Researchers at UC-Davis are trying to use proteins from the venom to make a drug “as potent as morphine but without the side effects of opioids.” Source

The 84-year-old leader of the Catholic Church had half of his colon removed in a planned surgery – his first major operation since becoming pope. Source

Host Michael Morell and Turpin discuss changes that accompanied Xi Jinping’s rise to power, as well as the gradual shift in U.S. policy towards Beijing. Source

Former president says it will lead to civilians being “slaughtered” by the Taliban. Source

An indictment unsealed in Manhattan says the intel operatives planned to bring Brooklyn-based Masih Alinejad back to Iran, and to abduct 4 others. Source

In a major speech on Tuesday, President Biden stressed the need to defend voting rights against Republican-led efforts to pass restrictive election reforms on the state level. However, some activists are disappointed after the president failed to mention any planned action related to the Senate filibuster. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns, The Washington Post national political reporter Eugene Scott and Reuters White House correspondent Nandita Bose join “Red and Blue” anchor Elaine Quijano with the details and the latest on repercussions former President Trump’s legal team is facing after making false election claims. Source

More than ten thousand firefighters are battling blazes throughout one-fifth of the country. And while some states will see monsoon moisture later this week, not all regions will be so lucky. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reports from California and CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli joins CBSN for the latest weather forecast. Source

Democratic lawmakers from Texas are trying to block a pair of restrictive voting bills by fleeing the state during a special legislative session. On Tuesday, they met with Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss voting rights. Politico reporter Renuka Rayasam joins CBSN’s “Red and Blue” anchor Elaine Quijano with more on why the lawmakers had to leave the state and what they could face once they return. Source

Coronavirus cases are skyrocketing in at least half of the U.S. The Delta variant is fueling the surge, but the CDC says vaccines are still effective against it. Dr. Julie Morita, executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a former member of the Biden administration’s transition advisory board, joins CBSN’s Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest. Source

Dozens of raging wildfires scorch Western U.S.; “The Crown” and “The Mandalorian” lead Emmy nominations Source