Death Valley National Park just had its hottest summer on record
The average temperature from June to August was 104.5 degrees, breaking previous records of 104.2 degrees, set in 2021 and 2018.
Heat
Scorching heat intensifies across the West
Many portions of the Southwest are contending with triple-digit temperatures this week. Phoenix has had three straight months of 100-degree temperatures, while in the Los Angeles area, search and rescue teams this year have conducted hundreds of rescues of hikers due to heat illness. Carter Evans reports.
Teen football player deaths raise concerns about heat, safety
At least seven teen football players have died in the U.S. in August. Experts say parents of teen football players should be proactive.
Schools impacted by dangerous heat wave
About 50 million Americans are under heat warnings and advisories Wednesday as nearly two dozen cities could see record highs, with temperatures in the triple digits. As a new academic year begins, schools are already being impacted by this intense heat wave.
Heat-related deaths are on the rise, according to new study
From 1999-2023, the Journal of American Medical Association recorded 21,518 deaths where heat was either the underlying cause or the contributing cause of death, likely an underestimation, they say.
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.
Texas school closes for heat issues
Record-high temperatures in parts of Texas are interfering with learning at some schools in the Houston area. CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Zoe Mintz breaks down the weather forecast for the Texas region.
Baby dies after being left in hot car for over 7 hours, officials say
Local police said a preliminary investigation shows the child's grandmother left the baby in the rear seat of the car.
Texas heat alerts as temperatures rise
Texas is under alert as parts of the state reach temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. CBS News' Janet Shamlian reports from Houston.
Texas UPS workers protesting over heat
UPS workers in Texas are protesting over working conditions related to the scorching heat and the lack of air conditioning in delivery trucks. CBS News Texas' Lacey Beasley reports.
This protocol can save overheating patients. Few states require it.
The National Association of EMS Officials recommends "Cool First, Transport Second" for patients whose body temperature is over 104 degrees.
July was hottest on record, and 2024 is likely to top charts, NOAA says
NOAA forecasters say there's a 77% chance that 2024 will be the warmest year on record, after July marked the 14th consecutive monthly record.
Extreme heat affects millions of workers. Will new proposed rules bring relief?
While five states have laws in place protecting workers from excessive heat, for decades there have been no federal protections.
How extreme heat is taking a toll on U.S. workers
While five states have laws in place protecting workers from excessive heat, for decades, there have been no federal protections. That soon could change, however. David Schechter explains.
How to keep pets safe during the summer heat
Expert tips to keep your pets safe this summer as temperatures soar across the U.S.
Wildfires burn across West, and other headlines
Here are some of the Wednesday's top stories, including a plane crash that killed 18 people in Nepal, how sweltering heat is fueling dozens of wildfires in Idaho and Oregon, and two men who survived after a whale crashed into their boat, sending them overboard. Kris Van Cleave, Jonathan Vigliotti and Carter Evans report.
Hiker runs out of water, dies in scorching heat near Utah state park
A 56-year-old woman died while hiking near a state park in southwestern Utah after running out of water on a sweltering day, police said.
Summer heat is causing soda cans to burst on Southwest Airlines flights
Airline officials say they are aware of a series of incidents where cans have ruptured, resulting in an onboard mess and reports of about 20 injuries to employees so far this summer.
NASA map captures extent of punishing heat in U.S.
The U.S. has contended with unrelenting temperatures this summer, and a map from NASA paints a dire picture of the scale of those persistent heat waves.
Brutal heat continues in eastern U.S.
36 million Americans are expected to see triple-digit temperatures this week with many areas feeling well above 100 degrees. CBS News Baltimore reporter Miana Massey has more.
7/12: CBS News 24/7 Episode 2
Jury expected to deliberate soon in Menendez trial; three injured in Spain's running of the bulls.
Americans escaping heat with "coolcations"
Some Americans are beating the summer heat this year by going on so-called "coolcations." Instead of soaking in the sun and hitting hotspots like the beach, travelers are opting for areas that are a bit more cooled off this time of year by heading north, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Erin Florio, executive editor of Condé Nast Traveler, joined CBS News to discuss the trend.
California hits record temperatures
The heat wave gripping California is breaking records, with multiple cities in the Golden State reporting temperatures at and above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. CBS News Los Angeles reporter Kara Finnstrom has more.
Inside Houston's post-Beryl power issues
More than a million people in the Houston area are still without electricity following the destruction from Hurricane Beryl as triple-digit temperatures scorch the state. Emily Foxhall, climate reporter for the Texas Tribune, joined CBS News to discuss the outage.
Many Houston residents still without power
More than one million customers in and around Houston were still without electricity Wednesday as the region struggles to recover from Beryl. Complicating the situation is the blistering heat that has roiled the region, as residents rush to distribution centers for food, water and ice. Omar Villafranca has the latest.
Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, appointed to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his pick to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham's death.
Live
Trump orders more Iran strikes after vowing to "keep" Strait of Hormuz, charge fees
President Trump says the U.S. will "probably run" the Strait of Hormuz, as dueling attacks with Iran continue over control of the strategic waterway.
Man fatally shot by ICE in Maine was not intended target of warrant, lawmakers say
Maine Sen. Angus King said he told Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that he wanted a transparent investigation into the shooting in Biddeford.
First on CBS
Video shows NBA's Brandon Clarke stopped by police 6 weeks before his death
Arkansas police said they found bags of capsules containing a green powdery substance in Brandon Clarke's car, which he told them was kratom.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit in scathing decision
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS had been filed for an "improper purpose."
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
U.S.
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First on CBS
Video shows NBA's Brandon Clarke stopped by police 6 weeks before his death
Arkansas police said they found bags of capsules containing a green powdery substance in Brandon Clarke's car, which he told them was kratom.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
MoneyWatch
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AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
12 states sue to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The suit poses a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies.
Millions of Americans take on debt and drain savings to afford food
A quarter of working-age adults use credit cards to purchase groceries but struggle to repay their debts, a new study finds.
High energy costs from Iran war heighten pressure on struggling farmers
As the agriculture industry in Louisiana contends with major energy cost hikes brought on by the Iran war, some farmers are unsure if their businesses will survive.
Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump refuses to sign it
A landmark housing bill automatically became law overnight after President Trump declined to sign it.
Politics
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Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit in scathing decision
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS had been filed for an "improper purpose."
Who could replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate after his sudden death?
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death late Saturday has set off a scramble for who will succeed him in the Senate.
Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, appointed to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his pick to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham's death.
HealthWatch
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Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Common knee surgery may do more harm than good, 10-year study shows
A Finnish study followed patients for 10 years after they had a popular knee surgery. For many, the pain continued or even worsened.
New Jersey works to destroy firefighting foam laced with cancer-linked PFAS
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are working to collect, remove and destroy all of their aqueous film-forming foam.
Departments getting rid of firefighting foam
Fire departments across the U.S. are changing how they extinguish fires. For decades, they used foam that contained so-called "forever chemicals" that are now linked to cancer. More than a dozen states are now working to collect, remove and destroy all of it. Mark Strassmann has more.
U.S. citizen working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded on the continent.
World
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Music group "still shocked" after bandmates killed in small plane crash
Surviving members of the beloved Bahamian musical group Da Pond Band are speaking out about their friends who were killed when a small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing 10 people.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
British counterterrorism police lead probe into murder of politician
British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence" came to light.
Trump says U.S. reinstating Iran blockade in Strait of Hormuz
Trump says the U.S. will be known as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT," and will charge 20% on all cargo shipped via the waterway to cover security costs.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Extended interview: Sean Evans
Vladimir Duthiers speaks with Sean Evans about how he came to host "Hot Ones," his interview with Conan O'Brien, who he would like to see on the show and more.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
7/12: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Tracy Smith. Featured: The only successful coup in U.S. history; Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"; Trump's monumental reimagining of Washington, D.C.; singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams; "Take Me Home, Country Roads"; and a Tuscany tradition: wine barrel races.
Technology
More Technology
AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
Family says they're forced to sell home to help power data centers
Georgia Power says building a new transmission line will require acquiring more than 300 parcels of land, including residential properties.
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.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
AI slop floods social media, report says
A new report from AI detector Pangram found that AI-generated content is flooding socials like X and Reddit, with LinkedIn accounting for nearly two-thirds of all AI content detected. Pangram CEO and co-founder Max Spero joins CBS News to discuss his findings.
Science
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Science
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
Crime
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Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
Investigating police shootings of bystanders
A CBS News investigation found that no federal agency is tracking police shootings of innocent bystanders, making it difficult to hold officers accountable. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
British counterterrorism police lead probe into murder of politician
British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence" came to light.
Kansas woman convicted of double murder after three trials
Mike Sisco and his girlfriend Karen Harkness were gunned down in her Topeka, Kansas, home in 2002. Authorities believed it was a crime of passion. Sisco's daughter set out to help prove it was her mother, Dana Chandler, who was responsible.
Apalachee High School shooting suspect set to change plea, documents show
Colt Gray is scheduled to appear in Barrow County Superior Court on July 24 for a plea hearing, court documents show.
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
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.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Rep. Chellie Pingree on Maine ICE shooting
A man was shot and killed by an ICE agent Monday in Maine. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Latest on Sen. Mitch McConnell health update
Sen. Mitch McConnell released an update on his health over the weekend after questions swirled about his well-being. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
U.S. begins third night of Iran strikes
The U.S. is carrying out a third consecutive night of airstrikes Monday against Iran, CENTCOM says. National security analyst Joe Cirincione joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Longtime staffers, reporter remember Graham
Lee Holmes, Sen. Lindsey Graham's former chief counsel, Kevin Bishop, Graham's former communications director, and NOTUS congressional reporter Paul Kane join Major Garrett to remember Graham, who died suddenly over the weekend.