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.
Recycling
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.
Startup uses tires to make EV batteries
The batteries needed to power electric vehicles have long been questioned for their sustainability. And now, one Chilean startup wants to help make them more eco-friendly – by recycling used tires.
Breaking
Suspect charged in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing
Luigi Mangione, the gunman suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is now charged with murder in New York City.
Breaking
Daniel Penny found not guilty in NYC subway chokehold death
Daniel Penny has been found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway car in 2023.
What we know about man charged in UnitedHeathcare CEO shooting
Luigi Mangione is charged in the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Still need to buy a Christmas tree? Here's the good news.
Extreme weather and a smaller supply of tree has pushed up prices, but this year consumers are getting break.
Fortnite creator Epic Games sends customers $72 million refund. Here's why.
The game's design nudged people into racking up unauthorized charges, the FTC said. Here's how customers will be refunded.
Scores killed as Haiti gang leader reportedly orders massacre of elderly
A Haitian gang leader reportedly ordered the murder of elderly people based on advice from a voodoo priest, sparking a massacre in Port-au-Prince.
It's the GOP's world in Washington. The Democratic governors are getting ready
Democratic governors met in Los Angeles over the weekend to discuss the way forward, as GOP is set to control all three branches of the federal government.
What is birthright citizenship, and can Trump end the right in the U.S.?
President-elect Donald Trump says he'll end birthright citizenship, after years of criticizing the constitutional right.
Trump uses photo of himself with Jill Biden to announce new fragrance
President-elect Donald Trump announced a new line of merchandise on his Truth Social app, a fragrance line called "Fight, Fight, Fight."
U.S.
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Breaking
Suspect charged in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing
Luigi Mangione, the suspected gunman in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is now charged with murder in New York City.
Trump taps San Francisco attorney for assistant AG position at DOJ
President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday he will nominate Bay Area attorney Harmeet Dhillon for a position at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Polygamous sect leader with 20 "wives" sentenced to 50 years
A polygamist leader in Arizona has been sentenced to 50 years in prison.
It's the GOP's world in Washington. The Democratic governors are getting ready
Democratic governors met in Los Angeles over the weekend to discuss the way forward, as GOP is set to control all three branches of the federal government.
Americans are paying more than ever for health insurance
Consumers are venting frustrations about health insurance in wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO murder. Costs have outpaced inflation for years.
MoneyWatch
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Teens want to learn about financial topics, but only 10 states require it
Only 10 states require a personal finance course for high schoolers, but one teacher says she tells her students it's the most important course they will take.
Americans are paying more than ever for health insurance
Consumers are venting frustrations about health insurance in wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO murder. Costs have outpaced inflation for years.
Still need to buy a Christmas tree? Here's the good news.
Extreme weather and a smaller supply of tree has pushed up prices, but this year consumers are getting break.
Fortnite creator Epic Games sends customers $72 million refund. Here's why.
The game's design nudged people into racking up unauthorized charges, the FTC said. Here's how customers will be refunded.
Cracker Barrel apologizes after refusing to serve students with special needs
The restaurant chain attributed the mess-up to staffing challenges, saying refusal of service was unrelated to the students' abilities.
Politics
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Trump taps San Francisco attorney for assistant AG position at DOJ
President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday he will nominate Bay Area attorney Harmeet Dhillon for a position at the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. indictment accuses two Syrian officials of torture at notorious prison
Peaceful protesters, including a 26-year-old American woman, were abused at the torture center.
It's the GOP's world in Washington. The Democratic governors are getting ready
Democratic governors met in Los Angeles over the weekend to discuss the way forward, as GOP is set to control all three branches of the federal government.
Pete Hegseth returns to Capitol Hill to build support
Some Senate Republicans said the allegations against Hegseth should be taken seriously only if the anonymous sources come forward.
What to know about Austin Tice, journalist held in Syria
The U.S. said it is trying to identify Tice's whereabouts after the toppling of the Assad regime.
HealthWatch
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Americans are paying more than ever for health insurance
Consumers are venting frustrations about health insurance in wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO murder. Costs have outpaced inflation for years.
EPA bans two cleaner solvents linked to cancer
The Environmental Protection Agency banned two solvents known to cause a range of cancers: trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE).
Mysterious illness, dubbed "disease X," has killed dozens in Congo, WHO says
The WHO says 406 cases of the disease have been recorded and that more than half of those who died were children younger than 5.
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.
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.
World
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U.S. indictment accuses two Syrian officials of torture at notorious prison
Peaceful protesters, including a 26-year-old American woman, were abused at the torture center.
What to know about Austin Tice, journalist held in Syria
The U.S. said it is trying to identify Tice's whereabouts after the toppling of the Assad regime.
"High-level" cocaine trafficker targeted by U.S. is arrested in Dubai
Othman El Ballouti, who was sanctioned by the U.S. last year, was held over an international arrest warrant issued by Belgian authorities.
Mysterious illness, dubbed "disease X," has killed dozens in Congo, WHO says
The WHO says 406 cases of the disease have been recorded and that more than half of those who died were children younger than 5.
Tens of thousands of people evacuated as Philippines volcano erupts
The Philippines' Kanlaon volcano erupted for nearly four minutes, shooting ash 2.5 miles into the sky and prompting the emergency evacuation of some 87,000 people.
Entertainment
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Fortnite creator Epic Games sends customers $72 million refund. Here's why.
The game's design nudged people into racking up unauthorized charges, the FTC said. Here's how customers will be refunded.
Selena Gomez earns Golden Globe nominations for two different roles
Selena Gomez is up for two acting awards at the 2025 Golden Globes for her roles in the film "Emilia Pérez" and the series "Only Murders in the Building."
Watch: 2025 Golden Globes nominations
Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut announced the 2025 Golden Globes nominations on Monday, unveiling 10 categories exclusively on "CBS Mornings." Watch the full coverage.
Billy Crystal on new show, "Before"
Award-winning actor and comedian Billy Crystal's newest project is a psychological thriller on Apple TV+ called "Before." Crystal joined "CBS Mornings" to talk about producing and starring in the new series.
82nd annual Golden Globe nominees announced
Morris Chestnut and Mindy Kaling announced the nominations for the 82nd annual Golden Globes Monday morning. Fandango managing director Erik Davis has a look at the nominees.
Technology
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Technology
Who is David Sacks, Trump's crypto, AI czar?
The second Trump administration is poised to be a powerful ally for the crypto industry. President-elect Donald Trump spoke highly of cryptocurrencies on the campaign trail, and his cabinet picks reflect that, with former PayPal executive David Sacks set to serve as Trump's crypto and artificial intelligence czar. Makena Kelly, senior politics reporter for Wired, joins CBS News to dig into Sacks' background.
Fortnite creator Epic Games sends customers $72 million refund. Here's why.
The game's design nudged people into racking up unauthorized charges, the FTC said. Here's how customers will be refunded.
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.
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.
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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Breaking
Suspect charged in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing
Luigi Mangione, the suspected gunman in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is now charged with murder in New York City.
Person of interest in CEO killing arraigned
Luigi Mangione, a man arrested in Pennsylvania, is being questioned in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione was arraigned in a Pennsylvania courtroom on separate charges and denied bail. CBS News' Lilia Luciano and Anna Schecter have the latest.
CEO death raises corporate security concerns
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the middle of Manhattan has some major corporations rethinking their strategies for protecting top executives. Oliver Barnes, U.S. pharmaceutical and biotech correspondent for the Financial Times, joins CBS News to discuss.
Why did search in CEO killing take 5 days?
Police have identified and detained what is being described as a "strong person of interest" in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News law enforcement contributor Richard Esposito, former NYPD deputy commissioner, joins to explain why it may have taken five days for police to make an arrest.
What court was like during Penny acquittal
In New York City, a jury acquitted a man in the chokehold death of a subway rider. Daniel Penny had pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. CBS New York reporter Alice Gainer was in the courtroom when the verdict was read.
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
Person of interest in CEO killing arraigned
Luigi Mangione, a man arrested in Pennsylvania, is being questioned in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione was arraigned in a Pennsylvania courtroom on separate charges and denied bail. CBS News' Lilia Luciano and Anna Schecter have the latest.
Does microdosing weight loss drugs work?
The demand for weight loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, has skyrocketed in the past few years despite the high cost and unpleasant side effects for some people. The New York Times reports some patients are finding a way around both of these concerns by experimenting with microdosing the drugs. Dr. Jeremy Faust, emergency physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, joins CBS News to assess the safety and risks of the practice.
Who is David Sacks, Trump's crypto, AI czar?
The second Trump administration is poised to be a powerful ally for the crypto industry. President-elect Donald Trump spoke highly of cryptocurrencies on the campaign trail, and his cabinet picks reflect that, with former PayPal executive David Sacks set to serve as Trump's crypto and artificial intelligence czar. Makena Kelly, senior politics reporter for Wired, joins CBS News to dig into Sacks' background.
CEO death raises corporate security concerns
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the middle of Manhattan has some major corporations rethinking their strategies for protecting top executives. Oliver Barnes, U.S. pharmaceutical and biotech correspondent for the Financial Times, joins CBS News to discuss.
Why did search in CEO killing take 5 days?
Police have identified and detained what is being described as a "strong person of interest" in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News law enforcement contributor Richard Esposito, former NYPD deputy commissioner, joins to explain why it may have taken five days for police to make an arrest.