Will Biden ease the sky-high tension between the U.S. and China?
The chasm between the two superpowers deepened considerably over the last 4 years, but one veteran Chinese analyst sees clear opportunities "to reengage."
Changing China
U.S. declares China's treatment of Muslims "genocide"
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the determination just 24 hours before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
Trapped gold miners send up a desperate note begging for help
"We are in urgent need of medicine, painkillers, medical tape, external anti-inflammatory drugs," read the note scrawled on crumpled up paper.
China finally lets WHO into Wuhan to probe COVID-19 origins
Given that it took China a year to let the international scientists in, don't count on any quick, definitive answers on where the coronavirus came from.
Trump administration cancels controversial 11th hour foreign trips
Facing reported snubs by EU allies, Mike Pompeo's staying home, and Ambassador Kelly Craft won't visit Taiwan – a trip that would have infuriated China.
Hong Kong leader accuses U.S. of hypocrisy after D.C. violence
Comparing anger over U.S. Capitol assault to support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, Carrie Lam urges U.S. to "set aside their double standards."
China faces backlash over claim to have "emancipated" women's minds
Twitter removed a post by China's D.C. envoy claiming Beijing's "process of eradicating extremism" in a Muslim region meant women were "no longer baby-making machines."
China warns Trump admin on "dangerous path" with Taiwan outreach
Days before landmark visit by a senior U.S. official, enabled by a key policy change, Beijing says the moves will see the U.S. "severely punished by history."
The conspicuous absence of Chinese tech mogul Jack Ma
The Alibaba co-founder's disappearance from public view amid a clampdown by China's regulators has fueled rumors, and may be a warning to fellow fat cats.
Exiled politician says "absurd" Hong Kong arrests should worry U.S.
Pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law tells CBS News that if he hadn't fled to Britain, he would have been among dozens detained, including an American lawyer.
U.S. lawyer among 53 Hong Kong democracy advocates arrested
53 individuals were arrested and stand accused of involvement in a plot to bring about the "mutual destruction" of Hong Kong and mainland China.
Activists say China's repression of minorities "turbocharged" by tech
Human Rights Watch says leaked data show Muslims in Xinjiang province "arbitrarily" flagged for arrest by a computer program, for as little as calling relatives abroad.
China arrests 8 more in crackdown on Hong Kong democracy advocates
The activists, including 3 former lawmakers, were detained for taking part in an annual demonstration that was banned this year amid a clampdown on freedoms in the city.
Hong Kong jails 3 prominent young pro-democracy activists
Not even 30 years old, Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam are heroes to the largely silenced movement demanding democracy in the Chinese city.
3 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists face jail after guilty pleas
Among the prominent dissidents who admitted inciting protests was Joshua Wong, a previously-jailed veteran of Hong Kong's push for democracy at just 24.
Hong Kong ousts 4 pro-democracy lawmakers, so the rest vow to quit
The decreasingly autonomous city's leaders quickly seized upon new powers granted by Beijing to sack lawmakers deemed a security threat.
What U.S. allies and adversaries in Asia make of Biden and Harris
There's no doubt that President-elect Biden will usher a change in U.S. foreign policy, and that won't necessarily be good news for all leaders across the vast region.
Pompeo says "soul of the world" at stake as allies mull China's rise
Since 2007 the so-called "Quad" has met sporadically in the name of free markets and democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. Now they're stepping up the program.
2nd senior U.S. official visits Taiwan, irking Beijing even more
Months after HHS secretary visited the island claimed by China, another top official is there as the Trump admin seeks to "deepen this bilateral relationship."
Thief reportedly nabs $500M worth of Chinese communist memorabilia
Among the items taken in the apparent raid on a collector's Hong Kong apartment was calligraphy by Chairman Mao Zedong.
Taoist priest's memorial tablets honor China's COVID "heroes' spirits"
Liang Xingyang faced early opposition from Chinese government officials, and even death threats online, but he was determined to "focus on doing the right thing."
U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad is stepping down
The ambassador was highly praised in tweets by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, but there's indication as to why he's leaving the role now.
China says it will join Russian war games with Iran and Belarus
Beijing says "Caucasus 2020" exercises come at an "important moment," citing the pandemic - no mention of soaring tensions with the U.S.
Human rights groups urge IOC to move Olympics from China
Beijing to host 2022 Winter Olympics, but with scant evidence of humanitarian advances since it ran 2008 Games, there are calls for a change.
China accused of "assault on media freedoms" as journalists leave
With the departure - after questioning by security services - of the last Australian journalists from the country, there's fear of an "assault on media freedoms."
World
Federal judge temporarily blocks Biden's deportation moratorium
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton agreed to pause the policy while he considered a lawsuit filed by Texas' Republican attorney general.
Biden presses Putin on Navalny arrest, arms treaty in first phone call
The White House said the president raised concerns about Navalny's arrest and Russia's treatment of protesters.
Couple allegedly flew to rural area to skip vaccine line
Chief Angela Demit said White River First Nation was selected for vaccines given the "remoteness, elderly and high-risk population, as well as limited access to health care."
India court says groping a child through clothes isn't sexual assault
The Bombay High Court's verdict cleared a man accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl, but the controversial ruling could end up in the Supreme Court.
Iran says American dual-national sentenced to prison for spying
Judiciary official says the man had been free on bail but was re-arrested while trying to flee the country.
Colombia's defense minister dies from COVID-19
Colombia's government said Trujillo fell ill during a visit to the coastal city of Barranquilla, where he was taken to a hospital on January 11.
Biden admin authorizes financial dealings with Yemen's rebels
The Treasury's move effectively delays implementation of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's last-minute designation of the group as a terror organization.
COVID-19 claims Italy's government as its latest victim
An internal dispute over how to spend coronavirus recovery funds has forced Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to resign, layering a political crisis on top of a health crisis.
First known U.S. case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant confirmed
Minnesota officials say the person who has recently traveled to Brazil. It's not clear if the variant causes a more serious illness than the novel coronavirus.
Indian farmers' months-long standoff with the government turns deadly
At least one farmer has died and many were injured in clashes with police as they staged a massive protest on India's Republic Day.
Why a lake in Serbia is blanketed in garbage every winter
Scooping a confluence of regional filth from the Potpec dam lake is an annual ritual, owing to years of neglect after the war-torn 90s.
French health officials urge no talking on public transit to stop virus
According to a recent study, when two people are in a poorly ventilated space, a prolonged conversation is far more likely to spread respiratory droplets carrying the virus than a short cough.
Biden reinstating COVID-19 restrictions for overseas travelers
"This isn't the time to be lifting restrictions on international travel," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.
800-year-old cathedral is now a mass COVID vaccination site
Europeans are receiving coronavirus vaccinations at unusual mega-sites, rolling up their sleeves at repurposed racetracks, cinemas, ice rinks and rugby stadiums.
Extreme weather has killed 480,000 in past 20 years, analysis shows
One think tank says these disasters have cost the global economy a staggering $2.56 trillion this century.
World
More World
Federal judge temporarily blocks Biden's deportation moratorium
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton agreed to pause the policy while he considered a lawsuit filed by Texas' Republican attorney general.
Biden presses Putin on Navalny arrest, arms treaty in first phone call
The White House said the president raised concerns about Navalny's arrest and Russia's treatment of protesters.
Couple allegedly flew to rural area to skip vaccine line
Chief Angela Demit said White River First Nation was selected for vaccines given the "remoteness, elderly and high-risk population, as well as limited access to health care."
India court says groping a child through clothes isn't sexual assault
The Bombay High Court's verdict cleared a man accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl, but the controversial ruling could end up in the Supreme Court.
Iran says American dual-national sentenced to prison for spying
Judiciary official says the man had been free on bail but was re-arrested while trying to flee the country.
U.S.
More U.S.
Man charged after allegedly wearing varsity jacket during Capitol riot
Brian Gundersen, 26, was arrested after multiple people recognized the jacket from photos of the January 6 riot and contacted the FBI, according to court documents filed Monday.
Judge: Details of George Floyd's past arrests can't be used at trial
Information about George Floyd's prior arrests can't be used at the trials of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in his death, a judge ruled.
DOJ rescinds memo used to justify separations of migrant families
To this day, advocates have been struggling to locate more than 600 migrant parents. President Biden has pledged to create a task force to help locate them.
Teacher never misses class, even during chemotherapy
Kelly Klein is balancing virtual learning with her chemotherapy by doing both at once.
Deadly tornado leaves path of destruction in Alabama
The tornado ripped roofs off homes, pulverized walls and scattered debris as far as the eye could see.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ rescinds memo used to justify separations of migrant families
To this day, advocates have been struggling to locate more than 600 migrant parents. President Biden has pledged to create a task force to help locate them.
GOP senators balk at $1.9 trillion price tag for Biden's COVID-19 bill
Some Republican senators have raised concerns about passing another relief bill so soon after passing $1 trillion legislation.
Biden says U.S. will have vaccines for 300 million Americans by end of summer
Biden promised it will be "this spring" when any American who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to get one.
Senate rejects GOP motion challenging Trump impeachment trial
The former president faces a Senate trial on a single article of impeachment: incitement of insurrection.
Biden administration boosting weekly supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses
The new orders will enable the federal government to vaccinate 300 million Americans.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
NBA star expected to make full recovery after cancer surgery
The cancer was discovered after Levert was traded to the Indiana Pacers.
Cicely Tyson releases new memoir
96-year-old stage and screen icon Cicely Tyson opens up to Gayle King about her impressive career and personal life, which she wrote about in her new memoir, "Just As I Am."
A generational showdown between Brady and Mahomes
The old guard is taking on the new guard in Super Bowl LV in Tampa.
UCLA gymnast's floor routine goes viral
UCLA Gymnastics scored a major victory with a season-opening win against Arizona State that included a floor routine from Nia Dennis that went viral.
Movie theatre chain AMC gets new lifeline to remain open
New funding keeps cinema chain open for now, but speed of COVID-19 vaccinations will ultimately decide its future.
Technology
More Technology
Northeast hit with reports of major internet outage
Web users in the region say they're having trouble accessing Facebook, Google, Zoom and other services.
Twitter permanently bans "MyPillow guy" Mike Lindell
Twitter says Lindell kept violating its policy aimed at fighting disinformation. The ardent Trump backer insists Trump beat Biden.
SpaceX launches a record 143 satellites
It was the most satellites ever launched by a single rocket
1,800 Instacart workers laid off. No one agrees on who fired them.
Delivery company says it's cutting workers at the request of grocery stores. Stores say they weren't consulted.
Twitter bans account linked to Iran's leader after Trump threat
Post shows image of Trump playing golf in the shadow of a drone and declares that "revenge is certain."
Science
More Science
BlackRock tells CEOs to prepare for a zero-emissions economy
World's largest asset manager tells its portfolio companies to cut emissions to net zero in 30 years — and provide details.
Meet the people paying a reported $55 million to fly to the ISS
The proposed historic mission is aiming for a January 2022 launch date aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon.
First known U.S. case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant confirmed
Minnesota officials say the person who has recently traveled to Brazil. It's not clear if the variant causes a more serious illness than the novel coronavirus.
Major winter storm threatens Midwest with heavy snow
Over 8 inches of heavy snowfall are being reported in some Midwestern cities, with more to come this week.
Gray whales are starving and dying off at an alarming rate
As long as yellow school bus and weighing as much as 20 cars, the eastern North Pacific gray whale is a gentle giant – and lately it has run into trouble.
Health
More Health
Teacher never misses class, even during chemotherapy
Kelly Klein is balancing virtual learning with her chemotherapy by doing both at once.
Wisconsin pharmacist will plead guilty to tampering with vaccine
The Department of Justice said Steven Brandenburg has agreed to plead guilty to removing vials of the Moderna vaccine from a hospital refrigerator.
Biden says U.S. will have vaccines for 300 million Americans by end of summer
Biden promised it will be "this spring" when any American who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to get one.
Biden administration boosting weekly supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses
The new orders will enable the federal government to vaccinate 300 million Americans.
Beyond Meat and PepsiCo partner to create plant-based foods
News of the collaboration sent Beyond Meat's shares to their largest single-day gain since its IPO in 2019.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
CVS, Walgreens blamed for slow vaccine rollout in nursing homes
"People are absolutely dying right now who didn't have to," said the chief medical officer of one assisted living chain.
Where to find the real "hi-filt" masks, and how to spot the fakes
The fit of a mask is as important as its filtration ability, experts say. So is avoiding the many counterfeits.
Disney removing "negative depictions of natives" from Jungle Cruise
Popular Disneyland and Disney World ride "needed a refresh," according to an executive with the entertainment giant.
BlackRock tells CEOs to prepare for a zero-emissions economy
World's largest asset manager tells its portfolio companies to cut emissions to net zero in 30 years — and provide details.
New bill would decriminalize sex work in New York
Advocates say most don't willingly enter the sex trade and shouldn't be criminalized for their own exploitation.
Crime
More Crime
Man charged after allegedly wearing varsity jacket during Capitol riot
Brian Gundersen, 26, was arrested after multiple people recognized the jacket from photos of the January 6 riot and contacted the FBI, according to court documents filed Monday.
Wisconsin pharmacist will plead guilty to tampering with vaccine
The Department of Justice said Steven Brandenburg has agreed to plead guilty to removing vials of the Moderna vaccine from a hospital refrigerator.
What we know about the Capitol riot arrests
As of Tuesday, authorities had charged at least 158 people in federal court.
India court says groping a child through clothes isn't sexual assault
The Bombay High Court's verdict cleared a man accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl, but the controversial ruling could end up in the Supreme Court.
Two Virginia police officers fired over Capitol riot
The two Rocky Mount officers seen in a photo inside the U.S. Capitol are already facing federal criminal charges.
Space
More Space
Meet the people paying a reported $55 million to fly to the ISS
The proposed historic mission is aiming for a January 2022 launch date aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon.
SpaceX launches a record 143 satellites
It was the most satellites ever launched by a single rocket
SpaceX launches more satellites
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket boosted a record 143 small satellites into a polar orbit on Sunday in the company's first dedicated "rideshare" mission. CBSN's Lana Zak reports.
Bad weather forces SpaceX to call off plans for launch
SpaceX will make another attempt to launch its Transporter 1 "rideshare" mission Sunday.
SpaceX launches another 60 Starlink satellites
SpaceX has now launched more than 1,000 Starlink internet relay satellites.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Best and worst Super Bowl halftime shows
The most memorably good (and bad) of the entertainment spectaculars
Wildest celebrity fashion
Rihanna isn't alone; celebrities have been stepping out in wild outfits for years... some more often than others.
Notable Deaths in 2021
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The search for the killer of Tracey Harris
For 30 years, investigators only had one suspect -- until a witness revealed the real killer.
New movies coming in 2021 and beyond: The most anticipated films on the way
From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the next "Fast and Furious" film, here's when to expect all the biggest flicks.
Popular
More Popular
Popular
Biden plans to increase weekly vaccine supply
President Biden is ramping up efforts to get more Americans vaccinated as states sound the alarm on a vaccine shortage. The administration will be increasing weekly vaccine allocations, while also giving states advance notice of upcoming shipments. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert and a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, joined CBSN to discuss the latest.
Full interview: Dr. Deborah Birx on "Face the Nation"
Former White House coronavirus response coordinator talks exclusively with "Face the Nation" in her first interview since leaving the Trump task force.
"Face the Nation" — full episode
This week on "Face the Nation," President Biden takes office and is immediately faced with overwhelming challenges. His first priority: COVID-19.
Hindsight is 2020: An Unprecedented Election
When a pandemic, a racial reckoning, and rampant misinformation converged, Americans were faced with an election unlike any other. This CBSN documentary follows voters around the country as they grapple with who they're voting for, how they're voting and the issues supercharging the stakes.
Senators sworn in as impeachment jury
Just hours after being sworn in as the jury in former President Trump's upcoming impeachment trial, Senator Patrick Leahy was hospitalized after he feeling unwell. Leahy is presiding over the trial, in place of Chief Justice John Roberts. Siobhan Hughes, a congressional correspondent with the Wall Street Journal, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss what would happen if Leahy is unable to preside over the trial and what will happen between now and when the trial starts in two weeks.