China imposes new COVID lockdowns as cases triple
Leaders don't want a major outbreak to cast a pall over the once-in-5-years party gathering in Beijing, but their strict "zero-COVID" approach has taken a toll.
Communist Party
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.
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.
Nancy Guthrie's family have been cleared as suspects, sheriff says
All family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as suspects in her disappearance, authorities in Arizona said.
Live
2 killed in shooting at high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, police say
Police said the deadly shooting during a high school boys' hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, appears to have stemmed from a family dispute.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
"Signal sniffer" to detect Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker deployed, sources say
A device that can pick up certain electronic signals is being used in the search for Nancy Guthrie, as it may detect emissions from her pacemaker, sources told CBS News.
Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, wins gold in 5th Olympic appearance
Elana Meyers Taylor has won her first Olympic gold in women's monobob, and she made history as the oldest American woman to do it at the Winter Games.
Malinin hints at "inevitable crash" amid Olympic pressure, online hate
Team USA star skater Ilia Malinin, after multiple falls at the Winter Games, speaks of a struggle to "stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."
FBI refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators say
Minnesota's top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.
Canada's Megan Oldham takes gold in freestyle big air, Eileen Gu takes silver
Defending Olympic champion Eileen Gu took silver in freeski big air at the 2026 Winter Olympics as Canada's Megan Oldham won the gold medal on Monday night.
Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
U.S.
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Nancy Guthrie's family have been cleared as suspects, sheriff says
All family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as suspects in her disappearance, authorities in Arizona said.
Canada's Megan Oldham takes gold in freestyle big air, Eileen Gu takes silver
Defending Olympic champion Eileen Gu took silver in freeski big air at the 2026 Winter Olympics as Canada's Megan Oldham won the gold medal on Monday night.
Live
2 killed in shooting at high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, police say
Police said the deadly shooting during a high school boys' hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, appears to have stemmed from a family dispute.
Why athleisure giant Lululemon is losing momentum
After a decade of rapid growth, Lululemon is struggling to find its footing in an increasingly saturated market.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
MoneyWatch
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Why athleisure giant Lululemon is losing momentum
After a decade of rapid growth, Lululemon is struggling to find its footing in an increasingly saturated market.
Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Politics
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They didn't just ignore audit warnings — California lawmakers quietly killed dozens of audit-backed bills
State lawmakers are promising accountability after a CBS News California investigation found they failed to enact three out of four state audit recommendations. CBS News California built an audit accountability tracker to help.
U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
Obama: Odds are aliens are real but I saw no signs of contact while president
After setting social media abuzz by saying aliens were real, former President Barack Obama said he didn't see evidence that aliens "have made contact with us."
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 15, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Tom Homan and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries join Ed O'Keefe.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform, TrumpRx, isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
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Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, wins gold in 5th Olympic appearance
Elana Meyers Taylor has won her first Olympic gold in women's monobob, and she made history as the oldest American woman to do it at the Winter Games.
Canada's Megan Oldham takes gold in freestyle big air, Eileen Gu takes silver
Defending Olympic champion Eileen Gu took silver in freeski big air at the 2026 Winter Olympics as Canada's Megan Oldham won the gold medal on Monday night.
21-year-old man facing terrorism charges in Taylor Swift concert attack plot
Austrian public prosecutors filed terrorism-related charges Monday against a 21-year-old defendant who they say planned to attack Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in 2024.
Team USA headed to women's hockey gold medal game at Winter Olympics
Their respective semifinal wins on Monday set up a seventh gold-medal showdown between Team USA and Canada later this week.
Malinin hints at "inevitable crash" amid Olympic pressure, online hate
Team USA star skater Ilia Malinin, after multiple falls at the Winter Games, speaks of a struggle to "stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Robert Duvall dies at 95
Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now" and more, has died at 95, his wife announced in a social media post Monday. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
The high-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show in which he interviews government leaders, he is raising eyebrows in Washington, too.
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
High-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author Stephen A. Smith is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show, in which he interviews government leaders, he is gaining notice in Washington, too. Smith talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about his journey and whether he might soon be on a debate stage.
Paul Anka: Still doing it his way
The singer-songwriter who's remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades has just released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love." A youthful 84, he talks about his artistic longevity.
Technology
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Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
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.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
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How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Crime
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Crime
Former FBI official on Nancy Guthrie case
The mask and clothing worn by the suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance may have been purchased from Walmart, law enforcement says. Steven Jensen, former assistant director for FBI's Washington field office, joins CBS News to discuss.
Latest on Nancy Guthrie search, now in Day 16
Law enforcement confirmed Monday that all of Nancy Guthrie's family members have been cleared as suspects in her disappearance. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest from Arizona and former FBI supervisory special agent Lance Leising joins CBS News to discuss the search.
Early details on Rhode Island hockey shooting
At least two people are dead after a shooting at a hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Sheriff: Nancy Guthrie's family cleared as suspects
All members of Nancy Guthrie's family members have been ruled out as suspects in her disappearance, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Monday. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest on the search for Guthrie and former FBI supervisory agent Doug Kouns joins to discuss the investigation.
Nancy Guthrie's family have been cleared as suspects, sheriff says
All family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as suspects in her disappearance, authorities in Arizona said.
Space
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Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
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.
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
Takeaways from Rubio's speech at Munich
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference over the weekend. Elliott Abrams, senior fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins CBS News to discuss.
Searches for colorectal cancer info on rise
The death of actor James Van Der Beek and the revelation of the late Catherine O'Hara's private colorectal cancer battle has many Americans searching for more information on the dangerous disease. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder has more on the illness.
Potential 2028 contenders travel to Munich
Several 2028 presidential hopefuls on both sides of the aisle made appearances at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend. CBS News' Fin Gómez reports.
Construction crew cheers up young hospital patient
While playing with a flashlight in her room at the Cleveland Clinic, a 4-year-old girl shined a light into a building going up across the street. To the hospital's surprise, one of the workers shined a light right back -- and made a sign that said "Get well soon." Tony Dokoupil has the heartwarming story.
Former FBI official on Nancy Guthrie case
The mask and clothing worn by the suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance may have been purchased from Walmart, law enforcement says. Steven Jensen, former assistant director for FBI's Washington field office, joins CBS News to discuss.