Energy Department report on COVID's origins rekindles ongoing debate
A new classified report concluded with "low confidence" that it is plausible the COVID-19 pandemic originated from a laboratory leak in Wuhan, China.
Science
SpaceX set to launch four-man crew to ISS
A SpaceX rocket is set to launch a four-man crew to the International Space Station early Monday. Mark Strassmann has more.
Will Utah's Great Salt Lake disappear?
Owing to climate change, drought, and over-use of water resources, the lake is now one-third the size it was in the 1980s. A new report warns that, unless aggressive action is needed, the lake could vanish in just five years.
Will Utah's Great Salt Lake disappear?
Utah's Great Salt Lake has been in decline, owing to climate change, drought, and over-use of water resources, and is now one-third the size it was in the 1980s. A new scientific report warns that, without dramatic and immediate cuts in water consumption, the lake could vanish in just five years. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with Sen. Mitt Romney, who co-sponsored a bill studying the lake's problems, and with experts who say aggressive action is needed.
Astronomers "discovered the impossible" about the universe
The James Webb Space Telescope revealed galaxies from more than 13 billion years ago that seem to be as mature as the Milky Way is now: "Something so unexpected it actually creates problems for science."
Venice canals run dry as lingering weather system impacts tide cycles
As shifting weather patterns ground gondolas, a massive snow deficit in the Alps may leave Italy's most populous region gasping for water again this summer.
Crew Dragon astronauts gear up for launch to space station
NASA is poised to launch four fresh crew members to the station while Russia plans to launch a replacement Soyuz ferry ship
Climate change is making winter weather warmer and "weirder"
Average winter temperatures across most of the country are on the rise, putting water resources at risk and threatening cold weather culture in the era of climate change.
Winter weather getting warmer, less reliable
Environmental correspondent David Schechter explores how rising winter temperatures are putting water resources at risk and threatening cold weather culture in the era of climate change.
How California's snowpack is measured
Snowpack provides 30% of the state's water supply. The Central Sierra Snow Lab is part of a network of locations that use a tube to measure how deep the snowpack is, and as a result, reveal how much water is stored in the snowpack.
More severe weather in store for a soaked California, raising mudslide risk
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Single ticket wins Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Australia announces bravery award for heroes of Bondi Beach attack
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national bravery award to honor those who confronted an antisemitic terror attack.
Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys on Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed "substantive details" of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas.