Book excerpt: "Fire Weather" by John Vaillant
This 2023 National Book Award finalist recounts the rise of climate science and the increasing dangers from climate change, including the devastation brought by today's wildfires.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
As climate risks mount, U.S. homeowners face soaring insurance bills
Insurance companies are canceling homeowner policies across the U.S. — even in regions that aren't considered climate hot spots.
How suburban sprawl and climate change make wildfires more destructive
Neighborhoods tucked into the foothills of Los Angeles are now more vulnerable to fires as rainy seasons become more intense and dry seasons last longer.
Can California use ocean salt water to put out fires?
Salt water from the ocean is an option for fighting L.A.'s fires, but it's more complicated than simply going to the beach to transport water to the hillsides.
Supreme Court allows Hawaii climate change lawsuits against energy companies
The court fight brought in Hawaii state court is similar to others filed against the nation's largest energy companies by state and local governments in their courts.
Maps show how dry Southern California is, as L.A. wildfires burn
Dry vegetation helped fuel the fires that spread through the Los Angeles area, burning tens of thousands of acres.
Climber's remains identified 6 decades after he fell from glacier
The German man has been identified after his bones, including part of a leg, were discovered in western Austria.
For Jimmy Carter, protecting environment was an "exhilarating" challenge
Protecting the planet was "central to his whole outlook on life," said Stuart Eizenstat, who was Carter's White House domestic policy adviser.
Scientists say people hit with 41 extra days of dangerous heat this year
Researchers say human-caused climate change dealt people an average of nearly six weeks of extra extreme heat in 2024, while also fueling more destructive storms.
As climate change threatens Christmas trees, growers try to evolve
The effects of climate change have put stress on Christmas tree production in the United States. Some farmers are turning to genetics to adapt.
Honda and Nissan announce plans to merge
Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels.
How Trump could undo portions of Biden's climate legacy
Biden's most recent climate initiatives are all but certain to be short-lived, mostly thanks to an obscure law that tends to come into play every four years.
Communities facing air pollution threats worry about EPA rollbacks under Trump
In the U.S., the biggest polluters are often concentrated in underserved, mostly minority communities.
Biden sets new climate goal for slashing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
The new goal is part of the Paris Agreement, under which member nations must update their emission cut targets every five years.
EPA grants California waiver to ban sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday granted California its request to enforce vehicle emissions standards stricter than federal rules, including the state's ban on sales of new gasoline-powered cars.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
Thousands feared dead after Cyclone Chido hits French territory Mayotte
Rescue workers are rushing to the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean after it was devastated by the powerful Cyclone Chido.
U.N. talks fail to reach agreement regarding increased risks of global drought
The biennial talks, known as COP 16, attempted to create strong global mandates to legally bind and require nations to fund early warning systems and build resilient infrastructure in poorer countries.
The secrets of cork: So much more than a bottle stopper
The sound of a bottle popping may be a familiar harbinger of good, but the humble material behind the pop has more uses than you might imagine.
Arctic tundra becoming a source of carbon dioxide emissions, NOAA warns
The Arctic tundra has historically helped reduce global emissions. But rising temperatures and wildfires in the region are changing that, scientists say.
Floods and landslides in Indonesia kill at least 20 people
Torrential rain unleashed flooding and landslides on Indonesia's Sumatra island, killing 20 people and leaving at least two others missing.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Bomb cyclone batters Northwest, causing widespread power outages
A major storm swept across the northwestern U.S., battering the region with strong winds and rain, causing widespread power outages and downing trees that killed at least two people.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Parts of Great Barrier Reef dying at record rate, alarmed researchers say
Parts of the Great Barrer Reef have suffered the highest coral mortality on record, Australian researchers say, and they fear the rest of it has suffered a similar fate.
Science
Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Perseid meteor shower peaks during eclipse
The Perseid meteor shower will peak during 2026's only total solar eclipse. Director of astronomy at Adler Planetarium, Dr. Geza Gyuk, explains why the eclipse is so special.
Total solar eclipse in Europe
A small part of the U.S. will be able to see a sliver of partial solar eclipse, but the path of totality will cut through Europe. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has more from Mallorca, Spain.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Protecting the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world. (Originally broadcast April 26, 2026.)
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ex-Border Patrol commander Bovino was under investigation when he retired
CBP informed Gregory Bovino in an email on March 2 that the agency was "conducting an official Inquiry into allegations of misconduct reported to CBP." He initiated retirement 16 days later.
Ford recalls nearly 149,000 Mustang vehicles over potential power issue
A potential wiring issue could lead to vehicles losing power or disruption of other functions, such as windshield wipers and headlights.
IRS audit revenue plunged following mass layoffs, watchdog finds
IRS audits collected $3.5 billion less in fiscal 2025 as the agency shed thousands of auditors and other agency staffers.
Grand Canyon flood deaths lead to questions about alert system
Dr. John Giusti and Brent Rosenkranz died in major flash floods in the Grand Canyon. A third man, Timothy Allen Smith, is still missing.
MapQuest hits No. 1 on App Store after refusing to rename Lake Ontario
MapQuest topped ChatGPT as Apple's most-downloaded free app after the digital mapping company said it would keep "historical, familiar" lake names.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ford recalls nearly 149,000 Mustang vehicles over potential power issue
A potential wiring issue could lead to vehicles losing power or disruption of other functions, such as windshield wipers and headlights.
IRS audit revenue plunged following mass layoffs, watchdog finds
IRS audits collected $3.5 billion less in fiscal 2025 as the agency shed thousands of auditors and other agency staffers.
MapQuest hits No. 1 on App Store after refusing to rename Lake Ontario
MapQuest topped ChatGPT as Apple's most-downloaded free app after the digital mapping company said it would keep "historical, familiar" lake names.
E&Y to award $100 million in bonuses for workers who show people skills
Management consulting firm EY said it will reward employees who demonstrate human skills, such as business acumen and judgment.
Trump inks deal with 9 pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs
The White House said the agreements will reduce costs to treat Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease and other illnesses.
Politics
More Politics
Ex-Border Patrol commander Bovino was under investigation when he retired
CBP informed Gregory Bovino in an email on March 2 that the agency was "conducting an official Inquiry into allegations of misconduct reported to CBP." He initiated retirement 16 days later.
IRS audit revenue plunged following mass layoffs, watchdog finds
IRS audits collected $3.5 billion less in fiscal 2025 as the agency shed thousands of auditors and other agency staffers.
Whistleblower warns Postal Service's mail ballot portal is "rushed," "untested"
The whistleblower, described by lawyers as a federal official, disclosed information about the Postal Service's new mail-voting procedures to Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
Mass. primary features Markey vs. Moulton and more key races
Massachusetts is holding its 2026 primary election on Tuesday, with the ballot featuring a Senate race between Ed Markey and Seth Moulton.
The market forces quietly adding thousands to patient bills
The true cost of "vertical integration": Patients directed to a higher-priced location for procedures. Or forced to buy from their insurer's wholly owned pharmacy, which may not stock the drug prescribed or provide it at the lowest price.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
The market forces quietly adding thousands to patient bills
The true cost of "vertical integration": Patients directed to a higher-priced location for procedures. Or forced to buy from their insurer's wholly owned pharmacy, which may not stock the drug prescribed or provide it at the lowest price.
Trump inks deal with 9 pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs
The White House said the agreements will reduce costs to treat Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease and other illnesses.
Man with sinus infection symptoms diagnosed with heart condition
Marc Gaudisosi thought his symptoms were caused by a sinus infection. Then an urgent care told him to go to the hospital.
Juul can sell updated e-cigarette with age-verification system, FDA says
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
2 airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane in Germany
Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.
World
More World
Spain's leader says Russia and Israel fueled immigration "disinformation"
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says "networks linked both to Russia and to Israel" helped spread rumors about immigration "to attack Europe and divide it."
U.K. man accused of drugging, abusing wife with other men goes on trial
The case has drawn parallels to that of Gisèle Pelicot, who publicly testified against her ex-husband in a 2024 mass rape trial.
First on CBS
American among thousands missing in Nepal contacted, officials say
Nepali officials tell CBS News they have contacted a U.S. national among the more than 4,000 people still missing in the wake of the deadly flash floods.
U.S.-Venezuela oil deal will rely on North American Blue Energy Partners
The Trump administration's plan to take a stake in tens of billions of barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves will hinge on a private company called North American Blue Energy Partners, the White House announced Monday.
Lionel Messi says he is retiring from the Argentina national soccer team
Lionel Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to win the tournament in 2022 in Qatar.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Danielle Brooks on "If I Go Will They Miss Me"
Danielle Brooks sits down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about her new movie, "If I Go Will They Miss Me," and how being a mother and wife helped her in portraying the role.
Lionel Richie hospitalized after weekend show
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
John Galliano's Met Gala exhibit canceled
John Galliano's exhibit for the 2027 Met Gala has been canceled after weeks of backlash over his past antisemitic and racist comments. CBS News fashion contributor Lauren Sherman reports.
Jury finds Davis guilty in 1996 murder of Tupac
A Las Vegas jury on Monday found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Closing arguments in Tupac Shakur murder trial
The jury heard closing arguments Monday in the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the man accused of orchestrating the shooting that killed rapper Tupac Shakur. Celebrity attorney Chris Melcher joins to discuss the case.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
John Ternus is Apple's new CEO
John Ternus is stepping up and into the shoes of former Apple CEO Tim Cook. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports, plus Puck AI correspondent Ian Krietzberg shares his thoughts on the Apple turnover and the Hugging Face AI breach.
MapQuest hits No. 1 on App Store after refusing to rename Lake Ontario
MapQuest topped ChatGPT as Apple's most-downloaded free app after the digital mapping company said it would keep "historical, familiar" lake names.
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.
Apple's new CEO takes over
John Ternus begins his tenure as Apple's new CEO on Tuesday, marking a historic shift for the company. Jo Ling Kent reports.
St. Louis becomes the latest battleground in fight over data centers
"We have to be very careful about where and how we install these large data centers," said Kasey Fowler-Finn, a biologist at St. Louis University, who is among a group suing to halt a data center development.
Science
More Science
Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Times Square stabbing victim identified
A Bank of America executive was fatally stabbed during an attack in New York City's Times Square. CBS News' Jared Ocacher reports.
Mullin gives update on New York
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin shared an update on Operation Rotten Apple, a crackdown on criminals in New York. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Victim in Times Square stabbing identified as Bank of America employee
Erin Piacenti was identified as one of the two people stabbed by a woman Monday afternoon in Times Square before police shot and killed the suspect.
Watch: Lindsay Clancy jurors say deadlocked
Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial said Tuesday they were deadlocked on their fourth day of deliberations. The judge told them to return to deliberations.
Clancy trial jurors say they are deadlocked
Jurors in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy are saying they are deadlocked on Day 4 of deliberations. Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan has asked them to keep deliberating. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Caroline Polisi have more.
Space
More Space
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX 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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Times Square stabbing victim identified
A Bank of America executive was fatally stabbed during an attack in New York City's Times Square. CBS News' Jared Ocacher reports.
Key Massachusetts primary races
Voters are at the polls Tuesday in Massachusetts to vote in some key primaries ahead of the 2026 midterms. CBS News' Fin Gomez has more.
Mullin gives update on New York
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin shared an update on Operation Rotten Apple, a crackdown on criminals in New York. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
McMaster reacts Driscoll's resignation
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll handed his resignation to President Trump after months of disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster reacts.
Markey and Moulton face off
Younger centrist Seth Moulton and older progressive Ed Markey are fighting for the Senate nomination in the Massachusetts Democratic primary. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more.