The secrets of cork: So much more than a bottle stopper
The sound of a bottle popping may be a familiar harbinger of good, but the humble material behind the pop has more uses than you might imagine.
Recycling
Starbucks plastic cup investigation
CBS News tracked plastic cups meant to be recycled by Starbucks and found that most of those did not end up at recycling facilities. CBS News' David Schechter breaks down the investigation's findings.
Are Starbucks cups getting recycled?
A CBS News investigation tracked plastic cups tossed into Starbucks recycling bins at stores across the country, finding that many never reached a recycling center. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter has more.
Black plastic items could have toxins: Study
A new study found that black plastic items found in home products could contain bromine, a toxic flame retardant, through recycled electronics. Dr. Leonardo Trasande, professor of pediatrics and population health at NYU Langone Health, joins CBS News to break it down.
California sues ExxonMobil over plastics recycling
California sued ExxonMobil on Monday, accusing the oil company of misleading the public about plastic recycling. According to the lawsuit, ExxonMobil promoted recycling as a solution for consumers worried about buying more plastic products, while knowing that only about 5% of plastics get recycled. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy spoke with California Attorney General Robert Bonta about the lawsuit and what he calls Exxon's "decades-long deception."
California sues ExxonMobil over plastic recycling
California's attorney general has sued ExxonMobil, alleging the oil giant misled the public about the limitations of plastics recycling. Ben Tracy has details.
California lawsuit alleges Exxon misled consumers about plastics recycling
Less than 10% of plastics in the U.S. are recycled.
Where plastic pollution ends up
The world is struggling to manage growing piles of plastic waste, and a new report is bringing to light the problem of burning plastics. Annually, the world produces 440 million tons of plastic each year, but the majority of plastic is often tossed in the trash. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more.
"Advanced recycling" lagging behind in Houston
So-called advanced recycling has been touted as a way to recycle every type of plastic, which would help cut down on the problem of plastic waste. But a program is Houston is lagging behind, as the waste piles up in a warehouse. Ben Tracy has the story.
LEGO to scale up use of renewable plastics in its bricks
The legacy toy company is increasing the certified renewable or recycled materials that go into its bricks in an effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Is plastic recycling effective?
A Houston program funded in large part by oil and plastic producers claims to recycle any type of plastic. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy has more on his investigation into the program's claims.
Is plastic recycling a myth?
Houston, Texas, says its new recycling program can handle any type of plastic and the city is touting it as a model for the nation. In collaboration with the nonprofit Inside Climate News, CBS News' Ben Tracy looked into whether the claims are too good to be true.
Houston's plastic waste piles up waiting for "advanced" recycling
Houston seeks to be a national model for plastic recycling. But a program that started in 2022 hasn't yet found its footing.
CBS Reports | Does Big Plastic's Idea Work?
As America grapples with an escalating plastic crisis, the city of Houston, ExxonMobil and other partners announced a new program that promised to recycle nearly all of the city's plastic waste. However, after two years, the program has yet to fully materialize. Critics argue that the evidence suggests it never will. And yet, the company envisions similar programs in other American cities. CBS Reports and Inside Climate News investigate whether this proposed solution to our plastic recycling crisis is indeed too good to be true.
Critics call out recycling "fraud" by plastics industry
About 48 million tons of plastic waste is generated in the United States each year, but only 5 to 6 percent of it is actually recycled. A new report from the Center for Climate Integrity, "The Fraud of Plastic Recycling," accuses the plastics industry of a decades-long campaign to "mislead" the public about the viability of recycling. Correspondent Ben Tracy talks with the report's co-author, Davis Allen, and with Jan Dell, a former chemical engineer, about an inconvenient truth surrounding the lifecycle of plastic. [Originally broadcast April 14, 2024.]
Paving the way to a greener future
According to the University of California, Davis, residential energy use is responsible for 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. However, one company is helping residential buildings reduce their impact and putting carbon to use. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn shows how the process works.
Starbucks unveils new cold drink cups that use less plastic
Starbucks unveiled the new cups ahead of Earth Day and as a new report warns plastic production emissions are even greater than those from aviation.
Critics call out plastics industry over "fraud of plastic recycling"
Only 5 to 6% of plastic waste produced in the U.S. is actually recycled. A new report accuses the plastics industry of a decades-long campaign to "mislead" the public about the viability of recycling.
E-waste growing at record levels: U.N. report
A new U.N. report found that global electronic waste is growing five times faster than rates of recycling, with 62 million metric tons of e-waste produced in 2022. That's up 82% from 2010. CBS News' Seth Doane has more.
Electronic waste is growing 5 times faster than it's being recycled
From cell phones to freezers, e-waste is trashing the planet – and a new report says the world isn't doing enough to stop it from getting worse.
Blueland CEO's fight against plastic waste
As part of our "Changing the Game" series, we're highlighting Sarah Paiji Yoo. She is the co-founder and CEO of Blueland, which specializes in eco-friendly cleaning products and is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic.
Starbucks rolls out reusable cup option in move to cut waste
Starbucks will now allow its baristas to serve beverages in cups provided by customers at drive-thrus in the U.S. and Canada.
Researchers study ocean impact of microplastics
A recent study estimates there are now 170 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. A team of international scientists working on a research vessel off the coast of Panama are seeking to understand the impact of microplastics on the oceans and our health. Ben Tracy has details.
Nonprofit seeks to give building materials new life
If historic homes are the fabric of Savannah, Georgia, Mae Bowley is the thread salvaging precious materials from those about to be torn down. Janet Shamlian has the story.
14-year-old entrepreneur works to make change
As a toddler, Ryan Hickman started collecting and sorting bottles and cans. More than a decade later, he's just 14, and Ryan's Recycling is a full-fledged business spanning much of Southern California, with almost a dozen employees and plenty of accolades. Carter Evans reports.
CBS News speaks with man who says he's just been freed from Syrian prison
A man identifying himself as Missourian Travis Timmerman tells CBS News he was liberated from a Syrian prison upon dictator Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
New details emerge about man charged in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting
Luigi Mangione is charged in the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Biden commutes about 1,500 sentences, most ever in single day
"These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history," the White House said.
Ex-FBI informant pleads guilty to lying about the Bidens
A California man who was charged with lying to the FBI about fake criminal allegations against President Biden and his son Hunter is pleading guilty.
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
Motive in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO coming into focus, NYPD says
While there are still many investigative leads to follow up on, top NYPD officials say they are now getting a clearer picture of Luigi Mangione.
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs after reports of burns from loose lids
Stanley is recalling 2.6 million steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. after multiple complaints from consumers.
Time magazine names its 2024 Person of the Year
The short list for Time's 2024 Person of the Year included Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu.
U.S.
More U.S.
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs after reports of burns from loose lids
Stanley is recalling 2.6 million steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. after multiple complaints from consumers.
Men freed after convictions tossed in case involving discredited detective
Dominique Moore ad Cedric Warren had their convictions overturned in a 2009 double homicide whose investigation was overseen by a discredited police detective.
Illinois man pleads not guilty to assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace
Rep. Nancy Mace wrote in a social media post that she would need a brace for her wrist and ice for her arm — but that she would be "fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs after reports of burns from loose lids
Stanley is recalling 2.6 million steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. after multiple complaints from consumers.
Many Americans struggle to keep the lights on as energy costs rise
In some U.S. states, more than 40% of residents report having to cut back on basic necessities to afford their electricity bill, survey finds.
"Porch pirates" steal billions in goods every year. Here's what you can do.
With thieves ever more brazen in stealing deliveries, one company is offering insurance to reimburse consumers.
Politics
More Politics
Illinois man pleads not guilty to assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace
Rep. Nancy Mace wrote in a social media post that she would need a brace for her wrist and ice for her arm — but that she would be "fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside."
Ex-FBI informant pleads guilty to lying about the Bidens
A California man who was charged with lying to the FBI about fake criminal allegations against President Biden and his son Hunter is pleading guilty.
Time magazine names its 2024 Person of the Year
The short list for Time's 2024 Person of the Year included Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden commutes about 1,500 sentences, most ever in single day
"These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history," the White House said.
Meta donates $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund
The move comes two weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg traveled to Florida and dined with President-elect Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago.
HealthWatch
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U.K. indefinitely bans puberty blockers for people under 18
An emergency ban on hormones used to suppress puberty in transgender young people in the U.K. has been extended indefinitely, the government said.
Tennessee hospital was destroyed by Helene — others face risk
Flash flooding from Hurricane Helene trapped dozens of people on the rooftop of Unicoi County Hospital.
Bidens host women's health conference to focus on health care gender gap
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden highlighted the progress made in the first year of their White House initiative.
MadeGood granola bars recalled because they could contain metal
Recalled MadeGood granola bars were sold across the U.S. and internationally, according to food maker.
U.S. overdose deaths fell nearly 17% in 1-year period, CDC says
Members of the Biden White House celebrated the report but said there's still more work to be done to further reduce overdose deaths.
World
More World
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
Teen chess prodigy becomes youngest world champion
The usually shy and reserved teen burst into tears after nearly three weeks and 14 games of intense battle against his opponent.
U.K. indefinitely bans puberty blockers for people under 18
An emergency ban on hormones used to suppress puberty in transgender young people in the U.K. has been extended indefinitely, the government said.
Judge shot dead outside courthouse in Acapulco
The judge's murder comes two days after assailants in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz shot to death a federal congressman.
CBS News speaks with man who says he's just been freed from Syrian prison
A man identifying himself as Missourian Travis Timmerman tells CBS News he was liberated from a Syrian prison upon dictator Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
Entertainment
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Teen chess prodigy becomes youngest world champion
The usually shy and reserved teen burst into tears after nearly three weeks and 14 games of intense battle against his opponent.
Liz Feldman, Linda Cardellini on "No Good Deed"
"Dead to Me" Creator Liz Feldman and Actor Linda Cardellini reunite in the new Netflix series "No Good Deed." They discuss how scrolling on Zillow inspired the series about buyers competing for their dream home and how Feldman wrote the role of Margo specifically for Cardellini.
Dua Lipa on upcoming performance
Pop superstar Dua Lipa closes out a milestone year with "An Evening with Dua Lipa," a special performance featuring a 53-piece orchestra. The show airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+.
Linda Cardellini on "No Good Deed"
Linda Cardellini stars in the new Netflix series "No Good Deed" alongside Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano. The Emmy nominee plays Margo, a social climber competing to buy a coveted Los Angeles home.
Kennedy Center honoree Arturo Sandoval
Jazz legend Arturo Sandoval was honored this month by the Kennedy Center for his contributions to American culture through the performing arts. He shared how jazz played a pivotal role in saving his life and helping him escape Cuba to pursue his American Dream.
Technology
More Technology
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Is Facebook down? Here's what to know about reports of outages.
Users reported problems accessing many of Meta's social media services, including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Apple iOS 18.2 launches today. Here is what's new.
Apple rolls out much-awaited Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2 software update.
"Mornings Memory": The rise of ultrasounds
Ultrasounds, now routine in monitoring pregnancies, were a groundbreaking addition to prenatal care just over 40 years ago. Today's "Mornings Memory" looks back at their rise.
Science
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Science
Study finds young people most at risk of heat
A new Columbia University Climate School study discovered that young people may be most at risk of heat-related deaths. CBS News environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Climate change could bring more snow in some areas
Experts predict climate change could actually make snow worse in some areas of the U.S. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. is seeing less snowfall than in the 1970s. CBS News national climate correspondent Dave Malkoff explains how.
Wisdom, the world's oldest-known wild bird, lays an egg at 74
Wisdom the Laysan albatross was first tagged by researchers in 1956. Since then, she's believed to have raised as many as 30 chicks.
When should consumers buy electric cars?
President-elect Donald Trump indicated that once in office, he plans on ending the consumer tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. Business Insider autos senior reporter Nora Naughton joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the potential impact and when consumers should buy.
Starbucks plastic cup investigation
CBS News tracked plastic cups meant to be recycled by Starbucks and found that most of those did not end up at recycling facilities. CBS News' David Schechter breaks down the investigation's findings.
Crime
More Crime
Illinois man pleads not guilty to assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace
Rep. Nancy Mace wrote in a social media post that she would need a brace for her wrist and ice for her arm — but that she would be "fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside."
Forensic evidence links suspect to CEO murder
Shell casings found at the scene where the UnitedHealthcare CEO was killed matched the 3D-printed gun found on the suspect, Luigi Mangione, when he was arrested, according to the NYPD. Police also said the suspect's fingerprints match fingerprints found on a water bottle and wrapper found outside of a Starbucks where surveillance video appears to show he was before the murder.
Judge shot dead outside courthouse in Acapulco
The judge's murder comes two days after assailants in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz shot to death a federal congressman.
Investigators make progress in CEO shooting case
The New York City Police Department said Wednesday that it has forensic evidence that places the suspect at the location where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot. Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Conspiracy theories spread over CEO murder
A flood of disinformation and online theories have spread over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the suspect charged in the case, Luigi Mangione. CBS News Confirmed executive editor Rhona Tarrant has more.
Space
More Space
Learning from the Ingenuity helicopter's crash landing on Mars
Engineers now say they understand the most likely cause of the Ingenuity helicopter's crash landing on Mars earlier this year.
Emily Calandrelli talks Blue Origin mission
Emily Calandrelli joins "CBS Mornings Plus" after recently becoming the 100th woman ever in space. She and her Blue Origin crewmates traveled over 62 miles above sea level during their mission last month.
Why you shouldn't wait for the Geminid meteor shower peak this year
The Geminid meteor shower this year is set to peak at almost the same time as December's full moon, which could make for challenging viewing conditions.
NASA's Artemis moon mission delayed yet again
NASA's next two Artemis moon missions have been pushed back once again, with the first lunar landing in more than a half-century not scheduled to take place until at least mid-2027. NASA said the delay is partly so that it can address issues with the Orion spacecraft's heat shield.
NASA delays next 2 Artemis moon missions to address heat shield, other issues
Heat shield damage seen during the first Artemis test flight is now understood, NASA says, but more time is needed to implement fixes.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Retired FBI official on Wray stepping down
Chris Piehota is a retired FBI executive assistant director and the author of "Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew." He joined CBS News to discuss the decision by Christopher Wray to step down at the end of President Biden's term.
Inside the online response to CEO's murder
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked a polarized response online with many expressing anger and frustration about the health insurance industry and the challenges Americans face when it comes to their health care. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
Liz Feldman, Linda Cardellini on "No Good Deed"
"Dead to Me" Creator Liz Feldman and Actor Linda Cardellini reunite in the new Netflix series "No Good Deed." They discuss how scrolling on Zillow inspired the series about buyers competing for their dream home and how Feldman wrote the role of Margo specifically for Cardellini.
A preview of the 125th Army-Navy game
The Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen meet for the 125th time this Saturday in one of football's most celebrated rivalries. Rich DeMarco and Joe Miller, play-by-play announcers for the teams, weigh in on the tradition and excitement.
Details on mysterious drones over New Jersey
There are far more questions than answers about the mysterious drones that have been spotted over New Jersey in recent weeks. The Pentagon said Wednesday they don't appear to be coming from overseas, but many state and local officials are on high alert. CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson has more.