Rats may be exonerated as black plague culprit | CNN

Rats may be exonerated as black plague culprit

aman rat

Rats may be exonerated as black plague culprit

Amanpour

The humble rat has a bad rap, most notably for (allegedly) spreading the black plague. But scientists now say they may not have been responsible at all.

1:32 • Source: CNN

Amanpour 16 videos

aman rat

Rats may be exonerated as black plague culprit

1:32

Now playing

• Source: CNN

‘It's a country that makes us suffer,’ says director of Lebanese romantic-comedy

16:07

Now playing

• Source: CNN

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a bilateral meeting with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun in the Oval Office of the White House on July 21, 2026 in Washington, DC. Aoun is visiting the White House on the final day of a four-day trip to Washington to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah as the Israeli military begins its first limited withdrawal from Lebanon following last month’s U.S.-brokered agreement.

Trump and Hegseth 'need to be as honest as possible,' military analyst says

16:50

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Smoke rises from the French Bar Creek wildfire (K70748) northwest of Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada, July 17, 2026, in an aerial photograph taken with a mobile phone. BC Wildfire/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

'This year is off to a really rough start': Climate scientist on the Canadian wildfires

9:42

Now playing

• Source: CNN

An EBT sign is displayed on the window of a grocery store on October 30, 2025 in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other assistance are set to stop on November 1st amid a federal government shutdown that has been going on for 29 days and is the second-longest shutdown in the nation's history. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for extra emergency funds and personnel to be deployed, as SNAP payments will be suspended. About 42 million Americans are expected to lose access to their benefits.

Why is food insecurity worsening in the U.S. capital?

13:31

Now playing

• Source: CNN

People protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's decision to replace Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, July 17, 2026. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

In Ukraine's government, there is a 'cultural divide about what it takes to win this war,' says fmr. minister

15:02

Now playing

• Source: CNN

US launches new attacks on Iran as battle for control of Strait of Hormuz intensifies

'Actions have consequences': Fmr. US Defense Secretary slams Trump's war with Iran, congressional inaction

12:36

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky waits to welcome Swedish king in Lviv on April 17, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by YURIY DYACHYSHYN / AFP via Getty Images)

'One of Zelensky's biggest mistakes': Ukrainian journalist on firing of defense minister

9:31

Now playing

• Source: CNN

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Andy Burnham delivers his inaugural speech as UK's new Prime Minister on on July 20, 2026 in London, England. The Member of Parliament for Makerfield becomes the UK's 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister in June. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Andy Burnham is Labour's 'best bet' in next elections, says journalist

9:52

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Amanpour Sherrill 17July2026.jpg

FIFA ‘is not a good partner,’ says NJ Governor

16:52

Now playing

• Source: CNN

GettyImages-1368287184 (1).jpg

Are we witnessing the death of reading?

13:54

Now playing

• Source: CNN

‘We are concerned about drifts in public opinion,’ says foreign policy advisor to Netanyahu

17:44

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Leslie Vinjamuri.jpg

'Iran is turning to old tactics and the US is taking the bait,' says policy analyst

10:10

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Rachel Goodman.jpg

'It's an attempt to elevate lies about American elections,' says legal expert on SAVE America Act

15:04

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Amanpour Pingree 14July2026.jpg

‘There’s no justification for this man losing his life’: Rep. Chellie Pingree on ICE shooting

13:29

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Amanpour Flake 13July2026.jpg

The road not taken: Jeff Flake on Lindsey Graham, Donald Trump and political choices

13:19

Now playing

• Source: CNN