Chinese balloons are part of wider surveillance program
China's balloon program is "designed to augment" its surveillance abilities, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
China
Chinese balloon reignites debate to limit foreign farmland ownership
Lawmakers in Congress and at least 11 statehouses are weighing legislation to further limit foreign ownership of farmland.
Vice President Harris on State of the Union
Vice President Kamala Harris joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss President Biden's State of the Union address, including the Biden administration's economic policy, relationship with China and approach to policing reform.
Rep. Don Bacon on U.S.-China relations
Fallout from the Chinese spy balloon has put a renewed focus on China and foreign policy ahead of President Biden's State of the Union address. Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska joins CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Caitlin Huey-Burns to discuss that plus the looming standoff over the debt ceiling.
Margaret Brennan on U.S.-China relations
President Biden is expected to address the strained relationship between the U.S. and China during his State of the Union address. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan joins John Dickerson on "Prime Time" to discuss that, plus the tone the president needs to strike on the economy.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene carried a white balloon ahead of SOTU
Greene's stunt was meant to express concern about the suspected Chinese spy balloon that was spotted over the United States and shot down in the Atlantic Ocean.
Officials reveal size of suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down
A senior Biden administration official confirmed that the U.S. intelligence community believes the balloon was part of a surveillance program run by the People's Liberation Army.
Biden to lay out foreign policy vision
President Biden is expected to cover several topics during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, including foreign policy. CBS News anchors Lana Zak and Errol Barnett spoke with White House principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton about how he plans to address the topic.
Pentagon: Chinese spy balloon was 200 feet tall
The Pentagon says the suspected Chinese spy balloon was up to 200 feet tall. Though the U.S. shot this one down, the White House says similar balloons flew over U.S. territory during the Trump administration. Retired Air Force Colonel Scott Caine joins CBS News to discuss the United States' handling of the balloon takedown.
President Biden prepares for State of the Union
President Biden is set to deliver his State of the Union address, facing new challenges from the Republican controlled House. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett has more.
H.R. McMaster on China's spy balloon efforts
The Pentagon has released new details about the size and scope of the suspected Chinese spy balloon that crossed over the United States last week. CBS News contributor and former Trump administration national security adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster joins "CBS News Mornings" to talk about the findings and what comes next as the military collects and analyzes the debris.
U.S. works to recover Chinese balloon debris
The U.S. is working to recover the debris of the suspected Chinese spy balloon after the military shot it down off the coast of South Carolina. Weijia Jiang reports from the White House, and CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin joins John Dickerson on "Prime Time" to discuss.
FAA proposes $1M fine for United Airlines
The FAA is proposing a fine of more than $1 million on United Airlines over preflight safety checks. New York City is lifting its COVID vaccine mandate for public workers this week. And as concerns grow over China's ability to gather information on the U.S., Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says state agencies must ban TikTok on government devices by next week.
U.S. military seeks to recover debris from Chinese spy balloon
The Pentagon assesses that the balloon was up to 200 feet tall and generated a sizable debris field after its destruction.
Spy balloons flew over U.S. at least 3 times during Trump admin., White House says
A senior administration official said that this information was not discovered until after Trump left office.
China reporter on Beijing's balloon reaction
China has condemned the U.S. for shooting down a balloon over the weekend that is suspected of being used for surveillance purposes. Phelim Kine, China correspondent for Politico, discusses what the controversy means for U.S-China relations.
Mixed reaction to takedown of Chinese balloon
Congressional leaders are torn on their reaction to President Biden's decision to take down a Chinese balloon spotted in U.S. airspace. Nancy Cordes joins "CBS News Mornings" to break down the arguments on both sides of the aisle.
The IMF's outlook on China
“At this point, what we see is China accelerating but still falling below its historic trend,” IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said about China’s economy in 2023.
White House on suspected Chinese spy balloon
CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins Lana Zak and Elaine Quijano to discuss what the White House is saying after the U.S. shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the weekend. She also shares how the incident could shape the president's upcoming State of the Union address.
China: U.S. "overreacted" in shooting balloon
China accused the United States of indiscriminate use of force after a suspected spy balloon was shot down after it flew over the U.S. for days. Nancy Cordes reports.
H.R. McMaster on suspected spy balloon
CBS News contributor and former National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the suspected Chinese spy balloon and what kind of information it could have gathered.
Suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down
A suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down after being spotted over the U.S. has heightened already tense relations between the two countries. Tara Copp, the Pentagon correspondent with the Associated Press, joined CBS News to discuss what actions the Biden administration could take against Beijing.
Tensions rise between U.S. and China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that had been floating high above the U.S. for days. CBS News correspondent Jarred Hill reports on the latest, and CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer joined "CBS News Mornings" to discuss how the incident could affect U.S.-China relations.
Pentagon tracking suspected Chinese spy balloon
CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin discusses the Pentagon's monitoring of the suspected Chinese spy balloon moving east across the U.S.
2/5: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," the high stakes diplomatic drama over the Chinese spy balloon is intensifying, as we learn more about what the Chinese may have discovered from their soaring surveillance. We ask Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz how the incident will impact our already strained relationship with China. Then, following the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by the Memphis police, we'll take a look at efforts to renew police reform with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.
Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
He says the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Live
CENTCOM chief visits USS Abraham Lincoln amid morale concerns
Meanwhile, Israel is being condemned by Lebanese leaders for strikes in the south that killed at least 11 people, including children.
Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
Tropical Storm Lala brings drenching rain, wind across the Hawaiian Islands
As a hurricane, Lala skirted past Hawaii's Big Island, where it brought heavy rain and the possibility of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following a formal request for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Exclusive
Ukraine's own ballistic missiles could strike Russia within months, says former minister
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister who is widely credited as the architect of the country's modern war-fighting strategy, told CBS News in an exclusive interview that he believes Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia.
Tommy John, MLB All-Star pitcher who had a surgery named after him, dies at 83
One of Tommy John's biggest legacies to MLB was his comeback elbow reconstruction surgery that now bears his name.
U.S.
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Rep. Don Bacon join Margaret Brennan.
Tommy John, MLB All-Star pitcher who had a surgery named after him, dies at 83
One of Tommy John's biggest legacies to MLB was his comeback elbow reconstruction surgery that now bears his name.
Bacon says Congress "should have oversight" amid concerns about USS Lincoln
GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said Congress should conduct oversight following concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is being replaced after a nearly nine-month deployment.
Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following formal requests for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
Short pants: The long and the short of it
The summer of 1936 saw a heat wave so dangerous at least five thousand people died. It also saw the popularization of a cooler fashion alternative – shorts – which, in some jurisdictions, were illegal.
MoneyWatch
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CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
How to get a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court
The U.S. has refunded more than $100 billion in illegal tariffs to businesses, and some of that money is going to consumers — here's what to know.
Walmart tomato soup kits recalled over Listeria risk, FDA says
The 14oz soup kits were distributed at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, according to the FDA.
Politics
More Politics
Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
President Trump said Sunday that the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Rep. Don Bacon join Margaret Brennan.
Bacon says Congress "should have oversight" amid concerns about USS Lincoln
GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said Congress should conduct oversight following concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is being replaced after a nearly nine-month deployment.
Transcript: Rep. Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
HealthWatch
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Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
World
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Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Transcript: Rep. Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Transcript: Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Transcript: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
4 Renaissance paintings stolen from museum in Italy
Local officials have expressed their dismay and sadness at the theft which occurred during celebrations of the Virgin Mary.
Entertainment
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Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
Movie theaters boom amid studio hits
The box office has been booming in 2026, with five blockbuster hits making over $1 billion. Mark Strassmann has more details from Los Angeles.
8/16: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: Weather becoming more extreme; Rahm Emanuel; The Eagles' Don Henley; ex-Amish, now social media creator Lovina Zook; trophy bull riding belt buckles; the iNaturalist app; and the long and short of short pants.
The Eagles' "Long Goodbye" farewell tour, now longer
The Eagles, one of the greatest old-school bands on Earth (and whose "Greatest Hits" compilation is the bestselling album in history), have extended their farewell tour, currently in residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Eagles co-founder Don Henley talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the band's half-century relationship with their fans; the legacy of his late bandmate Glenn Frey; and how his pre-performance regimen has changed with age. (Originally broadcast Feb. 8, 2026.)
Almanac: August 16
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Technology
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Technology
States crack down on misleading home listings
More home listings are using AI to add furniture, repaint walls, spruce up landscaping and even add windows. But when does virtual staging cross the line into deception or even fraud? CBS News' Evyn Moon explores.
The iNaturalist app – Mixing science with fun
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species. (Originally broadcast March 22, 2026.)
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.
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Security video helps lead to a masked killer who tried to hide the crime
Dr. Steven Milner, a well-respected Oregon veterinarian, was accused of stalking and disguising himself before murdering Kenny Fandrich — the husband of a former employee. Security cameras played a key role in how detectives pieced the case together.
Violent crime down in big cities
Violent crime numbers are down across many major U.S. cities. Ali Bauman is in Newark, New Jersey, which has seen a large drop in homicides.
5 hurt in Virginia State University shooting
Police say multiple suspects were involved in the Virginia State University campus shooting that wounded five on Saturday.
Mozart statuettes snatched in classical caper
To celebrate Mozart's 270th birthday this year, German artist Ottmar Hörl made 320 statuettes of the composer and his dog, Pimperl, placing them around Salzburg, Austria. However, the statuettes have been pilfered.
Italian art heist foiled
Five accused thieves are under arrest after police say they took $10 million worth of art from a private museum in an Italian villa.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show 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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
100-year-old skydives in California
Ruby McNally is 100 years old, and she is leaping into the next century of life by skydiving, saying, "There's nothing to be scared of." Ashley Sharp has the story.
Movie theaters boom amid studio hits
The box office has been booming in 2026, with five blockbuster hits making over $1 billion. Mark Strassmann has more details from Los Angeles.
Tommy John dies at 83
Tributes poured in on Sunday for Tommy John. The baseball legend known as the "bionic man" has died at age 83. Shanelle Kaul reports from Yankee Stadium.
Europe endures its fifth heat wave this summer
Europe has been sweating through its fifth round of dangerously high temperatures since May. Ramy Inocencio is in London with more.
69% of Americans not satisfied with economy: poll
A new CBS News poll found 69% of Americans are not satisfied with how the economy is working. With the Iran war in its sixth month, there's still pain at the pump. Aaron Navarro has more.