How suburban sprawl and climate change make wildfires more destructive
Neighborhoods tucked into the foothills of Los Angeles are now more vulnerable to fires as rainy seasons become more intense and dry seasons last longer.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
Can California use ocean salt water to put out fires?
Salt water from the ocean is an option for fighting L.A.'s fires, but it's more complicated than simply going to the beach to transport water to the hillsides.
Supreme Court allows Hawaii climate change lawsuits against energy companies
The court fight brought in Hawaii state court is similar to others filed against the nation's largest energy companies by state and local governments in their courts.
Maps show how dry Southern California is, as L.A. wildfires burn
Dry vegetation helped fuel the fires that spread through the Los Angeles area, burning tens of thousands of acres.
Climber's remains identified 6 decades after he fell from glacier
The German man has been identified after his bones, including part of a leg, were discovered in western Austria.
Scientists say people hit with 41 extra days of dangerous heat this year
Researchers say human-caused climate change dealt people an average of nearly six weeks of extra extreme heat in 2024, while also fueling more destructive storms.
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.
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."
Science
Science
Strong winds pick up in L.A. as fires burn
Officials in Los Angeles are now dealing with strengthening winds as the deadly fires continue to burn. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has the latest from the Pacific Palisades.
How to talk to kids about the L.A. fires
California officials say the Palisades and Eaton fires are now among the most destructive in the state's history. As the country, state and individual families deal with the unprecedented tragedy, it poses the question of how to discuss wildfire losses with children and teens. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour joins CBS News to share some best practices for having these tough conversations.
Winds threaten L.A. fire containment efforts
Emergency response teams have made progress in containing some wildfires raging in Southern California, but they still face an uphill fight. CBS News reporter Laura Haefeli is in Los Angeles in the Palisades Fire zone.
L.A. County fire captain on wildfire response
Southern California is bracing for another round of strong winds that could exacerbate the wildfires burning throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Sheila Kelliher joins CBS News to discuss the latest on containment efforts. Then, CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano joins with more from the Golden State.
Los Angeles wildfire threat remains critical
The Los Angeles County Fire chief says despite making progress over the weekend, firefighters are preparing for the return of dangerous winds. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has the latest on the devastating fires. Then, Washington Post national political reporter Maeve Reston joins to discuss the scrutiny facing elected leaders in California.
What to know about the pink fire retardant being dropped on L.A. wildfires
Aircraft battling fires raging through the Los Angeles area are dropping hundreds of thousands of gallons of hot-pink fire suppressant in a desperate effort to stop the flames.
When will cicadas come back in 2025?
Brood XIV, the second-largest group of periodical cicadas, known for their noisy mass emergence from the ground, will arrive this spring.
Winds could keep fueling Los Angeles fires
Deadly wildfires in Southern California remain mostly uncontained as of Friday evening. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office says at least 10 people have died. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more from Santa Monica on new fears that strong winds will persist.
Jimmy Carter's fight against climate change
The wildfires in California are the latest in a string of natural disasters made worse by climate change. Former President Jimmy Carter was one of the first U.S. officials to draw attention to man-made issues impacting the environment. Gus Speth, a member and chair of the Council on Environmental Quality during Carter's presidency, joins "The Daily Report."
What is Biden's legacy on climate change?
Officials on Wednesday afternoon briefed President Biden about the massive wildfires in Southern California fueled by climate change. Slashing Mr. Biden's climate regulations is at the top of President-elect Donald Trump's to-do list. CBS News environmental correspondent David Schecter joins "America Decides" to look at the outgoing president's record on the issue.
Biden offers aid to California to fight fires
Multiple fires are burning in the Los Angeles area, forcing thousands to flee their homes and destroying hundreds of buildings. President Biden approved a major disaster declaration Wednesday afternoon to help California boost the ranks of those battling the blazes. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more from Malibu.
Scientists: "Toxic" semen could kill female mosquitoes, curb disease spread
Female mosquitoes are targeted because only they bite and drink blood, thereby spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
SEC sues Elon Musk, accusing him of withholding info from Twitter investors
The SEC has sued billionaire X owner Elon Musk, alleging he failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner in 2022.
What we know about the start of the Palisades Fire
A CBS News analysis of satellite imagery and photos shared by local residents indicates the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles likely started close to where another blaze, the Lachman Fire, broke out on Jan. 1.
Former Jan. 6 committee chair Bennie Thompson says he'd accept White House pardon
Rep. Bennie Thompson told CBS News, "When I hear someone about to be sworn into the presidency of the United States say he wants to lock you up for doing your job, I believe it."
Pete Hegseth faces grilling from Democrats at confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, faced some tough questions from Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Capital One allegedly cheated customers out of $2 billion, CFPB says
The CFPB is suing Capital One for allegedly misleading consumers about its offerings for high-interest savings accounts.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
SEC sues Elon Musk, accusing him of withholding info from Twitter investors
The SEC has sued billionaire X owner Elon Musk, alleging he failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner in 2022.
Capital One allegedly cheated customers out of $2 billion, CFPB says
The CFPB is suing Capital One for allegedly misleading consumers about its offerings for high-interest savings accounts.
Los Angeles residents hire private firefighters to save their homes
Private firefighters are working alongside municipal departments to battle the wildfires. Here's how much they cost.
FCC warns of 50-state scam by fraudsters posing as mortgage lenders
Callers spoof the caller ID number of the victim's actual lending institution, swindling money from those seeking financial relief.
Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg to attend Trump's inauguration
Bezos, Musk and Zuckerberg are the three richest people in the world, according to Forbes.
Politics
More Politics
Former Jan. 6 committee chair Bennie Thompson says he'd accept White House pardon
Rep. Bennie Thompson told CBS News, "When I hear someone about to be sworn into the presidency of the United States say he wants to lock you up for doing your job, I believe it."
Pete Hegseth faces grilling from Democrats at confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, faced some tough questions from Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg to attend Trump's inauguration
Bezos, Musk and Zuckerberg are the three richest people in the world, according to Forbes.
Biden to lift Cuba's status as terror sponsor in exchange for prisoners' release
The move is likely to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration.
House passes ban on transgender students in girls sports
In 2023, the measure had no support from Democrats. This time, it had two Democratic votes.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
3 Boar's Head plants also had unsanitary conditions, USDA records show
Several Boar's Head deli meat plants were cited for unsanitary conditions, not just the factory shut down after a deadly listeria outbreak.
More than 1 drink a day raises risk of dying, federal review concludes
The death risk goes up to 1 in 100 for those who drink alcohol nine times per week, the report found.
FDA unveils proposed rules to put nutrition facts on the front of the package
It will be up to the incoming Trump administration to finalize the rule on food labels.
Norovirus wave now more than double last year's peak, in CDC's data
Officials have blamed a new strain for this winter's surge in norovirus cases.
Voters backed abortion rights, but the state judges they elected might not
Though abortion rights supporters prevailed on ballot measures in seven of the 10 states where abortion was up for a vote on Nov. 5, the state supreme courts they've elected indicate legal fights to come aren't clear-cut.
World
More World
Impeached South Korean president detained over martial law declaration
South Korea's anti-corruption agency says impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained.
Biden to lift Cuba's status as terror sponsor in exchange for prisoners' release
The move is likely to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration.
Over 130 earthquakes detected under large Iceland volcano
The aviation color code over the area has been changed from green to yellow as a precaution, the Icelandic meteorological office said.
Israel and Hamas agree in principle to ceasefire, hostage deal, sources say
A draft deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release has been agreed to in principle and, if all goes well, will be finalized by Israel and Hamas this week, Arab, U.S. and Israeli officials told CBS News.
Princess Kate announces she's in remission from cancer
Princess Kate made the announcement on social media after visiting the London hospital where she received treatment.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Princess Kate announces she's in remission from cancer
Princess Kate made the announcement on social media after visiting the London hospital where she received treatment.
Ayesha Curry on new book imprint
Chef, entrepreneur and author Ayesha Curry joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to discuss expanding her empire into publishing, uplifting diverse voices and why she selected her imprint's first novel "Honeysuckle and Bone" by Trisha Tobias.
Ayesha Curry launches book imprint
Chef, entrepreneur and bestselling author Ayesha Curry expands her empire into publishing with "Sweet July Books," an imprint dedicated to diverse voices. The first novel, "Honeysuckle and Bone" by Trisha Tobias, follows a young woman discovering dark secrets in Jamaica. They join "CBS Mornings."
Carrie Underwood to perform at Trump's inauguration
The country music star is set to perform "America the Beautiful" before Trump takes the oath of office.
Graham Norton on the art of storytelling
Talk show host and bestselling author Graham Norton joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his fifth novel, "Frankie," which follows the extraordinary life of an 84-year-old Irish woman. Norton also shares the inspiration behind the book and his approach to storytelling.
Technology
More Technology
Meta is cutting 5% of its workforce, or more than 3,600 employees
Meta will cut about 5% of its workforce, focusing on getting rid of low-performing employees at the social media giant.
SpaceX to launch two lunar landers
Just after midnight Wednesday, a SpaceX rocket is scheduled to lift off, carrying a pair of lunar landers that will try to touch down on the moon in the coming months. One was built by a Japanese company and the other was built by a Texas company. Their mission is to carefully lower to the lunar surface and deliver 10 payloads for NASA.
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.
What would happen to TikTok on my phone if the app is banned?
A law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. is set to take effect on Jan. 19. Here's what that would mean for users of the social media platform.
Does the tech industry really need so many workers on H-1B visas?
Elon Musk claims the U.S. needs a pipeline of foreign employees working on H-1B visas because the country lacks skilled engineers. Here's what the data shows.
Science
More Science
Science
Strong winds pick up in L.A. as fires burn
Officials in Los Angeles are now dealing with strengthening winds as the deadly fires continue to burn. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has the latest from the Pacific Palisades.
How to talk to kids about the L.A. fires
California officials say the Palisades and Eaton fires are now among the most destructive in the state's history. As the country, state and individual families deal with the unprecedented tragedy, it poses the question of how to discuss wildfire losses with children and teens. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour joins CBS News to share some best practices for having these tough conversations.
Winds threaten L.A. fire containment efforts
Emergency response teams have made progress in containing some wildfires raging in Southern California, but they still face an uphill fight. CBS News reporter Laura Haefeli is in Los Angeles in the Palisades Fire zone.
L.A. County fire captain on wildfire response
Southern California is bracing for another round of strong winds that could exacerbate the wildfires burning throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Sheila Kelliher joins CBS News to discuss the latest on containment efforts. Then, CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano joins with more from the Golden State.
Los Angeles wildfire threat remains critical
The Los Angeles County Fire chief says despite making progress over the weekend, firefighters are preparing for the return of dangerous winds. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has the latest on the devastating fires. Then, Washington Post national political reporter Maeve Reston joins to discuss the scrutiny facing elected leaders in California.
Crime
More Crime
Chicago customs seized 1,500 Glock switches to turn guns automatic in 2024
Most of the Glock switch shipments had come from China, and were destined for various locations throughout the United States, CPB said.
Oregon man arrested for cold case murder of car salesman
David Staggs was last seen at his home in January 2022. Police said they uncovered what is believed to be his remains on Wednesday.
Texas man charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark
Police found that the man was sending Caitlin Clark messages on X that contained multiple threatening and sexually explicit messages.
"Extremely dangerous" Italian mafia members captured in Spain
The suspects were "one of the heads of a dangerous family clan" of the Neapolitan Camorra, his son, and his son-in-law, police said.
Relative of Jack the Ripper victim demands new inquest
The true identity of Jack the Ripper, whose grisly murders terrorized east London in 1888, has been a mystery ever since.
Space
More Space
2 privately built moon landers carried into space by SpaceX rocket
Firefly's "Blue Moon" and ispace's "Resilience" are the latest in an ongoing push to gain private-sector experience exploring the moon.
Blue Origin postpones first launch of its massive new rocket
Blue Origin called off the debut launch of its massive New Glenn rocket due to technical trouble. The Jeff Bezos-founded company didn't set a new launch date.
Blue Origin preps New Glenn rocket for high-stakes test flight
Blue Origin expects the New Glenn to provide a viable alternative to SpaceX's market-dominating Falcon family of rockets.
Mercury's north pole seen in stunning new photos after spacecraft flyby
The BepiColombo spacecraft swooped as close as 183 miles above Mercury's night side before passing directly over the planet's north pole.
NASA studies options to rein in cost of Mars Sample Return mission
NASA hopes a revised plan will get Mars samples back to Earth faster and cost less than the agency's original plan.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Pete Hegseth
Democratic Senators criticized President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was one of the critics, telling Hegseth he is not qualified to be the defense secretary. She joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
L.A. area disaster help centers are open
As the dust and ash from wildfires begins to settle in some southern California areas, Los Angeles area evacuees are turning to local and federal officials for help. CBS News Los Angeles reporter Mahsa Saeidi reports on one of the disaster relief centers that opened on Tuesday.
Princess Catherine says cancer is in remission
Kate, Princess of Wales, announced that her cancer is in remission. Kate underwent abdominal surgery and chemotherapy, although the palace has not revealed what type of cancer she has.
L.A. housing prices expected to rise
The housing crisis has long been an issue for Los Angeles thanks to high rent prices and a limited supply of homes. Prices are only expected to grow after the devastation caused by the wildfires raging in the area. Economic justice organization "Strategic Actions for a Just Economy" executive director Cynthia Strathmann joins "The Daily Report" with more.
L.A.-area families struggle without insurance
More than 100,000 homeowners in the Los Angeles area were dropped by their insurance companies before the recent wildfires broke out. Elizabeth Cook shares the story of families now struggling to piece their lives back together after losing everything in the fires.