Rats might not be to blame for the "Black Death"
The rodents get a bad rap for spreading plague that killed millions of people in medieval Europe, but a new study suggests another explanation
Epidemic
Record haul of drugs collected at DEA event, officials say
About 912,305 pounds -- or 456 tons -- of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs were turned in
Critics say Trump's opioid announcement didn't go far enough
"I unfortunately think it's largely rhetoric and very shallow," former drug czar Michael Botticelli said of Trump's Thursday declaration
Walgreens stocking anti-opioid nasal spray Narcan
Walgreens said the move was "part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse" and help the communities it serves
Opioid report reverberates across Washington
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, says he's horrified that a bill everyone approved made the epidemic worse
County sues drug companies over opioid epidemic
Suit claims drug companies played a role in the skyrocketing number of opioid overdoses
Iron Kids: Young Triathletes
Jeff Glor reports on the country's newest and most inspiring endurance athletes -- kids who are training for triathlons.
FDA approves new diet drug
The FDA has reversed a 2010 decision and approved the diet drug Belviq. Seth Doane reports on the latest tool in the battle against obesity.
Lifestyle Changes To Fight Flu
In Utah, a Salt Lake City church nixes communal wine and a New York school bans touching. Jeff Glor reports on efforts to stop the H1N1 virus from spreading.
VA vows more drug tests, inspections amid opioid theft
Carolyn Clancy, a deputy VA undersecretary for health, said the department was moving aggressively to stem VA drug crimes
Opioid overdose crisis plagues Cleveland
Every day, 91 Americans die from an overdose of opioids; in Cleveland, it's a crisis
Bill Gates on how to "outsmart" global epidemics
World's richest man leads coaltion that aims to outpace emerging health crises by developing new vaccines in less than a year
Virginia lawmaker wants porn declared a public health hazard
Lawmaker's bill says pornography leads to problems including the "hypersexualization of teenagers"
Police use new weapon to fight drug epidemic
Quincy, Mass., police fight opioid drug epidemic with life-saving nasal spray called Narcan
Hoffman tragedy shines light on ominous trend
As law enforcement officials try to identify the people responsible for supplying Philip Seymour Hoffman with heroin, experts worry that the actor's death could be part of a larger, disturbing trend
Obesity can set in by age 5, study says
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine says the road to obesity starts before the age of 5
A taste of Beatlemania in the 1960s
In 1963, CBS News characterized Beatlemania as an "epidemic" that had "seized" Britain's teenage population
At least 5 dead of swine flu in Texas
Anna Werner reports on the importance of vaccinations after flu deaths in Texas
Haitians seek billions from U.N. over cholera outbreak
a group of Haitians is suing the United Nations for bringing cholera to the country
Pharmaceutical company joins fight against meth
In the middle of the country's methamphetamine epidemic, Highland Pharmaceuticals in Missouri has created a way to prevent pseudoephedrine from being ground into powder
Preparing for a pandemic
North Shore LIJ director of Emergency Planning and Preparedness discusses the steps her hospital system is taking to prepare for a possible pandemic
Two infants dead in Texas whooping cough epidemic
Fourteen states have reported an increase in whooping cough cases this year, with Texas at epidemic levels
How to protect your children from the growing flu epidemic
This winter's flu season is getting worse and still has far to go
Extra: Dr. Farmer on Haiti's Recovery
Dr. Paul Farmer, who has been working in Haiti for nearly three decades, talks about the country's difficult recovery. His organization, "Partners in Health" runs 15 hospitals and clinics in the country.
Haiti: Frustration and Anger
The earthquake made things in already poor Haiti bad enough, but now a cholera epidemic is threatening to kill more Haitians, whose living conditions after the quake help to spread the waterborne infection. Byron Pitts reports.
Russia targets Kyiv with deadly strikes ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Explosions boomed across Kyiv for hours as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city in an attack that began early in the morning.
Maps show winter storm forecast for ice and snow from Great Lakes to Northeast
Millions of Americans live in areas under winter storm alerts stretching from northern Minnesota to the Eastern Seaboard.
Iran seizes oil tanker smuggling fuel on Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz carrying some 25,000 barrels of smuggled fuel, state media said.
Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
California mother pleads not guilty to murder of 9-year-old daughter Melodee Buzzard
The body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard was found by authorities in Utah on Dec. 6 after she went missing in October.
Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
Dad uses cell phone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cell phone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
U.S.
More U.S.
Dad uses cell phone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cell phone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
3 wounded in shooting at rural Idaho sheriff's office, officials say; suspect killed
The suspected gunman was shot and killed by law enforcement, authorities said.
Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
MoneyWatch
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Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
5 money moves to make in 2026, according to financial experts
As many Americans head into 2026 with mounting money worries, reviewing your finances now could help put you on firmer footing next year.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Politics
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Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
U.S. launches strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
Strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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Russia targets Kyiv with deadly strikes ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Explosions boomed across Kyiv for hours as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city in an attack that began early in the morning.
Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire deal after weeks of fighting
Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday after weeks of deadly fighting along their border.
Israeli police say 2 killed in car-ramming and stabbing attack by Palestinian
The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy.
8 killed, 18 wounded in mosque bombing in Syria
Images shared by Syria's state-run news agency showed blood on carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage.
Endangered wild cat seen in Thailand for the first time in 30 years
Flat-headed cats are among the world's most threatened wild felines.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
Former "Big Brother" houseguest Mickey Lee died on Christmas, family says
Mickey Lee, a former "Big Brother" houseguest known for her vibrant personality and bold gameplay, has died, her family announced in a social media post shared Friday.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
More Crime
Dad uses cell phone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cell phone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
What's next on the Epstein files release?
Lawmakers may take action against the Department of Justice for the delayed release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson weighs in.
Two police officers injured, suspect killed during child custody exchange
Police were called to a shopping center late Friday morning. Two officers were shot and are in critical condition.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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
Boy goes viral after sharing bird imitating talent
Steve Hartman follows up on the story about a boy he met "On the Road" who can perfectly imitate bird calls.
Returning unwanted gifts may now come with fees
Hassle-free returns may be a thing of the past, and if you're staring at a stack of unwanted Christmas gifts, you may have to think twice before mailing them back. Dave Malkoff reports.
How to save on energy bill as heating costs surge
The cost of heating a home is going through the roof, but there are steps you can take to try to keep your energy bills down. Ash-har Quraishi has details.
Doctor hopes flu peak is near as cases surge
Flu season is in full swing, with close to 5 million cases and nearly 2,000 deaths, including at least three children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Kati Weis reports.
Details about U.S. strikes on ISIS in Nigeria
Details are emerging about the Christmas Day military strikes in northern Nigeria. The U.S. launched what President Trump called a "powerful and deadly" strike on ISIS targets in the West African nation. Willie Inman has more.