Death Valley — the driest place in the U.S. — home to temporary lake
A temporary lake has formed in Death Valley, known as the driest place in the U.S.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
World's first wind-assisted chemical tanker sets sail
Owners hope the world's first "wind-assisted chemical tanker" will help the shipping industry change tack for a greener future.
How one city is working to close the EV "charging gap"
The U.S. needs more than a million public chargers by 2030, but only a fraction of that number currently exists. Los Angeles is using light poles to help fill the gap.
Migratory species at risk worldwide, landmark U.N. report says
The first such report finds that 1 in 5 is threatened with extinction and 44% are seeing their populations decline. Humans are to blame, the report says.
1 in 4 Americans breathes bad air today — and it's getting worse
Air quality is worsening across much of the U.S., exposing millions of people to health problems and threatening the U.S. economy.
Renowned climate scientist Michael Mann wins $1 million in defamation suit
Michael Mann sued after two conservative writers liked his work to acts of infamous child molester Jerry Sandusky.
World smashes record for hottest January ever observed
The warmest January on record was confirmed right after the world experienced its hottest year ever observed.
SpaceX launches NASA satellite designed to shed new light on climate change
The spacecraft's instruments will study how Earth's oceans, atmosphere and land masses interact and how that interaction impacts climate change.
Super Bowl 2024 to be powered by Nevada desert solar farm
A vast solar farm with over 621,000 panels shimmer like a mirage but with the capability to power close to 60,000 residential customers — or one very big stadium.
Does the hurricane scale need a Category 6? New study fuels debate
Researchers say five storms since 2013 had wind speeds that could categorize them as a Category 6 hurricane or cyclone — and that climate change will only make such intense storms more frequent.
Paris poised to triple parking charges for SUVs to almost $20 per hour
Parisians have voted in favor of a major hike in parking fees for SUVs, and even heavier hybrids and EVs.
Chile wildfire death toll tops 120 as search continues for survivors
The toll was almost sure to keep rising. Chile's president and a governor said they think some of the blazes could have been started on purpose.
3 new coral bleaching alert levels created in wake of extreme heat
The revised coral bleaching alert levels come in the wake of Florida experiencing hot tub-level sea temperatures and some reefs experiencing "100% mortality."
These "bee bus stops" are looking to save pollinators
Bus stop coverings are getting replaced with "living roofs" made with native plants to help provide food for dying species and help people stay cool amid rising temperatures.
John Podesta to be senior Biden climate adviser as Kerry departs White House
John Kerry has been special presidential envoy for climate since the beginning of the Biden administration. "Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.
Hurricane hunters chase powerful atmospheric rivers
Atmospheric rivers can dump rain and snow in large areas and cause intense flooding.
Biden pausing consideration of new natural gas export terminals
Environmentalists cheered and LNG companies blasted the election year decision.
Maps, data show how climate change could affect some major U.S. ports
New USGS data shows port cities like Boston and New York are exposed to coastal hazards, making communities potentially unlivable in the next decade.
San Diego sees its rainiest day in January history
The National Weather Service described the rainfall with a single word – "wow."
Deep-sea reef the size of Vermont discovered off U.S.
The 6.4 million-acre reef is bigger than the state of Vermont, NOAA says.
Sea level rise could cost Europe billions in economic losses, study finds
Researchers found that sea level rise could cost the EU and U.K. nearly $950 billion by the end of this century.
Greenland's ice sheet melting faster than scientists previously estimated
Since 1985, Greenland's ice sheet has lost approximately 5,091 square kilometers of ice, researchers found using satellite imagery.
Contrails from airplanes are warming the planet. Could AI offer a solution?
Feathery white lines of condensation left behind airplanes, known as contrails, add to warming the planet. A new study suggests artificial intelligence could dramatically reduce them.
These charts show what made 2023 the hottest year on record
A breakdown of the numbers and elements that made 2023 the hottest year on record paints a picture of what's to come.
Millions of tiny plastics flood Spain's coast after falling from ship
Dozens of 55-pound bags of the tiny plastic pellets known as nurdles, which are known to be a major source of microplastic pollution, have washed up in northwest Spain in recent weeks.
Science
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.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
China launches craft to bring 3 stranded astronauts back from space station
China launched the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft Tuesday to bring three stranded astronauts back from China's space station sometime next year.
Powering our appetite for protein
Proteins, whether from whey, plants or animals, are essential for building muscle. Last year, approximately 71% of consumers identified protein as the nutrient they most frequently try to eat. That's an appetite corporate America is more than happy to feed – even though protein often doesn't taste very good. Lee Cowan looks at how companies like General Mills are developing protein-fueled products, and how Americans may be consuming more protein than they need.
Man uses brain implant to control iPad
A new device lets users control an iPad just by thinking. For the first time ever, a person with ALS, a disease that attacks the nervous system, used a brain implant to navigate an Apple device. CBS News national consumer correspondent Ash-har Quraishi spoke with the team behind the groundbreaking technology.
NASA releases close-up pictures of interstellar comet making a rare flyby
The rare interstellar comet, also known as 3I/ATLAS, was first discovered in July and has been photographed several times.
William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson: When stars collide
When the "Star Trek" actor and America's favorite astrophysicist share the stage, sparks can fly on an astronomical level. They talk about their bromance built on an appreciation of science and curiosity.
William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson: Star power
When "Star Trek" legend William Shatner and America's favorite astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson share the stage, sparks can fly on an astronomical level. They talk with Luke Burbank about their bromance built on an appreciation of science; the two-man show ("The Universe Is Absurd!") that grew out of a trip to the South Pole; and how curiosity about the cosmos can help keep one young.
"White nose syndrome" killing millions of bats
A deadly fungal disease called "white nose syndrome" is sweeping across North America, wiping out millions of bats. Dave Malkoff goes underground in North Carolina as scientists race to save these vital creatures.
Study on breast cancer and birth control shows how science can be distorted
The study sought to answer questions about how breast cancer risk differs by type of hormonal contraceptive. Doctors say the results won't change how they counsel patients.
World's largest-known spider's web discovered in cave in Greece
The behavior, which had never been observed before, stunned scientists as, typically, the larger house spider would prey on its smaller neighbor.
U.S.
More U.S.
House to vote today on must-pass defense policy bill
The House is poised to vote Wednesday on a $900 billion defense policy bill as both chambers race to pass it before the end of the year.
$30 million settlement approved for family of teen killed by San Diego police
The settlement approved for Konoa Wilson's family exceeds the $27 million the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay the family of George Floyd.
Rod Paige, architect of No Child Left Behind policy, dies at 92
Under Rod Paige's leadership, the Department of Education implemented the No Child Left Behind policy that in 2002 became former President George W. Bush's signature education law.
Elon Musk suggests he wouldn't do DOGE over again
Six months after stepping down from leading the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, billionaire Elon Musk suggested in an interview he likely would not repeat his time helming the cost-cutting mission.
Army gynecologist charged with taking secret videos of 44 patients
Army Maj. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood in Texas, was charged Tuesday with 54 specifications for indecent visual recording.
MoneyWatch
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GoFundMe fundraisers to pay for basic living expenses surged in 2025
Fundraising patterns reflect Americans' mounting affordability challenges, according to GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan.
MacKenzie Scott announces she donated $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025
The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years.
Why fighting inflation may not be the best way to make life more affordable
Beating back inflation is only half the battle in lowering the cost of living — you also have to think about people's pay, economists argue.
Trump says he's "crushing" inflation as GOP faces affordability concerns
President Trump spoke about affordability and his economic agenda in the Poconos, in northeastern Pennsylvania, Tuesday night.
Instacart's AI-enabled pricing may be bumping up your grocery bill
Shoppers may be unaware they're paying as much as 23% more than others for the same grocery items on Instacart, a new analysis says.
Politics
More Politics
House to vote today on must-pass defense policy bill
The House is poised to vote Wednesday on a $900 billion defense policy bill as both chambers race to pass it before the end of the year.
Democrats' path to power may come through hundreds of races far from Washington
In a new strategy memo, the leader of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee makes a case that the party has a "once in a generation" chance to flip over 650 state legislative seats.
Rod Paige, architect of No Child Left Behind policy, dies at 92
Under Rod Paige's leadership, the Department of Education implemented the No Child Left Behind policy that in 2002 became former President George W. Bush's signature education law.
Elon Musk suggests he wouldn't do DOGE over again
Six months after stepping down from leading the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, billionaire Elon Musk suggested in an interview he likely would not repeat his time helming the cost-cutting mission.
Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayoral runoff, breaking 30-year Democratic drought
Higgins defeated former city manager Emilio Gonzalez with 59% of the vote, pledging to tackle housing affordability, climate resilience, and restore trust at City Hall.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Extended interview: Dr. Rochelle Walensky
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook speaks at length with former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the hepatitis B vaccine and last week's vote by the CDC's vaccine advisory panel to change the recommendation for when children should get their first dose of the vaccine.
Nursing home chain avoids settlement payouts after bankruptcy filing
Genesis HealthCare's bankruptcy case in Dallas will allow the nursing home chain to avoid paying millions of dollars it promised for residents who were injured or died while in its care.
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
Details on CDC Hepatitis B vaccine decision
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel on Friday voted to not recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for everyone at birth, alarming many in the medical community. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains what to know about the decision and its potential impact.
Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
World
More World
Sperm donor with cancer-causing gene fathers nearly 200 children across Europe
A genetic mutation that carries a 90% cancer risk has been passed on by an unwitting sperm donor to dozens of children, a Europe-wide investigation has revealed.
Possible evidence of 2,100-year-old ceasefire uncovered in Israel
Archaeologists finished excavating foundations of the ancient wall that surrounded Jerusalem when the story of Hanukkah took place.
Trump says he'll "make a phone call" to stop Cambodia-Thailand clashes
President Trump helped end a simmering conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in the summer, but the ceasefire didn't last long.
Venezuela's María Machado to miss Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado missed the ceremony, but said she'd arrive later "to embrace all my family and my children that I've have not seen for two years."
Sneaky dogs let horse and steer run amok in Aussie lawmaker's living room
Australian lawmaker Andrew Mackay says his pets are safe, but "now the outside animals know what aircon feels like," and someone drank from the fish tank.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Lucas Bravo on new "Emily in Paris" season
Lucas Bravo, who stars as Gabriel in "Emily in Paris," talks about the new season of the show, what he loves about his character and working with Lily Collins. Plus, he discusses playing a villain role in the series, "The Seduction."
Golden Globe nomination surprises and snubs
Hollywood's awards season is underway with Golden Globe nominations announced on Monday. "One Battle After Another" was a financial flop at the box office, but it earned the most nominations. There were also a handful of first-time nominees and some surprising snubs.
Mark Hamill, Tom Kenny on SpongeBob movie
Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, and Mark Hamill, the voice of the Flying Dutchman, speak with "CBS Mornings" about their new film, "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" and marking 26 years since the first episode aired.
Details on Paramount bid for Warner Bros.
Paramount Skydance has announced a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix reached a deal last week to buy part of the company. The Paramount Skydance offer to purchase the entire company was presented directly to Warner Bros. shareholders. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains.
Paramount Skydance makes $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $30 per share offer comes just days after Netflix agreed to buy parts of Warner Bros. in a deal valued at nearly $83 billion.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
At least 6 families sue Character.AI
At least six American families are suing Character.AI, its co-founders and Google over the role its chatbot allegedly played in encouraging their children to take their own lives. Ian Krietzberg, AI correspondent for Puck News, joined CBS News to discuss.
Waymo fallout amid school bus safety issues
Waymo, the ride-hailing service, says it is planning a voluntary software recall to fix a glitch after reports its self-driving cars don't stop for school buses. The company has already tried to fix the issue, but police in Texas said it didn't work. Kris Van Cleave reports.
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.
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus, a.k.a. David Pogue! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. What might that mean for the media industry?
Science
More Science
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.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Crime
More Crime
Army gynecologist charged with taking secret videos of 44 patients
Army Maj. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood in Texas, was charged Tuesday with 54 specifications for indecent visual recording.
Watch: Body cam video of Mangione's arrest
For the first time, the public is seeing body camera footage from Luigi Mangione's arrest. It was released on Tuesday during the pre-trial hearing for the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Shooting at Kentucky State University: police
Police say one person was killed and another was injured at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
FBI releases new photo of Ryan Wedding
The public is getting a new look at the man the FBI director called a "modern day iteration of Pablo Escobar," former skier and snowboarder Ryan Wedding. CBS News' Tom Hanson has the latest on the search.
Officer details searching Mangione's backpack
Luigi Mangione appeared at a court hearing on Tuesday, one year to the day since he was arrested on suspicion of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
Space
More Space
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
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.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayoral race
Eileen Higgens won Miami's mayoral runoff election Tuesday. She is the first Democrat to be elected mayor of the city in more than 30 years. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides reports.
Ricki Lake reunited with family photos after fire
Nearly a year after her home burned down in the Palisades wildfire, Ricki Lake is celebrating a surprise discovery. An artist recently found some of the former talk show host's precious family photos at a flea market. Carter Evans has the story.
Australia's social media ban takes effect for kids
In Australia, millions of kids' social media profiles are going dark, as the country's new social media ban takes effect for anyone under 16. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Teen caring for sister after mom arrested by ICE
What began as a normal Monday morning for 18-year-old Jonathan Escalante quickly changed when his mother, Vilma Cruz, called to tell him that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had pulled up behind her car in Kenner, Louisiana. Omar Villafranca reports.
Trump says tariffs are making farmers rich
President Trump delivered remarks on the economy in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, Tuesday night. The address comes as CBS News polling finds only 32% of Americans think the economy is good. CBS News' Erica Brown reports.