A third of the country is under oppressive heat, with dozens of records expected to fall. Adding to the trouble: more than 50 large wildfires are burning in at least 15 states, including a fire that has consumed more than 38,000 acres in South Central Oregon. CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli has the details. Source

Branson and five crewmates are set for a dramatic sub-orbital flight to space. Source

The monument became a rallying cry for white supremacists and other racist groups, culminating in the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally. Source

The platform holding the Magic Carpet ride came loose from its base with riders on board. Source

The state of Maryland has committed to a restoration plan looking to rebuild oyster colonies in five tributaries on its side of the bay. Source

West grapples with oppressive heat as dozens of records expected to fall; Chef Mark Noguchi on career and tailgate luaus Source

The Delta variant now accounts for more than half of the new coronavirus​ cases in the United States. Source

The Delta variant now accounts for more than half of new coronavirus cases in the U.S., and almost all of the new cases are among people who have not been vaccinated. The spread of the highly contagious variant comes as restrictions have been lifted in almost all of the U.S. and as vaccine maker Pfizer asks for emergency authorization to administer a third shot. Michael George has the latest. Source

A cool new cat is taking Tokyo by storm. Lucy Craft has the story of how a 3D video display of a cat is bringing crowds and questions. Source

On Sunday, Richard Branson aims to become the first owner of a private space company to launch aboard one of his own spacecraft. Source