Environment , Politics
August 18, 2026

Trump Administration Pauses Controversial Border Project in Big Bend National Park

The Trump administration has temporarily stopped construction tied to a contentious border-security project in Texas’ Big Bend National Park. Environmental groups, tribal advocates, local residents, and lawmakers have criticized the project. Construction Paused U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott announced that construction would be paused while he personally reviews the project and […]

Breaking News , Environment
August 18, 2026

Hawaiian Islands Face Aftermath of Tropical Storm Lala

As Tropical Storm Lala moved westward away from Hawaii on Monday, residents faced the aftermath of severe rain over the weekend. The island of Hawaii, particularly the Waiohinu community, experienced a significant mudslide that destroyed approximately twelve homes. Alice Birnbaum, a local resident, shared her experience with CBS News. ‘The boulders were so heavy they […]

Environment , U.S. News
August 17, 2026

New York City’s Congestion Toll Yields Minimal Change in Air Quality

New York City launched a $9 congestion toll to reduce traffic and improve air quality. A recent analysis by the city’s Health Department shows minimal impact on pollution levels after its first year. The report focused on four traffic-related pollutants inside the Congestion Relief Zone since the toll’s introduction. The study reveals no statistically significant […]

Environment , U.S. News
August 17, 2026

Lake Powell Reaches Record Low, Raising Colorado River Basin Concerns

Lake Powell, located at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page, Arizona, is experiencing a critical decline in water levels. This reservoir ranks as the second largest on the Colorado River, significantly serving the water needs of seven states in the western United States. Over the recent weekend, federal data revealed that Lake Powell’s […]

Environment , World News
August 17, 2026

Indonesian Independence Day Marred by Devastating Earthquake

Thousands on the Indonesian island of Flores are awaiting relief as the nation observes its 81st Independence Day. A powerful earthquake recently struck, causing significant destruction. At least 68 people lost their lives, over 200 sustained injuries, and thousands of homes were damaged. Residents of Flores, situated in East Nusa Tenggara province, spent the day […]

Environment , Technology , U.S. News
August 17, 2026

Critical Minerals: The Foundation of America’s Clean Energy Future

Electric vehicles, battery storage, transmission lines, wind turbines, solar installations, and next-gen nuclear reactors start with materials extracted from the earth. To build AI power infrastructure, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and an electrified economy, America must secure critical minerals. Americans increasingly agree that our future demands more electricity than our past. Whether focusing on economic […]

Culture , Environment
August 17, 2026

Health Concerns for Famous Bald Eagle Family

As Jackie, a celebrated bald eagle, experienced health challenges, wildlife experts found themselves receiving numerous inquiries about her condition. Jackie the bald eagle underwent examination at the San Dimas Raptor Rescue on July 18. This occurred in Los Angeles and was documented by Los Angeles County Parks and the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Center, with […]

Environment , Technology
August 17, 2026

Innovative Solutions for Enhancing the Electric Grid

The current state of the electric grid in the U.S. raises concerns. Experts suggest that advanced transmission technologies could optimize its performance significantly. However, a challenge remains in convincing utilities to adopt these new technologies. The traditional revenue model for utilities complicates this transition, creating hesitation among tech companies. The urgent need to replace fossil […]

Climate Change , Environment
August 17, 2026

Climate Extremes Prompt Reflection and Action

Jonathan Vigliotti is a CBS News correspondent based in Los Angeles. His reporting spans over three dozen countries and territories across six continents. America’s celebrations for its 250th birthday faced a dramatic start in Washington, D.C., as a summer storm prompted an evacuation from the National Mall. This interruption by nature highlights a growing trend: […]

Environment
August 17, 2026

Record Low Water Levels in Lake Powell Raise Concerns

Lake Powell, the United States’ second-largest reservoir, has reached an unprecedented low water level. This marks a significant point in the ongoing crisis impacting the Colorado River system. This milestone for Lake Powell was reached on a recent Saturday. It follows the prior record low in Lake Mead, another major reservoir on the Colorado River. […]