Trump administration delays protection for monarch butterfly
The western population of the species, which spends winters in California, has declined by more than 99%, to a record low of fewer than 2,000 butterflies.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
U.S. to shatter record for billion-dollar climate disasters in 2020
This is the sixth consecutive year in which the U.S. has experienced 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate-related disasters.
"Extraordinary" rate of change as the Arctic warms, NOAA says
"The Arctic is living proof that major environmental change need not proceed gradually over generations," one expert told CBS News.
Americans in need of emergency disaster housing surged in 2020
Record-breaking wildfires and a relentless hurricane season — on top of an ongoing pandemic — have left more Americans in need of emergency housing than ever before.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to "critical"
The world's largest coral reef is now in "critical" condition — the most urgent designated status.
Tens of thousands without power as new fires erupt in California
Almost 60,000 people in southern California are without electricity and hundreds are fleeing their homes as Santa Anna winds fuel new wildfires.
2020 on track to be one of the 3 warmest years on record
As climate impacts reach unprecedented levels, several nations' new emission reduction targets offer renewed hope.
Severe wildfires burning 8 times more area in western U.S.
An exponential increase in high-severity fires threatens a forest's ability to return to its normal state.
Climate action needs American leadership, U.N. chief says
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that three-fourths of new and emerging human infectious diseases are animal-to-human.
Fire devastates world's largest sand island
The fire as been raging for more than six weeks and is consuming large swaths of Fraser Island's unique forests.
COVID lockdowns' impact on greenhouse gas emissions a "tiny blip"
U.N. weather agency voices hope for lasting change after pandemic, but says reduction in greenhouse gases during lockdowns was just a "tiny blip."
Arctic temperatures are astonishingly warmer than they should be
The entire Arctic Circle was an average of 12 degrees Fahrenheit above normal this weekend.
The record-shattering 2020 hurricane season, explained
Like so many other aspects of 2020, the Atlantic hurricane season hurled one shocking event after another.
The air got cleaner in 2020, thanks to the pandemic
But a climate-driven historic wildfire season held back progress on emissions.
389-day Arctic research mission brings urgent call for climate action
"Trying is not enough anymore. We must take action," warns one scientist who spent more than a year gathering data in the rapidly warming far north.
U.K. leader says new gas cars sales will be banned in a decade
PM Boris Johnson brings forward deadline on sale of new gas and diesel cars and vans as he promises Britons a future full of green jobs.
What Biden can do to "reverse the trajectory" on climate change
If President-elect Joe Biden has his way, the tide is about to turn on climate policy. But how much could he really do without Senate support?
Bezos announces first winners of $10 billion climate-change pledge
Prominent environmental nonprofits dominate the first round of "Bezos Earth Fund" grants, which total $791 million.
What climate policy could look like under a President Biden
The president-elect has a bold plan for going green — here's what he can do even without support from lawmakers.
Theta forms, breaking record for most named storms in a season
This is storm number 29, breaking the record of 28 tropical storms set in the memorable season of 2005.
Joe Biden vows to rejoin Paris climate deal if elected
Biden, who has his own climate change agenda, signaled the exodus would end the day he enters office.
Tropical Storm Eta ties record for most named storms in a season
While the number of storms in 2005 was also 28, this is the first time the name Eta will ever be used.
What is fracking, and where do Trump and Biden stand on it?
The issue has been raised numerous times as the candidates make their final push to reach voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Trump falsely claims wind energy "kills all the birds"
"I know more about wind than you do," Mr. Trump said during the presidential debate, erroneously claiming it "kills all the birds."
Colorado wildfires show "climate change is here and now"
As bad as this year has been, scientists warn it's "unlikely that the records from 2020 will stand for long."
Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
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.
U.S.
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Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Truck driver spends decades carving a scale model masterpiece of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost 1 million structures.
Heightened security from dozens of local, federal agencies ahead of Super Bowl
More than 35 local, state and federal agencies have been working for the last 18 months to prepare for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
Politics
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Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, telling reporters he didn't see the part that showed the former president and first lady.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
HealthWatch
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See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
World
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Suspect in 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star killed in Mexico
Andres Escobar was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup.
Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
How the Olympics' Parade of Nations country order works
Here's what to know about the Parade of Nations in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and how the country order is determined.
See the best Olympic opening ceremony outfits of the 2026 Winter Games
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin, all eyes were on teams from around the globe proudly donning their countries' uniforms for the opening ceremony, including Team USA in outfits designed by Ralph Lauren.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Bad Bunny set for historic Super Bowl performance
Coming off a historic Grammy win, Bad Bunny is gearing up to make even more history at this weekend's Super Bowl. The musician is set to be the first Super Bowl headliner to perform completely in Spanish. Leila Cobo, co-chief content officer at Billboard, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Bad Bunny hints at halftime show surprises
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican singer born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, told fans to expect a special Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday. Nidia Cavazos reports on how the star is performing, and whether he'll have any surprise guests.
Bad Bunny set for historic halftime show
Bad Bunny will perform on the Super Bowl halftime stage on Sunday for an all-Spanish performance - a first at the big game. The six-time Grammy winner gave a preview ahead of his performance, saying, "they dont even have to learn Spanish. They just … it's better if they learn to dance."
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to keep drones at home with flights banned over big game
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities say they're "aware of a new message" in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect in 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star killed in Mexico
Andres Escobar was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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.
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
Officials review new message in Guthrie case
Officials said they are "aware of a new message" in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance on Friday. Authorities have not given details on the contents of the message. Former FBI special agent FBI Doug Kouns joins CBS News to discuss.
Man spent decades making model of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost one million structures. Steve Hartman has the story.
Officials shut down man's free bus rides
After a licensed school bus driver finished his route, he decided to help after seeing lots of other children walking to school in the cold. As Tony Dokoupil reports, the offer was short-lived.
Olympics kick off with opening ceremony in Milan
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the 2026 Winter Olympics with celebrations at Milan's San Siro Stadium and at venues in Predazzo, Livigno and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Seth Doane reports.
What to know about high-stakes Super Bowl security
With less than 48 hours until kickoff for Super Bowl LX, security preparations are already in motion. Kris Van Cleave has a preview.