Wildfires & extreme weather: It's not coincidence, it's climate change
These kinds of dystopian weather events, happening often at the same time, are exactly what scientists have been warning about.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
Biden and Trump responses to wildfires highlight divide on climate change
Trump said he doesn't think "science knows" what is happening to the climate.
The world is failing to save species and ecosystems, UN warns
Without addressing biodiversity and climate change, the report said, the world will not fully be able to tackle poverty, reduce hunger, or reduce the risk of future pandemics.
Section of largest remaining Arctic ice shelf shatters
"The atmosphere in this region has warmed by approximately 3°C since 1980 and record-breaking temperatures have been observed in 2019 and 2020," says researcher Dr. Jenny Turton.
Scientific American backs Joe Biden with first presidential endorsement
The magazine editors believe Biden "can set the country back on course for a safer, more prosperous and more equitable future."
Wildfire smoke from West has spread to Washington, D.C.
The smoke was creating a hazy sky and obscuring the sun.
Biden: Climate change means "you aren't safe in Donald Trump's America"
There are deadly blazes burning in California, Washington and Oregon, and at least 35 people have died as a result of the fires.
Trump says "I don't think science knows" about climate
A California official disagreed with the president about the root cause of the wildfires.
Northern Hemisphere had its warmest summer ever, NOAA says
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also said 2020 is likely to be one of the five warmest years on record.
Oregon governor says wildfires are a "wake-up call" on climate change
More than 500,000 Oregonians are under an evacuation order and 40,000 have been forced to leave their homes.
Animal populations have declined nearly 70% since 1970, report says
World Wildlife Fund says species in Latin America and the Caribbean were disproportionately affected, declining 94% on average — and humans are to blame.
Greenhouse gas emissions back to pre-pandemic levels
Pandemic caused an unprecedented drop in the emission of greenhouse gases — but it didn't last long.
California wildfires burn 2.2 million acres — more than any year on record
California has seen over 2,650 more fires compared to this time last year — and September and October usually are the worst months for fires.
Early winter storm hits Colorado after record heat wave
Winter showed up abruptly and unusually early in Colorado after a weekend of record-shattering high temperatures.
Los Angeles County sets record high temperature as heat wave continues
Woodland Hills hit a record temperature of 121 degrees on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
"Zombie fires" spark highest-ever carbon emissions in Arctic
Scientists said the smoke plumes were so large, they covered the equivalent of more than one-third of Canada.
Another record-breaking heat wave is building in the West
In some areas the heat will be even more intense than the historic heat wave just a couple of weeks ago.
Climate chaos suggests a more extreme future is already here
Multiple extremes resemble the chaotic climate future scientists have been warning us about for decades — only it's happening right now.
Greenland ice sheet lost a record amount of ice in 2019, study says
The ice loss in 2019 was more than twice the annual average since 2003 — shattering the previous record.
U.S. approves oil leasing plan for Alaska wildlife refuge
Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the home to polar bears, caribou and other wildlife.
Sweltering heat wave bakes the West
More than 50 million people will swelter in highs over 100 degrees through next week.
Greenland ice sheet claims life of renowned climate scientist
Konrad "Koni" Steffen apparently fell to his death in a crevasse on the ice sheet he dedicated his life to studying.
Brazil's leader calls Amazon fires a "lie." Images show otherwise.
Fires in the Amazon rainforest are surging as Brazil's president claims they don't exist.
In just 15 years, the Arctic Ocean may be ice-free in summer, study says
It's one of the most aggressive timelines and, if correct, is one of the more direct signs that humans are warming the Earth's climate at an even more dramatic pace than expected.
Canada's last intact Arctic ice shelf has collapsed
A 4,000-year-old chunk of ice larger than the size of Manhattan has collapsed into the Arctic Ocean.
Science
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.
"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.
U.S.
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A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.
Sean Ono Lennon on the legacy of John & Yoko
The music of The Beatles, and of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, is timeless. And yet, musician, songwriter and producer Sean Ono Lennon says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, by reminding the world of its power. He talks with Anthony Mason about the Oscar-winning animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"; and of the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko," which features material he'd never heard before.
Technology
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Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
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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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
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Space
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.
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.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Nature: Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota
We leave you this Sunday before Christmas with trumpeter swans a-swimmin' near Brainerd, Minnesota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. Faith Salie pays a visit.
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.