Mikhail Gorbachev dead at age 91
Mikhail Gorbachev, who led the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991 and helped bring about the end of the Cold War, has died at the age of 91. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more on his legacy.
Communist Party
Mikhail Gorbachev dead at 91
Mikhail Gorbachev, who led the Soviet Union from 1985 until its breakup in 1991, has died at the age of 91, Russian state news agencies announced. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
Tension soars as China prolongs military drills around Taiwan
Beijing says its "appropriate" response to America's provocation will continue with anti-submarine exercises around the self-governing island.
Pelosi in Taiwan despite China's warnings
Tensions are rising with China as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan's capital of Taipei. CBS News chief White House correspondent, Nancy Cordes has more on her visit. Then David Sacks, a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins anchor Lana Zak to discuss the impact of Pelosi's trip.
Terminally ill Hong Kong activist jailed over planned Olympics protest
Koo Sze-yiu, 75, has been jailed at least 11 times for speaking out against China's central government. He was diagnosed with terminal rectal cancer in 2020.
Xi visits to affirm China's "comprehensive jurisdiction" over Hong Kong
The Chinese leader marked the 25th anniversary of Britain handing the former colony back to Beijing by stressing that nobody would ever "seize power" over it.
Official COVID health app that rules life in China is ripe for abuse
One recent case shows clearly that the app, without which people can't even go to work, could easily be exploited by a government bent on control.
Did China silence a social media influencer over a tank-shaped ice cream?
Austin Li Jiaqi is usually easy to find, selling everything from Tom Ford underwear to ice cream on China's e-commerce sites. But on a date with deep meaning in China, he went dark.
China avoids blaming Putin for war in Ukraine
As many world leaders condemn Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, the Chinese government has thrown its support behind President Vladimir Putin. Christopher Johnson, the president and CEO of China Strategies Group and a former senior China analyst at the CIA, joins CBS News to discuss the reasons behind China's backing of Russia.
White House skeptical of well-being of Chinese tennis star
The White House is calling for "independent, verifiable proof" of the whereabouts of Peng Shuai, who went missing after accusing a top Communist party leader of sexual assault. Now authorities are questioning the authenticity of an email alleging to be from the athlete saying she is fine. Ramy Inocencio reports.
WorldView: Iran to resume nuclear talks
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator said talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal are back on. Meanwhile, a senior Chinese political official has been accused of sexual assault for the first time, and a U.S. trial involving Virginia Giuffre's sex assault allegation against Britain's Prince Andrew may start late next year. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron presented Germany's departing Chancellor Angela Merkel with France's highest award. CBS News' Lucy Craft joined "CBSN AM" from Tokyo with those international stories.
U.S. explores theory virus spread started in Chinese lab
Although Chinese authorities claim the coronavirus surfaced at a wet market in Wuhan, independent Chinese researchers say the first known patient had no exposure to it. There is now growing speculation that the virus may have been accidentally leaked from a lab nearby the wet market. Margaret Brennan reports.
Detained Huawei executive arrives in China
Huwaei executive Meng Wanzhou was released from Canada on Friday after reaching an agreement with U.S. prosecutors to end a bank fraud case against her. China responded by releasing two Canadian prisoners charged with espionage. Ramy Inocencio reports.
Flotilla of support heading toward Cuba
President Biden is imposing new sanctions on the Cuban regime after the violent crackdown on anti-government protesters earlier this month. The move comes as some boaters plan to launch a flotilla of private vessels towards Cuba this morning. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojoquez joins CBSN AM from Miami with the latest.
Human rights concerns in Hong Kong
A new report from Amnesty International says China has created a "human rights emergency" in Hong Kong. CBS News correspondent Ramy Inocencio joins "CBSN AM" from Hong Kong with the latest.
Popular Hong Kong newspaper closes its doors
Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily shuts down after the government froze the newspaper's assets. It has been a relentless critic of China's Communist Party. Ramy Inocencio reports.
China allows couples to have 3 kids
In a dramatic shift, China has raised the number of children each couple can have to three from two. The move is a major bid to reverse the country's falling birth rate and turn around an aging population in the world's most populous nation. CBSN's Nancy Chen has the details.
Xi Jinping: China's president for life?
China is moving to allow President Xi Jinping to remain in power indefinitely. The ruling Communist Party announced Sunday that it will work to abolish presidential term limits in China's constitution, which currently restrict presidents to two five-year terms. CBSN contributor and Signal newsletter writer for GZERO Media, Alex Kliment, explains the significance.
Xi Jinping's power in China
China's president officially won a new term in office, ending the twice-a-decade Communist Party congress. President Xi Jinping's name and political ideology are now written into the country's constitution. That makes Xi the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. Ben Tracy reports.
A prominent human rights lawyer went on trial in China this week for social media posts that criticized the ruling Communist party
A prominent human rights lawyer went on trial in China this week for social media posts that criticized the ruling Communist party. The lawyer faces up to eight years in prison for his comments on China's equivalent of Twitter. Seth Doane found out how the government is taking its stranglehold on the digital age to a new level.
As nation marks 70th anniversary of the Communist Party rule, it has invited several foreign journalists to a celebration marking the occasion
As nation marks 70th anniversary of the Communist Party rule, it has invited several foreign journalists to a celebration marking the occasion. CBS News correspondent Seth Doane reports.
President Obama hosted the leader of Vietnam's ruling communist party on Tuesday to discuss a variety of foreign policy issues
President Obama hosted the leader of Vietnam's ruling communist party on Tuesday to discuss a variety of foreign policy issues. CBS News White House Correspondent Major Garrett has details on the meeting.
Disney faces backlash over "Mulan"
Disney's live-action remake of "Mulan" is facing backlash after thanking ontroversial agencies in China's Xinjiang province in the movie's credits. Xinjiang province is where more than one million Muslims are being held in internment camps. Isaac Stone Fish is a CBSN contributor and a senior fellow at the Asia Society's center on U.S.- China relations. He wrote about this for the Washington Post and joined CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
Hong Kong protesters refuse to back down
Protesters in Hong Kong are refusing to back down after the city's embattled leader Carrie Lam ignored a deadline to permanently scrap a controversial extradition bill. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio reports from Hong Kong.
China ramps up political meddling in Taiwan
Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-Wen secured a second term over the weekend in a race that was dominated by relations with China. Her landslide win is seen as a strong rejection of attempts by Beijing's ruling Communist Party to exert power over the self-governing Island. Axios' Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian joins CBSN to discuss China's multi-pronged effort to sway the election and erode Taiwan's sovereignty.
U.S. launches Christmas Day strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
The strikes come after the president spent weeks accusing Nigeria's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Zelenskyy says he and Trump have agreed to meet "in the near future"
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says he and President Trump have agreed to meet "in the near future," signaling progress in talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
California rain may ease but more mudslides, flooding possible, forecasters say
A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday but there was still a risk of more mudslides and flooding, forecasters said.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Death toll from UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville rises to 15
On Nov. 4, UPS Flight 2976 bound for Hawaii crashed moments after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, where UPS has its global aviation hub.
As beef prices rise, small butcher shops adapt to changing demand
With higher prices for beef, customers are looking for alternatives.
Australia announces bravery award for heroes of Bondi Beach attack
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national bravery award to honor those who confronted an antisemitic terror attack.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
U.S.
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California rain may ease but more mudslides, flooding possible, forecasters say
A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday but there was still a risk of more mudslides and flooding, forecasters said.
Death toll from UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville rises to 15
On Nov. 4, UPS Flight 2976 bound for Hawaii crashed moments after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, where UPS has its global aviation hub.
When grocery stores reject imperfect produce, this company steps in
More than 20 billion pounds of produce are rejected by U.S. grocery stores each year.
As beef prices rise, small butcher shops adapt to changing demand
With higher prices for beef, customers are looking for alternatives.
More severe weather in store for a soaked California, raising mudslide risk
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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U.S. launches Christmas Day strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
The strikes come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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Iran seizes oil tanker smuggling fuel on Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz carrying some 25,000 barrels of smuggled fuel, state media said.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Zelenskyy says he and Trump have agreed to meet "in the near future"
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says he and President Trump have agreed to meet "in the near future," signaling progress in talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
U.S. launches Christmas Day strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
The strikes come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Australia announces bravery award for heroes of Bondi Beach attack
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national bravery award to honor those who confronted an antisemitic terror attack.
Entertainment
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Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
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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15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
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.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Holiday cookie box deliveries make spirits bright
The most important ingredient in Christmas cookies isn't the flour or the sugar -- it's the love and care that go into baking them. Major Garrett has more.
9-year-old delivers teddy bears to hospital kids
For more than a century, young kids have awakened on Christmas morning to find a teddy bear waiting for them under the tree. That gave one child an idea: getting teddy bears and the comfort they bring to the children who need them most. Tom Hanson has the story.
The business turning rejected produce into savings
Abhi Ramesh launched Misfits Market in 2018, an online grocery store that buys rejected produce from farmers and packages it for sale across the country. Skyler Henry reports.
How butchers are adapting to higher beef prices
As beef prices rise, small butcher shops are adapting to changing demand. Kelly O'Grady reports.
King Charles gives annual Christmas address
Britain's King Charles delivered his annual Christmas address, carrying on a royal tradition that began nearly a century ago. Leigh Kiniry has more.