Why NYC is banning synthetic marijuana "K2"
City cracks down on synthetic drugs linked to harmful and unpredictable health effects
Synthetic Drug Surge
More than 150 arrested in bust of synthetic drug ring
Law enforcement officials say "designer drugs" produced in China send millions of U.S. dollars in proceeds to the Middle East
Synthetic drug overdoses difficult to treat
Synthetic drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive as their illegal counterparts, and since there are so many new synthetic drugs, scientists can't identify them
Synthetic drug makers staying one step ahead of U.S. laws
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials are engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with overseas synthetic drug manufacturers
Synthetic marijuana ring busted in NYC
Cheap but toxic synthetic drugs blamed for 2,300 emergency room visits in the last two months in New York City alone
Big increase in deaths, poisonings from synthetic pot
Despite the dangers of synthetic marijuana, more and more teens and young adults are using it
Synthetic marijuana sends hundreds to the hospital
"This is not just powerful marijuana. This is really dangerous stuff," expert says
Hospitals see spike in synthetic marijuana overdoses
Poison control group says it's received hundreds of calls related to banned substance since the start of the year
Scary new designer drug flakka hits Chicago
"Absolutely deadly" drug causes hallucinations and violence, and its use appears to be spreading
Synthetic pot blamed for death of U.S. soldier deployed to Ebola zone
Hazmat teams responded after Kendrick Vernell Sneed was found dead shortly after his return from deployment to Africa
"Spice" synthetic marijuana sends dozens to hospital
Officials in Alabama are alarmed by a drug with unknown, dangerous ingredients
What is flakka? Florida's dangerous new drug trend
A new and dangerous synthetic street drug has been involved in a number of bizarre incidents in Florida and experts are concerned it could spread
Wesleyan student overdoses highlight risks of "Molly"
"When you label something 'Molly' you could be taking anything," expert warns
Crime lab workers accidentally inhale "spice"
Two Denver crime lab employees were rushed to the hospital after a bag of synthetic marijuana burst
N.H. gov. declares emergency over drug overdoses
Authorities believe a "bad batch" of the synthetic drug Smacked made it to the shelves of convenience stores, disguised as something else
Synthetic marijuana may take toll kidneys
Four case studies, new CDC report conclude that synthetic marijuana may be behind some kidney problems in young people
U.S. Navy aims to frighten with Bath salts PSA
Video from Navy Medicine tries to put viewer in shoes of someone taking the banned designer drug
Synthetic pot sent more than 11,400 people to ER
Federal data shows that synthetic pot use, while not an "epidemic," is causing a concerning amount of hospitalizations
New twist in bizarre L.A. bath salts case
Deutsche Bank executive Brian Mulligan says two Los Angeles police officers beat and injured him for no reason
DEA: Bath salts, synthetic pot bust in 31 states
Feds claim to seize $36 million in drug money, too, in crackdown on designer drugs
Many drugs still legal after "bath salts" ban
Lawmakers struggle to keep up with surge in use of designer drugs made with legal chemicals
Synthetic marijuana sales banned in N.Y.
State Health Commissioner says products cause increased heart rates, paranoid behavior, agitation, nausea, may lead to heart failure and death
Synthetic marijuana sending more teens to hospital, study finds
Researchers say parents and emergency room doctors need to better recognize symptoms of synthetic marijuana intoxication
"Synthetic" pot use spikes in U.S. military
Troops' increasing use of herbal mix called "Spice," which mimics marijuana high, raises concerns among Pentagon brass
"Synthetic marijuana" blamed for teen's death
19-year-old Ill. man dies in car crash after smoking synthetic marijuana linked to panic attacks
HealthWatch
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
U.S.
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Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a "mistake"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money."
GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana won't seek reelection
Sen. Steve Daines said he had wrestled with the decision for months.
Israel's president: It's "time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up'"
In an interview with CBS News Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he is "not calling on any boots on the ground" in Iran.
Man arrested in Virginia is latest Jan. 6 defendant to face new charges
Jonathan Munafo is among the Jan. 6 riot defendants who have been arrested on charges in new cases in the months after their pardons.
Elon Musk testifies in Twitter shareholder trial over actions before purchase
Elon Musk reached a deal to buy Twitter in April 2022. On May 13, 2022, he declared his plan "temporarily on hold" over the number of spam and fake accounts on the platform. Twitter's stock tumbled as a result.
MoneyWatch
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Elon Musk testifies in Twitter shareholder trial over actions before purchase
Elon Musk reached a deal to buy Twitter in April 2022. On May 13, 2022, he declared his plan "temporarily on hold" over the number of spam and fake accounts on the platform. Twitter's stock tumbled as a result.
Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
Nearly 37 million pounds of food recalled because it could contain glass
Oregon food manufacturer Ajinomoto expands an earlier recall of frozen and ready-to-eat products over glass contamination.
Google faces first lawsuit alleging its AI chatbot encouraged man's suicide
Google is accused in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a man who committed suicide in October, allegedly at the direction of the tech giant's AI chatbot, Gemini.
Tariff refund delays could cost U.S. $700 million a month in interest
The U.S. government must also reimburse businesses for the interest they paid on tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court, according to the Cato Institute.
Politics
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Rep. Tony Gonzales admits to affair with former staffer, calling it a "mistake"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas acknowledged for the first time Wednesday that he had a relationship with a former staffer, but alleged the controversy that has engulfed the situation is "about power and money."
GOP Sen. Steve Daines of Montana won't seek reelection
Sen. Steve Daines said he had wrestled with the decision for months.
Israel's president: It's "time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up'"
In an interview with CBS News Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he is "not calling on any boots on the ground" in Iran.
GOP senator joins police in ejecting protester from Capitol Hill hearing
A Senate Republican assisted several police officers in ejecting a man who interrupted a Capitol Hill hearing on Wednesday to object to the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran.
Man arrested in Virginia is latest Jan. 6 defendant to face new charges
Jonathan Munafo is among the Jan. 6 riot defendants who have been arrested on charges in new cases in the months after their pardons.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
World
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Israel's president: It's "time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up'"
In an interview with CBS News Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that he is "not calling on any boots on the ground" in Iran.
What we know about U.S. service members killed in Iran war
The fallen soldiers identified by the Pentagon were Sgt. Declan Coady, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan.
Iran says a girls' school was hit by a deadly air strike. Here's what we know.
Iranian officials say more than 170 people were killed in the strike. Neither the U.S. nor Israel has said it was behind the attack, but the Pentagon is investigating.
Cuba charges 6 suspects with terrorism over fatal U.S. boat shooting
The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols.
Hegseth says U.S. torpedo sank an Iranian warship as military campaign ramps up
In Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's second news briefing since the start of the Iran war, Hegseth said the U.S. had sunk an enemy ship by a torpedo for the first time since World War II.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
True crime series spotlights U.S. small towns
Hilarie Burton Morgan, known for playing Peyton on "One Tree Hill," talks about her docuseries, "True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here," which is in its third season. She explains how each episode highlights a case in a small town in the U.S., how the series empowers the audience and recent developments in a cold case.
Padma Lakshmi talks "America's Culinary Cup"
TV host and food expert Padma Lakshmi, the creator and executive producer of the new CBS series, "America's Culinary Cup," speaks to "CBS Mornings" about creating the cooking competition and how it's different from other shows.
How families can change their habits
Bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff offers science-backed tips on how families can curb their screen time and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. She explains how her new book, which is aimed at rewiring children's brains, began with a personal revelation.
Luke Grimes on "Marshals"
Actor Luke Grimes talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Marshals." Grimes reveals why he was hesitant to join the cast at first and what it was like to have his new song "Haunted" to play in the premiere episode.
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
Technology
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Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has more.
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.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data centers
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Gloves found near Guthrie's home tied to restaurant worker, no connection to case
DNA from the gloves found near Nancy Gunthrie's Arizona home was traced back to a local restaurant worker who has no connection to the investigation, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
Exclusive
Justice Dept. employee charged in child pornography case
Timothy Parsons, a legal staffer at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., is facing federal criminal charges in Maryland, where he lives, three sources said.
Officers who killed Austin gunman "undoubtedly saved lives," DA says
Travis County DA Jose Garza said suggestions that he would seek charges were "intentionally false" and political in nature, calling the officers heroes.
Cuba charges 6 suspects with terrorism over fatal U.S. boat shooting
The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols.
Dad of accused school shooter found guilty
A jury found Colin Gray, the father of an accused Georgia high school shooter, guilty on all 27 counts Tuesday, including second-degree murder. Last week Gray testified in his own defense that he never noticied any signs of trouble with his son, Colt Gray, who is charged with opening fire and killing four people inside Apalachee High School in 2024.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Family of killed service member speaks out
Five of the six American service members who were killed in the Iran war have been positively identified. The father and sister of 20-year-old Sgt. Declan J. Coady, one of the deceased, remembers him.
U.S. torpedos Iranian warship as war expands
An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship with a torpedo — the first such incident since World War II. Meanwhile, Iran is widening its ring of retaliation. Tony Dokoupil has the latest.
Americans stuck in Middle East speak out
As the war in Iran raged on, many American travelers remained trapped in the Middle East. Some spoke out about their travel experience and communications with the State Department.
U.S. consumers already feeling impact of Iran conflict
In just one week, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is up about 22 cents. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Antitrust trial against Ticketmaster underway
A landmark federal antitrust trial against Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, got underway this week with the first witness testifying on Wednesday. Antitrust attorney Kenneth Dintzer was in the courtroom and joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.