New species of whale named last year is "on the edge of extinction"
"Unless significant conservation actions are taken, the United States is likely to cause the first anthropogenic extinction of a great whale species," scientists said.
Gulf of Mexico
Florida water "looks like root beer, smells like dead fish" after hurricane
Portapotties, sewage, vehicles leaking gas and dead animals are just some of the odorous things infecting Florida's waters post-storm.
3 men rescued from shark-infested waters
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three men whose fishing boat sank in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast -- "just in the nick of time," as they fended off sharks in the water. CBS News' Lana Zak and Lilia Luciano have the story.
How climate change affects hurricanes
Scientists say climate change could be fueling storms like Hurricane Ian. The storm officially met the National Hurricane Center's threshold for "rapid intensification." Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Tropical Storm Alex, the first of hurricane season, forms in Gulf of Mexico
Alex formed Sunday morning in the Gulf of Mexico on a track to come ashore in southern Florida with heavy rains and gusty wind.
Only whaling ship to sink in Gulf of Mexico discovered 190 years later
Not much is left of the two-masted wooden brig thought to be the Industry, a 65-foot-long whaler that foundered after a storm in 1836.
Federal judge blocks big Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale
The judge said the Biden administration didn't adequately take into account the effect the drilling would have on planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, violating a bedrock environmental law.
Nicholas could bring "life-threatening" flash floods to deep South
The storm, which reached hurricane strength, made landfall then weakened back to tropical storm status. It's bringing pounding rain and strong winds to the region.
U.S. Coast Guard investigating nearly 350 reported oil spills after Ida
Hurricane Ida shut down nearly 95% of the region's crude oil and gas production.
Divers pinpoint source of Gulf oil spill caused by Hurricane Ida
A one-foot diameter pipeline was displaced from a trench on the ocean floor and sheared in half by Hurricane Ida.
Feds responding to reports of oil and chemical spills in Gulf of Mexico
An apparent miles-long brownish-black oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico was seen in aerial survey imagery released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Photos show black slick in water near Gulf oil rig in wake of Hurricane Ida
An apparent miles-long oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico is seen in aerial survey imagery released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Burst pipeline causes "eye of fire" in Gulf of Mexico
Viral video shows a harrowing image of ships attempting to put out a massive fire that formed underneath the ocean's surface when a gas pipeline ruptured.
Astronauts come home with rare pre-dawn splashdown
Four astronauts strapped into their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, undocked from the International Space Station and plunged to a fiery pre-dawn splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico early Sunday, closing out the first operational flight of SpaceX's futuristic touch-screen ferry ship. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports. Read more here.
1 dead, 12 missing after boat capsizes off Louisiana
"The hope is that we can bring the other 12 home alive," said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson III.
Slow-moving Tropical Storm Beta threatens to be a rainfall event
The storm is expected to approach the Texas coast on Monday.
Tropical Storm Sally forms in the Gulf of Mexico
It's the 18th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks in mid-September.
SpaceX Crew Dragon astronauts splash down after historic test flight
Sunday's splashdown was the first by U.S. astronauts in 45 years, with the first commercially built and operated spacecraft to carry people to and from orbit.
Researchers flock to mysterious "blue hole" off Florida's coast
Little is known about the mysterious holes at the bottom of the ocean — but a team of researchers is looking to change that.
250,000 tons of plastic "nurdles" pollute our oceans every year
In North America, the problem is worst in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Olga forms in Gulf of Mexico
The National Hurricane Center said Olga's core is expected to move over the northern Gulf Coast late Friday night or early Saturday
Oyster shortages follow record floods: "Never been this bad"
Extreme weather linked to climate change is wreaking havoc in oyster production in parts of the U.S.
Nestor's strong winds and rainfall head into Georgia
All tropical storm and surge warnings had been canceled by Saturday afternoon
Tropical Storm takes aim at Florida Panhandle
Forecasters warned of dangerous storm surge and said tropical storm force winds are expected
Tropical storm expected to form in Gulf Coast
The storm is likely to develop into a tropical or subtropical system before Friday
Plane crash in Kazakhstan killed dozens but some on board survived, officials say
Mobile phone footage circulating online appeared to show the Azerbaijani aircraft making a steep descent before slamming into the ground in a fireball.
The toy industry is bracing for the impact of Trump's promised tariffs
Toy stores and the toy industry are warning that Trump's pledge to add tariffs to Chinese imports could harm their businesses.
Pope shares Christmas message, marking start of church's Holy Year
Pilgrims lined up to walk through the great Holy Door at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as Christmas marks the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration.
Zelenskyy calls Russia's Christmas Day missile and drone attack "inhumane"
A massive Russian missile and drone barrage on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Christmas morning was "inhumane," Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said.
Body discovered in wheel well of plane at Maui airport
A body was found in the wheel well of United Airlines Flight 202, which left Chicago for Hawaii on Dec. 24, the airline said.
Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
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.
347 skiers rescued by helicopter in French Alps
Chairlifts at two different resorts in the French Alps broke down on Tuesday, stranding hundreds in two separate incidents.
Backpacks full of $1.1 million worth of cocaine found near Canada border
Agents found 30 brick-like packages of cocaine inside the backpacks, located in a wooded area in Washington near the U.S. border with Canada.
U.S.
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Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
The toy industry is bracing for the impact of Trump's promised tariffs
Toy stores and the toy industry are warning that Trump's pledge to add tariffs to Chinese imports could harm their businesses.
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.
Backpacks full of $1.1 million worth of cocaine found near Canada border
Agents found 30 brick-like packages of cocaine inside the backpacks, located in a wooded area in Washington near the U.S. border with Canada.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
MoneyWatch
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The toy industry is bracing for the impact of Trump's promised tariffs
Toy stores and the toy industry are warning that Trump's pledge to add tariffs to Chinese imports could harm their businesses.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
Lawyers for ex-Abercrombie CEO say he has dementia, can't stand trial
Defense lawyers say the former longtime CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch may have dementia, prompting a competency hearing.
Is anything open on Christmas Day? Here's what's open and closed.
Last-minute grocery items and gifts can be found on Christmas Day, but many retailers and chains may be closed today.
Starbucks strike shuts down hundreds of locations
More than 5,000 workers were expected to take part in walkout that ends later on Christmas Eve, their union says.
Politics
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Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back
Ryan Wesley Routh is being held in Miami awaiting trial in Fort Pierce.
With Biden's signature, bald eagle officially America's bird
President Biden signed legislation Christmas Eve to make the bald eagle officially the U.S. national bird.
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among the new laws signed by President Biden are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and a bill to address hazing on college campuses.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Why some children are turning to GLP-1 drugs
A growing number of young people are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Janet Shamlian examines why.
FDA raises urgency of Costco egg recall
The FDA has raised the level of a Costco egg recall, warning of the risk of severe illness or death due to potential salmonella contamination. Over 10,000 cartons of Kirkland brand organic eggs sold at stores across the South are affected. Customers are urged to discard or return eggs marked with Julian code 327 and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025.
Expert tips to support your immune system
With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
World
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Over 100 migrants rescued trying to cross English Channel on Christmas
At least 73 migrants have died trying to cross the English Channel to Britain this year, according to French authorities, making 2024 the deadliest year on record for the crossings.
347 skiers rescued by helicopter in French Alps
Chairlifts at two different resorts in the French Alps broke down on Tuesday, stranding hundreds in two separate incidents.
Royal family celebrates Christmas with no sign of Prince Andrew
King Charles III was joined at Christmas services by close members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate — but Prince Andrew was notably absent.
Bridge collapse in Brazil leaves at least 2 dead, dozen missing
A bridge linking two northern states in Brazil collapsed, sending cars and trucks plunging into the river below. A sulphuric acid spill is complicating the rescue operation.
Pope shares Christmas message, marking start of church's Holy Year
Pilgrims lined up to walk through the great Holy Door at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as Christmas marks the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration.
Entertainment
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Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
Angel Blue on Met role debut in "Aida" and Opera journey
Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music's "Vocalist of the Year," is set to perform the title role in "Aida" at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins "CBS Mornings Plus."
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
Technology
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Technology
AI features dominating tech heading into 2025
New artificial intelligence features appeared across the tech landscape this year, from the latest iPhone to chatbots like Google's Gemini. Adam Auriemma, the editor-in-chief at CNET, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
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.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Science
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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.
Crime
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Backpacks full of $1.1 million worth of cocaine found near Canada border
Agents found 30 brick-like packages of cocaine inside the backpacks, located in a wooded area in Washington near the U.S. border with Canada.
"Desperate" killer who escaped from Mississippi prison is recaptured
Authorities in Mississippi say a "desperate" and "very dangerous" convicted murderer, Drew Johnson, is back in custody after escaping from prison Tuesday.
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back pleads guilty to fraud charges
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood Jr. pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges.
Suspect who allegedly set woman on fire in subway fanned flames, prosecutors say
Authorities are revealing more details surrounding the killing of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on the New York City subway.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court in New York City and pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges. His lawyer criticized what he called the case's political nature as Mangione was led into the hearing with his hands shackled.
Space
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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
Academy teaches students the art of playing Santa
Twice a year, between 100 and 150 student Santas and Mrs. Clauses from as far away as Europe enroll at the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Atlanta for a three-day boot camp where they will learn to become professional Christmas entertainers. Skyler Henry has details.
In show of unity, 4 pastors swap congregations
In Midland, Texas, four pastors from different denominations decided to exchange pulpits for one day in order to deliver a message about tolerance and acceptance to their congregations and the community. Jason Allen has more.
Celebrating the holidays around the globe
Jericka Duncan takes a look at how Christmas and Hanukkah are being marked around the world and even aboard the International Space Station.
Why some children are turning to GLP-1 drugs
A growing number of young people are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Janet Shamlian examines why.
The impact of tariffs on the U.S. toy industry
If President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his threat of imposing new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, it could have major repercussions for the U.S. toy industry. Kelly O'Grady explains.