U.S. voices concern as China drops travel bans despite COVID surge
The fast-changing rules have fueled excitement and a boom in travel queries in China, but with hospitals overwhelmed, many other nations are imposing new restrictions.
Changing China
Japan to double defense spending, gain missiles amid regional threats
U.S. officials were quick to praise the massive adjustment to post-WWII Japan's pacifist policy as marking "a new era in the defense of democracy."
"Explosion" of COVID cases in China not due to relaxed rules, WHO says
Despite official promises of a vaccine surge and calls for most of those infected to just ride it out, sudden policy changes have left many people nervous.
China accepts "no way to keep track" of COVID cases as strategy shifts
Official case numbers have been falling, but many in Beijing are still in near-panic mode despite government efforts to clarify the new policy.
China announces major easing of "zero-COVID" policy after protests
The announcement appeared to be in response to widespread protests in recent weeks, including some of the boldest demonstrations China has seen in decades.
China fines former NBA star Jeremy Lin over "inappropriate" comments
Lin, born in California to parents from Taiwan, was the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.
"This is huge": Historic China protests bring back memories of 1989
Historic protests mark the first time since 1989 that China has seen protests explicitly calling for the downfall of China's Communist Party.
China signals possible shift from "zero-COVID" policy after protests
Days after the most significant protests the ruling Communist Party has faced in decades, a senior health official heralded "a new situation," and 2 megacities eased restrictions.
Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin dies at 96
Jiang led his country out of isolation after the Tiananmen Square crackdown, backing economic reform that ushered a decade of explosive growth.
China responds to rare protests with a security "crackdown"
The federal agency in charge of China's law enforcement authorities said it was time to crack down on "illegal criminal behavior that has disrupted social order."
Students sent home, demonstrators questioned as China tries to end protests
Crowds angered by severe anti-COVID restrictions gathered over the weekend in the biggest show of public dissent the country has seen in decades.
China's Xi Jinping faces calls to resign amid unprecedented protests
"Down with Xi Jinping! Down with the Communist Party!" protesters could be heard chanting in videos circulated online.
Far from "zero-COVID," cases in China are setting new records
As other nations seem to be living with the virus, China is doubling down on its draconian policy, and that's fueling a rare backlash in the tightly controlled nation.
Pop star Kris Wu sentenced to 13 years for rape, other charges
Wu was previously one of China's most bankable stars, but brands including Louis Vuitton and Porsche suspended their partnerships with him over the case.
Frustration mounts as 2nd child's death blamed on China COVID lockdown
Despite anger vented online over the draconian measures, officials in one major city with cases soaring said they'd build quarantine space for 250,000 more people.
The evolution of U.S.-China relations — "Intelligence Matters"
Allison talks with host Michael Morell about Xi's plan for China, the negative consequences of bellicose rhetoric and how Taiwan could potentially trigger a war between the U.S. and China.
Biden and Xi say they'll "manage our differences" as they meet in Bali
Biden said the leaders accept a joint responsibility to "prevent competition from becoming anything ever near conflict and to find ways to work together on urgent global issues."
China eases, slightly, its draconian "zero-COVID" restrictions
The moves are clearly aimed at luring some business back into the country, but they may not go far enough to entice many travelers.
People and businesses suffer, but China won't budge from "zero-COVID"
Even as cases rise, deaths are blamed on lockdowns and iPhone production takes a hit, China insists Xi Jinping's signature policy is "completely correct."
Shanghai Disneyland visitors locked in park for hours for COVID tests
China's draconian "zero-COVID" policy has kept infection rates relatively low, but at a high cost as businesses struggle with repeated shutdowns.
Behind Xi Jinping, these are the 6 most powerful men in China
Most of the members are new to the Communist Party's powerful Politburo Standing Committee, and all of them are seen as loyalists to the president.
Ex-Chinese president unexpectedly led out of Communist Party congress
The frail-looking 79-year-old seemed reluctant to leave the front row of proceedings at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, where he was sitting next to President Xi Jinping.
Strict COVID-19 policies drive people out of Hong Kong
Over the past year, more than 100,000 people have left — a record.
China deletes reports of teen girl's death in COVID quarantine center
Videos appearing to show the teen died in a quarantine center without medical attention were scrubbed from the internet as Communist leaders gathered in Beijing.
Xi Jinping's rise leaves Hong Kong mired in fear of blurry "red lines"
There's little room for free speech when "you could be arrested and could be put in jail, maybe for a year or two years, with no trial."
World
June was the hottest on record for Western Europe, second hottest globally
A new report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service also found that June temperatures in Western Europe were nearly 5.5 degrees above average.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Doctor with "lust for murder" convicted in deaths of 15 patients
The doctor allegedly killed 12 women and three men between 2021 and 2024. He allegedly set fire to some of the victims' apartments to cover up the killings.
Telegram used to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say
The suspects posted videos of their attacks and referred to women as "cars," sedatives as "fuel" and rape as "driving," according to court documents.
Live
U.S. launches more strikes against Iran after Trump says ceasefire is "over"
The U.S. began a second night of strikes against Iranian targets late Wednesday, following Iranian attacks on commercial oil tankers.
U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iranian attacks on tankers
The Trump administration has revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, a key source of revenue for the regime, after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Navy identifies missing sailor after Arabian Sea emergency landing
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said he has directed that Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards be posthumously promoted to his selected rank of captain.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S.
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Second Memphis fatal shooting in 4 days by federal task force, officials say
A member of a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis shot and killed a man there on Wednesday, the second fatal shooting by a task force member in four days.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
Sons of man killed by ICE officer in Houston demand independent probe
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo worked for 35 years to send all three of his American citizen sons to college, his son said. He was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Tuesday.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
MoneyWatch
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Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Stocks slide, oil surges after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
Oil prices jumped 6% while U.S. stocks fell as renewed Middle East conflict threatens crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Politics
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Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
NASA chief flew private military jets over D.C. for July 4th despite FAA disapproval
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a flyover Saturday — with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger — despite safety objections from the FAA.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
HealthWatch
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What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
World
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June was the hottest on record for Western Europe, second hottest globally
A new report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service also found that June temperatures in Western Europe were nearly 5.5 degrees above average.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Doctor with "lust for murder" convicted in deaths of 15 patients
The doctor allegedly killed 12 women and three men between 2021 and 2024. He allegedly set fire to some of the victims' apartments to cover up the killings.
Telegram used to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say
The suspects posted videos of their attacks and referred to women as "cars," sedatives as "fuel" and rape as "driving," according to court documents.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The War and Treaty performs "Litty"
The War and Treaty performs "Litty" from their new album "The Story of Michael and Tanya" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.
Goo Goo Dolls perform "Slide"
The Goo Goo Dolls perform their hit song "Slide" as America rings in its 250th birthday
2026 Emmy nominations are announced: See the full list
The nominations for the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, with the final season of HBO Max's "Hacks" setting a new record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
Cristo Fernández on kid's book, loving soccer
"Ted Lasso" actor Cristo Fernández shares the inspiration behind his new children's book "Fútbol is Life!" The bilingual book draws on Fernández's childhood experiences growing up in Guadalajara and is "a love letter to the game" of soccer.
Restaurants rebound with "Kitchen Undercover"
Chef Antonia Lofaso helps struggling restaurants get back on track with her new show, "Kitchen Undercover." Lofaso joins "CBS Mornings" to explain how.
Technology
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China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
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.
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
Science
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2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
Crime
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Crime
Lawyers battle over evidence in Kirk case
In Utah, a judge is weighing whether 23-year-old Tyler Robinson should face trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and whether a recorded interview with Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner should be made public. Carter Evans reports.
Person of interest in custody after stray bullet hits 5-year-old in Detroit
Kaizer, 5, is expected to make a full recovery after a stray bullet struck him while he rode his bicycle near his west side Detroit home Tuesday evening, his family said.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk death back in court
Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder, is due back in court today as he faces Day 3 of preliminary hearings. This comes after prosecutors unveiled footage of him on the Utah college campus where Kirk was killed. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Ex-Wisconsin judge fined $5,000, spared prison in ICE obstruction case
A former Wisconsin judge will soon learn her sentence for felony obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal officers.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Rahm Emanuel delivers tough love on Israel
Former Chicago mayor and former U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel spoke at Tel Aviv University on Wednesday. The potential Democratic presidential candidate called to end unconditional U.S. support for Israel as part of a larger political shift among Democrats.
Analysis of Trump revoking Iran's oil waver
The rise in oil prices comes after the Trump administration on Tuesday revoked a waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil. CBS News coordinating producer Richard Escobedo has more.
Middle East expert on U.S. strikes on Iran
U.S. Central Command said the U.S. military is conducting a new wave of strikes on Iran at the direction of the president. The second night of strikes came after President Trump said the fragile ceasefire between the two countries was over as far as he was concerned. Will Todman, senior fellow for the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has more.
Graham Platner suspends his campaign
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. He has denied all claims. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Details: Graham Platner suspends his campaign
Maine Democrat Graham Platner has dropped out of his race for Senate following sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Jessi Mitchell anchors this special report.