Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
CBS Evening News
Weeknights 6:30PM ET on CBS
10PM ET on the CBS News app
Top Stories
Will Trump seek investment to join China in a "dark factory" future?
A Chinese manufacturing giant tells CBS News how its sprawling factory runs with a fraction of the human workforce previously required.
Tony Dokoupil: Don't just trust me. Make me earn it.
"You come first," declares the new anchor of the Evening News. "Not advertisers. Not politicians. Not corporate interests — including the new owners of CBS."
CDC leader says hantavirus not "a five-alarm fire bell"
Jay Bhattacharya, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CBS News that the hantavirus outbreak should be treated differently from COVID.
Exclusive
Inside the effort to replace America's Minuteman III nuclear missiles
Hundreds of Minuteman III nuclear missile silos dot the landscape from Colorado up to the Canadian border, but a major transition is underway.
Latest Videos
More
Latest Videos
Is a powerful new China a true narrative?
As President Trump and China's Xi Jinping prepare to meet, Americans will hear a lot about American decline and the rise of a powerful new China. The Chinese certainly believe it - but is it true? Tony Dokoupil has more.
New video shows dramatic Air Force rescue
The U.S. military rescued a small plane that crashed off Florida's East Coast on Tuesday. The passengers were stranded at sea for hours. Cristian Benavides reports.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Inflation getting worse, Americans feel it
Wholesale prices in the U.S. jumped 6% last month compared to a year ago, the highest annual increase in more than three years. Gas prices are driving the increase, and Americans are feeling the impact. Jo Ling Kent reports.
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
Trump given red carpet welcome in Beijing
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet face-to-face for the first time on this trip at an elaborate welcome ceremony. The two-day visit is meant to signal stability to the world, showing that the competition between the U.S. and China is not escalating into confrontation. Weijia Jiang has more from Beijing.
Custodian ushers ducklings to golf course
Outside of Chicago, at Western Avenue Elementary, the head custodian has been looking out for little ducklings for 29 years. Matt Gutman has the story.
Latest Full Episodes
More
Latest Full Episodes
5/13: CBS Evening News
President Trump in China amid economic pressure at home caused by Iran war; Alex Murdaugh to be tried again after court overturns murder convictions.
5/12: CBS Evening News
President Trump says he's not backing down as Iran war spikes cost of living; California mayor pleads guilty to acting as an illegal agent for China.
On The Road
More
On The Road
Donors pitch in after wildfire devastation
The largest wildfire in Nebraska history burned about a thousand square miles of ranchland, including the Wintz's entire 11,000-acre ranch. When they and others faced the threat of losing their livelihoods, thousands of anonymous donors stepped up from across the U.S.
Soccer star inspires young girl just like her
Nine-year-old Hayden Stine was born without most of her right arm. When she went to a Denver Summit women's soccer home opener, she saw a player, Carson Pickett, just like her. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with a story about the importance of role models.
102-year-old strives for perfection in pottery
George Strausman of Great Neck, New York, is 102 years old and still works four days a week in his family's construction business. But it's what he does on his day off that is even more remarkable. Steve Hartman has his story in "On the Road."
Team that appealed own victory gets award
A girls' basketball team appealed their victory after the coach discovered they didn't actually win. Now, they're being lauded for their character. Steve Hartman has the update.
Carousel owner steps up after fire hits businesses
Years after the Vietnam War, a veteran who suffered from PTSD found hope and joy in an old carousel he brought back to life. When a recent fire destroyed the businesses around it, he stepped in to give back. Steve Hartman has the update.
Meet "Dave the Rave," pillar of New Jersey town
Clinton, New Jersey, is known primarily for its old grist mill, its quaint downtown, and its historic…Dave the Rave. Steve Hartman has the story.
Man offers free surf lessons to cope with issues
For Buddy Wiggins of Honolulu, Hawaii, the end result of a yearslong sports gambling addiction has come to this: soliciting strangers on the beach. The 32-year-old pool cleaner says he heard a voice, a calling, to take his life in a radically different direction. Steve Hartman has the story.
Man's cat sanctuary naps help rescue expand impact
A retired teacher started volunteering to take care of cats at a sanctuary, but his mission quickly evolved to napping with them. Steve Hartman checks in seven years later about the viral moments have allowed them to help even more cats over the years.
Man spent decades making model of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost one million structures. Steve Hartman has the story.
U.S.
More U.S.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Politics
More Politics
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon are set to resume peace talks in Washington.
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
New Yorker describes hantavirus quarantine experience after cruise ship outbreak
A New York native is among 16 American passengers who are quarantining in Nebraska after being on the cruise ship that is at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
World
More World
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon are set to resume peace talks in Washington.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Stars of "Dutton Ranch" on reprising roles
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the stars and executive producers of "Dutton Ranch," sit down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about reprising their "Yellowstone" roles for the series spinoff. The series premieres May 15 on Paramount+.
Technology
More Technology
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
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.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has more.
How AI is changing travel
Almost every industry worldwide is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, and the airline industry is no different. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel joins "The Takeout" to discuss AI's impact on travel.
Science
More Science
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Crime
More Crime
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Why Alex Murdaugh is getting a new trial
Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and granted Murdaugh a new trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Kouri Richins speaks at sentencing hearing
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom convicted of murdering her husband, spoke for nearly 40 minutes at her sentencing hearing on Wednesday. Richins apologized to her sons and told them to "take care of one another." She was later sentenced to life without parole.
Space
More Space
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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
Sneak peek: The Man with Two Names
After a conviction in the arson death of a billionaire in Monaco, Ted Maher changes his name and puts out a hit on his estranged wife in New Mexico. He denies it all. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports Saturday, May 16 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Watch: Trump, Xi arrive for summit
President Trump and Xi Jinping arrived for their high-stakes summit Thursday morning in Beijing. They are expected to discuss trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. Jessi Mitchell anchors CBS News' special report.
Study: Cash can help prevent homelessness
New research from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health shows that one-time direct cash payments of, on average, $3,700 can help prevent young people from falling into homelessness. Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
5/13: The Takeout with Major Garrett
President Trump's trip to China gets underway; DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin details what ICE agents will be doing at World Cup games.