that have opted for virtual learning this winter are firmly in the minority right now. Only about 100 of the nation's over 13,000 school districts are opting for virtual learning this winter despite surging case numbers.

Jan 3, 2022

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FDA expands access to Pfizer booster

The FDA authorized Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for children between the ages of 12 and 15. The CDC is expected to rule on the decision later this week. It comes as Omicron cases surge nationwide and millions of kids return to school following the holidays. CBS News' Wendy Gillette reports, and then Professor Jodie Guest, vice chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, joins CBSN to discuss the latest in the fight against COVID-19.

Jan 3, 2022
07:00

FDA authorizes booster for ages 12 to 15

As COVID-19 cases surge across the U.S. the FDA has authorized Pfizer booster shots for children ages 12 to 15. CBS News correspondent Meg Oliver reports on how schools are proceeding with their return to class. Then Dr. Rajeev Fernando, who specializes in global infectious diseases, joins CBSN to discuss the latest on the pandemic.

Jan 3, 2022
09:55

Fast-growing Omicron wave could hit India hard

While its caseload is a fraction of what the U.S. is seeing, India has only vaccinated 63% of its adults, children just started getting jabs this week, and nobody has had a booster shot yet.

Jan 3, 2022

Gottlieb says Omicron appears to be a "milder strain" of COVID-19, but pediatric danger remains

Gottlieb also noted that places that have been hard hit early by Omicron are as soon as "two weeks away from peaking, but the rest of the country probably faces a hard month ahead of us."

Jan 3, 2022

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Judge strikes down president's vaccine mandate

A federal judge has ruled that President Joe Biden cannot require teachers in the federal Head Start early education program to be vaccinated against COVID. Meanwhile, the Omicron variant surges through America, as daily cases surpass 386,000.

Jan 2, 2022
02:33

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Cardona on reopening schools

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona tells "Face the Nation" that he believes "very firmly" that "children belong in the classroom" despite the Omicron COVID-19 surge.

Jan 2, 2022
06:17

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Omicron's "staggering" spread

COVID-19 records are being broken daily with an average of 365,000 new cases a day. CBS News national correspondent Mark Strassmann on the new year of the COVID chronicles.

Jan 2, 2022
03:11

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COVID cases, inflation and taxes rise in U.K.

In the U.K., COVID cases are rising, inflation is up and energy prices could rise by 50% in the new year. Simon Bates has more in his segment London Calling.

Jan 2, 2022
02:15

Omicron continues to upend sports

As COVID-19 continues to surge across the U.S., the professional and college sports landscape is being thrown back into chaos. Games are being cancelled or postponed and players are testing positive. Johnathan Vigliotti reports.

Jan 1, 2022
01:37

COVID-19 continues to disrupt holiday travel

The coronavirus continues to plague holiday travel. The recent surge in cases has left airlines with employee shortages and bad weather has only made things worse. Tom Wait reports.

Jan 1, 2022
01:57

World rings in the new year as Omicron cases surge

As 2022 begins, the U.S. is averaging nearly 400,000 a day, up a staggering 200% over the last two weeks. The CDC warns the Omicron fueled surge is incredibly dangerous for the unvaccinated. Elise Preston reports.

Jan 1, 2022
02:33

New Year's celebrations affected by COVID

The U.S. begins 2022 with record-high new coronavirus cases. The nation reported more than 2 million new cases over the past seven days, beating the previous record of 1.7 million set last January. CBS News reporter Alexander Tin gives Bradley Blackburn an update on CBSN.

Jan 1, 2022
10:28

Times Square New Year's Eve 2022 Celebration

New Year's celebrations toned down as COVID cases hit record highs

2022 is the third calendar year of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic

Jan 1, 2022

Omicron forcing change in NYE celebrations

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has forced millions of people around the world to change their New Year's Eve plans. CBS News' Elise Preston reports and Dr. John Moore, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College joins CBSN to discuss the surge and how it will affect New Year's celebrations.

Dec 31, 2021
10:21

U.S. posts record-breaking daily COVID cases

COVID cases are soaring across the U.S., but hospitalizations remain "comparatively low," according to the CDC. The U.S. set a new one-day record on Wednesday of nearly half a million new COVID cases. Nikki Battiste reports.

Dec 31, 2021
01:16

South Africa lifts curfew, saying COVID-19 fourth wave has peaked

A ban on alcohol sales after 11 p.m. has also been ended. South Africa is where the Omicron variant was first detected. New infections fell almost 30 percent last week.

Dec 31, 2021

Covid-19 Test Locations As Omicron Spread Continues

U.S. reports nearly 500,000 COVID-19 cases in a single day

The staggering number comes as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the nation.

Dec 30, 2021

Israeli-American one of 6 hostages found dead in Gaza, Biden says

President Biden announced late Saturday that the bodies of six Hamas-held hostages were recovered in a tunnel under the Gaza city of Rafah

4H ago

Donald Trump Attends Wreath Laying Ceremony At Arlington National Cemetery

Harris says Trump campaign "disrespected" Arlington National Cemetery

The Democratic Party nominee said Arlington National Cemetery is a "place where we come together to honor American heroes" and is "not a place for politics."

12H ago

Niners rookie Ricky Pearsall shot during attempted robbery in San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers said that Ricky Pearsall was in "serious but stable condition" after sustaining a "bullet wound to the chest."

1H ago

7 U.S. troops hurt in raid targeting Islamic State group militants in Iraq

The U.S. military's Central Command alleged the militants were armed with "numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts" during the attack.

21H ago

7 dead, dozens injured when Mississippi bus overturns

Thirty-seven passengers have been transported to local hospitals, authorities said.

15H ago

USA Elections And Social Media Photo Illustrations

Brazil block on social network X goes into effect, joining other countries

Countries around the world, including Russia, China and Egypt, have restricted social media network X for periods.

16H ago

SS United States could move to Florida, turned into artificial reef

Sources told CBS News Philadelphia that Okaloosa County leaders plan to discuss in a meeting on Tuesday whether or not the SS United States should be sunk off their coast as part of an artificial reef.

8H ago

Rapper Fatman Scoop dies after collapsing during show

Rapper and radio personality Fatman Scoop experienced a medical emergency on stage in Connecticut, local officials said.

10H ago

Small plane crashes into residential building near Portland, officials say

The twin-engine Cessna crashed into a row of condo units, several of which caught fire, officials said.

4H ago

U.S.

More U.S.

Small plane crashes into residential building near Portland, officials say

The twin-engine Cessna crashed into a row of condo units, several of which caught fire, officials said.

4H ago

Family of man killed in high-speed crash wants teen driver's mother charged

The teen's mother used an app to track her son's car and was aware that he frequently drove over 100 mph, according to police records.

13H ago

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2 elephants at Ohio zoo will welcome calves by the same father

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio announced this week that for the first time in the zoo's history, two elephants are pregnant at the same time.

14H ago

Norwegian princess weds self-styled shaman in star-studded ceremony

Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as Princess Märtha Louise wed Durek Verrett.

16H ago

Rapper Fatman Scoop dies after collapsing during show

Rapper and radio personality Fatman Scoop experienced a medical emergency on stage in Connecticut, local officials said.

10H ago

MoneyWatch

More MoneyWatch

Tainted feed may be to blame after 70 horses die at an Oklahoma ranch

Rhett Beutler, co-owner of Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., said horses were "just falling over, dying" after eating the feed.

Aug 30

Labor Day gas prices on track to reach lowest level in 3 years

Gas prices are projected to average $3.27 a gallon on Monday, which would make driving on the holiday the cheapest since 2021.

Aug 30

Tired exhausted worker hard work, Locomotive engineer mechanic staff feel fatigue work in train repair shop service station dirty hot workplace machine factory.

These are the worst U.S. states for workers, according to Oxfam

States with subpar minimum wages and flimsy job protections score poorly in Oxfam ranking.

Aug 30

President Biden Hosts A Screening Of The Film "Flamin' Hot" At The White House

California advances bill banning food additives in school meals

Food dyes in popular snacks have been linked to adverse health outcomes in kids, says state legislature.

Aug 30

A new AI tool creates hyperrealistic photos. Can you tell the difference?

New artificial intelligence tools such as Flux are making it easier than ever to alter or fabricate images.

Aug 30

Politics

More Politics

Harris says Trump campaign "disrespected" Arlington National Cemetery

The Democratic Party nominee said Arlington National Cemetery is a "place where we come together to honor American heroes" and is "not a place for politics."

12H ago

Can Harris campaign get voter turnout in PA environmental justice community?

Chester is what climate activists call an "environmental justice community," a place where climate change and pollution disproportionately affect underserved populations.

17H ago

Trump, special counsel offer opposing plans for way forward in 2020 election case

Trump, special counsel offer opposing plans on way forward in 2020 election-related case, according to court documents filed late Friday.

Aug 30

Donald Trump Visits Arlington National Cemetery

House Dems request Army report on Arlington incident involving Trump staff

Democrats on the House Overside Committee sent a letter Friday to the Army requesting a report into an altercation involving an Arlington National Cemetery employee and Trump staff.

22H ago

7 U.S. troops hurt in raid targeting Islamic State group militants in Iraq

The U.S. military's Central Command alleged the militants were armed with "numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts" during the attack.

21H ago

HealthWatch

More HealthWatch

He thought he had acid reflux. Doctors found a much different problem.

A chance test by a gastrointestinal specialist led to a "bombshell" diagnosis.

19H ago

The growing raw milk movement

There is a growing movement of social media influencers promoting raw or unpasteurized milk. It’s coincided with a recent spike in sales nationwide. However, health officials warn that drinking raw milk could have dangerous consequences.

22H ago
04:09

2 killed in West Bank

Overnight, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. Officials said the two were planning car bomb attacks. The incident comes as the Israeli military continues its operations in the territory for a fourth day. Meanwhile in Gaza, there is expected to be a pause in the fighting this weekend as the United Nations carries out urgent polio vaccinations.

22H ago
02:38

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2 die from West Nile virus in New Jersey, bringing reported deaths in U.S. to 5

Two people in New Jersey have died from West Nile virus, state health officials said Friday, bringing the number of reported deaths in the U.S. to five this mosquito season.

Aug 30

Trump says he'll vote to uphold Florida's 6-week abortion ban

Trump angered abortion opponents after he appeared open to voting for an amendment that would roll back Florida's six-week ban.

Aug 30

World

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Israeli-American one of 6 hostages found dead in Gaza, Biden says

President Biden announced late Saturday that the bodies of six Hamas-held hostages were recovered in a tunnel under the Gaza city of Rafah.

4H ago

Brazil block on social network X goes into effect joining other countries

Countries around the world, including Russia, China and Egypt, have restricted social media network X for periods.

16H ago

Norwegian princess weds self-styled shaman in star-studded ceremony

Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as Princess Märtha Louise wed Durek Verrett.

16H ago

Polio vaccine campaign begins early in Gaza as strikes continue

Israel is expected to pause some of its operations in Gaza on Sunday to allow health workers to roll out their campaign to administer polio vaccines to some 650,000 Palestinian children.

12H ago

A man looks on inside his flooded house at an area affected by floods due to heavy rains caused by Typhoon Shanshan in Ogaki

Storm Shanshan moves across Japan, officials warn of torrential rains

The storm, packing winds of up to 40 miles per hour, crawled past the southwestern island of Shikoku and traveled over the southern part of the main Honshu island

19H ago

Entertainment

More Entertainment

Norwegian princess weds self-styled shaman in star-studded ceremony

Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as Princess Märtha Louise wed Durek Verrett.

16H ago

Rapper Fatman Scoop dies after collapsing during show

Rapper and radio personality Fatman Scoop experienced a medical emergency on stage in Connecticut, local officials said.

10H ago

Error messages, long queues greet fans buying Oasis reunion tour tickets

The Britpop-era behemoth led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher sent fans into a frenzy when they announced they would play together for the first time in 15 years.

20H ago

Morgan Wade performs "2AM in London"

Country star Morgan Wade grew up writing songs in Virginia, but mostly kept her talents to herself until college, when she decided to form a band. In 2019, her singing caught the attention of a famous guitarist and he offered to produce her first album. Now, making a return visit to Saturday Sessions, here is Morgan Wade with "2AM in London" from her new album "Obsessed."

20H ago
03:10

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Morgan Wade performs "Time to Love, Time to Kill"

20H ago
03:47

Technology

More Technology

Judge suspends X platform in Brazil amid feud with Elon Musk

Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of Elon Musk's social media giant X in Brazil after the billionaire refused to name a legal representative in the country.

Aug 30

Ads for U.S. political groups, candidates appear under racist posts on X

Ads for major Republican and Democratic groups and candidates appear under racist content that could be making money on X.

Aug 30

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

Amazon launching paid-version of Alexa

If you have an Amazon smart speaker, you may count on Alexa to help keep track of your to-do lists, check the weather or answer your questions on the fly, but would you pay extra if it meant an upgraded version of the personal voice assistant? Amazon is ready to find out as it looks to launch its delayed AI Alexa subscription by October. Abrar Al-Heeti, consumer tech and mobile reporter for CNET, joined CBS News to discuss the new service.

Aug 30
03:29

A new AI tool creates hyperrealistic photos. Can you tell the difference?

New artificial intelligence tools such as Flux are making it easier than ever to alter or fabricate images.

Aug 30

Science

More Science

FAA grounds SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets after rare crash-landing

The crash-landing of a SpaceX booster ended a string of 267 successful recoveries in a row.

Aug 28

Rare SpaceX Falcon 9 landing mishap mars successful Starlink launch

The landing mishap ended a string of 267 successful booster recoveries.

Aug 28

Is plastic recycling effective?

A Houston program funded in large part by oil and plastic producers claims to recycle any type of plastic. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more on his investigation into the program's claims.

Aug 27
04:58

Is plastic recycling a myth?

Houston, Texas, says its new recycling program can handle any type of plastic and the city is touting it as a model for the nation. In collaboration with the nonprofit Inside Climate News, CBS News' Ben Tracy looked into whether the claims are too good to be true.

Aug 27
04:28

Matching dinosaur footprints found more than 3,700 miles apart

Footprints dating back 120 million years show where dinosaurs were able to cross between land that's now part of two different continents.

Aug 26

Crime

More Crime

Niners rookie Ricky Pearsall shot during attempted robbery in San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers said that Ricky Pearsall was in "serious but stable condition" after sustaining a "bullet wound to the chest."

1H ago

Teen seen driving fast days before fatal crash

CBS News Detroit has obtained shocking video of a teenager driving nearly 140 miles per hour just days before a high-speed crash that killed his friend last November. The victim's family wants the driver's mother to be charged because she had been tracking his reckless driving on a mobile app. Lilia Luciano has more.

Aug 30
02:27

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Danelo Cavalcante pleads guilty on escape charges from Chester County Prison

Danelo Cavalcante pleaded guilty to escape charges on Friday in Chester County, about a year after a manhunt that drew nationwide attention.

Aug 30

"Dancing With the Stars" dancer arrested on domestic violence charge

Longtime "Dancing With the Stars" dancer Artem Chigvintsev was arrested Thursday on suspicion of felony domestic violence in Napa County, California, according arrest records.

Aug 30

French man accused of enlisting dozens of strangers to rape drugged wife

The woman didn't ask for the trial to be held behind closed doors because "that's what her attackers would have wanted," her lawyer said.

Aug 30

Space

More Space

2 astronauts bumped from SpaceX flight to make room for Starliner crew

Crew 9 commander Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson will stay behind when the Crew 9 mission takes off on Sept. 24.

Aug 30

Blue Origin sends 6 passengers on sub-orbital trip to space and back

Blue Origin launched six passengers, including a NASA-sponsored researcher and the youngest woman to fly in space, in the company's eighth crewed spaceflight.

Aug 29

FAA grounds SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets after rare crash-landing

The crash-landing of a SpaceX booster ended a string of 267 successful recoveries in a row.

Aug 28

SpaceX rocket's first stage crashes

SpaceX pressed ahead with plans for back-to-back launches of Starlink internet satellites Wednesday, one from Florida and the other from California. But there were some issues in Florida when the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket toppled over after landing at sea. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.

Aug 28
03:22

Rare SpaceX Falcon 9 landing mishap mars successful Starlink launch

The landing mishap ended a string of 267 successful booster recoveries.

Aug 28

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Aug 19
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Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case

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Jun 22
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Latest CBS News Videos

8/31: Saturday Morning

Donald Trump works to clarify stance on abortion amid conflicting statements; How a chef’s grandmother inspired his culinary career

20H ago
01:22:04

Morgan Wade performs "Time to Love, Time to Kill"

20H ago
03:47

Morgan Wade performs "Total Control"

20H ago
03:54

Morgan Wade performs "2AM in London"

20H ago
03:10

Labor Day weekend travel spikes

The record-breaking summer travel season is getting one last jolt this Labor Day weekend. According to AAA, domestic travel is expected to be up 9% from last year, with travel costs slightly lower than they were in 2023.

22H ago
02:13