More than 1,800 giant pandas now live in the wild, and the species has been upgraded from “endangered” to “vulnerable.” Source

Much of the West, including nearly all of California, is under excessive heat warnings. Also, there is new confusion about how long current vaccines can protect against COVID-19. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds. Source

Egypt and Sudan are raising concerns to the United Nations Security Council about a massive hydropower dam just south of Sudan’s border in Ethiopia. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam sits on the Blue Nile river in the western part of the country. Egypt is calling the dam an existential threat to its water supply. CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk spoke with CBSN’s Lana Zak about why this could be a battle over more than water. Source

Oysters have an ancient history in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. ​But due to over-harvesting, pollution and disease, more than 99% of the historic native oyster population has disappeared. The state of Maryland has committed to a restoration plan looking to rebuild oyster colonies in five tributaries on its side of the bay. Skyler Henry met up with the team leading the effort. Source

Mark Noguchi, a former hula dancer turned chef, has a passion for Hawaiian food and Hawaiian culture. He brings along a personality almost as entertaining as the “tailgate luau.” He spoke to “CBS This Morning: Saturday” co-host Jeff Glor for “The Dish.” Source

There are plenty of names you know when it comes to the U.S. space program, but there are others you probably don’t, including Paul Dye: the longest-serving flight director in NASA’s history. Dye recently wrote a book on his 30-year career. Jeff Glor has the details. Source

“HEED THESE WARNINGS,” the Las Vegas Weather Service wrote on Twitter. “Do not put yourself, nor first responders in danger this weekend!” Source

The exhibitions at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are showcasing the work of women photographers. Source

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