Past 7 years are hottest on record "by a clear margin," scientists say
2021 continued the trend as one of the hottest years on record since the 1800s.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
Tens of thousands evacuate, many homes burn in Denver-area wildfires
One has already destroyed more homes than any wildfire in Colorado history. Hurricane-force gusts fanned the flames of the late-season blaze.
Top 10 weather disasters cost $20 billion more than last year's
Global tally was 13% more than 2020's total of $150 billion, says the British charity Christian Aid. It blames climate change for the worsening trend.
The rising threat to businesses in 2022? Water.
Climate change means thousands of office buildings, malls and apartments are at greater risk of flooding, analysis finds.
Climate change is reshaping the lobster industry in Maine
Lobster catches are plummeting in Southern New England, but skyrocketing in Maine and the Canadian Maritimes as lobsters move north in search of cooler water.
One farmer's seaweed discovery could change the world
Researchers found that feeding seaweed to cattle would dramatically reduce greenhouse gases, says farmer Joe Dorgan.
How to be more sustainable this holiday season
"We have to look at alternative ways to show people that we love them that don't always come attached to material items," Barber told CBS News
Birdsong bumps Abba from top-5 on Australian album chart
An album composed to tweets and chirps from some of Australia's most endangered species has made it into the top 5, beating out some Christmas favorites.
Climate change impacts Great Lakes coastline
It's not just the U.S. coasts experiencing climate change. Communities along the shores of the Great Lakes are seeing it too. Ben Tracy has more for CBS News' series Eye on America.
Tornado Alley may be shifting east, threatening businesses and supply chains
Violent storms struck a growing manufacturing and supply-chain hub, causing an estimated $18 billion in economic damage.
"Doomsday glacier" ice shelf could shatter within 5 years, scientists say
Researchers said the entire glacier holds enough water to raise sea levels by more than 2 feet.
How climate change could impact future tornado disasters
More than 80 people are confirmed dead after tornadoes ripped through towns in the U.S. As the climate continues to change, experts say future death tolls could be even worse.
"Alarm bells" over Arctic record 100-degree heat in Siberia: U.N.
The sweltering heat, on June 20, 2020 in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk, was the highest temperature ever recorded above the Arctic Circle, the World Meteorological Organization said.
Kerry assures allies the U.S. is committed to climate action
President Biden's special envoy for climate change was on a whistle-stop tour in Europe to reassure partners that the U.S. is back, and it means business.
California to ticket high-pollution trucks, lawn mowers
"What we're really talking about here is the smog ... that is making people sick and killing people," one advocate said of new regulations.
Destroyed tropical forests could regrow if left alone for 20 years
All it would take is 20 years of limited human interaction for tropical forests destroyed by deforestation to almost completely recover.
"Bizarre" coral reef sounds offer hope of recovery after destruction
Scientists say there's now hope that reefs previously destroyed by fishermen using explosives to kill massive amounts of fish can be restored.
Ocean plastic pollution is being colonized by coastal species
Researchers still have questions about these new plastic-living communities, but the discovery could change ocean ecosystems on a global scale.
2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the most expensive on record
There were 21 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean this year, including seven hurricanes.
Almost half of humanity is eating too much or too little, report says
The Global Nutrition Report and other recent research shows a major gulf in diets around the world, with a big impact not only on our health, but the health of our planet.
Bill Gates is backing Wyoming's first nuclear plant
The $4 billion project — with an ambitiously short timeline — will replace a retiring coal plant in Kemmerer, a town of 2,500.
Nations strike climate deal with coal compromise at COP26
"It's a good deal for the world," U.S. climate envoy John Kerry told the Associated Press.
Last day of COP26 conference
The United Nations’ climate summit is wrapping up Saturday in Glasgow, Scotland. Delegates from nearly 200 nations are attempting to keep the goal of the 2015 Paris climate agreement alive by limiting the threshold of rising temperatures to 1.5 Celsius. Mark Phillips has the story.
Key goals unmet with COP26 climate change summit down to final hours
On the final day of the United Nations climate conference, there was no indication that nations would agree to emissions cuts needed to limit global warming, or to help poor countries deal with its impact.
Can a U.S.-China climate change pact get COP26 off "life support"?
With the ambitions of the ongoing COP26 climate summit "on life support," can a bilateral agreement that's light on real action make the difference?
Science
Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
U.S.
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U.S. targets California-born leader of notorious Jalisco cartel
Juan Carlos Gonzalez, also known as "Pelon," is the stepson of "El Mencho" — real name Nemesio Oseguera — who was injured and later died in a military sweep.
The Federal Reserve meets next week. Could it raise interest rates?
The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on Wednesday, but persistent inflation concerns are reshaping expectations for the rest of 2026.
Tree of Life rabbi Jeffrey Myers bids farewell 8 years after deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers is retiring from Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, which he led through the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
All 11 on seaplane that crashed, caught fire north of Seattle survive
A seaplane with 11 people on board crashed and caught fire a short time later in the Puget Sound area north of Seattle. All 11 survived, authorities said.
Texas appeals court reverses injunction that closed midwife's clinics
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Maria Rojas of performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a license last year.
MoneyWatch
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The Federal Reserve meets next week. Could it raise interest rates?
The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on Wednesday, but persistent inflation concerns are reshaping expectations for the rest of 2026.
Trump imposes new tariffs on dozens of countries, citing forced labor concerns
The Trump administration will impose tariffs of up to 12.5% on goods from 60 U.S. trading partners accused of failing to crack down on forced labor, extending the administration's tariffs on much of the world.
Tampa, Charleston airports to join new TSA privatized security initiative
The new Gold+ initiative would allow private contractors to handle passenger screening at three airports while the TSA retains federal oversight.
Fewer Americans own homes than thought, new Fed search finds
Only about 53% of Americans own homes, or about 12 percentage points lower than previous data has shown, the study found.
Tilly Norwood's creator insists the AI actor is creating Hollywood jobs
The robot actor is generating work for Hollywood creatives, not stealing jobs from actors, her inventor tells CBS News.
Politics
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25 states sue FEMA and DHS, accuse Trump admin. of withholding funding
The lawsuit claims the Trump administration is withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in disaster-preparedness and homeland security grants to pressure states to change policies on elections and immigration.
Rapid pace of interceptor and precision-guided weapons use worries Trump admin.
The U.S. defense industrial base isn't equipped to produce missiles rapidly enough to replenish munitions used in the war with Iran, or transferred for use to Central Command.
Trump imposes new tariffs on dozens of countries, citing forced labor concerns
The Trump administration will impose tariffs of up to 12.5% on goods from 60 U.S. trading partners accused of failing to crack down on forced labor, extending the administration's tariffs on much of the world.
DOJ withdraws subpoenas for New York Times reporters over Air Force One story
The Justice Department withdrew its subpoenas for New York Times reporters during a court heraing Thursday, after a judge grilled government lawyers for making "errors."
GOP's Jack Smith referral fails to show he committed a crime, ex-prosecutors say
The Justice Department will face an uphill battle if it tries to prosecute Jack Smith over allegations leveled by House Republicans, former prosecutors say.
HealthWatch
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Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expands to 4 more states
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, the nation's largest, is currently affecting nine states.
FDA investigating new cyclospora outbreak
U.S. health officials said they are investigating an additional outbreak of cyclospora, but do not know its source. Plus, Taylor Farms has reportedly shut down the plant where lettuce is suspected to have started the initial outbreak that has sickened thousands in at least 41 states. Carter Evans reports.
Measles outbreak "slowing," but newborn's family still can't meet her
Utah's weekly measles case count has fallen. The national tally hasn't, and a newborn who's too young to be vaccinated is caught in between.
FDA says new cyclospora outbreak linked to unspecified product
Federal health officials said they've identified a new outbreak of the cyclospora parasite, but the source hasn't been specified.
FDA panel recommends loosening regulations for some peptides
The FDA panel is reviewing seven peptides and deciding if they should be added to a list of substances that can be safely produced by compounding pharmacies.
World
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Head of euthanasia firm dies while climbing Mount Fuji
A Swiss man died after losing consciousness hiking up Mount Fuji, marking the second fatality in one week on the iconic mountain.
Wildfire forces 40,000 tourists and residents to flee French peninsula
Several firefighters have been killed as France, Spain and Italy all battle wildfires that have forced tens of thousands to evacuate a vacation hotspot.
Live
Iran keeps targeting U.S. bases as U.S. interceptor stockpiles dwindle
Explosions were heard near a U.S. base in Iraq, and Iran said it targeted Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait as the 21-week war intensifies.
Remembering cameraman Derek Williams, "the mate you would want in any war zone"
Derek Williams died Wednesday, according to his family. He had been living with Parkinson's disease and was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Rapid pace of interceptor and precision-guided weapons use worries Trump admin.
The U.S. defense industrial base isn't equipped to produce missiles rapidly enough to replenish munitions used in the war with Iran, or transferred for use to Central Command.
Entertainment
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Tilly Norwood's creator insists the AI actor is creating Hollywood jobs
The robot actor is generating work for Hollywood creatives, not stealing jobs from actors, her inventor tells CBS News.
From the archives: Legendary late-night producer Peter Lassally
Peter Lassally, the fabled TV executive for such late-night hosts as Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and a mentor for many rising comedians, died July 19, 2026 at age 93. In this March 11, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, correspondent Mo Rocca talked with Lassally (affectionately dubbed "The Host Whisperer") about working with the kings of late-night. Lassally also talks about his childhood, part of which was spent in Nazi concentration camps, and also about whether he has had joy in his life.
Aisha Tyler on "Criminal Minds" journey
"Criminal Minds" star Aisha Tyler was only supposed to be in six episodes of the show, but her journey on the series has now spanned over a decade. She tells "CBS Mornings" how her role has impacted her in real life and what it was like to work with guest star Connor Storrie from "Heated Rivalry."
James Norton talks "House of the Dragon"
Actor James Norton describes what it is like to play a villain in "House of the Dragon," which is a prequel to "Game of Thrones" and reveals which scene made him nearly faint during shooting.
Luke Bracey on "Little House on the Prairie"
Luke Bracey tells "CBS Mornings" the new "Little House on the Prairie" series was adapted from the books rather than a reboot of the TV show. He explains why he thinks it resonates with people today and how a playlist helped him and a co-star bond over their characters.
Technology
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Technology
Lawmakers weigh AI "kill switch"
Days after OpenAI revealed one of its models went rogue and hacked into another company's servers, House lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the federal government to effectively shut down models that may put the public at risk. Jo Ling Kent explains.
How to save on your next laptop amid AI boom
As the back-to-school shopping season begins, you can expect to pay more for certain items, like laptops, due to shortages stemming from artificial intelligence. Brian Westover, principal hardware writer for PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss how you can save money.
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.
Study: ChatGPT solved complex cybersecurity task
New research from a cybersecurity company now indicates that artificial intelligence models are getting better at solving multi-part problems. Gabriel Bernadett-Shapiro, who worked on the project and is a distinguished AI research scientist at SentinelOne, joins to unpack his team's research.
OpenAI confirms "unprecedented" incident
OpenAI is investigating after two of its AI bots went rogue and targeted an outside company during a training exercise in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident." Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at Puck, joins with more.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
U.S. targets California-born leader of notorious Jalisco cartel
Juan Carlos Gonzalez, also known as "Pelon," is the stepson of "El Mencho" — real name Nemesio Oseguera — who was injured and later died in a military sweep.
Accused Apalachee High School shooter pleads guilty at hearing
Colt Gray was charged with 55 counts, including malice murder, and faces up to 180 years in prison for the deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School.
Contents of fist Guthrie ransom note revealed
Nearly six months after Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in Arizona, the full contents of a ransom note that might have come from her kidnapper are coming to light. Mark Strassmann reports on the latest developments in the search for the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie.
Latest on Wisconsin police shooting
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is calling for accountability over the deadly police shooting of a man in Madison. Protests have erupted in the wake of the incident. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan has more.
2 men stabbed near Central Park
Two men were stabbed on Thursday near Central Park in New York City, just blocks apart. The victims are Asian and Jewish, and the attacks are being investigated as a possible hate crime. Tom Hanson reports.
Space
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Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Protests, questions after Wisconsin shooting
Protesters in Madison, Wisconsin, are demanding accountability after Corey Ruiz was fatally shot by police during an attempted arrest. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Trump imposing new tariffs
President Trump is imposing new tariffs on dozens of countries accused of failing to crack down on forced labor. The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and include U.S. allies. Nancy Cordes reports.
Are U.S. strikes on Iran sustainable?
Some Trump administration officials are concerned about the rapid use of interceptor and precision-guided weapons in the Middle East, sources told CBS News. CBS News' Kathryn Watson has more.
Concerns over U.S. weapons stockpile
As the U.S. builds up forces in the Middle East amid the ongoing war with Iran, there's concern among some officials that U.S. weapons may be getting depleted. It comes as President Trump has threatened new escalations and as the U.S. and Iran continue to trade strikes. Charlie D'Agata reports.
Lawmakers weigh AI "kill switch"
Days after OpenAI revealed one of its models went rogue and hacked into another company's servers, House lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the federal government to effectively shut down models that may put the public at risk. Jo Ling Kent explains.