5 years later, "the Hong Kong we used to know is gone"
Five years after massive pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong drew a stern reaction from Beijing, one Hong Konger says it's become a "a police state."
China
Hong Kong 5 years later
Five years after China cracked down on massive pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, CBS News' Ramy Inocencio speaks with some of the key players who are still in the city, and others who have fled abroad about what some say is now little more than a Chinese police state.
How Hong Kong turned into what some observers call a police state
Five years after Hong Kong saw what's recognized as likely the biggest pro-democracy, anti-China protests in its history, dissent in this city of more than seven million is quelled, after Beijing and Hong Kong rammed through controversial national security laws that make any action or word critical of the government potentially punishable by life in prison. Correspondent Ramy Inocencio talks with observers who describe Hong Kong today as a police state; and with American diplomat Gregory May, who discusses the effect the new laws have had on free expression.
DOJ says TikTok collected U.S. user views on sensitive issues
TikTok employees used an internal system to gather sensitive data about U.S. users, federal officials said.
Pentagon invests in Asian partners as China flexes with Russia
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is making his 11th trip to the Indo-Pacific as secretary just days after Chinese and Russian bombers were intercepted for the first time ever off the coast of Alaska.
Economic growth accelerates in 2nd quarter
The Commerce Department says the nation's gross domestic product, or GDP, rose at an annual rate of 2.8% from April through June. That's more than the 1.9% rate economists had expected for the second quarter. Jeff Stein, White House economics reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News to explain what the GDP growth says about the economy, and how the Federal Reserve could read the data.
New Israeli demands in cease-fire talks
Diplomatic sources tell CBS News that Israel has submitted new demands in the negotiations for a cease-fire deal. The demands from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu include Israeli forces remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis examines how negotiators are expected to react.
U.S. and global anti-doping agencies at odds over Chinese Olympians
The World Anti-Doping Agency says it probed claims of China's Olympic swimmers using drugs and found nothing. U.S. officials don't think they looked hard enough.
U.S. intercepts Russian, Chinese bombers off Alaskan coast
The bombers were intercepted by U.S. and Canadian fighter jets in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.
U.S. intercepts Russian, Chinese bombers
Two Russian and two Chinese bombers were intercepted by the U.S. military in international airspace near the coast of Alaska Wednesday, officials say. The aircraft did not enter U.S. airspace and the activity was "not seen as a threat," according to NORAD.
Russia and China push back against U.S. warnings over Arctic activity
The U.S. says climate change is helping Russia and China boost activity in the Arctic. Moscow and Beijing insist there's no cause for alarm.
China says Hamas and rival faction Fatah sign pact to lead Palestinians
Beijing says rivals Hamas and Fatah agree to form a Palestinian unity government. Israel says it "won't happen."
Marco Rubio on RNC, Ukraine and immigration
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida says former President Donald Trump has been "very impressed" by the production at the Republican National Convention. He joins CBS News to discuss Ukraine, Trump's policy to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, and more.
Canada to quadruple sub fleet as NATO, Russia and China eye the Arctic
Canada plans to buy 12 new submarines as the U.S. and its allies and adversaries step up operations in the thawing Arctic.
Russia, China and other foreign powers react to Trump rally shooting
Iran rejects Trump threat allegations after Russia and other foreign powers react to the assassination attempt on the former U.S. president.
Ancient Chinese game of Mahjong sweeps across North Texas
It's a craze sweeping the nation where each player has a wall of 13 to 14 tiles.
Burkina Faso bans homosexuality as Africa's coup belt rejects the West
Three West African nations ruled by military commanders after recent coups are speaking with one voice to reject Western influence.
Chinese warships spotted near Alaska, U.S. Coast Guard says
Four Chinese military ships were spotted off Alaska's coast over the weekend, the Coast Guard said.
Swimmer rescued by tanker 36 hours after she was swept out to sea
A cargo ship crew spotted a Chinese woman who had drifted 50 miles from the Japanese beach where she went for a swim.
Biden uses NATO as selling point for 2nd term
On Wednesday, President Biden kicked off day two of the NATO 75th anniversary summit in Washington, D.C. The military alliance is telling Russia that the war in Ukraine cannot continue. Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News to discuss.
Man caught smuggling 100 live snakes in his pants
China's customs agency says agents caught a man trying to enter from Hong Kong with 104 snakes of "all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors."
1982 murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit inspires Asian American activism nationwide
In 1982, Chinese American Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat by two white Detroiters, who received no jail time.
Putin and Xi meet for 2nd time in 2 months
Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping met Wednesday for the second time in two months. Markus Garlauskas, director of the Atlantic Council's Indo-Pacific Security Initiative, joins to discuss.
New images of suspected Chinese spy bases
New images of Cuba's electronic eavesdropping bases have been captured from space and are believed to be linked to China, according to a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Matthew Funaiole, co-author of the report, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
Taiwan demands release of fishing vessel it says was seized by China
Taiwan dispatched two vessels to rescue the fishing boat, which had six people aboard, but they were blocked by the Chinese coast guard, officials said.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
Hassett says $2,000 tariff checks for Americans will depend on Congress
Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said Sunday that President Trump's idea to give Americans $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue will "depend on what happens with Congress."
Khanna says DOJ Epstein files release was a "slap in the face" to survivors
Rep. Ro Khanna said the release of an initial tranche of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "slap in the face of survivors," while Rep. Thomas Massie said the DOJ is "flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
U.S. Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela coast, source says
The pursuit of the tanker, off the coast of Venezuela, is the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
Suspected Brown and MIT professor shooter showed signs of anger, former friend says
A former friend of the man accused of the deadly Brown University shooting and killing an MIT professor described him as a "socially awkward" person who showed signs of anger during their time on campus together.
MS-13 gang member sentenced to 1,335 years in prison in El Salvador
Earlier this year, the U.S. designated MS-13, which was formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, a terrorist organization.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
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Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Georgetown coach suspended for one game for water bottle throw
Georgetown men's basketball coach Ed Cooley was suspended by the school on Sunday for one game after throwing a water bottle into the stands at the end of a loss to Xavier the night before.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna join Margaret Brennan.
Khanna says DOJ Epstein files release was a "slap in the face" to survivors
Rep. Ro Khanna said the release of an initial tranche of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "slap in the face of survivors," while Rep. Thomas Massie said the DOJ is "flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
Hassett says $2,000 tariff checks for Americans will depend on Congress
Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said Sunday that President Trump's idea to give Americans $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue will "depend on what happens with Congress."
MoneyWatch
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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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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna join Margaret Brennan.
U.S. Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela coast, source says
The pursuit of the tanker, off the coast of Venezuela, is the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week.
Khanna says DOJ Epstein files release was a "slap in the face" to survivors
Rep. Ro Khanna said the release of an initial tranche of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "slap in the face of survivors," while Rep. Thomas Massie said the DOJ is "flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
Transcript: Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Transcript: UNICEF's Catherine Russell on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Flu cases surging nationwide
Flu cases are on the rise across the country with CDC data showing more than 4 million illnesses this season resulting in roughly 2,000 deaths, including two children. Dr. Benjamin Abella, chair of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, joined CBS News to discuss.
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.
World
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12 bodies found outside Guatemala City linked to gang violence, officials say
At least 12 bodies were found in three days in a wooded area on the outskirts of Guatemala City, authorities said Sunday, linking the discovery to gang violence.
MS-13 gang member sentenced to 1,335 years in prison in El Salvador
Earlier this year, the U.S. designated MS-13, which was formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, a terrorist organization.
U.S. Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela coast, source says
The pursuit of the tanker, off the coast of Venezuela, is the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week.
Thousands gather for winter solstice celebrations at Stonehenge
Many make the pilgrimage to the stone circle every summer and winter and consider it a spiritual experience.
Transcript: Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Entertainment
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Actor James Ransone, known for his role in "The Wire," dies at 46
James Ransone, the actor who played Ziggy Sobotka in the HBO series "The Wire" and appeared in many other TV shows and movies, has died.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.
Technology
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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
Khanna on full Epstein file release
Reps. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, who pushed for the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, said the problem with the release isn't that it's "taking too long" and but that Friday's release is a "slap in the face of survivors."
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.
Space
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Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
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.
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
Riding along on the CPKC Holiday Train
Canadian Pacific Railway decked out its first holiday train 27 years ago. Now merged with Kansas City Southern and known as CPKC, the company is delivering festive fun all across North America. Lana Zak started her travels in Milwaukee.
Inside the idea of 50-year mortgages
Carter Evans reports on the perceived benefits and downsides of 50-year mortgages.
Flu cases surging nationwide
Flu cases are on the rise across the country with CDC data showing more than 4 million illnesses this season resulting in roughly 2,000 deaths, including two children. Dr. Benjamin Abella, chair of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, joined CBS News to discuss.
Thousands honor Bondi Beach victims
On the final night of Hanukkah, thousands came to Bondi Beach to honor the victims of last week's targeted attack in Australia. Leigh Kiniry has more.
Power coming back online in San Francisco
Most of the lights in San Francisco are back on after a power outage left about 130,000 customers in the dark. Nicole Valdes has more.