Axios

The International Energy Agency is launching the next phase of its work to expand access to cleaner cooking in sub-Saharan Africa, where progress has been slower than in other regions.

Why it matters: Widespread use of polluting fuels like wood, charcoal and dung — and open fires or inadequate stoves — is a massive health and economic problem.

Chevron's blockbuster, $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. is complete after a dispute panel ruled against Exxon in arbitration over Hess assets in a massive oilfield off Guyana's coast.

Why it matters: The International Chamber of Commerce panel's decision enables a pivotal deal for Chevron that had been held up for over a year in a clash with rival titan Exxon.

National Weather Service offices have issued a record number of year-to-date flash flood warnings in 2025 as storms have brought devastating and deadly rainfall to Texas, the Northeast and elsewhere.

Why it matters: The numbers reflect the recent above-average rainfall we've had in parts of the country, with some slow-moving storms dropping lots of water relatively quickly.

Nvidia unveiled a new AI weather forecasting model it calls capable of making very fast forecasts and better estimating risks of extreme events.

Why it matters: Tech companies are moving deeper into AI-based models at a time when climate change is worsening some risks and harms.

As tech giants seek nuclear power for AI data centers, the flip side of that coin is emerging — using AI to improve reactor licensing and construction.

Why it matters: Energy demand for data centers is rising fast, and nuclear energy is carbon-free and round-the-clock.

The sandbags are filled in New Orleans, the pumps are prepped and now the region waits for the tropical system that has the potential to dump a month's worth of rain in a single day.

Why it matters: New Orleanians are on edge about flash flooding, which happens too frequently in this city below sea level.

President Trump has set a radical new course in the U.S.-China rivalry, ceding ground to Beijing in pursuit of a far narrower vision of America's role in the world.

Why it matters: Six months into office, the Trump administration has hollowed out the machinery of American soft power and retreated from key arenas where the U.S. has sought to blunt China's rise.

The Trump administration is being sued by 20 states that are seeking to block the cancellation of a grant program that helped protect against potential natural disasters.

The big picture: "By unilaterally shutting down FEMA's flagship pre-disaster mitigation program, Defendants have acted unlawfully and violated core separation of powers principles," says the lawsuit that was filed in Boston on Wednesday. The program has helped state, local and territorial governments and tribal nations work to reduce their hazard risk.