China cancels Olympic ticket sales as Omicron arrives in Beijing
Officials had planned to sell residents seats for Winter Games events, but as COVID spreads, the government will now "organize spectators" itself.
Changing China
China locks down another city as Omicron spreads ahead of Olympics
At least 3 cities are totally locked down, with residents ordered to stay at home as China clambers to stick to its zero-COVID strategy.
Activists say Tesla supporting "genocide" with new China showroom
The Council on American-Islamic Relations calls Tesla's new location in the city at the heart of the crackdown on Uyghur Muslims "economic support for genocide."
China denies it's working to rapidly expand its nuclear arsenal
Beijing says it's modernizing its nukes but denies U.S. claims of rapid expansion, and China won't discuss constraints unless U.S. and Russia "drastically reduce" arsenals.
How green can Beijing's "green Olympics" really be?
China has promised a Winter Games to showcase its green credentials, but some call it "irresponsible" to hold an event reliant on snow and ice in a parched landscape.
One of Hong Kong's last pro-democracy news sites shut after police raid
The shuttering of Stand News followed a police raid and arrests. One activist said Hong Kong is now "little more than a police state."
China locks down city of 13 million in bid to curb COVID outbreaks
The restrictions in Xi'an come just weeks before the Winter Olympics and are some of the harshest China has imposed since it locked down Wuhan after the coronavirus was first detected there in 2019.
China's Peng Shuai appears in video denying sexual assault claim
Tennis star insists she "never said that I wrote that anyone sexually assaulted me," weeks after a social media post on her account claimed a Chinese official did just that.
Putin and Xi laud close ties amid mounting tension with the West
The leaders held a friendly video call hours after Russia threatened to "respond militarily" in its standoff with the U.S. and NATO over Ukraine.
Hong Kong convicts jailed pro-democracy activist of yet another crime
As China's crackdown on dissent continues, Amnesty International blasts conviction of Jimmy Lai, 2 others, "simply for their involvement in a peaceful, socially distanced vigil."
Chinese real estate giant Evergrande defaults on $1.2B in bonds
China is intervening to restructure the company floundering under an eye-watering $300 million in debt – part of a wider crisis with "global consequences."
Chinese tennis star calls Olympics chief amid fear for her safety
The IOC's account of Thomas Bach's call with Peng Shuai, even combined with other images of her over the weekend, may fail to convince the world she is really safe and well.
U.N. calls for proof of missing Chinese tennis star's "well-being"
China's Foreign Ministry claims it's "not aware" of global concerns over the disappearance of Peng Shuai following her online claim of sexual assault by a senior politician.
Blinken warns of "democratic recession" as he addresses Africa crises
3-nation visit is part of a long-delayed mission aimed, at part, in answering China's outreach to the continent, but it comes amid war in Ethiopia and a military takeover in Sudan.
Biden's 3.5-hour summit with Xi focuses on "managing strategic risks"
The wide-ranging discussion between the U.S. and Chinese leaders brought no major breakthroughs, but a "respectful" debate on contentious issues including Taiwan and human rights.
Biden to hold "candid" direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping
The virtual summit will be the most significant U.S.-China talks since Biden took office. It comes amid disputes on a range of issues and is intended to ensure that "competition doesn't lead to conflict."
China builds mock-ups of U.S. warships on apparent new target range
The independent U.S. Naval Institute says the dummy ships appear to include details like weapons systems and funnels. They're adding to concern over China's military ambitions.
Biden says U.S. has "commitment" to defend Taiwan if China attacks
The White House quickly walked back his remark, but amid questions over Washington's long-held policy of "strategic ambiguity," China warns the U.S. not to send "wrong signals."
China's reported hypersonic missile test "an important surprise"
Beijing insists it was just a routine test of a "space vehicle," not a test of a high-tech system that could put it ahead of the U.S. in the race to hypersonic weapons.
U.S. nuclear sub hit unknown "object" in South China Sea
The USS Connecticut's crew sustained only minor injuries and the sub is "safe and stable," but China is demanding "details" of the incident in the incredibly sensitive body of water.
Taiwan "very concerned" that China will "launch a war" to take over
Taiwan, a strategic U.S. ally claimed by Beijing as sovereign territory, says 145 Chinese military planes have violated its air defense zone in four days.
American siblings back home after 3 years trapped in China
Cynthia and Victor Liu were blocked from leaving the country by an unexplained "exit ban," until a Chinese tech executive wanted by the U.S. was released.
China says U.K. warship in Taiwan Strait shows "evil intentions"
Beijing has long complained about U.S. "freedom of navigation" passages through the disputed waterway. Now other countries are sailing the same route.
Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil leaders charged with subversion
The arrests, under Hong Kong's national security law, were the latest in Beijing's intensifying crackdown on dissent in the city.
Hong Kong arrests 4 pro-democracy leaders behind Tiananmen vigil
It's the latest major blow for the beleaguered pro-democracy movement in the Chinese city which, until recently, enjoyed a large degree of autonomy from Beijing.
World
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Pope Leo summons cardinals for assembly to help him govern the church
The consistory, as such gatherings are called, will be held Jan. 7-8, immediately following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Seven elephants killed in India after passenger train collides with herd
The train had 650 passengers on board. Several train cars derailed, but there were no human injuries, a spokesperson said.
Russia strikes Ukrainian port, killing 8 and wounding dozens
Some of the wounded were on a bus at the epicenter of the strike, Ukraine's Emergency Service said.
U.S. strikes ISIS targets in Syria, after killing of 2 soldiers and interpreter
The airstrikes on ISIS targets are being conducted in response to the killing of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian contractor by a lone terrorist in Palmyra, Syria.
3 killed in knife attack in Taiwan, suspect falls to his death from store
Police said the suspect was declared dead at a hospital after jumping from the building's sixth floor, the Central News Agency reported.
U.S.
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At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
More World
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Pope Leo summons cardinals for assembly to help him govern the church
The consistory, as such gatherings are called, will be held Jan. 7-8, immediately following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Corn Whiskey Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Corn Whiskey Christmas."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Jolly Man"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Jolly Man."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Holly Jolly Christmas."
Kate Winslet's directorial debut
Kate Winslet is one of Hollywood's most accalimed actors, and now she's testing her skills as a director with the new Christmas film "Goodbye June." She sat down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the challenges of the new role after so many years in front of the camera.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Technology
More Technology
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
More Space
Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Vintage WWII plane turned into a Christmas sleigh
The Southern Cross, a restored C-49 World War II-era plane, is used by a nonprofit group for a peaceful mission this holiday season, to provide a Santa-eye view of the Christmas lights in North Texas. The goal is to keep veteran history alive and air-worthy. Omar Villafranca explains.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Laws in many states don't cover pregnancy loss
There's a growing recognition of a gap in the family leave laws of many states for those that suffer pregnancy loss. As Nikki Battiste reports, some lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more protections for grieving families.
Holiday shoppers out in force amid economic fears
Holiday shopping is in high gear, with the National Retail Federation predicting a record 159 million shoppers on what it calls "Super Saturday," with nearly a third buying gifts in stores. However, consumer sentiment is down as many Americans are concerned about their economic future. Nicole Valdes explains.
U.S. seizes another oil tanker near Venezuela
The U.S. confirmed that it seized an oil tanker near Venezuela, the second such seizure this month. The U.S. Coast Guard led the operation, which took place in international waters. Meanwhile, the U.S. military hit more than 70 targets in a retaliatory assault against ISIS in Syria. Willie James Inman has more.