Wildfire smoke linked to heightened risk of dementia diagnosis, new California research finds
When a wildfire rips through your community, your life and home are likely top of mind, but what about your brain health?
Wildfire Smoke
Thousands of firefighters battling California's Park Fire, other western blazes
The sprawling Park Fire, near Chico — which officials say was sparked after a man pushed a burning car into a gully and then fled — was only 12% contained.
Wildfires force evacuation of New Mexico town
Two wildfires that have scorched about 19,000 acres in less than 24 hours forced the evacuation of the New Mexico mountain town of Ruidoso. The urgent evacuation led to a traffic jam as people fled on the main road out. So far, an estimated 500 structures have been damaged in the wildfires. Omar Villafranca has the latest.
How wildfire smoke can impact your health
Last year, the worst wildfire season on record in Canada filled skies with a smoky haze. Forecasters predict this year's fire season could be even worse, potentially putting more people at risk of health impacts. CBS News' Anne-Marie Green has more.
Canadian town bracing for out-of-control wildfire
The town's mayor warned residents who haven't evacuated may "find that the resources that they need are gone" if they fail to leave before the Parker Lake Wildfire arrives.
Thousands of Canadians forced to evacuate as massive wildfire burns
The blaze in northeastern British Columbia started Friday and almost doubled in size by the following day, reaching about 4,200 acres.
Canada wildfire season smolders on as "zombie fires" burn through winter
It's the middle of the winter, but there are still 149 wildfires burning across Canada, including 2 deemed out of control.
Risk of wildfire smoke in long-term care facilities is worse than you'd think
"An astonishing amount of smoke gets inside these facilities," said one researcher who spent the past three wildfire seasons collecting data from monitors installed in long-term care facilities.
Wildfire smoke leaves harmful gases in floors and walls — here's how to clean
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in wildfire smoke can get into buildings and remain in the walls and floors for weeks. Some are hazardous to human health.
Air quality has been horrible this year — and not just due to wildfire smoke
Smoke from wildfires is not the only reason for poor air quality this year. It turns out, those wildfires created another kind of pollution: Ozone.
Wildfire smoke reversing U.S. air improvement
Since 2016, wildfire smoke in the U.S. has reversed roughly 25% of air quality improvements made from the 2000 Clean Air Act, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. That figure doubles to roughly 50% when looking specifically at the impact on many western states. For more on this, CBS News was joined by Marshall Burke, an associate professor at Stanford's Doerr School of Sustainability and a co-author of the study.
Maui fire survivors may face "fire brain"
As survivors of the Maui wildfires work to rebuild their lives and homes, some may be faced with something called "fire brain," cognitive and physical issues caused by breathing in tiny particles from wildfire smoke. Adam Brown, an associate professor of psychology at the New School, joined CBS News to discuss how these effects can appear weeks, months or even years after the fire.
Tracking disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean
In June, wildfire smoke from Canada caused poor air quality levels in cities across the U.S. In July came heat waves and heat domes. Now we have an August featuring tropical storms. CBS News senior weather and climate producer David Parkinson explains what's going on.
"Fire whirls" are spewing from massive wildfire raging in the West
Fire whirls are spinning columns of fire that can grow to be "several hundred feet in height."
Greece fires smash 2007 July emissions record in just over a week
The wildfires in Greece spiked on July 17, and have since spewed more carbon than wildfires have in the country in two decades.
How AI technology could be "a game changer" in fighting wildfires
As more people across the country are seeing the impact of wildfires and smoke, scientists are turning to the promise of big data, technology and collaboration to keep big fires from spreading.
Air quality alerts issued for Midwest area due to Canadian wildfire smoke
Officials have posted air quality alerts for several states stretching from Ohio to Montana because of smoke blowing in from Canadian wildfires.
D.C. among worst air quality in world
Washington, D.C. on Thursday had some of the most polluted air in the world. More than 100 million Americans are under air quality alerts as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to grip the U.S. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest on the thick haze in the nation's capital.
See pictures and videos of 2023 Canadian wildfires and their impact
Wildfires in Canada have been raging for weeks and there are 500 fires burning in the country, the vast majority uncontrolled.
Can air quality affect skin health? A dermatologist explains
Experts say those with compromised skin barriers should be especially vigilant.
How smoke, pollution affect your skin health
Wildfire smoke from Canada has been drifting into parts of the U.S. this week -- affecting cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Milwaukee. Recent studies cited by the American Academy of Dermatology found smoke like this is associated with an increase in visits for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. New York-based dermatologist Dr. Shayan Cheraghlou joins CBS News to discuss how air pollution interacts with the skin and what can people do to protect their skin from smoke.
Canadian wildfire smoke again affecting U.S.
Smoke from the wildfires raging in Canada in 2023 have affected parts of the U.S. and even traveled across the Atlantic to Europe. Here is the expected forecast for the smoke.
Maps show where the 2023 Canadian wildfires are burning
Over 27 million acres of land have burned across Canada since the start of the 2023, marking the country's worst wildfire season on record.
Chicago has the world's worst air quality due to wildfires
Midwestern cities struggled with air quality in the purple or "very unhealthy" zone.
Smoke plume from Canadian wildfires reaches Europe
As of Monday, there were 493 active Canadian wildfires that have burned more than 19 million acres of land.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a conservative revolt over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
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.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Senate passes $895 billion defense bill with gender-affirming care restriction
The Senate approved the mammoth National Defense Authorization Act despite concern from some Democrats over a controversial gender-affirming care policy.
U.S.
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
U.S. releases 2 Guantánamo prisoners, leaving 27 at American camp in Cuba
The Pentagon announced two more prisoners were released Wednesday from Guantánamo Bay. Another prisoner's release was announced earlier this week.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
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.
Migrants with temporary legal status ask Biden for help before Trump takes office
Migrants in the U.S. under what's known as Temporary Protection Status are worried that Trump will revoke the program upon taking office.
MoneyWatch
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
Fed lowers rates by 0.25 percentage point, but expects fewer cuts
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points, but said it plans fewer cuts in 2025.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Sen. Warren pushes bill to make it easier to declare bankruptcy
Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Americans seeking debt relief face an overly complicated, costly bankruptcy system.
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.
Politics
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Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a conservative revolt over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
Migrants with temporary legal status ask Biden for help before Trump takes office
Migrants in the U.S. under what's known as Temporary Protection Status are worried that Trump will revoke the program upon taking office.
HealthWatch
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What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
World
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Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Entertainment
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The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Technology
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Technology
What's next for AI in 2025?
After a landmark year for AI advancements like chatbots and image generation, questions loom about the future. Generative AI expert Sam Gregory shares what's ahead.
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
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.
Free ChatGPT search engine tool from OpenAI
OpenAI is rolling out its ChatGPT search engine for free to everyone with an OpenAI account after first making the service available for paying subscribers back in October. Will Knight, senior writer with Wired, joined CBS News to discuss the tool.
2024 space exploration and advancements
2024 has been a big year for space exploration, with the shift towards privately financed missions fueling major innovations. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood discusses the latest on the Boeing Starliner astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for months, the Odysseus moon lander, Space X and NASA.
Science
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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.
Crime
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Crime
Seeking a motive in school shooting case
Officials are probing social media and other clues that the suspect in the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting may have left behind. Investigators are trying to piece together a possible motive for the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant has more.
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison shooting suspect's family life
Records are providing more details about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting suspect and her family life. CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks down what's known as officials investigate the 15-year-old's motive.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Space
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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.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
Here's when, where the Geminid meteor shower will be visible during peak
One of the best meteor showers of the year is about to peak. Here's how to watch and where you can catch the Geminids.
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 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.
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
Man fights family's deportation
Federico Arellano, a U.S. citizen, says his family was deported over a misunderstanding after missing an immigration hearing. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Seeking a motive in school shooting case
Officials are probing social media and other clues that the suspect in the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting may have left behind. Investigators are trying to piece together a possible motive for the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School. CBS News Confirmed's Rhona Tarrant has more.
Behind decision to release Gaetz report
The House Ethics Committee's decision to release a report on former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged misconduct is a turn from what was initially determined by lawmakers who make up the group. CBS News' Taurean Small explains.
Biden comments on U.S. mysterious drones
President Biden says there doesn't appear to be anything nefarious behind the mysterious drones sighted in New Jersey and other states. CBS News' Tom Hanson breaks down what remains unknown about the aircraft.
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.