New report ranks the cleanest and most polluted U.S. cities
The new report evaluated air quality in different parts of the country by measuring the presence of ozone and particle pollution in the atmosphere.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
EPA chief Lee Zeldin tells climate skeptics to "celebrate vindication"
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday defended his decision to repeal the legal determination that serves as the basis for federal rules to slow climate change.
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.
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.
Science
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving 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.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Mysterious "golden orb" found in deep sea in 2023 is finally identified
Scientists spent over two years identifying a mysterious object found off the coast of Alaska in 2023.
Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
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Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
OpenAI sued by families of school shooting victims in Canada's Tumbler Ridge
Several families of victims of a mass shooting in Canada are suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging the company's generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, played a role in the February shooting.
U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
MoneyWatch
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Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Powell to stay on Federal Reserve board as policy makers hold rates steady
Fed chief Jerome Powell said he will remain as a governor on the central bank's board after his term as chair ends on May 15.
TSA PreCheck offers discount to younger travelers. Here's what to know.
TSA is trying to encourage young travelers to enroll in its PreCheck program before summer travel kicks off.
Politics
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Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
In crowded CA gubernatorial debate, Democrats spar while Republicans blame incumbents
The primary election in California's gubernatorial contest is just over a month away, and the race remains wide open.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
World
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As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Press freedom worldwide is at lowest level in 25 years, watchdog group warns
Press freedom across the globe has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, Reporters Without Borders warned.
U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
How Ukraine's demining robots could help U.S. open the Strait of Hormuz
Ukraine has perfected demining techniques in the Black Sea over four years of war against Russia.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Wilmer Valderrama on his 200th "NCIS" episode
As "NCIS" nears the highly-anticipated finale of season 23, it will also be star Wilmer Valderama's 200th episode on the show. He reflects on his time on the series and reveals the season finale will have "a lot of danger," adding, "we're setting a crazy tone for next season."
Reshaping the conversation about aging
Constance Zimmer, who co-hosts the podcast "Talk 50 to Me," talks about reframing the conversation among women about aging. The podcast features interviews with women in their 50s, talking about the realities of midlife.
FCC orders review of ABC broadcast licenses
The FCC has ordered an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight local stations owned by ABC. The move comes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Ed O'Keefe reports.
FCC reviewing ABC licenses amid Kimmel feud
The Federal Communications Commission says it wants the Walt Disney Company to file for early license renewal for its television stations. The announcement comes one day after President Trump and the first lady called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe joins with analysis.
FCC reviewing Disney licenses over DEI practices
One day after President Trump called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC said it will begin reviewing eight broadcasting licenses owned or managed by Disney due to the company's diversity policies. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the latest.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
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.
Comparing popular smartwatches right now
Smartwatches can measure everything from heart rate to step count, but which features are most accurate and are worth using? Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET's lead wearable tech reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Musk testifies for 2nd day in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk testified for a second day on Wednesday in a trial that's pitting two tech titans against each other. Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving 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.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Nick Reiner appears in court
Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, several weeks after pleading not guilty in the grisly death of his famous parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner. Carter Evans has more details.
New evidence released in D.C. shooting
Cole Allen, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, took a mirror selfie, allegedly gearing up for battle, officials said. Matt Gutman reports.
James Comey makes court appearance
Former FBI Director James Comey made his first court appearance in Virginia on Wednesday, charged with threatening President Trump. A grand jury indicted Comey yesterday over a social media post he made last year. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
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
Sneak peek: The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi
ALL NEW: A dream romance ends in murder after a woman falls for a stranger. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports Saturday, May 2 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Highlights of King Charles' visit to U.S.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla's first trip to the U.S. as monarchs kicked off in Washington, D.C., for a state visit, where he delivered a historic speech to a joint meeting of Congress and presented President Trump with a WWII-era submarine bell. Here are some highlights of the monarchs' visit.
Highlights from Pete Hegseth's testimony
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials testified on Wednesday as the Defense Department seeks a $1.5 trillion budget from Congress. Hegseth got into heated exchanges with Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee and claimed those who oppose the war in Iran are enemies. Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst also revealed that the conflict has cost the U.S. about $25 billion.
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Breaking down Louisiana voting rights case
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling on Wednesday, weakening the Voting Rights Act. The case was about a Louisiana congressional map that added a second majority-Black district to the state. In a three-to-six decision, the court said the new map constituted racial gerrymandering. CBS News' Jessica Levinson and David Becker break down the ruling and Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana shares his reaction.