The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
The western United States experienced a severe snow drought this year, threatening the region's water supply and potentially setting the stage for its wildfire season.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
El Niño could return this year and make Earth even hotter
The weather phenomenon known as El Niño could form later this year, potentially pushing global temperatures to record heights, researchers say.
Supreme Court to weigh energy companies' bid to end state climate change suits
The Supreme Court agreed to take up an effort by energy companies to end a lawsuit filed in state court that seeks billions of dollars in damages.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Trump's EPA revokes the "endangerment finding." Here's what to know.
The Trump administration says greenhouse gases emitted from sources like cars, trucks and power plants will no longer be regulated by the federal government.
"Black carbon" in Arctic an increasing concern amid other issues in region
"Black carbon," or soot, that spews from ships and makes the Artic Ocean ice melt even faster is an increasing concern in a region beset with many other issues.
Wildfire smoke pollution linked to 24,100 U.S. deaths per year, study finds
"Our message is: Wildfire smoke is very dangerous. It is an increasing threat to human health," said a study author.
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.
Winter storm doesn't disprove climate change, despite Trump's claim
President Trump cited a major winter storm as evidence to suggest that global warming does not exist — a misleading claim that has been consistently debunked by climate experts.
World is entering era of "water bankruptcy," U.N. report warns
Water sources are being depleted faster than they can be restored, according to a new report from United Nations researchers.
Massive bluefin tuna fetches record $3.2 million at Tokyo auction
A massive 535-pound bluefin tuna sold for a record 510 million yen ($3.2 million) at the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market.
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."
Arctic temperatures rising twice as fast as elsewhere, NOAA report says
Temperatures in the Arctic continue to follow a long-term warming trend, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Researchers lower estimate of drop in global income due to climate change
The researchers, writing in the journal Nature in 2024, had forecast a 19% drop in global income by 2050. Their revised analysis puts the figure at 17%.
SpaceX launches second satellite to monitor sea level changes
The Sentinel-6B is the second of two satellites in a $1 billion program to monitor sea levels over a full decade.
As Trump skips U.N. climate summit, Newsom hurls criticism from Brazil
The Trump administration sent nobody to the U.N. global climate summit, leaving California Governor Gavin Newsom to ask, "What the hell is going on here?"
U.N. climate talks start in Brazil: "We need to accelerate the fight"
U.N. climate negotiations get underway in Brazil, with leaders urging urgency and cooperation to curb global warming. The Trump administration is not participating.
Hundreds of dolphins found dead in lake were in water hotter than jacuzzi
"You couldn't put your finger in the water," said the lead author of the study, which spotlights the impacts of planetary warming on aquatic ecosystems.
Maps show Hurricane Melissa's forecast path
Hurricane Melissa brought hurricane-force gusts to Bermuda overnight and will weaken as it heads north, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. Maps show its forecast path.
Bill Gates shifts tone on climate, criticizes "doomsday view"
For decades, Bill Gates has warned of climate disaster — but his tone meaningfully shifted as he cautioned against taking a "doomsday view" on the planet's future.
Trump admin. aims to auction offshore oil leases despite states' opposition
The Trump administration is proposing to auction offshore oil drilling leases across new portions of the U.S. coast as soon as 2026, according to internal documents viewed by CBS News.
Heat wave caused key part of Florida coral reef to become "functionally extinct"
A record 2023 heat wave all but eradicated two species of coral that historically served as the backbone of Florida's reefs, researchers said in a new report.
Science
600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
DOJ found no evidence of a crime in Fed renovation project, prosecutor admits
The Justice Department's investigation of a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Federal Reserve found no evidence of a crime, a federal prosecutor privately conceded under questioning by a judge.
2 pilots killed in LaGuardia Airport runway collision identified
The pilots killed in a collision between a jetliner and a fire truck on a New York runway have been identified as Capt. Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther.
Wife of Hawaii doctor takes stand 1 year after he allegedly tried to kill her
Arielle Konig took the stand to testify against her husband, anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig, exactly one year after he allegedly tried to kill her by pushing her off a cliff during a hike in Hawaii.
Democrat flips Florida state legislative district that includes Mar-a-Lago
Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election for a Florida state House seat on Tuesday, flipping a district that is home to President Trump's estate, Mar-a-Lago.
Senate rejects latest push to rein in Trump's powers in Iran as war's off-ramp unclear
Democrats have vowed to keep forcing votes on the issue as they seek public testimony from administration officials.
MoneyWatch
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Judge calls Pentagon's moves against AI firm Anthropic "troubling"
A judge sharply questioned a lawyer for the federal government on Tuesday over the Pentagon's efforts to cut Anthropic's AI out of its classified systems.
FedEx to offer same-day delivery as it battles with Amazon, other retailers
FedEx said it will give customers the option of two-hour or end-of-day delivery, including for large and oversized packages.
OpenAI pulls the plug on its Sora AI video app
OpenAI said Tuesday that it will discontinue the company's Sora app, which let users create AI-generated videos.
Oil trades surged before Trump's Iran post. Some experts are suspicious.
Trading in crude oil futures spiked only minutes before President Trump postponed an ultimatum on Iran, causing oil prices to drop and stocks to surge.
Delta suspends special services for lawmakers amid government shutdown
Delta is temporarily halting specialty services for members of Congress, citing strain on its resources during the partial government shutdown.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ found no evidence of a crime in Fed renovation project, prosecutor admits
The Justice Department's investigation of a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Federal Reserve found no evidence of a crime, a federal prosecutor privately conceded under questioning by a judge.
We asked every lawmaker in Congress what they're doing to end the DHS shutdown
Lawmakers and President Trump appear to be edging closer to a framework to wrap up the Department of Homeland Security shutdown — but a breakthrough has remained out of reach. CBS News contacted every House and Senate office to ask what they're doing to end the shutdown.
Democrat flips Florida state legislative district that includes Mar-a-Lago
Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election for a Florida state House seat on Tuesday, flipping a district that is home to President Trump's estate, Mar-a-Lago.
Judge calls Pentagon's moves against AI firm Anthropic "troubling"
A judge sharply questioned a lawyer for the federal government on Tuesday over the Pentagon's efforts to cut Anthropic's AI out of its classified systems.
U.S. expected to deploy troops from 82nd Airborne to Middle East for Iran war
A command element and some ground forces are expected to be part of the Middle East deployment, according to a source familiar with the planning.
HealthWatch
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More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
More World
Senate rejects latest push to rein in Trump's powers in Iran as war's off-ramp unclear
Democrats have vowed to keep forcing votes on the issue as they seek public testimony from administration officials.
U.S. expected to deploy troops from 82nd Airborne to Middle East for Iran war
A command element and some ground forces are expected to be part of the Middle East deployment, according to a source familiar with the planning.
600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Trump to host King Charles, Dutch royals in separate visits
In separate visits, President Trump is planning to host monarchs from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands next month.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Patrick Ball on medical drama "The Pitt"
"The Pitt" star Patrick Ball tells "CBS Mornings" he had been auditioning since 2013 and didn't think his acting dreams were "ever going to happen" when he was cast in the medical drama. He also opens up about how the series is personal for him.
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Technology
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Technology
Jury finds Meta liable in child safety trial
The New Mexico Department of Justice has won a landmark trial against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the details.
New Mexico jury finds Meta violated protection law over exploitation claims
The landmark decision comes after a nearly seven-week trial. Jurors sided with state prosecutors who argued that Meta prioritized profits over safety.
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.
Anthropic's case against Pentagon underway
The artificial intelligence company Anthropic is challenging the Pentagon in court after the Trump administration designated it a national security risk. Tom Dupree, former deputy assistant attorney general under President George W. Bush, joins with analysis.
Cybersecurity expert on concerns amid war
The war with Iran is raising cybersecurity concerns in the U.S. Vik Desai, global cybersecurity strategy lead at Accenture, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
More Science
600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
Crime
More Crime
Wife of Hawaii doctor takes stand 1 year after he allegedly tried to kill her
Arielle Konig took the stand to testify against her husband, anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig, exactly one year after he allegedly tried to kill her by pushing her off a cliff during a hike in Hawaii.
Jury finds Meta liable in child safety trial
The New Mexico Department of Justice has won a landmark trial against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the details.
Congress probing hospice fraud in California
Two weeks after a CBS News investigation into hospice care fraud in California, Congress is now probing the issue. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi is following the story.
Amputee cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, has been arrested on murder charges for the shooting death of a Maryland man. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Suspect details in murder of Loyola student
Prosecutors say Jose Medina, who is accused of killing a Loyola University student, missed his first court appearance Monday because he has been hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. Medina is facing several charges in the fatal shooting, including first-degree murder. DHS says the alleged shooter is a Venezuelan man living in the U.S. illegally.
Space
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NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Artemis II back on launch pad for moon mission
NASA's Artemis II rocket is back on the launch pad after repairs inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Early next month, NASA will try, for a second time, to send a crew of four on a flyby of the moon. Mark Strassmann has more.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 liftoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
3/24: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Trump says Vance and Rubio are involved in talks with Iran; Senate inches toward a potential DHS funding solution.
Hawaii community reacts to floods, recovery
Hawaii residents continued recovery efforts on Tuesday after the worst flooding in 20 years battered the islands this month.
The national divide over dress codes
A debate over what to wear at two different restaurant chains is prompting renewed attention over dress codes. Tony Dokoupil has more.
Wife alleges husband tried to kill her on hike
Arielle Konig faced down the man who allegedly tried to murder her during a birthday hike one year ago, her husband, anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig. Matt Gutman reports on the trial.
Scrutiny over surging oil trades before Trump post
A huge spike in oil futures trading minutes before President Trump announced talks with Iran is drawing suspicion about insider trading. Jill Schlesinger explains.