Data centers proliferate nationwide, encroaching on cities, suburbs
Abutting homes, schools an parks, the sprawling warehouses are a huge drain on local resources and major pollutant.
Pollution
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.
Countries fail to agree deal to "end the world's plastic pollution crisis"
The U.S. and 174 other nations failed to agree on a new treaty to reduce the plastic pollution contaminating our environment, food, water, and even our bodies.
India's "severe plus" air pollution forces more dramatic safety measures
Air pollution chokes New Delhi every winter, but this year's smog has already derailed everything from transport and road work to schools.
Delhi air pollution sparks emergency measures as smog shrouds city
Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.
Analysis reveals composition of mysterious black balls on beaches
An environmental agency says black balls that washed up on Sydney beaches aren't tar, but a "complex composition" of "mixed waste."
Finalist for Prince William's Earthshot Prize already brightening lives
See how one of the 15 finalists for Prince William's 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards is already helping people live their dreams.
Mysterious white blobs washing up on Canadian beaches stump experts
White blobs of "a mystery substance" dotting beaches across Canada's far northeast Newfoundland and Labrador province spark an investigation.
"Mysterious black balls" close 2 popular beaches in Australia
A local mayor says the balls littering two beaches in the Sydney area could be "tar balls," which form when spilled oil clumps together with debris in the water.
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.
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.
Seine river pollution delays Olympic men's triathlon
Runoff from heavy rain in Paris has left the Seine river unsafe for swimming, risking the schedule of 2024 Olympic events slated for the iconic waterway.
India lost its vultures, and scientists say humans have paid the price
Scientists say a common painkiller used on cattle wiped out India's vultures, resulting in half a million human deaths in just 5 years.
Canadians worry a U.S. company may be emitting toxic gas into their air
Residents of a Toronto suburb tell CBS News they're worried a U.S. company may be emitting a cancer-causing gas in their community.
Paris mayor goes for a swim to show Seine river safe for the Olympics
Mayor Anne Hidalgo declared the Seine river "exquisite" after taking a long-promised dip to show its water is safe for the Paris Olympics.
Seine remains contaminated ahead of Olympics
A nasty controversy is brewing in Olympic waters with one month until the Paris opening ceremony. Les Carpenter, Olympics reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News to explain why the city's iconic Seine River is still falling short of the requirements needed before athletes dive in.
Parisians threaten to poop in the Seine to protest pollution ahead of Olympics
"Because after putting us in sh*t it's up to them to bathe in our sh*t," a website for the protest says.
How dangerous are microplastics?
A large amount of human-produced plastic waste degrades into microplastics: small particles that linger in the environment and can be consumed by animals and people. Microplastics spread through water, air, and even the human bloodstream. Matthew Campen, director of the University of New Mexico's Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine, joins CBS News to explain the possible health risks from microplastic exposure.
How drug pollution is threatening animals
A new study from 17 international scientists found that active pharmaceutical ingredients -- the part of medications that help make them effective -- are having increasingly negative impacts on animals and ecosystems across the world. The authors are calling on drug makers to design more sustainable products with environmental impacts in mind. Karen Kidd, one of the study's authors, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.
Study: Pollution poses global health threat
A new report says pollution is a greater global health threat than war, terrorism, addiction or disease. According to data from a coalition of researchers, pollution was responsible for 8.8 million premature deaths between 2015 and 2022. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder joins to unpack the findings.
Worst U.S. cities for air pollution ranked by lung association
This 2024 "State of the Air" report warns efforts to reduce emissions are undermined by extreme heat, drought and wildfires caused by climate change.
Tire toxicity faces fresh scrutiny after salmon die-offs
Tires emit huge volumes of particles and chemicals as they roll along the highway, and researchers are only beginning to understand the threat. One byproduct of tire use, 6PPD-q, is in regulators' crosshairs after it was found to be killing fish.
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.
Map shows "forever chemical" water contamination hotspots worldwide
Study finds cancer-linked PFAS chemicals prevalent in drinking water sources across the globe, including many far over regulatory limits.
Group says Paris Olympics swimmers facing "alarming levels" of bacteria
A water charity says it has found "alarming levels" of dangerous bacteria in the Seine River just months before the Paris Olympics.
Syrians celebrate end of Assad regime as president flees to Moscow
Russian state media news agencies reported that Assad and his family were in Moscow and given asylum.
Boeing missing parts situation like "Russian roulette," whistleblower says
Whistleblowers are speaking out after a door plug on a Boeing plane blew out shortly after takeoff earlier this year.
Biden calls Assad's fall "moment of historic opportunity"
"At long last, the Assad regime has fallen," President Biden said Sunday, hours after opposition forces entered Damascus and seized control of Syria.
Jay-Z, Sean "Diddy" Combs accused of raping 13-year-old in civil suit
The lawsuit alleges the unidentified girl was raped at a Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000.
Crypto industry spent big during the election. How it might impact Washington.
Crypto companies contributed a third of all direct corporate contributions to super PACs this election, supporting dozens of candidates.
Trump says he'll act on the "first day" on some Jan. 6 cases
Trump said of the Jan. 6 defendants and convicts, "I'm going to be acting very quickly," he told NBC News' "Meet the Press."
NYPD divers return to Central Park amid manhunt for CEO shooter
The manhunt continues for the man captured on surveillance video last week fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency in Syria?
Insurgents control the capital Damascus, President Bashar Assad has fled into hiding, and for the first time after 50 years of his family's iron hand, it is an open question how Syria will be governed.
Who would pay for Trump's promised tariffs? You will!
Trump wants to impose across-the-board tariffs on imported goods from both allies and adversaries, claiming it's other nations who will pay such taxes to the U.S. Treasury. But it's American consumers who will be opening their wallets.
U.S.
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Lara Trump steps down as RNC co-chair
Lara Trump will step down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
Jay-Z, Sean "Diddy" Combs accused of raping 13-year-old in civil suit
The lawsuit alleges the unidentified girl was raped at a Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000.
NYPD divers return to Central Park amid manhunt for CEO shooter
The manhunt continues for the man captured on surveillance video last week fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 8, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Mike Turner, Mike Kelly and Jason Crow join Margaret Brennan.
Rep. Crow concerned over Secret Service "culture of silence" amid Trump probe
The task force is wrapping up its work probing security failures surrounding the July 13 and Sept. 15 assassination attempts.
MoneyWatch
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Who would pay for Trump's promised tariffs? You will!
Trump wants to impose across-the-board tariffs on imported goods from both allies and adversaries, claiming it's other nations who will pay such taxes to the U.S. Treasury. But it's American consumers who will be opening their wallets.
Social Security Fairness Act has bipartisan support, but time is running out
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing calls to schedule vote on bill for which he is cosponsor.
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting shines a light on corporate security
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson appeared to be unguarded when he was murdered. Some companies are rethinking their security practices.
UnitedHealthcare CEO death sparks wider outrage over health care system, insurance
The public's deep frustration with the health insurance industry is coming to the surface online after the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Stellantis recalls over 300,000 Ram trucks over potential brake failure
A faulty hydraulic control unit on the trucks could cause certain braking and tracking systems to fail.
Politics
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Lara Trump steps down as RNC co-chair
Lara Trump will step down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 8, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Mike Turner, Mike Kelly and Jason Crow join Margaret Brennan.
Rep. Crow concerned over Secret Service "culture of silence" amid Trump probe
The task force is wrapping up its work probing security failures surrounding the July 13 and Sept. 15 assassination attempts.
Transcript: Andrew Boyd and Mouaz Moustafa on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 8, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Mouaz Moustafa, executive director for the Syrian Emergency Task Force, and Andrew Boyd, former director of the CIA's Center for Cyber Intelligence, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Dec. 8, 2024.
Biden calls Assad's fall "moment of historic opportunity"
"At long last, the Assad regime has fallen," President Biden said Sunday, hours after opposition forces entered Damascus and seized control of Syria.
HealthWatch
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A Navy vet thought she was having a heart attack, but was fighting something else
Mary Jo Burkhard, 71, went to the emergency room with worrying symptoms. It wasn't the heart attack she feared.
CEO killing surfaces anger at health insurance industry
While investigators haven't locked down a motive for the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the killing has triggered a wave of anger and criticism on social media. Much of it is aimed, not at the shooter, but at the health insurance industry. Kelly O'Grady explains.
USDA orders national milk testing to monitor bird flu in dairy herds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is issuing a new federal order requiring raw, unpasteurized milk samples nationwide to be collected and tested.
UnitedHealthcare CEO death sparks wider outrage over health care system, insurance
The public's deep frustration with the health insurance industry is coming to the surface online after the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
"Pharmacy deserts" on the rise amid U.S. drugstore closures
Across the U.S., at least 7,000 pharmacies have closed since 2019. Of those, roughly half were independent drugstores.
World
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American Airlines suspends flights to Haiti indefinitely
American Airlines is no longer resuming its daily service out of Miami into Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Passenger attempted to divert domestic flight from Mexico into the U.S.
Volaris said the crew on flight 3041 from El Bajio to Tijuana managed to detain the passenger before the flight was diverted to Guadalajara in central Mexico.
Biden calls Assad's fall "moment of historic opportunity"
"At long last, the Assad regime has fallen," President Biden said Sunday, hours after opposition forces entered Damascus and seized control of Syria.
"They're all gone": The tragedy of the 1972 Munich Olympics
At the 1972 Munich Olympics, Arab terrorists took the Israeli team hostage. Former news and sports exec Sean McManus, son of ABC Sports commentator Jim McKay, looks back on that tragedy, and of watching his father at work reporting it to the world.
Notre Dame hosts first Mass since reopening after 2019 fire
Notre Dame Cathedral hosted its first Mass since a catastrophic 2019 fire devastated the historic structure.
Entertainment
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Jay-Z, Sean "Diddy" Combs accused of raping 13-year-old in civil suit
The lawsuit alleges the unidentified girl was raped at a Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000.
"Squid Game" creator on the "darker" Season 2
The internationally acclaimed Netflix series – a dystopian parable about capitalism and greed – is now releasing Season 2. Hwang Dong-hyuk says the lethal competition, played with childish games, is "getting darker, episode by episode."
The return of "Squid Game"
South Korean filmmaker Hwang Dong-hyuk, whose family struggled with poverty while he was growing up, became an award-winning success with the internationally acclaimed series "Squid Game" – a dystopian parable about capitalism, human selfishness and greed, in which players hoping to win a fortune compete in childish, but lethal, games. Netflix is now releasing Season 2, which Dong-hyuk says is "getting darker, episode by episode." Elizabeth Palmer reports.
Billie Eilish on what she's found "liberating"
With her album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," and her current tour (her first without brother Finneas), Billie Eilish is discovering parts of herself she didn't know were there – from finding a new voice as a songwriter, to stretching her singing after starting vocal lessons.
Billie Eilish on what she's found "liberating"
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is just beginning to know herself. With her latest album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," and her current tour (her first without brother Finneas and her parents), the music superstar (soon to turn 23) is discovering parts of herself she didn't know were there. She describes to correspondent Anthony Mason finding a new voice as a songwriter, and about stretching her singing after starting vocal lessons. [Watch more from Mason's interview with Eilish on "CBS Mornings" December 10.]
Technology
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Technology
Appeals court upholds law that would ban TikTok in U.S.
A federal appeals court upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the U.S. in the coming months if its Chinese parent company doesn't sell its stake in the app. Scott MacFarlane has more.
Appeals court upholds potential TikTok ban
A federal appeals court upheld a law Friday that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if the app's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, does not sell it. TikTok and ByteDance could still appeal the case to the Supreme Court. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady joins to unpack the challenges of reaching a deal, with the law set to take effect on Jan. 19.
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.
At-home cameras face hacking concerns
At-home security systems are meant to add a layer of protection. But some people claim these devices are actually watching them. CNET cybersecurity and digital privacy writer Bree Fowler joins "The Daily Report" to discuss how to prevent at-home security hacking.
Data centers proliferate nationwide, encroaching on cities, suburbs
Abutting homes, schools an parks, the sprawling warehouses are a huge drain on local resources and major pollutant.
Science
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Science
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.
NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Crime
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Jay-Z, Sean "Diddy" Combs accused of raping 13-year-old in civil suit
The lawsuit alleges the unidentified girl was raped at a Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000.
New photos in CEO shooting case released
The NYPD on Saturday released new images of a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The manhunt for the killer continues, as authorities believe he may have boarded a bus bound for Atlanta after the shooting. Shanelle Kaul reports.
NYPD divers return to Central Park amid manhunt for CEO shooter
The manhunt continues for the man captured on surveillance video last week fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO killer extends nationwide
Wednesday's shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel – what police are calling a premeditated, targeted attack – has prompted a nationwide search for the suspect. It's also thrust the health insurance industry into the spotlight in an ugly way. Lee Cowan reports.
New images of UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting person of interest released
NYPD divers searched the lake in Central Park on Saturday, looking for the weapon used in the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, sources say.
Space
More Space
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.
More on small asteroid near Earth
A small asteroid neared the Earth's atmosphere before exploding. Derrick Pitts, the Franklin Institute's chief astronomer and planetarium director, joins CBS News with more on the phenomenon.
Trump taps billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as next NASA chief
Jared Isaacman is an entrepreneur and veteran private astronaut with strong ties to Elon Musk and his rocket company SpaceX.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
12/8: The Takeout: Camilo Montoya-Galvez
CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez chats with Major Garrett about how President-elect Donald Trump could impose mass deportations and the economic impact those deportations may have across the U.S. on this week's episode of "The Takeout."
College pianist plays for seniors with Alzheimer's
College sophomore Grace Sun uses her free time to play piano for seniors with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It started during the pandemic, when she would play virtually for her isolated grandmother. Now, more than 100 musicians have joined the movement. Carter Evans reports.
New photos in CEO shooting case released
The NYPD on Saturday released new images of a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The manhunt for the killer continues, as authorities believe he may have boarded a bus bound for Atlanta after the shooting. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Notre Dame holds first mass since 2019 fire
The first mass since a devastating 2019 fire was held Sunday at Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral. The event was attended by French President Emmanual Macron, along with dignitaries and bishops from around the world. Elaine Cobbe reports on the efforts it took to restore the cathedral.
Trump discusses key priorities in new interview
President-elect Donald Trump sat down for an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" to discuss his priorities for his second term. Trump was pressed on his tariff threats and plans for mass deportations. Nikole Killion has more.