A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
Omicron Variant
U.S. COVID hospitalizations steadily rising
COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased significantly over the past month and are expected to continue rising, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, demand for in-person and at-home COVID tests is also surging. Elaine Quijano has details.
Highly mutated strain of new COVID variant reported in Michigan
Cases of the new COVID variant BA.2.86 have been spotted in Michigan, Denmark and Israel.
2/2: CBS News Mornings
Central and Northeastern U.S. bracing for snow, ice, frigid temperatures; Teen's initiative sends thousands of books to hospitals and schools
3/14: CBS News Mornings
Dozens reported killed as Russia expands assault in western Ukraine; Guest worker visa applications soar amid labor shortage
CDC tracking new COVID variant EU.1.1
Nearly 100 cases of the COVID variant EU.1.1 have been reported in Utah — more than any other state.
New variant XBB.1.5 now more than a quarter of U.S. cases
XBB.1.5's prevalence remains highest in the Northeast, according to the CDC's latest estimates.
Examining the new COVID travel policy from China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that, beginning Jan. 5, all travelers coming to the U.S. from China will have to test negative for COVID-19 before boarding flights. Associated Press reporter Dake Kang spoke with CBS News about China's struggles with COVID-19.
BF.7: What to know about the Omicron COVID variant
Although reports from China about this variant's characteristics are concerning, it doesn't appear to be growing too much elsewhere in the world.
CDC says it's now tracking a new COVID variant known as XBB
The XBB variant has climbed to 3.1% of new COVID cases nationwide, the CDC now estimates.
In his final COVID briefing, Fauci hopes for less deadly COVID wave this winter
The president's outgoing chief medical adviser pointed to new CDC data suggesting the updated boosters will increase protection against infection.
CDC now tracking BN.1, the latest new COVID variant on the rise
The strain has climbed to make up 4.3% of new COVID-19 cases nationwide.
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.
NIH investigates Boston University COVID experiments amid controversy
Boston University says its research with "chimeric recombinant" viruses did not lead to a "gain of function."
11/29: CBSN AM
Omicron variant threatens U.S. recovery efforts; Hanukkah ceremonies and celebrations underway worldwide
"Pretty troublesome": New COVID variant BQ.1 growing rapidly
The CDC said BQ.1 and one of its descendants, BQ.1.1, represent "a small but fast-growing subset of the Omicron variant."
New COVID boosters for kids 5 and up
Children ages 5 and up are now eligible to get the new COVID-19 booster shots, which target both the original coronavirus and its Omicron variants. CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus joins us to discuss the vaccine, and he also answers questions about a new study on colonoscopies.
Back-to-school COVID-19 safety concerns
As we head into another school year, some parents are concerned over the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in the classroom. Only about 30% of elementary school-aged kids are fully vaccinated, and experts warn the U.S. could see another fall or winter surge of cases. Dr. Mark Kline, physician-in-chief at Children's Hospital New Orleans, joins CBS News to discuss.
12/19: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," there is frustration and fear as we head into the holiday season, amid what top U.S. health officials are calling an incoming tidal wave of COVID cases.
FDA authorizes Omicron booster shots
New COVID booster shots that target the latest Omicron variants could be available within days, after the FDA authorized the updated boosters made by Pfizer and Moderna.
Dr. Agus answers questions on COVID rebound
CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus explains why COVID-19 cases sometimes "rebound" in patients who were treated with Paxlovid. He also answers viewers' questions about Omicron subvariants and whether there's a risk of catching monkeypox at the gym.
China fights COVID outbreak
What's behind the spike in COVID cases in China, and what the government is trying to do to combat it? Ben Cowling, the head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Hong Kong University, joins CBS News to discuss.
CDC warns of more contagious sub-variant
Health officials are warning Americans to continue to take caution against COVID-19. Lenny Bernstein, a health reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the concerns over a sub-variant called BA.2.
Vaccine-resistant COVID could develop
So far, COVID-19 vaccines have continued to offer some protection against variants. But a vaccine-resistant strain could develop in the future. Dr. Mark Dybul, the CEO of Enochian Biosciences, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss the risk, as well as the latest data on Pfizer's antiviral pill.
Omicron subvariant BA.5 driving U.S. COVID cases
Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 now account for more than nine out of 10 new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. CBS News reporter Alexander Tin joined "Red and Blue" to discuss the latest numbers from the CDC.
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before hearing on sanctions
The Florida Democrat stepped down shortly before a House Ethics Committee hearing to determine whether she should be punished.
Live
Iran balks at Trump's threats as his deadline for a deal approaches
It's unclear when or even if top Iranian officials will come to Pakistan for peace talks just a day before Trump's latest ultimatum expires.
Kevin Warsh testifies that the Fed will remain "strictly independent"
Warsh, nominated by President Trump to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, also said he'll work with the White House on some matters.
Virginia Democrats seek 10-1 congressional map with voter referendum
The referendum is seeking to amend the state's constitution to use the Democratic-controlled Assembly's redrawn congressional maps, which will give Democrats an advantage in 10 of the state's 11 House districts.
FBI investigating deaths, disappearances of staff at government labs
The disappearances and deaths of 10 government workers tied to nuclear or space technology have sparked speculation online. President Trump said the cases are "hopefully, coincidence."
Democrats demand Trump admin. halt plan to collect federal workers' health data
After KFF Health News reported that the Trump administration is seeking federal workers' medical records, Democratic lawmakers are insisting that the Office of Personnel Management drop its request.
Southern Poverty Law Center facing DOJ probe over use of paid informants
The Justice Department is investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center in connection with a now-defunct program that used paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups.
NATO intercepts Russian bombers and fighter jets over Baltic Sea
The Russian mission included two supersonic Tu-22M3s, as well as about 10 fighters, the French detachment said.
Hegseth scraps mandatory flu shots for troops
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. service members will no longer be required to get annual flu shots.
U.S.
More U.S.
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions
The Florida Democrat stepped down shortly before a House Ethics Committee hearing to determine whether she should be punished.
Senate GOP unveils budget resolution, kickstarting process to fund ICE
Senate Republicans unveiled a budget resolution to begin the process of funding immigration agencies under DHS without help from Democrats.
Meet the 2026 National Teacher of the Year
"CBS Mornings" exclusively revealed Leon Smith, who teaches at Haverford High School in Pennsylvania, as the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.
Hegseth scraps mandatory flu shots for troops
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. service members will no longer be required to get annual flu shots.
Southern Poverty Law Center facing DOJ probe over use of paid informants
The Justice Department is investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center in connection with a now-defunct program that used paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Kevin Warsh testifies that the Fed will remain "strictly independent"
Warsh, nominated by President Trump to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, also said he'll work with the White House on some matters.
Who will run the Federal Reserve if the Senate doesn't confirm Trump's pick?
President Trump is fighting to reshape the Federal Reserve by replacing Chair Jerome Powell with Kevin Warsh — but if the Senate doesn't confirm Warsh by next month, it's not clear who will run the nation's central bank.
Uber found liable for actions of driver who grabbed passenger's inner thigh
The so-called bellwether case is part of a broader group of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Uber in multiple jurisdictions around the country and is the third to go to trial.
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, with John Ternus tapped as successor
Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down in August and become executive chairman of Apple's board.
Kevin Warsh faces lawmakers in Fed chair confirmation hearing today
Senators are likely to press Warsh, President Trump's nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair, on his views about inflation and interest rates.
Politics
More Politics
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions
The Florida Democrat stepped down shortly before a House Ethics Committee hearing to determine whether she should be punished.
Senate GOP unveils budget resolution, kickstarting process to fund ICE
Senate Republicans unveiled a budget resolution to begin the process of funding immigration agencies under DHS without help from Democrats.
Hegseth scraps mandatory flu shots for troops
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. service members will no longer be required to get annual flu shots.
Southern Poverty Law Center facing DOJ probe over use of paid informants
The Justice Department is investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center in connection with a now-defunct program that used paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups.
Kevin Warsh testifies that the Fed will remain "strictly independent"
Warsh, nominated by President Trump to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, also said he'll work with the White House on some matters.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
World
More World
Trump says U.K.'s Starmer can "recover" as Epstein scandal hits him again
Trump says British leader Keir Starmer has "time to recover" from the latest scandal over his decision to tap an Epstein associate as his U.S. ambassador.
Iran war shows "era of fossil fuel security is over," says U.K energy secretary
President Trump recently encouraged the U.K. to "drill baby, drill" in the oil-rich North Sea.
NATO intercepts Russian bombers and fighter jets over Baltic Sea
The Russian mission included two supersonic Tu-22M3s, as well as about 10 fighters, the French detachment said.
Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members
Nearly 500 alleged MS-13 members, including several alleged leaders, are on trial collectively in El Salvador, accused of thousands of murders.
Live
Iran balks at Trump's threats as his deadline for a deal approaches
It's unclear when or even if top Iranian officials will come to Pakistan for peace talks just a day before Trump's latest ultimatum expires.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Opening statements in Weinstein rape retrial
Opening statements have concluded in Harvey Weinstein's New York rape retrial. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
D4vd charged with murder in14-year-old's death
Singer D4vd appeared in court Monday, hours after prosecutors announced he would be charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Matt Gutman reports.
Details on charges against D4vd in teen's death
Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged singer D4vd in the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car last year. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman has the details.
What to know on the "Matlock" season finale
"Matlock" stars Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter join CBS News with more clues ahead of the show's season finale.
Indigo Girls' member reveals incurable medical disorder affecting her voice
Emily Saliers, one-half of the Atlanta folk duo The Indigo Girls, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with two incurable movement disorders that will forever change the way that she sings.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
How Tim Cook's Apple exit impacts big tech
Tim Cook announced he's stepping down as Apple CEO after nearly 15 years. Anna Rathbun, the CEO and founder of Grenadilla Advisory, joins with more.
Major change at Apple
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced he is stepping down from his leadership role running one of the world's biggest companies. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO
Tim Cook, who has been with Apple for nearly three decades and has served as the company's CEO for 15 years, will step down in September and stay on as chairman. The tech giant announced Monday who will replace Cook. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO
After 15 years, Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple's CEO. Starting in September, Cook will be the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. New York Times technology correspondent Mike Isaac joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
More Science
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
D4vd pleads not guilty to first-degree murder
Singer and songwriter D4vd is facing several charges linked to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. CBS News' Matt Gutman has the latest.
Weinstein faces third rape trial in New York
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein will be in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday for trial. He is accused of third-degree rape. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacán pyramids
A Canadian tourist was killed, and 13 others were injured, during a shooting at the popular Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico, officials confirmed. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
D4vd charged with murder, pleads not guilty
Singer D4vd pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. If convicted he could face the death penalty.
Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members
Nearly 500 alleged MS-13 members, including several alleged leaders, are on trial collectively in El Salvador, accused of thousands of murders.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Virginia redistricting election underway
Virginia voters are headed to the polls Tuesday for a special election that would redraw the state's congressional district map. CBS News' Fin Gomez has more.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns
Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from Congress Tuesday moments before a House Ethics Committee meeting to determine whether any punishment was warranted for her alleged misconduct. She has been charged with stealing nearly $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for her campaign and pleaded not guilty.
Opening statements in Weinstein rape retrial
Opening statements have concluded in Harvey Weinstein's New York rape retrial. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
Early takeaways from Kevin Warsh hearing
Kevin Warsh, President Trump's 91³Ô¹ÏÍø for chair of the Federal Reserve, told senators Tuesday that the central bank would remain "strictly independent." CBS News' Taurean Small reports on the hearing.
Warsh asked about Lisa Cook firing
During questioning from Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Kevin Warsh declined to weigh in on President Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook from her position on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, a case that is now before the Supreme Court. "The Fed should stay in its lane," Warsh said.