U.S. sets record for billion-dollar climate catastrophes in 2023
There have been 23 weather extreme events in America that cost at least $1 billion this year through August, breaking the record of 22 set in 2020.
Drought
Drought causing backups in Panama Canal
Ongoing drought conditions and low water levels are leading to a crisis in the Panama Canal, which is a key channel for global trade. Ben Tracy reports on the growing problem.
Panama Canal drought threatens cargo traffic
Every ship that transits the Panama Canal uses tens of millions of gallons of fresh water to pass through. A historic drought in Panama is limiting the number of ships allowed to pass and the amount of cargo they can carry. CBS News' Ben Tracy reports.
Drought hampers Panama Canal cargo traffic
A major drought is drying up the waterways that feed into the Panama Canal, and subsequently limiting the number of cargo ships that can be allowed through each day. Some ships are also being forced to carry less cargo to get through. Ben Tracy has the story.
Record snowfall helps Great Salt Lake
Last year, Utah's Great Salt Lake reached its lowest level ever recorded, but massive snow amounts this summer have brought it back from the brink. Now, there are new signs of life at the lake. John Blackstone has more.
Arizona reexamining deals to lease land to Saudi-owned farms
Saudi-owned Fondomonte uses Arizona land to grow alfalfa, a crop that's illegal to produce in Saudia Arabia because of how much water it requires.
Colorado River Basin plans for a drier future
Seven states and 30 Native American tribes lying in the Colorado River Basin prepare to make hard choices as water levels plummet due to a 23-year drought. Bill Whitaker reports.
Texas city under highest level of water emergency
Thousands of people in Texas are at risk of their public water systems running out of water in 45 days or less while even more are experiencing water service interruptions.
Sriracha shortage still ongoing
It's been over a year since a shortage of Sriracha was announced in the U.S. Huy Fong Foods, the manufacturer of the hot sauce, says it doesn't have an estimate for when the chili peppers it uses will be fully available again due to severe drought in Mexico. Griffin Hammond, a filmmaker who directed the 2013 documentary "Sriracha," joined CBS News to talk about the situation.
What caused the 2023 Canada wildfires?
The first six weeks of Canada's 2023 wildfire season put it on track to be its most destructive in history.
Arizona to halt some new home construction due to water supply issues
A government report released earlier this month revealed Arizona's booming population will outgrow its drought-stricken water supply if action isn't taken.
Water issues force pause in Arizona development
New home construction that relies on groundwater will stop in some parts of Arizona after a report released this month revealed the state's booming population will outgrow its drought-stricken water supply if action isn't taken. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
How climate change is raising the cost of food
Hotter, drier weather is already wreaking havoc on European crops, and is predicted to boost food prices in the U.S.
Phoenix limits construction amid water crisis
Arizona is limiting new construction around Phoenix as the state's water supply continues to dwindle. State officials say there isn't enough groundwater for housing construction that's already been approved. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more.
Indian official in hot water for draining reservoir to find his phone
The state official was suspended for ordering the entire Paralkot reservoir emptied and accused of wasting 530,000 gallons of fresh water as his region faces a heat wave.
Unorthodox crops could be the future of food
Some scientists believe America's breadbasket could soon be at risk of potentially emptying, and they're warning a relentless drought is harming the nation's wheat crops. Science journalist Jenny Morber, who reports on climate resiliency and food, joined CBS News to discuss how researchers are trying to solve the problem.
Possible deal for Colorado River
After months of tense negotiations, several western states that rely on the Colorado River are proposing significant cuts to their own water supplies to keep the river from going dry. Senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy tells us how three states that use the majority of the water plan to use a lot less.
3 states reach deal on Colorado River water
Three of the seven Colorado River states - California, Arizona and Nevada - have agreed to cut their water usage by 3 million acre-feet by 2026. Some 40 million people and more than two dozen Native American tribes depend on the Colorado River. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy breaks down the details of the historic deal.
Proposal aims to cut use of drought-stricken Colorado River
The Colorado River proposal from Arizona, California and Nevada aims to conserve at least 3 million acre-feet of water through the end of 2026.
Western states reach deal on saving Colorado River
California, Arizona and Nevada have reached a deal to reduce use of the Colorado River to keep the key reservoir from running dry.
Severe storms have devastating impact on Central California crops
Pistachio farmer Nader Malakan estimates that about 1,200 acres of pistachio crops were destroyed, to the tune of $15 million.
California to fill 100% of water requests from cities and farms after wet winter
While this forecast is good news for cities and farmland across the state, water officials say Californians "should continue to use water wisely to help the state adapt to a hotter, drier future."
Controversy over water-intensive crops
Some Arizona residents are outraged that despite the drought in the region, a Saudi Arabian company is growing water-intensive crops there and sending them back to the Middle East. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy joins Errol Barnett and Lana Zak with more on the story.
Arizona water controversy during drought
Alfalfa is one of the world's most water-intensive crops, and thousands of acres of land in drought-parched western Arizona are dedicated to growing it. Even more concerning to some are the farms, with the largest chunks of land in La Paz County owned by a company in Saudi Arabia. All the crops it grows are exported back home to the Middle East.
U.S. proposes water cuts for Colorado River
The federal government is one step closer to being able to force multiple states to reduce their water intake from the Colorado River for the first time in U.S. history. Seven drought-ravaged Western states have not been able to reach a deal to cut their use of the dwindling river, which serves as a crucial water and power source for roughly 40 million people. Ben Tracy has the story.
Live
Hegseth says U.S. "just getting started" as Iran war spreads
The U.S. is "accelerating, not decelerating" war on Iran, Hegseth says, as strikes intensify in the region and reach 1,000 miles away.
Senate rejects attempt to rein in Trump's power to wage war on Iran
The measure, which would have blocked President Trump from continuing military force against Iran, fell short of the simple majority needed to advance.
Key takeaways from House hearing with Walz, Ellison on Minnesota fraud
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told lawmakers that fraud "happened on my watch," but defended his administration's handling of the allegations.
U.S. torpedo sinks Iranian warship, Hegseth says
In Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's second news briefing since the start of the Iran war, Hegseth said the U.S. had sunk an enemy ship by a torpedo for the first time since World War II.
Probe into Biden autopen closed by D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, source says
Federal prosecutors are dropping their probe into whether Biden and his aides unlawfully used an autopen for pardons, a source said.
Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
GOP senator joins police in ejecting protester from Capitol Hill hearing
A Senate Republican assisted several police officers in ejecting a man who interrupted a Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday to object to the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran.
Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a "mistake"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money."
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
U.S.
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Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a "mistake"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money."
GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana won't seek reelection
Sen. Steve Daines said he had wrestled with the decision for months.
Israel's president: It's "time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up'"
In an interview with CBS News Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he is "not calling on any boots on the ground" in Iran.
Man arrested in Virginia is latest Jan. 6 defendant to face new charges
Jonathan Munafo is among the Jan. 6 riot defendants who have been arrested on charges in new cases in the months after their pardons.
Elon Musk testifies in Twitter shareholder trial over actions before purchase
Elon Musk reached a deal to buy Twitter in April 2022. On May 13, 2022, he declared his plan "temporarily on hold" over the number of spam and fake accounts on the platform. Twitter's stock tumbled as a result.
MoneyWatch
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Elon Musk testifies in Twitter shareholder trial over actions before purchase
Elon Musk reached a deal to buy Twitter in April 2022. On May 13, 2022, he declared his plan "temporarily on hold" over the number of spam and fake accounts on the platform. Twitter's stock tumbled as a result.
Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
Nearly 37 million pounds of food recalled because it could contain glass
Oregon food manufacturer Ajinomoto expands an earlier recall of frozen and ready-to-eat products over glass contamination.
Google faces first lawsuit alleging its AI chatbot encouraged man's suicide
Google is accused in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a man who committed suicide in October, allegedly at the direction of the tech giant's AI chatbot, Gemini.
Tariff refund delays could cost U.S. $700 million a month in interest
The U.S. government must also reimburse businesses for the interest they paid on tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court, according to the Cato Institute.
Politics
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Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a "mistake"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money."
GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana won't seek reelection
Sen. Steve Daines said he had wrestled with the decision for months.
Israel's president: It's "time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up'"
In an interview with CBS News Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he is "not calling on any boots on the ground" in Iran.
GOP senator joins police in ejecting protester from Capitol Hill hearing
A Senate Republican assisted several police officers in ejecting a man who interrupted a Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday to object to the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran.
Man arrested in Virginia is latest Jan. 6 defendant to face new charges
Jonathan Munafo is among the Jan. 6 riot defendants who have been arrested on charges in new cases in the months after their pardons.
HealthWatch
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Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
World
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Israel's president: It's "time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up'"
In an interview with CBS News Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he is "not calling on any boots on the ground" in Iran.
What we know about U.S. service members killed in Iran war
The fallen soldiers identified by the Pentagon were Sgt. Declan Coady, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien.
Iran says a girls' school was hit by a deadly air strike. Here's what we know.
Iranian officials say more than 170 people were killed in the strike. Neither the U.S. nor Israel has said it was behind the attack, but the Pentagon is investigating.
Cuba charges 6 suspects with terrorism over fatal U.S. boat shooting
The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols.
Hegseth says U.S. torpedo sank an Iranian warship as military campaign ramps up
In Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's second news briefing since the start of the Iran war, Hegseth said the U.S. had sunk an enemy ship by a torpedo for the first time since World War II.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
True crime series spotlights U.S. small towns
Hilarie Burton Morgan, known for playing Peyton on "One Tree Hill," talks about her docuseries, "True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here," which is in its third season. She explains how each episode highlights a case in a small town in the U.S., how the series empowers the audience and recent developments in a cold case.
Padma Lakshmi talks "America's Culinary Cup"
TV host and food expert Padma Lakshmi, the creator and executive producer of the new CBS series, "America's Culinary Cup," speaks to "CBS Mornings" about creating the cooking competition and how it's different from other shows.
How families can change their habits
Bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff offers science-backed tips on how families can curb their screen time and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. She explains how her new book, which is aimed at rewiring children's brains, began with a personal revelation.
Luke Grimes on "Marshals"
Actor Luke Grimes talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Marshals." Grimes reveals why he was hesitant to join the cast at first and what it was like to have his new song "Haunted" to play in the premiere episode.
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
Technology
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Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has more.
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.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data centers
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Gloves found near Guthrie's home tied to restaurant worker, no connection to case
DNA from the gloves found near Nancy Gunthrie's Arizona home was traced back to a local restaurant worker who has no connection to the investigation, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
Exclusive
Justice Dept. employee charged in child pornography case
Timothy Parsons, a legal staffer at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., is facing federal criminal charges in Maryland, where he lives, three sources said.
Officers who killed Austin gunman "undoubtedly saved lives," DA says
Travis County DA Jose Garza said suggestions that he would seek charges were "intentionally false" and political in nature, calling the officers heroes.
Cuba charges 6 suspects with terrorism over fatal U.S. boat shooting
The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols.
Dad of accused school shooter found guilty
A jury found Colin Gray, the father of an accused Georgia high school shooter, guilty on all 27 counts Tuesday, including second-degree murder. Last week Gray testified in his own defense that he never noticied any signs of trouble with his son, Colt Gray, who is charged with opening fire and killing four people inside Apalachee High School in 2024.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
U.S. torpedos Iranian warship as war expands
An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship with a torpedo — the first such incident since World War II. Meanwhile, Iran is widening its ring of retaliation. Tony Dokoupil has the latest.
Americans stuck in Middle East speak out
As the war in Iran raged on, many American travelers remained trapped in the Middle East. Some spoke out about their travel experience and communications with the State Department.
U.S. consumers already feeling impact of Iran conflict
In just one week, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is up about 22 cents. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Antitrust trial against Ticketmaster underway
A landmark federal antitrust trial against Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, got underway this week with the first witness testifying on Wednesday. Antitrust attorney Kenneth Dintzer was in the courtroom and joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
CBS News producer George Osterkamp dies at 82
CBS News is remembering producer George Osterkamp, who worked at the network for more than three decades.