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.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists say biggest coral in the world discovered in the Pacific
Scientists say they've discovered a "mega coral" three times bigger than the previous record holder - so huge they initially thought it was a shipwreck.
Trump officials likely to reverse drilling waste "methane fee" EPA is imposing
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
Hungry and far from home, an emperor penguin comes ashore in Australia
Rescuers are trying to rehabilitate an emperor penguin that came ashore some 2,000 miles from its natural habitat, and what comes next is "still being worked through."
COP29 climate summit begins. Will it be the last for the U.S.?
As delegates from nearly 200 countries gather for a major international summit on climate change, they're confronting a new era of uncertainty for the U.S. under a second Trump administration.
Severe droughts threaten sustainable catch of the Amazon's giant fish
In Brazil´s Amazonas state, almost 6,000 riverine dwellers authorized to fish have reported a significant drop in production and rising costs.
Research vessel to scan seafloor for flood victims in Spain
Spain is sending a marine research vessel to scan the seafloor off Valencia's coast in hopes of finding vehicles and people missing after devastating flash floods.
European agency says 2024 is "virtually certain" to be warmest year on record
Climate scientists working at the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service have announced that 2024 is "virtually certain" to be the warmest year on record.
Finalist for Prince William's Earthshot Prize already brightening lives
See how one of the 15 finalists for Prince William's 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards is already helping people live their dreams.
Spain's flooding nightmare goes on as heavy rain hits Barcelona
The flash flood-inducing rains that killed more than 210 people in Spain's Valencia region have moved north, snarling air and rail traffic in Barcelona.
Science
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
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.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Sustainable gift-giving: How to reduce waste
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.
Insurers pull back wildfire coverage
Increasingly intense wildfires have become more common in California, upending the lives of thousands. Many insurers are dwindling coverage options, leaving several homes in danger. Business Insider senior sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Study finds young people most at risk of heat
A new Columbia University Climate School study discovered that young people may be most at risk of heat-related deaths. CBS News environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Climate change could bring more snow in some areas
Experts predict climate change could actually make snow worse in some areas of the U.S. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. is seeing less snowfall than in the 1970s. CBS News national climate correspondent Dave Malkoff explains how.
Wisdom, the world's oldest-known wild bird, lays an egg at 74
Wisdom the Laysan albatross was first tagged by researchers in 1956. Since then, she's believed to have raised as many as 30 chicks.
U.S.
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Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Drones collide, fall into crowd at holiday show in Florida, FAA says
A holiday drone show just days before Christmas was interrupted when drones collided, officials said.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji dead at age 26
Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI who openly questioned the legality of its data-gathering practices, died by suicide, authorities said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Politics
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Matt Gaetz ethics report says his drug use and sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
Mayorkas says "irresponsible politics" killed a "terrific solution" on the border
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said "a really terrific solution was killed by irresponsible politics" when the bipartisan border deal fell apart earlier this year.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
World
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Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
U.S. Navy crew ejects safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Holiday music with Darren Criss: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Darren Criss, the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending," helps "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of the Hugh Martin-Ralph Blane standard, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Music with Darren Criss: "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season"
Darren Criss (the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending") and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season."
Darren Criss on counting his lucky stars
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks about his road to Broadway, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Technology
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Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson 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.
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Woman set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway, NYPD says
A person of interest was taken into custody after a woman died after being lit on fire while she was asleep on an F train in Brooklyn, police say.
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Space
More Space
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
12/22 : The Takeout: Rep. Jamie Raskin
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin joins "The Takeout" with lawmakers facing a government shutdown deadline. Raskin discusses Elon Musk's increasing influence in Washington, and President-elect Donald Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders around the world. He also looks at where Democrats went wrong in the 2024 election, and how they need to better communicate key issues to voters.
How toy libraries cut down on waste of spending
With the holidays fast approaching, some are turning to toy libraries for their gifting needs. Toy libraries look much like toy stores, but the items are there to be borrowed instead of bought. Natalie Brand takes a closer look at how they work.
A look at California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
Every year, the residents of one block in Alameda, California, pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday decorations. Itay Hod shares the story of what's been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane."
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Workers divided over sale of U.S. Steel
U.S. Steel workers are divided over the possible sale of the company to Japanese manufacturer Nippon Steel. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both voiced opposition to the deal, and Mr. Biden may signal an official stance on trying to block the deal as early as Monday. Erica Brown reports.