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.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
2 dead, at least 20 hurt in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion, officials say
Two people were killed and at least 20 more were injured in an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials said.
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
Body of missing 9-year-old California girl Melodee Buzzard found, mother arrested
Authorities said Melodee Buzzard's body was found in a rural area outside of Cainville, Utah, and her mother was arrested Tuesday morning.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition. See the live map.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
U.S.
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Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
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.
NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition. See the live map.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
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.
MoneyWatch
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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.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
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.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.
Politics
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Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
HealthWatch
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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)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, the first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Louvre adds security bars to window used by jewel thieves
Maintenance workers secured metal bars over the window thieves used to break into the Louvre in October.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
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.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
A look at "The Artist" murder mystery series
Actor Mandy Patinkin and writer and director Aram Rappaport are behind the new murder mystery series, "The Artist," which is a work of historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. They speak to "CBS Mornings" about the series and how it got started. Patinkin also reflects on the life of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner.
Aubrey O'Day opens up about disturbing Sean "Diddy" Combs affidavit
Aubrey O'Day discusses the disturbing witness affidavit involving Sean "Diddy" Combs in a "CBS Mornings" interview on Tuesday.
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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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.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
New trove of Epstein files released
The DOJ released more than 10,000 files in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The release includes court records, emails, news clippings, photos, spreadsheets, audio and video files. It also offers new details on Epstein's associates, including President Trump. Mr. Trump has not been charged in connection with Epstein and the new documents do not accuse him of any crime. Scott MacFarlane has more.
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
Eye Opener: Severe weather threatens travel
Severe storms and major flooding are impacting parts of the country. Meanwhile, travelers prepare for delays as Americans head home for the holidays. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
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.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Bethlehem hopes to revive Christmas tourism
Bethlehem, the city known as Jesus' birthplace, saw a major drop in tourism during the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. As the ceasefire holds, the city is publicly celebrating Christmas events for the first time since 2022. Imtiaz Tyab has more.
"Stranger Things" cast on show's last episodes
The series finale of Netflix's "Stranger Things" will premiere on New Year's Eve after five seasons of taking fans "Upside Down." Julianne Ferreira spoke with members of the cast in New York City about the last episodes.