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.
Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
Live
Trump vows to end war "soon" as Iran hits ships and threatens banks
Trump says he'll end the war soon, when he wants to, as Iran hits 3 ships near the Strait of Hormuz and warns U.S.-linked banks will be next.
Epstein's longtime accountant tells Congress he didn't know about abuse
Richard Kahn was one of Epstein's closest associates in his final years, managing his finances and investments.
Trump asks Supreme Court to let it end legal protections for 350,000 Haitians
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for it to end temporary deportation protections for more than 350,000 Haitian immigrants.
3 brothers arrested in connection with U.S. embassy explosion in Norway
The men were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin who were not previously known to police, police prosecutor Christian Hatlo said.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Latino Texans fueled Democratic primary turnout. What does it mean for midterms?
Latino voters helped propel record turnout in last week's Texas Democratic primary, a trend Democrats are watching closely as they try to reclaim ground with the group and pull off an upset win in the red-leaning state's Senate contest.
U.S.
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After Trump's call for Massie defeat, outside groups spending $5M to try ousting him
President Trump's scorn towards GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is a key factor in the May primary. He has called Massie the "worst Republican congressman" in Congress' history
FTC to refund more than $47 million to consumers allegedly deceived by Invitation Homes
A 2024 government lawsuit accused Invitation Homes of deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed junk fees and other unlawful practices.
Trump asks Supreme Court to let it end legal protections for 350,000 Haitians
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for it to end temporary deportation protections for more than 350,000 Haitian immigrants.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
MoneyWatch
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FTC to refund more than $47 million to consumers allegedly deceived by Invitation Homes
A 2024 government lawsuit accused Invitation Homes of deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed junk fees and other unlawful practices.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Inflation held steady in February before Iran war drove up gas prices
The inflation data captures the period before the Iran war broke out. Since then, oil prices have surged, driving inflation fears.
Politics
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After Trump's call for Massie defeat, outside groups spending $5M to try ousting him
President Trump's scorn towards GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is a key factor in the May primary. He has called Massie the "worst Republican congressman" in Congress' history
Trump asks Supreme Court to let it end legal protections for 350,000 Haitians
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for it to end temporary deportation protections for more than 350,000 Haitian immigrants.
Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
Global Entry program restored as DHS shutdown continues
Officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers had been reassigned to process other arriving travelers during the pause.
Trump told FIFA Iran is welcome to play in World Cup in U.S., officials say
President Trump told FIFA representatives Tuesday that Iran is welcome to play in the World Cup tournament in the United States, officials told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Investigation
There's one building in LA with 89 registered hospices: "Ground zero" for fraud?
A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.
Raw oysters and clams recalled in 9 states over norovirus risks
Food containing norovirus may smell and taste normal but still cause serious illness if consumed, FDA warns.
More kids are in ERs for tooth pain. Budget cuts and fluoride fights aren't helping.
Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the COVID-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.
Baby sleepsuit sold at Walmart recalled over potential choking hazard
The zipper head on the recalled HALO Magic Sleepsuits poses a danger to babies, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
World
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3 brothers arrested in connection with U.S. embassy explosion in Norway
The men were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin who were not previously known to police, police prosecutor Christian Hatlo said.
550-pound WWII bomb defused after thousands evacuated
The discovery caused officials to evacuate 18,000 people on Wednesday, the largest such operation ever in the city, emergency services said.
Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Live
Trump vows to end war "soon" as Iran hits ships and threatens banks
President Trump says he'll end the war soon, when he wants to, as Iran hits three ships near the Strait of Hormuz and warns U.S.-linked banks will be next.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Sinners" cinematographer on crafting scenes
Oscar-nominated "Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw watches scenes from the film with Anthony Mason and breaks down how some of its most memorable moments were created. She also shares how her collaboration with director Ryan Coogler helped define the film's look.
Flavor Flav celebrates women athletes
Pop culture icon Flava Flav stopped by "CBS Mornings" to discuss his plans to celebrate women Olympic and Paralympic medalists from the 2026 Winter Games.
Kurt Russell talks drama series "The Madison"
Kurt Russell, who stars in "The Madison," spoke to "CBS Mornings" about the series, explaining the script "was so familiar" and that he related to it. Russell praised creator Taylor Sheridan, who was also behind the popular series "Yellowstone," and discussed what it was like to work with Michelle Pfeiffer again decades later.
Oscars 2026: Behind the scenes with the best actor nominees
Watch scenes from the performances nominated for best actor at the 98th annual Academy Awards, as well as interviews with the nominees.
Dorrance on preserving tap dancing history
American tap dancer Michelle Dorrance talks to CBS News chief medical correspondent Jon LaPook about Brenda Bufalino's impact and preserving the 88-year-old's artistry for future generations in a project at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Technology
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What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
How Hollywood is grappling with AI
AI-generated artist Tilly Norwood and the company behind her released a new music video speaking directly to her critics. As AI evolves, Hollywood faces questions over legal protections, copyright infringement and human labor. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Details on Pentagon removal of Claude
CBS News exclusively obtained a Pentagon memo from earlier this month that went out to several senior defense leaders and commanders. It ordered the removal of Anthropic's AI technology from key national systems. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Exclusive
Pentagon memo orders commanders to remove Anthropic from key systems
The Defense Department has notified senior leadership that they must remove Anthropic's products from their system within 180 days, the latest salvo in a feud between the AI company and the Trump administration.
Science
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Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
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.
Crime
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Crime
New details in Georgia teacher's death
The family of a Georgia student charged in what investigators describe as a prank gone horribly wrong says they are grieving the tremendous loss to the community. CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano has the latest.
Man crashes car into barrier near White House
Police in Washington, D.C., arrested a man after he crashed a car into a barricade near the White House on Wednesday morning. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
New details about ISIS-inspired attack
New video has emerged of fuses being bought at a Pennsylvania fireworks store by one of the suspects accused of throwing explosive devices outside the New York City mayoral residence. CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan has more.
Exclusive
Video appears to show bomb suspect purchasing fuse at fireworks store
One of two men accused of throwing IEDs at protesters in New York City appears to have purchased fuses at a fireworks store in a Philadelphia suburb last week.
No harmful substances in NYC suspicious package
New York City police have given the all clear after concluding a suspicious package found near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was harmless.
Space
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Space
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
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.
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
Suspected Iranian attacks in Strait of Hormuz
Suspected Iranian drones hit at least three ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz overnight as fighting in the vital shipping lane escalates. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman reports from Tel Aviv, Israel.
Retired CENTCOM commander on Kuwait attack
Sources told CBS News that dozens of U.S. service members suffered serious injuries, including shrapnel wounds and brain trauma, in an Iranian drone strike on a tactical operation center in Kuwait on March 1. Six U.S. troops were killed in the same attack. Former CENTCOM Commander General Joseph Votel joins CBS News to discuss.
New details in Georgia teacher's death
The family of a Georgia student charged in what investigators describe as a prank gone horribly wrong says they are grieving the tremendous loss to the community. CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano has the latest.
Man crashes car into barrier near White House
Police in Washington, D.C., arrested a man after he crashed a car into a barricade near the White House on Wednesday morning. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
Full interview: Sen. John Fetterman
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania tells Major Garrett why he supports the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and President Trump's objectives, and weighs in on the fight to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the SAVE America Act and more. Fetterman also opens up about his battle with depression, which he wrote about in his memoir "Unfettered," and how his children "broke [him] out of that despair."