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.
Pollution
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.
Companies say they'll cut methane emissions
A coalition of 50 major oil and gas companies are expected to agree to significantly cut their methane emissions by the end of the decade at the COP28 climate summit, marking a potential breakthrough in the fight against climate change. Ben Tracy has more on why methane is such a problem and the new tools designed to hold the industry accountable.
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.
Eye on America: Achievements in sports
In New York, famed endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh completes a 315-mile journey down the Hudson River to promote river preservation. Then in California, we meet the first master sommelier in professional sports. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Schools closed as the annual layer of smog returns to choke Delhi
A dense, acrid layer of smog has blanketed India's capital, as it does every year, despite firework bans and farmers being ordered to change their ways.
Company to pay $57 million over "toxic pollution" of D.C. river
The Potomac Electric Power Company is accused of spilling or releasing petroleum and nationally-banned industrial products into the soil and groundwater for nearly a century.
Lego drops prototype recycled blocks in blow to sustainability drive
Danish toy giant Lego said 2 years of experimentation with blocks made from recycled plastic bottles showed they "didn't reduce carbon emissions."
Shrinking Salton Sea raises health alarms
Without replenishment from the Colorado River, the Salton Sea in Southern California is rapidly receding, exposing to the wind a dry and toxic lakebed that could pose ongoing health risks to the surrounding community. Jonathan Vigliotti has more.
Are paper wine bottles the future? These companies think so.
A California winemaker is the first in the U.S. to embrace a British company's effort to decarbonize the drink industry, bottling wine in paper instead of glass.
The push to electrify U.S. school buses
School buses run on diesel and can be heavy polluters, releasing harmful gases into the air while ferrying millions of children. Around the country, there's a push to switch the buses to electric options. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
High-tech barges collect plastic from rivers
High-tech barges are being used to scoop up tons of floating plastic. The mission of nonprofit Ocean Cleanup is to ultimately collect 90% of floating plastic pollution from the world's waterways. Ben Tracy has more.
NASA releases first U.S. pollution map images from new space instrument
A spectrometer launched into orbit in the spring is collecting data on air pollution over North America.
Light pollution is killing the vibe for courting fireflies
As many as 1 in 3 lightning bug species in America could be under threat, scientists say.
Activists discuss Montana climate case
Climate activists are celebrating a Monday court decision in which a judge ruled Montana had violated plaintiffs' rights to a clean and healthful environment. Experts call this ruling the "first of its kind" not only for its potential environmental effects, but also because the plaintiffs were some of the state's youngest citizens -- ranging in age from five to 22. Plaintiff Badge Busse and attorney Julia Olson join CBS News to discuss the case.
Study: "Forever chemicals" in U.S. tap water
A new study found that nearly half of the nation's drinking water contains potentially harmful "forever chemicals," called PFAS. The substances have been linked to several serious health problems, including some cancers. Mark Strassmann reports on efforts to eliminate the chemicals, plus the study's lead author, Kelly Smalling, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
Technology to eliminate PFAS moves forward
A new study has found that man-made toxic PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," may be found in 45% of the tap water in the U.S. However, a scientific company has developed a technology that uses an annihilator to completely eliminate PFAS within seconds. Mark Strassmann has more.
Canadian wildfire smoke polluting air across U.S.
Nearly one-third of the U.S. population is being impacted by smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
U.N. adopts first-ever treaty to govern the lawless high seas
The high seas treaty, once ratified by individual nations, will govern the use of international waters in a bid to protect ecosystems and head off disputes.
How poor air quality impacts your health
Here's what to know about the health effects of wildfire smoke as it continues to infiltrate the U.S.
Wildfire smokes pushes NYC to second-worst air quality worldwide
The air quality in New York City on Wednesday morning is 14.5 times the World Health Organization's annual air quality guideline value.
Trucker detained after a "weird" potato spill on a key Denmark bridge
Officials say it "looks weird," and could have been an accident - or a protest over new environmental restrictions on diesel trucks hauling heavy loads.
Stretch of Venice's Grand Canal mysteriously turns bright green
Police were investigating the unexplained discoloration spotted near the iconic Rialto Bridge, amid speculation about a possible stunt by environmentalists.
Meet the startup "growing" mushroom caskets and urns
Cemeteries are known to potentially contaminate soil and water, and cremation can unleash pollutants in the air. A new startup says mushrooms could be the key to "a new story."
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly-released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro appeared to bear the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fired U.S.-made missiles into Russia, but it's unclear what weapons Russia used.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
How could U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
U.S.
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Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
MoneyWatch
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Sheetz is cutting gas prices by 40 cents a gallon before Thanksgiving
As millions of Americans get ready to hit the road ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sheetz is offering a deal on fuel.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
Has life in the U.S. become too political? You can buy a house in Italy for $1.
A village in Sardinia is trying to entice politics-weary Americans to buy cheap homes in Italy.
Politics
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Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly-released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
McDonald's pulls espresso drinks from some U.S. menus
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
Florida Gov. DeSantis' Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after FDA approval
Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a "reckless delay" in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.
As "walking pneumonia" spreads, ER visits surge for sick babies
CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies.
World
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Ancient amulet showing biblical king spearing devil is unearthed
The amulet was found during an ongoing excavation project in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city near Karabük, Turkey.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro bears the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fires U.S.-made missiles into Russia, and Ukraine claims Moscow may have used an ICBM.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Entertainment
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Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
Paul Mescal on what he learned from working with Denzel Washington
Paul Mescal discusses his experience working with Oscar winner Denzel Washington in "Gladiator II," and what it was like to work on intense scenes together.
Clay Aiken on his new holiday album
Award-winning singer Clay Aiken, who rose to fame on American Idol, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about his new holiday album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," and his rendition of Bing Crosby's "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Paul Mescal on "Gladiator II"
Paul Mescal joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his role as Lucius in "Gladiator II," the son of Maximus and Lucilla, who is thrust into the arena to fight for the Roman Empire 15 years after Maximus' death.
Paul Simon says group's steps toward hearing loss cure gives him hope
CBS News' Anthony Mason joins Paul Simon on a trip to the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, to explore how researchers are getting closer to finding answers about repairing and preventing hearing loss.
Technology
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
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.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
SpaceX successfully tests Starship
SpaceX successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas for its sixth test flight Tuesday with its CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump looking on. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen has more on the launch.
Science
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How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Energy Secretary Granholm on Trump presidency
Former leaders and climate experts have issued a letter calling the U.N.'s annual climate meeting "no longer fit for purpose." Recently, CBS News spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the summit and what the incoming Trump presidency means for clean energy and climate change. The conversation took place before the president-elect made his pick for energy secretary.
Crime
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Crime
Man found guilty for Laken Riley murder
A judge on Wednesday found Jose Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts in the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Man convicted of murder in slaying of Laken Riley
A judge Wednesday found a Venezuelan migrant guilty on all counts in the murder earlier this year of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Florida man arrested in alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
South Florida native Harun Abdul-Malik Yener was charged with attempted use of an explosive to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
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.
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.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
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
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that might just become essentials in your everyday life. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Previewing the NWSL final
The Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride will vie for the championship at CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built venue for the league. Dana Jacobson previews the match up.
Senate judiciary Dems ask FBI for Gaetz files
A California police report is revealing new details about the 2017 sexual assault allegation made against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense. Meanwhile, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are asking the FBI for files on its investigation into Matt Gaetz, Trump's attorney general pick. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
YouTube topping podcast market, survey finds
New data from Edison Research shows more people are listening to their podcasts on YouTube than Spotify or Apple. Sean Burch, tech and business reporter for the Wrap, joined CBS News to discuss the survey.
Woman finds sisterhood pursuing surfing dream
Toyo Yamane-Peluso remembered watching her son taking surf lessons and longing to try it. She posted on social media to see if any other moms wanted to surf with her, which led her to form the "Salt Water Divas" about a decade ago. The sisterhood of surfers, which has about 1,000 members, embraces new challenges and friendships, showing it's never too late to pursue your dreams.