Christmas tree drought hits hard in Midwest
Tree farmers have been hit hard by drought
Drought In America
Groom bleeds to death at his own wedding in Brazil
Newlywed tripped and cut himself when an empty glass that was in his pocket shattered
Iowa scientists: Climate change caused the drought
More than 130 Iowa college and university scientists warned that without changes, Iowans will face more extreme weather
Drought produces pumpkin boom
Hot, dry conditions created perfect conditions for pumpkin farming
Freeze, drought take bite out of fall tourism
Business owners scramble after extreme weather leaves corn too short for mazes, orchards lacking apples and fall foliage muted
Grass theft on the rise amid stubborn drought
Drought-affected ranchers steal hay and leave gates open or cut fences to let cattle graze on neighbors' greener pastures
Bacon shortage "baloney," but prices to rise
The economics of the current drought are likely to nose up prices for bacon and other pork products next year by as much as 10 percent
Drought causing problems for homeowners
Drought-related damage reported in 40 states, repair costs could top $1 billion, experts say
Drought maintains grip on lower 48 states
Portion of U.S. in extreme or exceptional drought edged up last week, U.S. Drought Monitor says
Drought slowing economic growth
Government estimates drought of 2012 cost economy $12 billion last spring
Stalled legislation keeping water from Ark. farms
Money to complete a vital network of irrigation trenches through drought-stricken Arkansas farms is attached to legislation that's been stuck in Congress for nearly three years. Jim Axelrod reports.
Drought forces juggling of Okla. water distribution
The Great Drought of 2012 is causing a juggling act of water distribution in eastern Oklahoma. Jim Axelrod speaks with Col. Michael Teague - the man doing the all the juggling.
Drought dries up 200 miles of Arkansas River
Farmers in Kansas depend on water from the Arkansas River to irrigate their crops. Jim Axelrod reports the devastating drought has dried up 200 miles of the river leaving no water to divert causing profits to be cut in half.
Colo. using 19th century claims to decide water shortage disputes
Gary Hanks controls the water supply for two dozen Colorado ranches and farms. His job has been difficult this year following the country's devastating drought. Jim Axelrod reports the water commissioner uses a system of inherited claims reaching back to the 19th century to decide who gets water first.
Rain brings hope for drought-suffering farmers
A strong mix of rain and wind has been welcome relief for farmers in the drought-ridden Mississippi River Valley, although Dean Reynolds reports that residents are hoping for even more precipitation in the region.
TS Isaac will ease but not end droguht
Isaac's current path takes it right up the Mississippi River, where it will relieve many, but not all, drought-stricken areas
Bright side of the drought: fruit
The Great Drought of 2012 has dried up business for many farmers. But as Margaret Brennan reports, the heat has been "sweet" for fruit farmers.
Drought intensifies in key farming states
Storms that eased parched conditions haven't helped growers and ranchers in Kansas or Nebraska, drought monitor map shows
Farmers turn from corn to drought-friendly sorghum
Sorghum needs only a third as much water as corn and retains moisture longer, enticing farmers in Nebraska and elsewhere to shift
Drought taking toll on corn crops, and prices
Agriculture Dept. says U.S. corn growers could end up with lowest average yield in 17 years, with wide-ranging effects for farmers, cattle ranchers and consumers
Drought's effects trickle down to other farmers
Hay prices have gone up 50 percent, but others dependent on the product - like dairy farmers - can't absorb the higher costs
Food prices expected to rise as drought continues
Dwindling corn crop means higher feed prices for dairy and livestock farmers -- and in turn consumers; Prices could rise 10% in coming months
Deere income up, but well short of expectations
While net income rose 11 percent, company was hit hard by a weakening global economy and prolonged drought in the U.S.
Amid drought, hummingbirds get some human help
Millions of migratory birds are on the move and encountering fewer wildflowers due to fires, drought, and climate change
Some midwesterners find faucets running dry
Drought and lack of running water in homes in Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Indiana makes for expensive headache
Science
Science
Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy
As the U.S. Capitol prepares to honor former President Jimmy Carter, Rolling Stone climate reporter Jeff Goodell looks back on his environmental legacy.
U.K.'s biggest dinosaur footprint site discovered: "So surreal"
It is hoped the discovery will provide clues about how dinosaurs interacted, as well as their size and the speeds at which they moved.
What to know about tonight's "black moon"
It may sound spooky, but a black moon is nothing ominous.
Northern lights may be visible in parts of the U.S. New Year's Eve
Solar storms may bring northern lights to several states in the northern U.S. just in time for New Year's Eve, but cloud cover may put a damper on festivities.
New species, including "blob-headed" fish, identified across world in 2024
Hundreds of new species across the globe were identified by scientists in 2024.
California's mandatory clothing recycling program
Americans throw away billions of pounds of used clothes every year. But now, California is the first state to hold textile companies responsible for their products from start to finish. CBS News' Danya Bacchus explains.
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days has a new baby
Tahlequah has a newborn girl, years after she made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
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.
U.S.
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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settle divorce, ask judge to approve
Court documents show Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settled their divorce back in September and are now asking for a judge to approve the breakup.
McDonald's says it is rolling back some of its diversity practices
McDonald's joins other major corporations in unwinding its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
U.S. transfers 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo, leaving just 15 in custody
The U.S. has transferred from Guantanamo Bay's detention facility to Oman 11 Yemeni detainees who were never charged with crimes.
First U.S. bird flu death reported in Louisiana after severe case of H5N1
The Louisiana patient was hospitalized with a severe case of bird flu in the first death in the U.S. caused by the H5N1 virus.
Trump will appear by video at New York "hush money" sentencing, prosecutors say
President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sentenced for his conviction in the New York "hush money case" on Friday.
MoneyWatch
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McDonald's says it is rolling back some of its diversity practices
McDonald's joins other major corporations in unwinding its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
FDA sets limits on lead in some baby foods
But consumer advocates say the Food and Drug Administration's new guidance on lead limit in baby food doesn't go far enough.
Giant bluefin tuna the size of a motorcycle sells for $1.3 million
It is the second highest price paid at the opening auction of the year in Tokyo's main fish market since comparable data started being collected in 1999.
Winter storm brings power outages, leaving consumers in the dark
Hundreds of thousands of households across southern and eastern U.S. states were without power Monday.
Insurers limit coverage of prosthetic limbs, questioning medical need
Only 30% of beneficiaries who lost a limb in 2016 received a prosthesis within three years, a report found.
Politics
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Miami Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio asks for Jan. 6 Trump pardon
Enrique Tarrio is asking President-elect Donald Trump for a pardon.
U.S. transfers 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo, leaving just 15 in custody
The U.S. has transferred from Guantanamo Bay's detention facility to Oman 11 Yemeni detainees who were never charged with crimes.
Trump will appear by video at New York "hush money" sentencing, prosecutors say
President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sentenced for his conviction in the New York "hush money case" on Friday.
Rudy Giuliani found in contempt of court
A judge has found Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to properly respond to requests for information in response to a $148 million defamation judgment granted to two Georgia election workers.
Inside Trump's White House: a new occupant in one of the prime offices
West Wing office space has long been a status symbol in official Washington where proximity and access to the president can equate to influence.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
First bird flu death in U.S. reported in Louisiana
For the first time, bird flu has claimed a human life in the U.S. Louisiana's health department says the patient was over the age of 65 and reportedly had underlying health problems.
What to know about the HMPV virus reported in China
The human metapneumovirus is reportedly surging in China, but should Americans be concerned? Here's what to know about HMPV symptoms and more.
First U.S. bird flu death reported in Louisiana after severe case of H5N1
The Louisiana patient was hospitalized with a severe case of bird flu in the first death in the U.S. caused by the H5N1 virus.
FDA sets limits on lead in some baby foods
But consumer advocates say the Food and Drug Administration's new guidance on lead limit in baby food doesn't go far enough.
How to read new food label standards
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Moss explains the FDA's new rules for "healthy" food labels, limits on added sugars, and the push for alcohol warning labels.
World
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What to know about the HMPV virus reported in China
The human metapneumovirus is reportedly surging in China, but should Americans be concerned? Here's what to know about HMPV symptoms and more.
Woman arrested after poisoned Christmas cake kills 3 family members
Three women died and three other relatives fell ill after eating the cake during a family get-together on December 23, officials said.
Giant bluefin tuna the size of a motorcycle sells for $1.3 million
It is the second highest price paid at the opening auction of the year in Tokyo's main fish market since comparable data started being collected in 1999.
Venezuelan opposition leader who says he defeated Maduro meets with Biden
The United States and many European countries have rejected Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's claim of winning the election.
Tourist killed by elephant while she was bathing animal at sanctuary
A stressed elephant killed a Spanish tourist while she was bathing the animal at a sanctuary in southern Thailand, police said.
Entertainment
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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settle divorce, ask judge to approve
Court documents show Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settled their divorce back in September and are now asking for a judge to approve the breakup.
Arthur Brooks on why small New Year's resolutions are better
Harvard professor Arthur Brooks says making smaller New Year's resolutions can actually help them stick and lead to greater happiness.
Big winners from the Golden Globes
Demi Moore accepted her first-ever Golden Globe award for her role in the horror movie "The Substance." Other big winners include the musical "Emilia Perez" and the drama "The Brutalist," which won best film. Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner has more.
Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes
Nikki Glaser made her hosting debut at the 82nd Golden Globes, where "Emilia Perez" and "Shogun" each won four awards. Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner share the night's biggest moments.
June Squibb on her "Thelma" role
June Squibb, best known for her Oscar-nominated role in "Nebraska," stars in the action-comedy "Thelma." She plays a grandmother determined to outsmart a scammer. She joins "CBS Mornings."
Technology
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Technology
What to know about car rental app Turo
The car rental app Turo is working to understand how two of its vehicles were used in the deadly New Orleans attack and Cybertruck bombing in Las Vegas. The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside of President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel and the electric truck used in the New Orleans attack were both rented via Turo. New York Times technology reporter Eli Tan joins CBS News 24/7 to explain how the app and its background check process work.
Apple's Siri settlement could mean money for consumers — what to know
Apple will pay $95 million to settle allegations that its Siri virtual assistant violated people's privacy by eavesdropping on mobile device users.
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.
The legal grounds for a TikTok ban delay
President-elect Donald Trump requested that the Supreme Court suspend the TikTok ban until after he takes office while he works on a political resolution. University of Minnesota Law School associate professor Alan Rozenshtein breaks down the legal basis for the request.
Apple agrees to pay $95 million to settle Siri eavesdropping claims
Apple surreptitiously activated Siri to record user conversations through iPhones and other devices, court finds.
Science
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Science
Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy
As the U.S. Capitol prepares to honor former President Jimmy Carter, Rolling Stone climate reporter Jeff Goodell looks back on his environmental legacy.
U.K.'s biggest dinosaur footprint site discovered: "So surreal"
It is hoped the discovery will provide clues about how dinosaurs interacted, as well as their size and the speeds at which they moved.
What to know about tonight's "black moon"
It may sound spooky, but a black moon is nothing ominous.
Northern lights may be visible in parts of the U.S. New Year's Eve
Solar storms may bring northern lights to several states in the northern U.S. just in time for New Year's Eve, but cloud cover may put a damper on festivities.
New species, including "blob-headed" fish, identified across world in 2024
Hundreds of new species across the globe were identified by scientists in 2024.
Crime
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Crime
Biden visits New Orleans after truck attack
President Biden visited New Orleans on Monday and met with the families of the victims of the deadly New Year's Day truck attack. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca is on Bourbon Street with the latest on the investigation.
FBI releases New Orleans attacker video
The FBI has released new video in the probe of the New Orleans Bourbon Street attack that occurred on New Year's Day. CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports.
Heavy security in D.C. on Jan. 6
Security is tight in Washington, D.C., four years after the Capitol attack during the 2020 election certification process. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports on the measures taken to keep the nation's capital safe.
Some Jan. 6 rioters had prior records
At least 159 of the Jan. 6, 2021, convicts who have been sentenced have prior criminal records, according to a CBS News investigation. Steve Reilly breaks down the data.
New Orleans officials knew risk years before Bourbon Street attack
A confidential report warned that bollards needed to be fixed. New Orleans didn't start to replace them for five years.
Space
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NASA probe beams home update after record-breaking flyby of sun
NASA said scientists began receiving more detailed telemetry — or "housekeeping data" — from the spacecraft on New Year's Day.
When and where to see the Quadrantids, 2025's first meteor shower
The first meteor shower of 2025 is about to peak. Here's how to watch and where you can see the Quadrantids.
Space debris weighing over 1,000 pounds crashes into Kenya village
Officials said they were investigating fragments of metal, believed to be from a rocket, that crashed into a village in the country's south.
What to know about tonight's "black moon"
It may sound spooky, but a black moon is nothing ominous.
Lunar eclipses, supermoons, meteor showers happening in 2025
Skywatchers can mark the calendar with a busy lineup of celestial occurrences in 2025.
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.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Biden honors New Orleans attack victims
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden attended an interfaith service in New Orleans on Monday in honor of the victims of last week's deadly truck attack on Bourbon Street. Mr. Biden pledged to make every resource available to complete the investigation quickly.
Top political risks that could arise in 2025
2025 is set to be another dynamic year on the world stage between the inauguration of Donald Trump, uncertainty in the Middle East, Ukraine and the South China Sea, and major political changes coming to South Korea and Canada. Ian Bremmer, founder and president of the Eurasia Group, joins CBS News to unpack the top political risks of the year.
Blinken: Israel-Hamas talks in homestretch
Israel has vowed to catch the perpetrators after gunmen killed three people and wounded seven others in an attack on a bus carrying Israelis in the West Bank. It comes as outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he maintains hope that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas could be reached in the near future. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
New York City congestion fees: What to know
Monday marked the first weekday that thousands of drivers in New York paid congestion price fees when entering parts of Manhattan. Passenger vehicles will now pay as much as $9 to drive past 60th Street during peak hours. CBS News New York reporter Elijah Westbrook has more on the city's congestion prices.
Harry Dunn on Jan. 6 four years later
On Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Hill police officers were on the front lines as supporters of then-President Donald Trump breached the Capitol building. One of those officers was Harry Dunn, who joins CBS News to reflect on that fateful day and share his thoughts on Trump's promise to pardon rioters when he takes office.