Official word will arrive later this week that Earth recorded the hottest calendar year in recorded history. And for the fifth time this decade, journalists will try to convey the significance of a milestone that's become routine and predictable.
Why it matters: This year's record stands out from the pack in that it wasn't expected. That's prompted climate scientists to launch multiple studies investigating what led to the record heat.
A major winter storm sweeping much of the U.S. is producing heavy snow and ice as it threatens areas from the Ohio Valley to the Mid-Atlantic— leaving tens of millions under weather alerts Monday.
Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled Monday as a major winter storm swept much of the U.S.
The big picture: Asa sprawling and intense storm traverses the country, it has brought snow and frigid temperatures, knocked out power, grounded travel and brought the nation's capital to a halt.
Congress is expected to certify President-elect Trump's 2024 election win on Monday, four years after his supporters stormed the Capitol to protest the certification of President Biden's 2020 win.
Why it matters:Snowstorm aside, the scene at the Capitol is markedly different this time, with heightened security precautions in response to an escalated threat environment.
A powerful winter storm continues to traverse the country from west to east, knocking out power, snarling travel and bringing the nation's capital to a virtual standstill.
Threat level: The Arctic air moving in behind the storm is sending temperatures plunging in Texas, leading the operator of the Lone Star State's grid to declare a "Weather Watch" through Friday.
It may be frigid in parts of the U.S. now, but communities from coast to coast saw record warmth during 2024, with many cities crushing milestones set in 2023.
President Biden is moving to block about 625 million acres of offshore areas from future oil and gas drilling, the White House announced Monday morning.
Why it matters: The sweeping actions — which drew strong criticism from the oil industry — may hinder President-elect Trump's ability to quickly deliver on plans to scale up fossil fuel production.
A high-impact winter storm is bringing more than a foot of snow, hazardous ice and severe weather Sunday through Tuesday to tens of millions of people, many of whom are unaccustomed to such conditions.
Threat level: In Kansas City, heavy snow fell throughout Sunday, following a skating rink of ice on Saturday. In the South, severe thunderstorms prompted tornado warnings. All of this inclement weather is headed for the Mid-Atlantic region, where D.C. schools closed in anticipation of up to a foot of snow.
New York City's congestion pricing went into effect in the center of Manhattan on Sunday, one day after a federal judge rejected a request from New Jersey officials to halt the program.
Why it matters: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says the first road toll policy of its kind in the U.S. is aimed at reducing traffic jams, boosting public transit use and improving air quality by charging up to $9 per day in the Congestion Relief Zone.
