Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices
Meteorologists said the drought is a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and existing water issues.
Drought
The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
The western United States experienced a severe snow drought this year, threatening the region's water supply and potentially setting the stage for its wildfire season.
Snow drought reaches record levels in West
While some parts of the U.S. have received unusually high levels of snow this season, certain western states like Colorado are seeing record lows. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter joins with more.
World is entering era of "water bankruptcy," U.N. report warns
Water sources are being depleted faster than they can be restored, according to a new report from United Nations researchers.
Fall foliage colors muted in several regions due to drought
Leaf-peeping season has arrived in the Northeast and beyond, but weeks of drought have dulled this year's autumn colors and sent leaves fluttering to the ground earlier than usual.
Researchers search for new sources of fresh water
Researchers are searching for fresh water in a place you would never expect it, by drilling hundreds of feet below the seafloor in the North Atlantic off the coast of Massachusetts. Dave Malkoff explains.
Stark findings on recent droughts
Over the past two years, Earth has endured some of the most widespread and destructive droughts ever recorded, according to a new analysis by the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center and the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification. Mark Svoboda, director and professor at the center, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Either flooding or drought threaten most world heritage sites, U.N. says
From Yellowstone to the Garden of Eden, almost 75% of the world's heritage sites at risk of drought or flooding, U.N. warns.
How drought is impacting giant sequoia trees
In our Eye on Earth series, we are walking among giants: ancient trees. The huge sequoia groves of California draw millions of tourists a year, but these forests are more than photo opportunities. They are longtime warriors in the battle against climate change. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Eye on America: Small business issues
In Louisiana, we learn how a devastating drought has greatly diminished the area’s crawfish supply. Then in Ohio, we tour a small business that’s seeing promising results from a four-day work week model. Watch these stories and more on Eye on America with host Michelle Miller.
Eye on America: A labor shortage and more
We visit a New York City construction site where women are filling in the gaps of a labor shortage. And we see first-hand how scientists in California and Utah are using beavers to help create wetlands in a dry zone. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Eye on America: Innovative ranchers and more
Prolonged drought conditions in California are having profound impacts on cattle ranchers, but we introduce you to two cattlemen who are turning adversity into ingenuity. We also take a closer look at a vital program in Maryland that's helping young people connect with nature amid pandemic lockdowns. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Extreme weather impacts the California fires
High winds intersecting with historic drought levels are contributing to the dangerous conditions that sparked the multiple fires raging in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Helen Holmlund, an assistant professor of biology at Pepperdine University, joins CBS News with more on the extreme conditions.
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.
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.
How severe weather could impact Christmas trees
Twenty to 30 million Christmas trees are sold every year, but droughts and wildfires have taken a toll. Lauren Pozen reports on how severe weather could impact the supply of live trees.
New Jersey farmers struggle amid drought conditions
Before temperatures dip to single digits, the cranberry bogs at the Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm will have to be flooded to keep the fragile buds from drying out.
New Jersey farmers face uncertainty amid drought
Before temperatures dip to single digits, the cranberry bogs at the Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm in South Jersey will have to be flooded to keep the fragile buds from drying out amid unprecedented drought conditions. Elaine Quijano explains.
Officials: Fire risk still high in Northeast
The Jennings Creek wildfire that's burned for 10 days along the New York-New Jersey border is now mostly contained, but conditions are still primed for fire in the Northeast. CBS News New York reporter Christina Fan has more.
New Jersey emergency drought warning
A fire is burning along the New Jersey-New York border as an emergency drought warning emerges. CBS News' Tom Hanson has the latest.
Maps show drought and fire conditions in Northeast states
Parts of the East Coast are under drought conditions and red flag warnings, from Massachusetts to the northern edge of Virginia and West Virginia.
Weather changes leave Greek town's waterways carpeted in dead fish
Officials in Volos, Greece, say the "strong stench along the seafront" from millions of dead fish is killing business.
Drought-stricken Namibia authorizes culling of elephants, hippos for meat
Namibia will cull more than 700 animals, including elephants, zebras and hippos, and distribute the meat to people impacted by severe drought in the southern African country.
The Climate Election: Grocery inflation explained
$15 for a pound of coffee? Groceries have been particularly expensive lately with inflation helping drive up the cost of nutritional staples 25% since 2019. But there's a root problem with the surge in grocery costs that's attacking food right at the source. CBS Los Angeles meteorologist Marina Jurica explains what to know about the rising costs of groceries as we get closer to Election Day and what Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have planned to address it.
New study estimates 47,000 heat-related deaths in Europe last year
Researchers say this is the second-highest heat related mortality burden in the last decade, following 2022 when an estimated 60,000 people in Europe died due to heat.
Live
Trump threatens Iran strikes, says it's too soon for new direct talks
Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.
Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
A federal judge in Georgia denied a motion by officials in Fulton County, Georgia, to return ballots and other materials from the 2020 election that were taken by the FBI earlier this year.
Blanche: Obama's concerns about DOJ targeting Trump critics are "extraordinarily rich"
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche denied to CBS News that the Justice Department is engaging in a retribution campaign against President Trump's critics, pushing back on criticism from Barack Obama.
Ted Turner, media tycoon who founded CNN, dies at age 87
Ted Turner built a media empire that included cable channels CNN, TBS and TNT, and he owned the Atlanta Braves for 20 years.
Lutnick's testimony in Epstein probe earns harsh criticism from Democrats
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is being questioned Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation related to Jeffrey Epstein.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Kentucky Derby winner skipping Preakness Stakes, won't make Triple Crown run
The last time a horse won the Triple Crown was in 2018.
Suspect arrested in Oklahoma party shooting that killed 1, injured 22
Police said they have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a shooting Sunday during a party that left one woman dead and 22 other people wounded.
Kash Patel, local sheriff clash over handling of Nancy Guthrie case
Kash Patel is placing blame on local officials in Arizona over their handling of the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, but the Pima County sheriff says some of the FBI director's claims are inaccurate.
U.S.
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Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
The note was found by investigators in Jeffrey Epstein's cell following his 2019 death.
Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
A federal judge in Georgia denied a motion by officials in Fulton County, Georgia, to return ballots and other materials from the 2020 election that were taken by the FBI earlier this year.
Suspect arrested in Oklahoma party shooting that killed 1, injured 22
Police said they have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a shooting Sunday during a party that left one woman dead and 22 other people wounded.
Retired special forces soldier accused of shooting wife in Tennessee found dead
Craig Berry, 53, was found dead on Wednesday of an apparent gunshot wound, the Stewart County Sheriff's Office said.
Kentucky Derby winner skipping Preakness Stakes, won't make Triple Crown run
The last time a horse won the Triple Crown was in 2018.
MoneyWatch
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iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Food manufacturer Cento is committing "tomato fraud," lawsuit alleges
In a new lawsuit, two California residents allege that Cento Fine Foods doesn't use real San Marzano tomatoes in one of its products.
Gas prices top $4.50 a gallon, reaching highest level since July 2022
Gas prices are now 52% higher than prior to the Iran war, with drivers paying $1.56 more per gallon, data shows.
Ted Turner, media tycoon who founded CNN, dies at age 87
Ted Turner built a media empire that included cable channels CNN, TBS and TNT, and he owned the Atlanta Braves for 20 years.
Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults OK'd by FDA in major shift under Trump
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
Politics
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Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
The note was found by investigators in Jeffrey Epstein's cell following his 2019 death.
Blanche: Obama's concerns about DOJ targeting Trump critics are "extraordinarily rich"
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche denied to CBS News that the Justice Department is engaging in a retribution campaign against President Trump's critics, pushing back on criticism from Barack Obama.
Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
A federal judge in Georgia denied a motion by officials in Fulton County, Georgia, to return ballots and other materials from the 2020 election that were taken by the FBI earlier this year.
FBI searches office of Virginia lawmaker who helped lead redistricting effort
An FBI spokesperson said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing and there is no threat to public safety.
Exclusive
Shapiro reelection campaign adds $3.6 million to war chest
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro raised $3.6 million over five weeks, an aide said.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
What's next for those aboard cruise ship?
Investigators are racing to control a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, the first ever recorded on a cruise ship. More than 140 people are still on board, including 17 Americans. Tom Hanson reports.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults OK'd by FDA in major shift under Trump
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
What we know about cruise hantavirus outbreak
A rare form of hantavirus is believed to have spread person-to-person on board a cruise ship. Three people are dead, four more are ill and nearly 150 others are stranded aboard the ship, where they will stay potentially for months until they are cleared to leave. Tom Hanson has more.
How hantavirus may have spread aboard a cruise ship
A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has killed three people and infected multiple others, officials said.
World
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3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Live
Trump threatens Iran strikes, says it's too soon for new direct talks
Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.
3 killed in U.S. strike on suspected drug boat in eastern Pacific, Pentagon says
The attack came a day after U.S. forces struck an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing two people.
Trump pauses Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz to see if Iran deal can be struck
President Trump said Tuesday he has paused Project Freedom, a U.S. effort to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
How Ted Turner changed TV
Media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner has died at 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, joins with more.
Anthony Mason launches YouTube show
CBS News' Anthony Mason is launching a new YouTube show called "Alchemy with Anthony Mason." It's a long-form interview program celebrating artists and the creative process.
Obama tells Colbert what he worries about in today's politics
In an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," former President Barack Obama had some pointed words about the power of the executive branch.
Nathan Lane on fulfilling lifelong dream
Actor Nathan Lane, who stars in the play "Death of a Salesman," was nominated for his seventh Tony Award. He spoke to "CBS Mornings" about why it was a lifelong dream for him to star in the play and his personal connection to his character.
Technology
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Technology
Autonomous cars to be ticketed in California
Autonomous cars in California will no longer be immune to traffic tickets once a new law takes effect in July. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other top technology stories of the day.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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.
Employers are demanding AI skills. What's the best way to learn them?
Career experts say workers and job seekers should take charge of their own AI education. Here's how to get started.
OpenAI co-founder's diary surfaces in Musk trial
The high-stakes trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI now involves testimony about a co-founder's personal diary. Vanity Fair contributor Tom Dotan joins to discuss.
Science
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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.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Crime
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Retired special forces soldier accused of shooting wife in Tennessee found dead
Craig Berry, 53, was found dead on Wednesday of an apparent gunshot wound, the Stewart County Sheriff's Office said.
Driver accused of chasing child on sidewalk
A woman in Washington state is accused of trying to run over a child on an e-bike. Police say she later attempted to break into a home. The child was not harmed in the incident and the woman is now facing felony charges.
New development in Lynette Hooker case
Authorities are looking for the owners of a sailboat as they continue to investigate the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, the American who went missing in the Bahamas while sailing last month. Cristian Benavides reports.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Antisemitic graffiti found across NYC
An investigation is underway in New York City after multiple locations were vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. CBS News' Jared Ochacher reports from Queens.
Space
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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.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Pediatrician hoping to unseat Lindsey Graham
Is South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham beatable in his bid for reelection? Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, is running as a Democrat and she thinks so. Andrews joins "The Takeout" to discuss her campaign.
Republicans seek $1 billion for ballroom
After having the East Wing of the White House torn down, President Trump said a ballroom would be entirely funded by private donations. But Republicans are now requesting about $1 billion in taxpayer money for heightened ballroom security.
From 1943: Murrow describes Berlin bombing raid
Edward R. Murrow brought CBS News Radio listeners to the front lines of World War II. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns introduces Murrow's famed 1943 broadcast aboard an Allied bombing run over Berlin.
Trump threatens Iran with more attacks
President Trump said his administration has had productive talks with Iran over the last 48 hours and that a deal could be within reach. He also posted on social media, threatening Iran with more attacks if it doesn't agree to a deal. Holly Williams reports.
What's next for those aboard cruise ship?
Investigators are racing to control a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, the first ever recorded on a cruise ship. More than 140 people are still on board, including 17 Americans. Tom Hanson reports.