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.
U.S.
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A train ride, selfie and more: What DOJ says happened before press gala shooting
Cole Allen allegedly started planning the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner three weeks ago, a new court document filed by prosecutors says.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady for third straight meeting
The Fed's April policy meeting is likely to be Jerome Powell's last as chair, with his term ending May 15.
Comey appears in court after his indictment for allegedly threatening Trump
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Tuesday for allegedly making threats against President Trump.
From a brooch to the queen's iPod: A history of gifts between U.S. and U.K.
King Charles surprised President Trump with the bell from the HMS Trump, a World War II-era British submarine, during this week's visit.
Hegseth faces questions on overall Iran war strategy
The war with Iran is now in its ninth week, and Congress is concerned about the reduction of global munition stockpiles and the ability to restock them.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady for third straight meeting
The Fed's April policy meeting is likely to be Jerome Powell's last as chair, with his term ending 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.
Senate Banking Committee advances Kevin Warsh's nomination for Fed chair
Senators voted along partisan lines, with Republicans backing Warsh's nomination to lead the Fed and Democrats on the panel opposing him.
Man takes sister's exhumed body to bank in bid to get to her money
An Indian man dug up his sister's body and carried it to a bank branch to prove she was dead after being refused access to her account without a death certificate, the lender says.
Feds have rejected 15% of businesses' tariff refund claims
But after some early hiccups, the U.S. government's hub for businesses seeking tariff refunds is running smoothly, an expert says.
Politics
More Politics
A train ride, selfie and more: What DOJ says happened before press gala shooting
Cole Allen allegedly started planning the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner three weeks ago, a new court document filed by prosecutors says.
Comey appears in court after his indictment for allegedly threatening Trump
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Tuesday for allegedly making threats against President Trump.
Hegseth faces questions on overall Iran war strategy
The war with Iran is now in its ninth week, and Congress is concerned about the reduction of global munition stockpiles and the ability to restock them.
A WWII-era gift, historic speech and more highlights from King Charles' visit
Photos show some of the highlights as King Charles III and Queen Camilla with President Trump and first lady Melania Trump during an official state visit to Washington, D.C.
Exclusive
FEMA's disaster relief fund hits red zone ahead of hurricane season
FEMA's disaster relief fund has dropped below $3 billion, triggering Imminent Needs Funding, which means the agency must limit spending to only the most urgent, life-saving needs amid the partial government shutdown.
HealthWatch
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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.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
World
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Robot exploring France's deepest shipwreck finds cannons, ceramics
An army survey of the seabed uncovered the 16th-century merchant ship by chance in waters off the coast of France.
From a brooch to the queen's iPod: A history of gifts between U.S. and U.K.
King Charles surprised President Trump with the bell from the HMS Trump, a World War II-era British submarine, during this week's visit.
Hegseth faces questions on overall Iran war strategy
The war with Iran is now in its ninth week, and Congress is concerned about the reduction of global munition stockpiles and the ability to restock them.
9 people arrested in massive raids on religious sect in U.K.
Nine people were arrested in raids on the U.K. headquarters of the AROPL religious sect, on suspicion of modern slavery, forced marriage and sexual offenses.
U.S. captures alleged drug kingpin with $10 million bounty on his head
Eugenio Molina-Lopez is accused of heading up a gang that allegedly trafficked U.S.-bound cocaine from South America to Mexican cartels.
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
Legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman
Elon Musk took the stand Tuesday in a trial against fellow billionaire Sam Altman that could change the future of AI. Musk accused the OpenAI co-founder of lying and stealing, adding that he has "extreme concerns" about AI and who controls it.
College students' killings latest case to rely on ChatGPT as evidence
OpenAI boss Sam Altman recently apologized after a teen who went on to kill eight people was banned from ChatGPT for violent activities but police were never alerted.
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.
Elon Musk testifies in OpenAI trial
Opening statements began on Tuesday in Tesla CEO Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman. Maxwell Zeff, senior writer at Wired, joins with more.
Jury selection begins in Musk-Altman legal battle
Jury selection began Monday in the legal battle between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
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
Sexual wellness company lobbies for pardons
San Francisco-based sexual wellness company OneTaste is lobbying for clemency through allies of President Trump for its former CEO and founder, Nicole Daedone, and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz, who were both sentenced to more than five years in prison for forced labor conspiracy. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
9 people arrested in massive raids on religious sect in U.K.
Nine people were arrested in raids on the U.K. headquarters of the AROPL religious sect, on suspicion of modern slavery, forced marriage and sexual offenses.
Details on shot fired at D.C. dinner
A gunshot fired during the Secret Service encounter with Cole Allen at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday may have hit an officer's cellphone placed in a bulletproof vest pocket, two sources tell CBS News' Nicole Sganga.
2 stabbed in London Jewish neighborhood
A man is in custody after two people were stabbed at a Jewish neighborhood of North London, according to British authorities. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
Secret Service protocols at D.C. dinner
Robert McDonald, a retired supervisory agent at the U.S. Secret Service, joins CBS News with his take on the security protocols during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
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
Supreme Court weighs Trump deportation effort
The Supreme Court heard arguments over the Trump administration's efforts to end deportation protections for Haitian and Syrian nationals in the U.S. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
King Charles highlights U.S.-U.K. unity
King Charles III addressed Congress on Tuesday as part of his state visit and highlighted the importance of U.S.-U.K. unity amid recent tensions over the Iran conflict. Dr. Nigel Fletcher, a political and constitutional historian, joins with more.
Breaking down DOJ's case against Comey
The Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey for a second time on Tuesday. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Sexual wellness company lobbies for pardons
San Francisco-based sexual wellness company OneTaste is lobbying for clemency through allies of President Trump for its former CEO and founder, Nicole Daedone, and former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz, who were both sentenced to more than five years in prison for forced labor conspiracy. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
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."