Christmas tree drought hits hard in Midwest
Tree farmers have been hit hard by drought
Drought In America
Groom bleeds to death at his own wedding in Brazil
Newlywed tripped and cut himself when an empty glass that was in his pocket shattered
Iowa scientists: Climate change caused the drought
More than 130 Iowa college and university scientists warned that without changes, Iowans will face more extreme weather
Drought produces pumpkin boom
Hot, dry conditions created perfect conditions for pumpkin farming
Freeze, drought take bite out of fall tourism
Business owners scramble after extreme weather leaves corn too short for mazes, orchards lacking apples and fall foliage muted
Grass theft on the rise amid stubborn drought
Drought-affected ranchers steal hay and leave gates open or cut fences to let cattle graze on neighbors' greener pastures
Bacon shortage "baloney," but prices to rise
The economics of the current drought are likely to nose up prices for bacon and other pork products next year by as much as 10 percent
Drought causing problems for homeowners
Drought-related damage reported in 40 states, repair costs could top $1 billion, experts say
Drought maintains grip on lower 48 states
Portion of U.S. in extreme or exceptional drought edged up last week, U.S. Drought Monitor says
Drought slowing economic growth
Government estimates drought of 2012 cost economy $12 billion last spring
Stalled legislation keeping water from Ark. farms
Money to complete a vital network of irrigation trenches through drought-stricken Arkansas farms is attached to legislation that's been stuck in Congress for nearly three years. Jim Axelrod reports.
Drought forces juggling of Okla. water distribution
The Great Drought of 2012 is causing a juggling act of water distribution in eastern Oklahoma. Jim Axelrod speaks with Col. Michael Teague - the man doing the all the juggling.
Drought dries up 200 miles of Arkansas River
Farmers in Kansas depend on water from the Arkansas River to irrigate their crops. Jim Axelrod reports the devastating drought has dried up 200 miles of the river leaving no water to divert causing profits to be cut in half.
Colo. using 19th century claims to decide water shortage disputes
Gary Hanks controls the water supply for two dozen Colorado ranches and farms. His job has been difficult this year following the country's devastating drought. Jim Axelrod reports the water commissioner uses a system of inherited claims reaching back to the 19th century to decide who gets water first.
Rain brings hope for drought-suffering farmers
A strong mix of rain and wind has been welcome relief for farmers in the drought-ridden Mississippi River Valley, although Dean Reynolds reports that residents are hoping for even more precipitation in the region.
TS Isaac will ease but not end droguht
Isaac's current path takes it right up the Mississippi River, where it will relieve many, but not all, drought-stricken areas
Bright side of the drought: fruit
The Great Drought of 2012 has dried up business for many farmers. But as Margaret Brennan reports, the heat has been "sweet" for fruit farmers.
Drought intensifies in key farming states
Storms that eased parched conditions haven't helped growers and ranchers in Kansas or Nebraska, drought monitor map shows
Farmers turn from corn to drought-friendly sorghum
Sorghum needs only a third as much water as corn and retains moisture longer, enticing farmers in Nebraska and elsewhere to shift
Drought taking toll on corn crops, and prices
Agriculture Dept. says U.S. corn growers could end up with lowest average yield in 17 years, with wide-ranging effects for farmers, cattle ranchers and consumers
Drought's effects trickle down to other farmers
Hay prices have gone up 50 percent, but others dependent on the product - like dairy farmers - can't absorb the higher costs
Food prices expected to rise as drought continues
Dwindling corn crop means higher feed prices for dairy and livestock farmers -- and in turn consumers; Prices could rise 10% in coming months
Deere income up, but well short of expectations
While net income rose 11 percent, company was hit hard by a weakening global economy and prolonged drought in the U.S.
Amid drought, hummingbirds get some human help
Millions of migratory birds are on the move and encountering fewer wildflowers due to fires, drought, and climate change
Some midwesterners find faucets running dry
Drought and lack of running water in homes in Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Indiana makes for expensive headache
Science
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
U.S.
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What sagging bond prices are telling us about the U.S. economy
U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.
Summer travelers face "vacation inflation" as airfare, gas prices rise
Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.
Bezos says bottom half of U.S. earners should pay no federal income tax
The Amazon founder said eliminating taxes for lower-income Americans could ease financial pressure and encourage entrepreneurship.
Retired officer jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlement
Tennessee officials will pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who was jailed for more than a month over a Facebook post he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
First on CBS
2 officers in Jan. 6 riot sue to block DOJ "anti-weaponization" fund
The $1.776 billion fund, which is part of the agreement to settle Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Dept., is to be used to compensate those who claim that the government weaponized the legal system against them.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
What sagging bond prices are telling us about the U.S. economy
U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.
Summer travelers face "vacation inflation" as airfare, gas prices rise
Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.
Bezos says bottom half of U.S. earners should pay no federal income tax
The Amazon founder said eliminating taxes for lower-income Americans could ease financial pressure and encourage entrepreneurship.
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
As gas prices surge, consumers search for other savings
The national average for a gallon of gasoline has been ticking up since the start of the war with Iran. The latest average of $4.50 a gallon is an increase of over $1.50 since the war started.
Politics
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U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro for murder over downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996 — an escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government.
Rubio offers Cubans "new path" in video address
Raúl Castro and five others have been indicted by a U.S. grand jury in Florida, according to court filings made public Wednesday.
Barney Frank, Massachusetts congressman for 32 years, dies at 86
Barney Frank, a Democrat who represented Massachusetts in Congress for 32 years, has died. He was 86 years old.
First on CBS
2 officers in Jan. 6 riot sue to block DOJ "anti-weaponization" fund
The $1.776 billion fund, which is part of the agreement to settle Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Dept., is to be used to compensate those who claim that the government weaponized the legal system against them.
Exclusive
U.S. soldier fears newly freed wife could still be deported by ICE at any time
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class and Afghanistan war veteran Jose Serrano told CBS News his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was detained by ICE despite doing the "right thing."
HealthWatch
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Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
World
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Spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian jets over Black Sea
The Russian jets intercepted the U.K. aircraft with one jet flying as close as 19 feet to the British plane's nose, officials said.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro for murder over downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996 — an escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government.
Netanyahu rebukes Israeli minister for treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
Italy and France have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective capitals after Itamar Ben-Gvir, his national security minister, posted the video.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From 1993: Letterman on "The Late Show" launch
Ahead of the premiere of "The Late Show" in August 1993, host David Letterman sat down with "CBS This Morning" to discuss his break from his previous late night show, what viewers could expect from his CBS debut and more.
Byron Allen on filling CBS' late night slot
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss his show "Comics Unleashed" and its transition into the CBS late night spot.
Sponsored
Michelle Monaghan on getting quality sleep
Actress Michelle Monaghan joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her 24-hour wellness cycle and why it's important to get quality sleep and consistent energy. (Sponsored by Natrol)
Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Beanie Feldstein on takeaways from kids' book
Actor Beanie Feldstein talks about the theme of her debut children's book, which focuses on the power of friendship. She also discusses becoming a parent soon and starring in a new film with Robert De Niro.
Technology
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Technology
Concern ramps up over the use of AI in combat
The Defense Department says it wants to be "AI-first," but some service members are concerned about how quickly the technology is developing. Chris Livesay reports.
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
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.
Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
Musk says he'll appeal OpenAI lawsuit dismissal
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
More Science
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Crime
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Crime
Watch: Blanche announces Raúl Castro indictment
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced murder and conspiracy charges Wednesday against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the downing of two planes in 1996.
Man jailed over Kirk post wins settlement
Larry Bushart, who spent 37 days in jail over his Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will get $835,000 to settle a lawsuit against Tennessee officials. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
More details on Mango founder's son
Court records reveal more details about the Mango founder's son, Jonathan Andic, who was arrested Tuesday in connection to his father's 2024 death. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Details emerge on San Diego mosque attack
More details are emerging on the victims and two gunmen from the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
More on California mosque shooters
More details are emerging about the shooters who attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, where three people died. CBS News' Lana Zak reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
From 1993: Letterman on "The Late Show" launch
Ahead of the premiere of "The Late Show" in August 1993, host David Letterman sat down with "CBS This Morning" to discuss his break from his previous late night show, what viewers could expect from his CBS debut and more.
Blanche takes questions on Castro indictment
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Wednesday announced the indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes 30 years ago. After Blanche answered some questions about the charges, CBS News' Cristian Benavides joined with additional reporting.
Watch: Blanche announces Raúl Castro indictment
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced murder and conspiracy charges Wednesday against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the downing of two planes in 1996.
Man jailed over Kirk post wins settlement
Larry Bushart, who spent 37 days in jail over his Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will get $835,000 to settle a lawsuit against Tennessee officials. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro and 5 others
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others were indicted by a U.S. grand jury in Florida, according to court filings made public Wednesday. CBS News' Cristian Benavides, Olivia Gazis and Jake Rosen have the latest.