What is an atmospheric river? The weather phenomenon, explained.
Atmospheric rivers can be beneficial — but also destructive. Here's what to know about the weather phenomenon on the West Coast and beyond.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
How climate change affects atmospheric rivers
Another atmospheric river is soaking California with historic amounts of rain and flooding. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy joins to explain how climate change is affecting these devastating and often deadly storms.
3 new coral bleaching alert levels created in wake of extreme heat
The revised coral bleaching alert levels come in the wake of Florida experiencing hot tub-level sea temperatures and some reefs experiencing "100% mortality."
Hurricane hunters chase powerful atmospheric rivers
Atmospheric rivers can dump rain and snow in large areas and cause intense flooding.
Deep-sea reef the size of Vermont discovered off U.S.
The 6.4 million-acre reef is bigger than the state of Vermont, NOAA says.
Where is the coldest city in the U.S. today? Where temperatures are the lowest.
Ahead of another arctic blast expected to hit U.S. cities, the country's coldest temperatures fell well below zero.
Rare rainbow clouds form over Ireland and England
One local described the early morning colorful clouds, known formally as nacreous clouds, as "utterly transfixing."
2023 Arctic Report Card proves "time for action is now," NOAA says
Climate change is heating the Arctic faster than anywhere else on the planet. Communities around the polar region are already suffering, and conditions there are fueling extreme weather events much farther away.
Whale rescued after being "hog-tied" to 300-pound crab pot off Alaska
The juvenile humpback was caught in a "life-threatening" entanglement for at least three days before wildlife officials were able to cut it free.
Winter outlook: Wetter South, warmer North and "potential climate extremes"
The oncoming El Niño winter is forecast to bring warmer and drier weather to the northern U.S. and more precipitation than usual to southern states.
El Niño is going to continue through spring 2024, forecasters predict
Forecasters say El Niño, a climate pattern known for warmer ocean temperatures and increased rain and snow, is likely here to stay until early 2024.
Lidia makes landfall in Mexico as Category 4 Hurricane, then weakens
Its arrival came on the heels of Tropical Storm Max, which hit the southern coast of Mexico on Monday, several hundred miles from Jalisco, before tapering off.
Philippe on track to drench parts of New England, Canada
Post-tropical cyclone Philippe is expected to track north and likely drench parts of New England and Canada's southeast coast over the weekend.
Surfers face "chaotic" waves and storm surge in hurricane season
With the Atlantic hurricane season in full swing, surfers navigate thrills, threats and even deadly weather conditions.
Scientists find "golden egg" on ocean floor — and still don't know what it is
It remains unclear if the golden dome is associated with a known species, a new species, or represents an unknown life stage of an existing one.
NOAA releases climate report for 2022
Earth keeps on warming, according to a new "State of the Climate" report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more on the findings.
Idalia path, timeline: Maps show where hurricane is heading and when
Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane over the Big Bend region of Florida, before continuing along its path toward Georgia and the Carolinas.
Hurricane Idalia bringing "catastrophic" storm surge to Florida
The National Hurricane Center said Idalia was weakening but water levels could reach as high as 16 feet in some areas.
Has California ever had a hurricane? Tropical storm threat "nearly unprecedented"
It is extremely rare for California to be hit with tropical storms or hurricanes — but it has happened before.
July was Earth's hottest month since U.S. temperature records began
Data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show July 2023 was hotter than any month on record.
NOAA hurricane outlook worsens due to "record-warm" ocean temperatures
Updated predictions from NOAA suggest at least six and as many as 11 hurricanes will develop before the season ends in November.
Radio blackouts could occur at Earth's poles after "cannibal" space event
The blackouts could come days after a series of plasma clouds burst from the sun, which triggered a minor solar radiation storm.
"Ultra rare" pod of endangered sperm whales spotted in California
"This is something that might happen once a year if you are lucky," the marine tour company that saw the sperm whale trio said.
What forecasters expect for the 2023 hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
El Niño is coming back, NOAA says
Warm ocean waters are one of El Niño's biggest fuels – and data shows that sea surface temperatures have hit temperatures well above those seen during 2016's "Godzilla" event.
Videos released in Epstein files raise fresh questions about jail footage
A recently released cache of security videos is raising new questions about the prison cameras at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in his cell in 2019.
Law enforcement ramps up New Year's security measures across the country
Recent memory serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is for law enforcement and civilians to be vigilant as crowds gather to celebrate New Year's Eve.
House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives around the world
New Zealand and Australia were among the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
National Guard troops patrol New Orleans on New Year's a year after attack
Hundreds of National Guard troops are patrolling New Orleans on New Year's Eve, one year after a deadly terror attack.
HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations.
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
Christian Barmore, Patriots defensive star, charged with domestic assault
Christian Barmore, a star defensive tackle with the New England Patriots, is facing a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault.
These national and regional retailers went out of business in 2025
More than 8,000 stores closed across the U.S. this year, according to retail industry data, including these well-known brands.
U.S.
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These national and regional retailers went out of business in 2025
More than 8,000 stores closed across the U.S. this year, according to retail industry data, including these well-known brands.
Disney cast member recovering after runaway boulder at Indiana Jones show
A staffer at Walt Disney World in Florida is recovering after being struck and injured by a fake boulder that rolled off stage during a live performance, Disney said.
National Guard troops patrol New Orleans on New Year's a year after attack
Hundreds of National Guard troops are patrolling New Orleans on New Year's Eve, one year after a deadly terror attack.
Videos released in Epstein files raise fresh questions about jail footage
A recently released cache of security videos is raising new questions about the prison cameras at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in his cell in 2019.
Law enforcement ramps up New Year's security measures across the country
Recent memory serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is for law enforcement and civilians to be vigilant as crowds gather to celebrate New Year's Eve.
MoneyWatch
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These national and regional retailers went out of business in 2025
More than 8,000 stores closed across the U.S. this year, according to retail industry data, including these well-known brands.
Trump Mobile pushes back release of gold-colored phone
The Trump Organization announced the $499 phone and wireless plan this summer, promising to deliver "all-American service."
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Is anything open on New Year's Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, although some will have reduced hours.
Politics
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Day care in Minneapolis vandalized after viral video purporting fraud
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
Videos released in Epstein files raise fresh questions about jail footage
A recently released cache of security videos is raising new questions about the prison cameras at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in his cell in 2019.
Law enforcement ramps up New Year's security measures across the country
Recent memory serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is for law enforcement and civilians to be vigilant as crowds gather to celebrate New Year's Eve.
House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
Photos show the year in politics for 2025
In 2025, President Trump returned to power and instituted change in Washington. Here's a roundup of photos of key moments throughout the year.
HealthWatch
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Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
World
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New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives around the world
New Zealand and Australia were among the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
Women Japanese lawmakers point to unique shortage — toilets for them
Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including the prime minister, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several days of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
1 killed, dozens injured in head-on train collision near Peru's Machu Picchu
The head-on collision occurred between two trains on the line that services the historic Peruvian site Machu Picchu.
Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez's botched restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, when crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
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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.
Crime
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Day care in Minneapolis vandalized after viral video purporting fraud
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
New details on charges against Stefon Diggs
Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing charges of strangulation, assault and battery following an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month. Diggs' attorney, David Meier, said in a statement that the wide receiver "categorically denies" the allegations and "looks forward to establishing the truth" in court. CBS News Boston's Aaron Parseghian has more.
New Orleans marks 1 year since terror attack
New Orleans is marking one year since 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terror attack on the city's iconic Bourbon Street. Kati Weis spoke to the family of one of the victims about how they're remembering their loved one.
Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock ordered to forfeit $5.2 million
The ringleader of what authorities called the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States has been ordered to forfeit more than $5 million.
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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
New Orleans boosts New Year's security
National Guard troops were deployed to New Orleans to help with security for New Year's celebrations in wake of the deadly truck attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens on New Year's Day last year. CBS News' Kati Weis has the latest.
Latest on deadly nursing home explosion
Community members are still reeling after the deadly explosion at a Bristol, Pennsylvania, nursing home last week. CBS Philadelphia's Liz Crawford has the latest.
Winter storms slam Northeast, Great Lakes
Winter storms are hammering the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. CBS News' Ian Lee and Rob Marciano have the latest.
Australia rings in 2026 with tighter security
Australia's New Year's celebrations included tighter security as the nation continues to mourn the 15 victims of the deadly antisemitic Bondi Beach attack. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
Police boost security for Times Square event
The New York City Police Department is expecting more than one million people to gather in Times Square to celebrate New Year's Eve on Wednesday. CBS News' Elaine Quijano has more on how the police are preparing ahead of the ball drop.