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."
Pollution
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EPA sets strict emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses
Officials said the standards will help clean up some of the nation's largest sources of planet-warming greenhouse gases.
Supreme Court seems skeptical of EPA's "good neighbor" rule on air pollution
The Supreme Court's conservative majority appears skeptical of the federal government's argument that the Environmental Protection Agency should be allowed to continue enforcing its anti-air-pollution rule in 11 states.
1 in 4 Americans breathes bad air today — and it's getting worse
Air quality is worsening across much of the U.S., exposing millions of people to health problems and threatening the U.S. economy.
Do nanoplastics carry health risks?
An average liter of bottled water contains nearly a quarter-million pieces of nanoplastic, according to a new study. Microplastics researcher Jaime Ross joins CBS News to talk about how these tiny fragments may affect the body.
Millions of tiny plastics flood Spain's coast after falling from ship
Dozens of 55-pound bags of the tiny plastic pellets known as nurdles, which are known to be a major source of microplastic pollution, have washed up in northwest Spain in recent weeks.
Live
Iran touts its trade ties as U.S. turns from bombs to economic warfare
As Vice President JD Vance declares economic pressure "the most effective tool that we have," Iran seeks to show deepening trade ties with its neighbors.
Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration's economic war on Iran
The effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates.
First deportees arrive in Haiti after U.S. ends TPS protection
The U.S. has deported more than 160 people to Haiti for the first time since the Trump administration won a legal battle to end Temporary Protected Status for some 350,000 Haitians.
Iran set to impose longer prison terms for any contact with foreign media
Iranians could soon face up to two years in prison for daring to communicate in any way with a foreign news outlet, embassy or institution.
8 dead in charter plane crash near remote military radar site in Alaska
The crash of a small plane in Alaska chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is under investigation.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
Mom says postpartum psychosis made her feel like "such a monster"
As the trial of Lindsay Clancy brings renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, Haley Ashcom shares her experience with the dangerous condition.
New details about Trump's plans for Kennedy Center and White House ballroom
The latest court filings in cases involving the Kennedy Center and the White House ballroom project detail the work being done at the two institutions.
Texas court slashes $50 million judgment against Infowars' Alex Jones
A Texas appeals court cut a $50 million judgment against Infowars founder Alex Jones to $1.5 million. A much larger $1.4 billion judgment in Connecticut still stands.
U.S.
More U.S.
Nearly 25% of workers are "functionally unemployed," analysis finds
An alternative measure of unemployment that accounts for wages suggests the U.S. labor market is weaker than it looks.
Texas court slashes $50M judgment against Infowars' Alex Jones
A Texas appeals court cut a $50 million judgment against Infowars founder Alex Jones to $1.5 million. A much larger $1.4 billion judgment in Connecticut still stands.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Aug. 23)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Trump temporarily waives higher beef tariffs in bid to lower prices
Ground beef prices, now averaging nearly $7 a pound, remain historically high due to shrinking cattle herds.
New York Times defamed ex-college player, must pay him millions, jury says
An Alabama jury awarded $9.25 million in damages after finding that The New York Times defamed a former college basketball player, Kai Spears, of the Alabama Crimson Tide, in a story about a fatal shooting.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Nearly 25% of workers are "functionally unemployed," analysis finds
An alternative measure of unemployment that accounts for wages suggests the U.S. labor market is weaker than it looks.
Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration's economic war on Iran
The effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates.
Trump temporarily waives higher beef tariffs in bid to lower prices
Ground beef prices, now averaging nearly $7 a pound, remain historically high due to shrinking cattle herds.
Coinbase CEO says CLARITY Act will prevent another FTX collapse
Brian Armstrong made the case for the cryptocurrency legislation, which is scheduled for a Senate vote in September.
Clear Eyes eye drops recalled nationwide over contamination risk, FDA says
The recall affects 15mL bottles of Clear Eyes' Maximum Itchy Eye Relief.
Politics
More Politics
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
Trump appears on radio show of Michael Cohen, patching up public split
President Trump appeared on the radio show of Michael Cohen, his fixer-turned-foe, in a stunning public reunion that would have been impossible to imagine several years ago.
Liberia receives first group of "third country" deportees from U.S., officials say
The West African nation of Liberia received the first group of "third country" deportees from the U.S. on Thursday, including migrants from Latin America, U.S. officials told CBS News.
USS Abraham Lincoln leaving Middle East after 9-month deployment
The aircraft carrier and its 5,000 crew members will return to San Diego after an approximately nine-month deployment.
Aisha Wahab wins special election to serve out remainder of Eric Swalwell's term
The partial term for California's 14th Congressional District ends January 2027, after which the candidate chosen in the November election will serve the next full term.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Mom says postpartum psychosis made her feel like "such a monster"
As the trial of Lindsay Clancy brings renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, Haley Ashcom shares her experience with the dangerous condition.
Drug mix-up at Nashville hospital causes dire complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
How Moderna's melanoma mRNA vaccine could fight deadliest skin cancer
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder, who has had melanoma herself, said Moderna's experimental trial is "a big win for mRNA vaccines against cancer."
Melanoma vaccine shows promising results
An experimental melanoma vaccine could reduce the risk of the cancer returning or spreading for some high-risk patients. It's personalized for each patient and optimized using artificial intelligence. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
World
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Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration's economic war on Iran
The effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Iran set to impose longer prison terms for any contact with foreign media
Iranians could soon face up to two years in prison for daring to communicate in any way with a foreign news outlet, embassy or institution.
First deportees arrive in Haiti after U.S. ends TPS protection
The U.S. has deported more than 160 people to Haiti for the first time since the Trump administration won a legal battle to end Temporary Protected Status for some 350,000 Haitians.
Japan hangs man convicted of killing 5 people at pachinko parlor
Sunao Takami set fire to the crowded pachinko parlor in Osaka by spreading gasoline and throwing a lit match, engulfing the building, killing five and injuring 10 others.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Hayden Panettiere's mom speaks out
Hayden Panettiere's mom is speaking out on their strained relationship. This comes as Neutrogena comments on its working relationship with the late actor.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Katherine LaNasa on "The Pitt"
Award-winning actor Katherine LaNasa discusses her recent Emmy nomination for her role as charge nurse Dana Evans on hit HBO series "The Pitt."
Nashville teen has big dreams of musical fame
High school senior and singer Kingston Kharif has dreams of making it big beyond the Nashville, Tennessee, scene. Nicole Valdes spoke with Kingston about his early successes and future goals.
Neutrogena shares statement on Hayden Panettiere after backlash
After Hayden Panettiere's death, fans resurfaced her claim that Neutrogena had fired her in 2015 over her comments about postpartum depression.
Technology
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Technology
Do AI smart glasses privacy protections work?
As tech companies like Meta push their AI wearables, many are concerned with privacy protections. Anna Schechter has more.
Coinbase CEO says CLARITY Act will prevent another FTX collapse
Brian Armstrong made the case for the cryptocurrency legislation, which is scheduled for a Senate vote in September.
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.
Book publishers forced to navigate AI
Book publishers are grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on the publishing industry. Tisha Morris, an entertainment attorney and author, joins CBS News with more insight.
Data on how people are using AI chatbots
Recent data from the AI Observatory shows more people are using artificial intelligence chatbots for more intimate issues. Shayne Longpre joins with more on the recent study.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Patients say hospital mixed up drugs
Several patients at a Tennessee hospital say they were hurt after hospital staff allegedly mixed up their medications during routine joint replacement surgeries. CBS News' Nicole Valdes has more.
President Trump and Michael Cohen reunite
President Trump joined Michael Cohen's radio show for a taping after a long, public feud with his former fixer. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.
Chaplain's testimony on Clancy conversation
A chaplain who prayed with Lindsay Clancy took the stand in her murder trial. Trial lawyer and former prosecutor Mark Eiglarsh joins CBS News with more.
Tupac Shakur murder suspect recounts shooting in audio played to jury
Jurors heard Duane "Keffe D" Davis tell detectives his nephew Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson fired the shots that killed Tupac Shakur.
Japan hangs man convicted of killing 5 people at pachinko parlor
Sunao Takami set fire to the crowded pachinko parlor in Osaka by spreading gasoline and throwing a lit match, engulfing the building, killing five and injuring 10 others.
Space
More Space
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Patients say hospital mixed up drugs
Several patients at a Tennessee hospital say they were hurt after hospital staff allegedly mixed up their medications during routine joint replacement surgeries. CBS News' Nicole Valdes has more.
Supreme Court to weigh White House ballroom
The Supreme Court has a midnight deadline to rule on President Trump's White House ballroom project. CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford has more legal context.
Liberia receives deportees from the U.S.
The U.S. deported around 20 migrants to Liberia, even though none of them are from there. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez explains more.
Bessent reacts to bond market global concerns
There are growing concerns about the bond market and rising borrowing costs. Kristin Myers, ETF editor-in-chief for Asset TV, joins with more.
Alfalfa sprouts linked to food poisoning
Alfalfa sprouts are being linked to illnesses affecting several people in Minnesota and Illinois. CBS News' Dr. Céline Gounder has more.