China announces major easing of "zero-COVID" policy after protests
The announcement appeared to be in response to widespread protests in recent weeks, including some of the boldest demonstrations China has seen in decades.
Changing China
China fines former NBA star Jeremy Lin over "inappropriate" comments
Lin, born in California to parents from Taiwan, was the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.
"This is huge": Historic China protests bring back memories of 1989
Historic protests mark the first time since 1989 that China has seen protests explicitly calling for the downfall of China's Communist Party.
China signals possible shift from "zero-COVID" policy after protests
Days after the most significant protests the ruling Communist Party has faced in decades, a senior health official heralded "a new situation," and 2 megacities eased restrictions.
China responds to rare protests with a security "crackdown"
The federal agency in charge of China's law enforcement authorities said it was time to crack down on "illegal criminal behavior that has disrupted social order."
Former Chinese President Jiang Zemin dies at 96
Jiang led his country out of isolation after the Tiananmen Square crackdown, backing economic reform that ushered a decade of explosive growth.
Students sent home, demonstrators questioned as China tries to end protests
Crowds angered by severe anti-COVID restrictions gathered over the weekend in the biggest show of public dissent the country has seen in decades.
China's Xi Jinping faces calls to resign amid unprecedented protests
"Down with Xi Jinping! Down with the Communist Party!" protesters could be heard chanting in videos circulated online.
Pop star Kris Wu sentenced to 13 years for rape, other charges
Wu was previously one of China's most bankable stars, but brands including Louis Vuitton and Porsche suspended their partnerships with him over the case.
Far from "zero-COVID," cases in China are setting new records
As other nations seem to be living with the virus, China is doubling down on its draconian policy, and that's fueling a rare backlash in the tightly controlled nation.
Frustration mounts as 2nd child's death blamed on China COVID lockdown
Despite anger vented online over the draconian measures, officials in one major city with cases soaring said they'd build quarantine space for 250,000 more people.
The evolution of U.S.-China relations — "Intelligence Matters"
Allison talks with host Michael Morell about Xi's plan for China, the negative consequences of bellicose rhetoric and how Taiwan could potentially trigger a war between the U.S. and China.
Biden and Xi say they'll "manage our differences" as they meet in Bali
Biden said the leaders accept a joint responsibility to "prevent competition from becoming anything ever near conflict and to find ways to work together on urgent global issues."
China eases, slightly, its draconian "zero-COVID" restrictions
The moves are clearly aimed at luring some business back into the country, but they may not go far enough to entice many travelers.
People and businesses suffer, but China won't budge from "zero-COVID"
Even as cases rise, deaths are blamed on lockdowns and iPhone production takes a hit, China insists Xi Jinping's signature policy is "completely correct."
Shanghai Disneyland visitors locked in park for hours for COVID tests
China's draconian "zero-COVID" policy has kept infection rates relatively low, but at a high cost as businesses struggle with repeated shutdowns.
Behind Xi Jinping, these are the 6 most powerful men in China
Most of the members are new to the Communist Party's powerful Politburo Standing Committee, and all of them are seen as loyalists to the president.
Ex-Chinese president unexpectedly led out of Communist Party congress
The frail-looking 79-year-old seemed reluctant to leave the front row of proceedings at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, where he was sitting next to President Xi Jinping.
Strict COVID-19 policies drive people out of Hong Kong
Over the past year, more than 100,000 people have left — a record.
China deletes reports of teen girl's death in COVID quarantine center
Videos appearing to show the teen died in a quarantine center without medical attention were scrubbed from the internet as Communist leaders gathered in Beijing.
Xi Jinping's rise leaves Hong Kong mired in fear of blurry "red lines"
There's little room for free speech when "you could be arrested and could be put in jail, maybe for a year or two years, with no trial."
U.K. trying to stop China from recruiting British ex-air force pilots
Defense ministry says it's "clearly a concern," from an intelligence perspective, that China has reportedly paid dozens of ex-military pilots hefty sums.
Protester says Chinese consulate staff in U.K. "beat me up"
The man seen in social media videos being beaten inside the perimeter of the consulate told BBC News that staff "beat me up."
China's Communist party congress opens with Xi Jinping calling for military growth
Xi, 69, is expected to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as general secretary and promote allies who share his enthusiasm for party dominance.
Elon Musk draws rebuke by suggesting Taiwan accept Chinese rule
The world's richest man had recently angered Ukraine by suggesting it capitulate to Russia. His advice for Taiwan didn't go down any better, apart from with China.
World
4 U.N. peacekeepers wounded as Israel, Hezbollah clash in Lebanon
Four Italian soldiers were lightly wounded amid clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
2024 is deadliest year for humanitarian aid workers, U.N. says
Bloodshed in the Middle East has been the single biggest cause of the 281 deaths among humanitarians globally this year, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Iran says it will boost uranium enrichment after IAEA rebuke
A rebuke of Iran led by the U.S. and its close allies at the global nuclear watchdog agency has drawn a vow by the Islamic republic to further ramp up uranium enrichment.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Suspicious package causes security scare near U.S. Embassy in London
London police said a "loud bang" heard near the U.S. Embassy was a controlled explosion carried out after a suspicious package was discovered.
More tourists die after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos as several people held
The death toll has inched up after tourists drank tainted alcohol in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos. Authorities say several people are in custody.
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro indicted over alleged coup attempt
Former president Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people were indicted for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
U.S.
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Sheriff says Wisconsin man revealed how he faked his death, fled to Europe
Authorities are urging a Wisconsin man accused of faking his death and fleeing to Europe to come home to spend the holidays with his wife and three children.
Replacing JD Vance in the U.S. Senate sets off scramble in Ohio
Sen. JD Vance's election as vice president has opened up one of Ohio's U.S. Senate seats.
84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
MoneyWatch
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Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Trump's proposed tariffs could raise U.S. grocery prices, analysis finds
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could raise costs for U.S. consumers, economists say. Here's how much grocery bills could rise.
BJ's Wholesale Club hikes membership fees for first time since 2018
Warehouse chain follows rival Costco in raising amount its 7.5 million members must pay to shop at BJ's stores.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Here's where Elon Musk says his DOGE will aim to cut federal spending
Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say the Department of Government Efficiency has targets in mind for cost cutting.
Politics
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Replacing JD Vance in the U.S. Senate sets off scramble in Ohio
Sen. JD Vance's election as vice president has opened up one of Ohio's U.S. Senate seats.
Georgia fires review board members after info leaked on 2 maternal deaths
Georgia's top health official dismissed all members of a state committee that investigates pregnancy-related maternal deaths after the leak, presumably by a committee member, of information about two such deaths.
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
HealthWatch
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Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment period
The federal government put guardrails in place to limit unauthorized plan sign-ups and switches. But the changes could prove to be a burden to consumers.
Life expectancy gap in the U.S. widens to 20 years: "Truly alarming"
Life expectancy in the United States varies by more than 20 years depending on race and ethnicity and where you live, according to new research.
RFK Jr. weighing FDA crackdown on food additives under Trump
Kennedy's team is weighing a significant rewrite of the FDA's rules.
Why the latest bird flu case has experts worried about pandemic potential
A new potential case of bird flu in a California child without known contact with infected animals is raising concerns about a potential pandemic. Dr. Céline Gounder explains what to know.
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
World
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4 U.N. peacekeepers wounded as Israel, Hezbollah clash in Lebanon
Four Italian soldiers were lightly wounded amid clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
2024 is deadliest year for humanitarian aid workers, U.N. says
Bloodshed in the Middle East has been the single biggest cause of the 281 deaths among humanitarians globally this year, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Iran says it will boost uranium enrichment after IAEA rebuke
A rebuke of Iran led by the U.S. and its close allies at the global nuclear watchdog agency has drawn a vow by the Islamic republic to further ramp up uranium enrichment.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ridley Scott on his vision for "Gladiator II"
Nearly 25 years after the original "Gladiator" won five Academy Awards, Ridley Scott returns with "Gladiator II," out today. Elizabeth Palmer speaks with the director about bringing his epic vision back to life.
Melissa Etheridge to perform at NWSL Championship
Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge will sing the national anthem at the 2024 NWSL Championship in Kansas City. Known for her hit "Come to My Window," Etheridge shares her excitement about the honor and the big game.
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator" after 24 years
Connie Nielsen opens up about returning as Lucilla in "Gladiator II," reuniting with director Ridley Scott and exploring her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on how personal struggles and friendships impacted her music
Singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne opens up about her new album and how her friendships helped save her when she thought her recording career could be over.
Malcolm Washington on "The Piano Lesson"
Making his feature directorial debut, Malcolm Washington brings August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play to the screen with help from his father, Denzel Washington and siblings John David and Katia
Technology
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Technology
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.
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.
Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Science
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Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Crime
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84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Georgia woman convicted of killing her toddler gets life in prison
Leilani Simon was spared the maximum punishment of life without a chance of parole.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Alleged LA County drug distributor charged with dealing opioid more powerful than fentanyl
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in what could be the nation's first death-resulting criminal case involving a synthetic opioid that is possibly more dangerous than fentanyl.
Mexican cartel leader who faked own death arrested in California
Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
NWSL commissioner on future of women's soccer
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about the NWSL's record-breaking season with over 2 million fans and discusses plans to build on the league's success. Despite pay disparities with men's sports, Berman says women's soccer is on a rapid upward trajectory.
Federal protection proposed for giraffes
U.S. wildlife officials have proposed federal protections for giraffes under the Endangered Species Act for the first time. According to environmentalists, habitat loss and climate change-driven drought are causing alarming population declines for the African mammals.
"The Dish": The story of Dixon's Famous Chili
Omar Villafranca visits Dixon's Famous Chili, a historic Missouri restaurant that has been loved by diners, including a former president, for more than 100 years.
Sarah McBride on anti-transgender sentiments
Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who is set to become the first transgender member of Congress, responded to a Republican-led effort to restrict bathroom use on Capitol Hill. In an exclusive interview with Scott MacFarlane, McBride shared the need to focus on legislative priorities amid growing anti-transgender rhetoric.
Eye Opener: Storms batter both U.S. coasts
As the Northeast is hit with a major winter blast, the Pacific Northwest braces for another powerful storm. Meanwhile, Trump announces a new pick for attorney general. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.