China stages military exercises as U.S. lawmakers visit Taiwan
The military drills conducted in areas opposite Taiwan were "a countermeasure to the recent negative actions of the U.S.," a Beijing spokesperson said.
Changing China
Shanghai lockdown lifted for some, but millions still trapped and angry
China's biggest city entered its 3rd week of a draconian coronavirus lockdown with anger mounting among its 25 million residents, with no end in sight for most of them.
China paid for U.S. social media influencers to tout Beijing Olympics
Government filings show China paid a company in New Jersey to recruit a "Real Housewives" star, a TikTok "brand king" and others to promote its Winter Games.
China warns against "unfounded accusations" over Ukraine atrocities
The Chinese foreign minister said Russia can't be blamed for the "deeply disturbing" civilian deaths near Kyiv until the "full picture is clear."
China stops separating families under COVID lockdown amid outcry
The change to the draconian "zero-COVID" policies came as China's largest city struggled to contain the virus, reporting another record number of new cases.
U.S. helps China seek clues on plane's deadly nosedive into a mountain
Both black boxes from the China Eastern Airlines 737 that crashed last month, killing all 132 on board, are with NTSB experts in Washington.
China defends policy of separating COVID-positive kids from parents
Officials in China's biggest city of Shanghai have refused to budge from the draconian "zero-COVID" policies despite mounting anger.
Frustration mounts as China extends COVID lockdown in Shanghai
China's most populous, wealthiest city was supposed to be shut down in 2 phases for about a week. That's been extended, and it could be extended again.
Solomon Islands says concern over ties with China "very insulting"
The small but strategic South Pacific island nation is forging a new security pact with Beijing – a growing alliance U.S. allies in the region call "gravely concerning."
Russia says it's building a new "democratic world order" with China
Russia's top diplomat, visiting Beijing for the 1st time during his country's war in Ukraine, said the allies would "move towards a multipolar, just, democratic world order."
China locks down Shanghai as Omicron fuels record surge in COVID cases
Locking down the entire global financial hub's population of 25 million all at once was deemed too big a risk, so it has been split in half for a phased shutdown.
Japan approves boosted funding for U.S. military presence as threats loom
Lawmakers approved the $8.6 billion, 5-year host-nation budget amid rising threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
U.S. sanctions Chinese officials over persecution of religious minorities
Beijing threatened to impose tit-for-tat sanctions on U.S. officials after Antony Blinken called on China to end the "ongoing genocide" against the Uyghur people.
Airline confirms fatalities as Boeing carrying 132 crashes in China
The China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737 came down in a steep dive in a rural area near the city of Wuzhou, causing a "mountain fire" and an unknown number of deaths.
Five people accused of working in U.S. for Chinese secret police
In one case, prosecutors say a Chinese agent discussed trying stop a Tiananmen Square protest organizer from running for Congress by setting him up with a prostitute and beating him up.
Lockdowns as "stealth Omicron" variant fuels record COVID cases in China
While the overall numbers are small compared to other nations, they're the highest China has ever confirmed, and authorities are racing to stamp out flare-ups.
China locks down city of 9 million as COVID cases spike
After a cluster of infections was reported on campus, university students in hazmat suits lined up in the cold and dark waiting to be transferred.
China accuses U.S. of "creating panic" over Russia-Ukraine crisis
Beijing suggests the Biden administration is "adding fuel to the fire while blaming others," which it considers "irresponsible and immoral."
Beijing Olympics officially kick off, under a cloud of controversy
The actual events have been underway for days and athletes – and China – are staying focused, despite widespread criticism over the host nation's human rights record.
Under pressure from the U.S., Russia and China show a united front
Vladimir Putin was in Beijing for the Olympic opening ceremony, but he also came for a show of solidarity with another potent U.S. adversary.
For China's Uyghurs, "the genocide doesn't stop" for the Olympics
Ahead of the Olympics in Beijing, Uyghur activist Zumretay Arkin tells CBS News it feels like the world has told her people to wait quietly, and then "we'll get back to your genocide."
Gay dating app Grindr disappears from multiple app stores in China
China's cyber authority is clamping down even harder on online behavior the ruling Communist Party dislikes ahead of February's Winter Olympics.
"Fight Club" has a very different ending in China
The actual movie ends with the protagonist blowing up office buildings in a symbolic blow to authority and societal norms – not quite the right message for a Chinese audience, apparently.
Can China's extreme measures ensure a COVID-free Olympics?
At the first sign of an outbreak, China will lockdown an entire city or force an entire district in its capital city to get tested, but the coronavirus is notoriously difficult to shut out.
China flies 39 warplanes into Taiwan's air defense zone in a day
Beijing considers the U.S.-backed, democratic, self-ruled island part of its territory, and has threatened to reclaim it by force if necessary.
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.
More U.S.
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
More Politics
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
More HealthWatch
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
More Entertainment
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
More Science
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
More Crime
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
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.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Eye Opener: Bondi Beach lifeguard tribute
Services honoring the victims of last week's deadly attack on a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration are ongoing, including a touching lifeguard vigil by those working at the Australian tourist destination. Meanwhile, President Trump announced a plan to lower drug prices on Friday. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
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.