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 Drug Surge
Synthetic marijuana sends hundreds to the hospital
"This is not just powerful marijuana. This is really dangerous stuff," expert says
Public health officials are struggling to respond to a surge in overdoses from a designer drug known as "Spice"
Public health officials are struggling to respond to a surge in overdoses from a designer drug known as "Spice." The man-made alternative to pot is sold online or in convenience stores. Jericka Duncan reports.
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
Hospitals around the country have seen a severe spike in synthetic marijuana overdoses
Hospitals around the country have seen a severe spike in synthetic marijuana overdoses. The American Association of Poison Control Centers says more than 1,900 calls related to synthetic pot have been made since the start of this year. Jericka Duncan reports.
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
Authorities are sounding the alarm about flakka, a new synthetic drug
Authorities are sounding the alarm about flakka, a new synthetic drug. Dr. Jon LaPook joins CBSN to explain flakka's effects and dangers.
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 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 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
CDC urges summer camps to check for measles immunity, as U.S. nears record
The CDC's new "checklist" comes amid a deadly year of measles outbreaks that is now near record levels.
New COVID variant NB.1.8.1 could be more than 1 in 3 cases, CDC says
The NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant was linked to a large surge of hospitalizations in parts of Asia earlier this year.
The price you pay for an Obamacare plan could surge next year
An estimated 4 million Americans will lose health insurance over the next decade if Congress doesn't extend enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage.
Average age of moms giving birth in U.S. rises to nearly 30 years old
Average age also increased for first-time moms, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say there are a few reasons why.
CDC purges career officials from oversight of vaccine committee
News of their removal comes after the firing of the CDC's outside vaccine advisers.
RFK Jr. taps allies, COVID vaccine critics for CDC advisory panel
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the previous roster of the CDC's vaccine advisers on Monday.
Some Zicam, Orajel products recalled over potential fungal contamination
Some Zicam and Orajel products are being recalled after fungi was found in the cotton swab components, federal health officials said.
HHS budget proposal eliminates CDC centers in favor of new "MAHA" agency
The proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services slashes CDC and NIH funding in favor of the new Administration for a Healthy America.
RFK Jr. removes every member of CDC vaccine advisory committee
The Health and Human Services secretary said he is "retiring" all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which helps set recommendations for vaccines.
U.S.
More U.S.
Dozens demonstrating against military parade arrested outside U.S. Capitol
All those arrested outside the U.S. Capitol will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line, authorities said.
How optical illusions are illuminating vital medical research
A study found that radiologists who have years of training to ignore visual distractions were less susceptible to the Ebbinghaus illusion.
Judge in trial of Memphis officers convicted in Tyre Nichols' death recuses himself
U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris issued a one-sentence order saying he was recusing himself, just days before he was supposed to hand down sentences for the men.
Army pilot killed in helicopter training accident in Kentucky identified
A second pilot suffered minor injuries in the accident at Fort Campbell.
CDC urges summer camps to check for measles immunity, as U.S. nears record
The CDC's new "checklist" comes amid a deadly year of measles outbreaks that is now near record levels.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump clears U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel, but details of merger still unclear
Japan's Nippon Steel can buy U.S. Steel as long as both sides sign a "national security agreement."
Amazon, Temu and other e-commerce sides hawk "No Kings" merch
Sellers are hawking "No Kings" t-shirts, hats and other items in a move to cash on anti-Trump protests planned for June 14.
Ford CEO says rare earths shortage forced it to halt production
The U.S. automaker is struggling to procure rare earth materials essential to its cars, as exports from China slow.
Walmart heiress' "No kings" protest ad sparks backlash against retailer
Walmart heiress' ad is prompting backlash against the retailer despite it not being associated with the company.
Anker recalls more than 1.1 million power banks after fires reported
Anker, a Chinese electronics maker, is recalling 1.15 million PowerCore portable chargers after some consumers reported fires and explosions.
Politics
More Politics
Trump administration told U.S. allies in Middle East about Israel's Iran strikes in advance
The State Department told regional allies about Israel's plan to strike Iran, and indicated it wasn't a U.S. operation, four sources told CBS News.
Dozens demonstrating against military parade arrested outside U.S. Capitol
All those arrested outside the U.S. Capitol will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line, authorities said.
Trump clears U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel, but details of merger still unclear
Japan's Nippon Steel can buy U.S. Steel as long as both sides sign a "national security agreement."
Trump administration can keep Mahmoud Khalil jailed, judge says
A judge says the Trump administration can detain Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil for allegedly lying on his green card application — after ruling he can't be jailed for foreign policy reasons.
Has the U.S. ever had a military parade? Yes, but they're rare.
The U.S. has held events like President Trump's military parade throughout history, but they're uncommon.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
CDC urges summer camps to check for measles immunity, as U.S. nears record
The CDC's new "checklist" comes amid a deadly year of measles outbreaks that is now near record levels.
New COVID variant NB.1.8.1 could be more than 1 in 3 cases, CDC says
The NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant was linked to a large surge of hospitalizations in parts of Asia earlier this year.
The price you pay for an Obamacare plan could surge next year
An estimated 4 million Americans will lose health insurance over the next decade if Congress doesn't extend enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage.
Average age of moms giving birth in U.S. rises to nearly 30 years old
Average age also increased for first-time moms, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say there are a few reasons why.
CDC purges career officials from oversight of vaccine committee
News of their removal comes after the firing of the CDC's outside vaccine advisers.
World
More World
Trump administration told U.S. allies in Middle East about Israel's Iran strikes in advance
The State Department told regional allies about Israel's plan to strike Iran, and indicated it wasn't a U.S. operation, four sources told CBS News.
Israeli airstrikes hit multiple Iran nuclear sites. Here's what we know about them.
The Israeli military targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, research scientists and senior military commanders in dozens of preemptive airstrikes.
Sole survivor of Air India plane crash was in seat 11A
The man who walked away from the Air India plane crash as the disaster's only survivor was sitting near an emergency exit on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Maps show where Israel attacked Iran, sites of nuclear program
Maps show the Iranian sites Israel targeted with airstrikes Friday, including a key nuclear facility in Natanz.
U.S. man arrested in Greece after woman, baby found dead in Rome
The bodies of the baby girl and mother, also identified as Americans, were found in Rome's Villa Pamphili park.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Brandon Lake on new music and mental health
Grammy winner Brandon Lake is out with his fifth studio album. The singer-songwriter speaks to "CBS Mornings Plus" about his new music, touring and struggles with mental health.
Book excerpt: "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television"
Todd S. Purdum's biography explores the impact on American culture by the Cuban-born entertainer who (as husband and business partner of Lucille Ball) changed the rules of TV.
Women's golf celebrates major milestone
The Ladies Professional Golf Association is marking 75 years in 2025. Golf has seen growth over the past five years, especially among women who now make up 28% of all U.S. golfers. Amanda Balionis looks at the future of women in the sport.
Whoopi Goldberg on All-Women's Sports Network
Whoopi Goldberg co-founded the "All Women's Sports Network," which is the first-ever global sports network exclusively dedicated to female athletes and sports. She explains the sports it features and why she's passionate about showcasing female athletes.
Alex Cooper alleges sexual harassment
Alex Cooper, host of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, is speaking out about sexual harassment that she says she experienced while playing soccer at Boston University. CBS News' Nikki Battiste reports.
Technology
More Technology
Google, OpenAI, Spotify and other platforms hit by widespread outage
Google, OpenAI and Spotify were down Thursday after a widespread tech outage.
Meta files lawsuit against maker of "nudify" app technology
Meta ramps up efforts to block ads for AI technology used to create fake nude images of real people.
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.
Facial recognition identifying jail escapees
After 10 inmates escaped a New Orleans jail, authorities used facial recognition software to help locate and arrest an escapee. But as facial recognition has become a more common tool, groups like the ACLU have raised concerns about its use. Anna Schecter, who covers crime and safety for CBS News, breaks it all down.
What to know about facial recognition
Facial recognition technology was used by authorities to locate one of the 12 escaped New Orleans inmates. Some groups are concerned that the crime-solving tactic breaches privacy. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what to know.
Science
More Science
Science
Invasive Asian needle ants pose risks
As summer kicks into high gear, the U.S. Forest Service is warning about an invasive Asian needle ant species found in dozens of states. Eric Day, entomologist at Virginia Tech, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
This T. rex ancestor is "missing link" to apex predators, scientists say
Apex predators, like the Tyrannosaurus rex, eventually arose from smaller-bodied tyrannosauroid dinosaurs called Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, the study's researchers said.
What to know about invasive ant with fatal sting reported in multiple states
A "sneaky" invasive species that has a potentially deadly sting can be found in more than a dozen states, according to experts.
Mars volcano that dwarfs Earth's tallest ones seen in new image
It marks the first time Arsia Mons has been imaged on the planet's horizon, NASA said.
Japanese probe's second straight attempt at moon landing a failure
A private lunar lander from Tokyo-based company ispace was aiming for a touchdown in the unexplored far north with a mini rover.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Jury begins deliberating in Karen Read trial
The jury in Karen Read's murder retrial began deliberations on Friday. Read is accused of hitting her boyfriend with a car and then leaving him to die in the snow, while she claims she's being framed. CBS News Boston's Kristina Rex reports.
Kanye West attends attends "Diddy" trial
Kanye West, known as Ye, briefly attended Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial in New York City, but was not able to access the courtroom. West was there to show support for the disgraced music mogul facing life in prison if convicted. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
U.S. man arrested in Greece after woman, baby found dead in Rome
The bodies of the baby girl and mother, also identified as Americans, were found in Rome's Villa Pamphili park.
Vegas shooting that killed couple was livestreamed by victims
Police said the shooting near the landmark Bellagio fountains was an isolated incident between the victims and the suspect, who had been feuding on social media.
Examining Trump's push for death penalty
President Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term stating, "capital punishment is an essential tool for deterring and punishing those who would commit the most heinous crimes." Justin Mazzola, researcher for Amnesty International, joins "The Takeout" to discuss the future of capital punishment in the U.S.
Space
More Space
Commercial crew launch delayed while ISS air leak assessed
NASA wants to evaluate recent efforts to stop a small but persistent air leak in the Russian segment of the space station.
Axiom-4 mission delayed due to leak
NASA delayed the Axiom Mission 4 launch on Wednesday after SpaceX detected a liquid oxygen leak during a Falcon 9 rocket inspection. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
Report: Pentagon, NASA push SpaceX competitors
Even as Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a radio satellite into orbit on Saturday, the Pentagon and NASA are pushing his competitors to speed up the development of their own spacecraft, according to the Washington Post. CBS News New York journalist Ali Bauman has more.
Mars volcano that dwarfs Earth's tallest ones seen in new image
It marks the first time Arsia Mons has been imaged on the planet's horizon, NASA said.
Implications of Trump-Musk feud on NASA
The emerging feud between President Trump and Elon Musk could have a ripple effect on America's space program. Jeff Foust, senior staff writer for Space News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the implications.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Summer music heats up 2025
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.
"No Kings": Protesters across country march against Trump, Musk
Protests against the Trump administration took place across the U.S. Saturday. The demonstrations were held to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
Jason Corbett murder: A look at the evidence
In August 2015, former FBI agent Tom Martens and his daughter Molly Corbett admitted killing her Irish-born husband Jason Corbett, insisting they beat him in self-defense
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Las Vegas police warn against violence
Las Vegas is feeling the heat of the immigration fight going into the weekend. Nearly 100 protesters were hauled off after an anti-ICE rally turned confrontational. Organizers say they will be back out on Saturday. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Reporter's Notebook: Questions to ask our fathers
What makes someone a father is rarely discussed out loud. But those conversations may shape the men who come next. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Israel vows more strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian and nuclear military targets, taking out nuclear scientists and military leaders. Iran retaliated with 100 drones and dozens of ballistic missiles against Israel. Weijia Jiang and Margaret Brennan have the latest.
Judge keeps Mahmoud Khalil in ICE detention
A judge on Friday denied pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil's request for release from ICE detention, despite ruling earlier this week that the government cannot hold Khalil on the grounds it used to detain him. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has the details.
Jury begins deliberating in Karen Read trial
The jury in Karen Read's murder retrial began deliberations on Friday. Read is accused of hitting her boyfriend with a car and then leaving him to die in the snow, while she claims she's being framed. CBS News Boston's Kristina Rex reports.