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.
Recycling
"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.
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.
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.]
5/14: CBSN AM
Deadly plane crash over Alaska; JLo's daughter shows off her singing skills
4/1: CBSN AM
Nipsey Hussle murdered; Recycling Wrong.
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.
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.
Used tires could help expand market for electric vehicle batteries
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, one startup company in Chile is looking to recycle old tires to help make them more sustainable.
Teen's recycling business still going strong
Ryan Hickman began collecting bottles for recycling when he was just 3 years old. Now, at 14, he's still going, earning money for college and giving back to his community. Carter Evans has the story.
The tragic cost of e-waste and new efforts to recycle
The vast majority of electronic waste produced each year winds up in landfills in the global South, creating hazardous and toxic conditions. "Sunday Morning" examines efforts to ramp up formal recycling and extending the life of products like smartphones.
A breakthrough in recycling clothes
Prince William will announce the five winners of the 2023 Earthshot prizes, handed out to people working to solve climate change. One finalist from the U.S. has cracked the code for recycling clothing. Ben Tracy has the story.
Earthshot Prize finalist recycles poly-cotton
One of the finalists in the running for the Earthshot grand prize of $1.2 million is an innovation that can process the hardest types of "fast fashion" to recycle — poly-cotton blended garments. CBS News senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy reports.
Climate tech startup designs new method to reduce clothing waste
Circ has found a solution to the clothing industry's substantial environmental waste and pollution, by separating and recycling cotton-polyester blend clothing.
Live
U.S. fighter jet shot down by Iran as war escalates
Iran shot down a U.S. fighter jet and one crew member was rescued by American forces as a search continues for a 2nd crew member, U.S. officials say.
American fighter jet was downed over Iran, 1 crew member rescued
U.S. officials confirmed that an F-15E fighter jet went down over Iran.
Trump signs executive order to expand NCAA's control over college sports
The executive order is designed to increase the NCAA's control over college sports, and threatens to remove federal funding for colleges and universities that don't comply with NCAA rules.
Exclusive
Senate Democrat demands that TSA lift its "shoes-on" policy, calling it a safety risk
A key senator is demanding the TSA reverse its decision to let travelers keep their shoes on while passing through airport screening, a controversial policy at the center of a classified security warning.
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
23 states sue Trump over new executive order targeting mail voting
Officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's executive order that aims to restrict mail voting.
Woman charged in root beer float murder orders hit on best friend
Nearly a year after her husband Harold Allen died, Marsha Allen's Indiana home was burglarized. The burglar alleged her daughter, Ashley Jones, was behind it all.
Judge denies DOJ request to revive Federal Reserve subpoenas
A federal judge on Friday rejected efforts by the Justice Department to revive two subpoenas it served to the Federal Reserve.
Alito treated for dehydration after falling ill in March, Supreme Court says
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was treated for dehydration after falling ill at an event in Philadelphia on March 20, the court's public information office said.
U.S.
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A school learned sign language to communicate with its only deaf student
New Hampshire is one of the few states in the nation that doesn't have a dedicated school for the deaf.
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says he sees inflation as risk to 2026 rate cuts
Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said mounting inflation risks "complicates the picture" on interest rates.
3 ways the Iran war is hitting Americans' pocketbooks
U.S. consumers are starting to feel the financial impact of the Iran war. Here's how the conflict is seeping into the economy.
23 states sue Trump over new executive order targeting mail voting
Officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's executive order that aims to restrict mail voting.
MoneyWatch
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Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says he sees inflation as risk to 2026 rate cuts
Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said mounting inflation risks "complicates the picture" on interest rates.
3 ways the Iran war is hitting Americans' pocketbooks
U.S. consumers are starting to feel the financial impact of the Iran war. Here's how the conflict is seeping into the economy.
3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS are recalled
The eye drops — sold under multiple brands — have been recalled over concerns about sterility, according to the FDA.
Employers added 178,000 jobs in March, blowing past forecasts
Hiring was much stronger than expected in March, with employers adding roughly three times the number of jobs economists predicted.
United raises bag fees, becoming second U.S. carrier to up the price this week
United did not say why it was raising its prices, but the move follows JetBlue also hiking its checked bag fees earlier this week, citing "rising operating costs."
Politics
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore: U.S. is "lurching again into another forever war"
In an interview with CBS News' Ed O'Keefe, Moore said President Trump has yet to articulate what the U.S. is doing in Iran.
23 states sue Trump over new executive order targeting mail voting
Officials from 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump's executive order that aims to restrict mail voting.
Trump signs executive order to expand NCAA's control over college sports
The executive order is designed to increase the NCAA's control over college sports, and threatens to remove federal funding for colleges and universities that don't comply with NCAA rules.
Alito treated for dehydration after falling ill in March, Supreme Court says
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was treated for dehydration after falling ill at an event in Philadelphia on March 20, the court's public information office said.
Judge denies DOJ request to revive Federal Reserve subpoenas
A federal judge on Friday rejected efforts by the Justice Department to revive two subpoenas it served to the Federal Reserve.
HealthWatch
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HHS announces national program to study effect of microplastics on humans
The Environmental Protection Agency also added microplastics to its contaminant candidate list for the first time.
FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss pill
The FDA approved a new GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
State health plan for foster kids threatened 8-year-old's cancer care
North Carolina and other states have insurance plans for kids in foster care, but many doctors did not accept patients on the plans, leaving kids' guardians scrambling to find health care providers.
States pay contractors millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.
World
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Pope Leo carries cross for all 14 stations during Good Friday procession
Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross for all of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff, marking the first time in decades that a pope carried the cross to every station.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore: U.S. is "lurching again into another forever war"
In an interview with CBS News' Ed O'Keefe, Moore said President Trump has yet to articulate what the U.S. is doing in Iran.
American fighter jet downed over Iran, 1 crew member rescued
The search for the second crew member, a weapons system officer, is continuing, two U.S. officials said.
U.S. returns Chinese drug fugitive in rare extradition, Beijing says
U.S. immigration authorities followed "clues" shared by China's narcotics control commission to repatriate the fugitive, Beijing's public security ministry said.
Transcript: Archbishop Timothy Broglio on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of the interview with Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services U.S.A. a portion of which will air on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 5, 2026. The interview was taped on April 2, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Mumford & Sons on new music
Mumford & Sons' new record, "Prizefighter," recently debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 200. The band spoke to Anthony Mason about their journey through the music industry, how they got their confidence back and the major collaborations on their new music.
Setback for Blake Lively in legal battle
A federal judge dismissed actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims in the legal battle between her and "It Ends With Us" director and her former co-star Justin Baldoni. Jericka Duncan has more.
Tiger Woods arrest video
Golf icon Tiger Woods told officers at the scene of a Florida car crash where he was arrested for DUI that he was "just talking to the president." It's unclear if Woods was referring to President Trump. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Judge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni
A federal judge in New York has tossed out actor Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against actor Justin Baldoni over their roles in the movie "It Ends With Us," but left intact a claim for retaliation.
Gucci Mane kidnapped, robbed at gunpoint in Dallas, DOJ says
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane was lured to a Dallas studio for a meeting, then allegedly kidnapped and robbed by a group including rappers Pooh Shiesty and Big30.
Technology
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Technology
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
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.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Science
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Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
How do astronauts use the bathroom?
The science and technology behind using the restroom in space continues to evolve. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave looks at the out-of-this-world facilities available to the Artemis II crew.
Crime
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Crime
From 1996: FBI arrests suspected Unabomber
On April 3, 1996, the FBI arrested Theodore Kaczynski in the Unabomber case, ending one of the longest and most intense manhunts in U.S. history. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
More on Pam Bondi's firing
President Trump's firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi is raising questions about their dynamic in the months prior. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
Plot to poison man's root beer float
A mother and daughter are accused of killing a man by poisoning his root beer float. CBS News' Peter Van Sant reports.
Tiger Woods arrest video
Golf icon Tiger Woods told officers at the scene of a Florida car crash where he was arrested for DUI that he was "just talking to the president." It's unclear if Woods was referring to President Trump. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Woman charged in root beer float murder orders hit on best friend
Nearly a year after her husband Harold Allen died, Marsha Allen's Indiana home was burglarized. The burglar alleged her daughter, Ashley Jones, was behind it all.
Space
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Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
NASA shares first photos of Earth taken by Artemis II
The photo shows the entire planet, as well as the Northern and Southern lights.
Artemis II crew clears Earth orbit, heads for the moon
The engine firing provided a slingshot-like boost to the Orion capsule, speeding it to 24,500 mph, the velocity needed to break free of Earth's gravitational clasp for a trek to the moon.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
Artemis II launches into orbit as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-and-a-half-day mission around the moon and back.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
From 1996: FBI arrests suspected Unabomber
On April 3, 1996, the FBI arrested Theodore Kaczynski in the Unabomber case, ending one of the longest and most intense manhunts in U.S. history. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Petraeus lauds Ukraine's "extraordinary innovation"
Former CIA Director David Petraeus spoke at the Kyiv Security Forum on Friday, praising Ukraine's military and saying it has redefined modern warfare. Petraeus sat down with CBS News international reporter Aidan Stretch to discuss further.
Previewing NCAA Final Four games
The NCAA Men's Final Four tips off on Saturday night. The first game features number three Illinois colliding with powerhouse University of Connecticut. Then, there will be a battle between the two No.1 seeds, Michigan and Arizona. Eddie Pells, national sports writer for the Associated Press, joins "The Daily Report" to preview the games.
Farm bankruptcies increasing: Politico
U.S. farmers are struggling to stay afloat as the cost to operate keeps increasing. According to new Agriculture Department data analyzed by Politico, the U.S. has lost nearly 150,000 farms in the last five years. Rachel Shin, one of the authors of that analysis, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Why March jobs report exceeded expectations
March was a good month for U.S. job growth, according to the latest report that blew away Wall Street expectations with 178,000 jobs added. CBS News senior business and tech correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.