You can't overdose on fentanyl just by touching it. Experts explain why.
Touching fentanyl or being near it won't cause a drug overdose, experts told CBS News.
Opioid Epidemic
Suspicious packages, some containing fentanyl, sent to elections offices
Four offices in Washington state were evacuated Wednesday, and similar incidents were reported nationwide, the FBI said.
Rite Aid files for bankruptcy amid opioid-related lawsuits and falling sales
But the major pharmacy chain says the filing is part of a plan to bring it back to financial health.
Dealer gets 30 years in prison after intentionally selling laced drugs
Billy Ortega intentionally mixed fentanyl with cocaine and sold it to five people. Three died.
U.S. targets China-based fentanyl trafficking
The Biden administration on Tuesday sanctioned 25 Chinese individuals and entities for their alleged involvement in manufacturing and selling fentanyl. The Justice Department also indicted eight Chinese companies and 12 executives. Demetri Sevastopulo, U.S.-China correspondent for the Financial Times, joins CBS News to unpack the crackdown.
2 charged in 1-year-old's death in day care after possible opioid exposure
Authorities say Nicholas Dominici died and three other children were hospitalized due to suspected opioid exposure while in day care in the Bronx.
Kroger to pay up to $1.4 billion to settle opioid lawsuits
The grocery store chain said most of the money will go to states, local governments and Native American tribes.
Inside a secret bunker for seized fentanyl
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized thousands of pounds of fentanyl and its chemical precursors. CBS News homeland security and justice reporter Nicole Sganga was given a rare, up-close look at the fight against synthetic opioids.
CBP reveals secret "ground zero" in its fight against fentanyl
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has intercepted 8,000 pounds of fentanyl chemical precursors in the past three months, officials say.
Director Peter Berg discusses "Painkiller"
Many of Peter Berg's most famous projects, like "Lone Survivor" and "Deepwater Horizon," are based on real events, and his new limited series "Painkiller" is no different. The epic show chronicles the opioid epidemic in the United States. Jeff Glor has more on their conversation.
Supreme Court blocks Purdue Pharma settlement
The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a Purdue Pharma settlement that would shield the Sackler family from civil lawsuits related to the opioid crisis. Author Barry Meier, who wrote the book "Pain Killer" about the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma, weighs in on the settlement.
"The Forgotten Ones" highlights opioid crisis in Minneapolis' East African community
"We're all struggling with this, and this is not a Somali issue. This is not a minority issue. This is a human issue," Warsame said. "Addiction's affecting lives everywhere," said Abdirahman Warsame.
DEA's handling of case against large opioids distributor questioned
The case against Morris & Dickson Co. spotlights the government-industry revolving door: A former consultant to the company is now a top deputy to the agency's administrator.
In rehab program, guitar-making helps those in recovery kick addiction
The successful program teaches addicts woodworking, specifically how to build guitars and how to break with using.
Walgreens to pay San Francisco $229 million over opioid crisis
The settlement is the largest between a city and a single company related to the opioid epidemic, the city attorney said.
Police union director fired after opioid smuggling arrest
Joanne Marian Segovia, who was the executive director of the San Jose Police Officers' Association, had been arrested last week.
Police union executive charged with attempted importing of synthetic opioids
Joanne Marian Segovia received hundreds of packages described as "Wedding Party Favors," a federal complaint alleged, but instead, they contained "thousands of pills of controlled substances."
FDA approves Narcan for over-the-counter sales
The FDA on Wednesday approved Narcan, a nasal spray that helps reverse opioid overdoses, for over-the-counter sales without a prescription. New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan joins CBS News to discuss how this could help curb opioid deaths.
U.S. alleges Rite Aid ignored red flags in filling opioid prescriptions
The Justice Department alleged Rite Aid's Government Affairs department told employees to delete internal information warning about suspicious prescribers.
Teachers learn to administer Narcan amid opioid crisis
Fatal overdoses in teens ages 14 to 18 jumped 123% from 2019 to 2021, according to data from the CDC.
Opioid crisis settlements total over $50 billion. How is that money being used?
Advocates say they hope to see the money spent on evidence-based treatment options, including overdose prevention centers.
Canada province decriminalizes hard drugs in bid to ease opioid crisis
Adults found with small amounts of cocaine, heroin and other drugs will get information on addiction treatment rather than jail time.
Luthiery School stringing lives back together
Nestled in eastern Kentucky is the town of Hindman, one of the cities in America most hard-hit by the opioid epidemic. But there's a new program that's rebuilding the city's reputation through music. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann visited the Appalachian School of Luthiery to learn about the community that's changing for the better with the help of some string instruments.
Colorado man with nearly 6,000 fentanyl pills sentenced to 40 years
The 27-year-old sold some of the fentanyl to undercover officers last year.
DOJ sues pharma giant for allegedly helping to fuel the opioid epidemic
The company is accused of failing to report hundreds of thousands of potentially suspicious orders.
Exclusive
See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
Senate fails to advance health care bills, with price hikes looming
The Senate on Thursday failed to advance competing Democratic and Republican measures to address health care costs. Follow live updates here.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect appears in court as judge weighs media access
Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They plan to seek the death penalty.
Another grand jury refuses to indict Letitia James
For the second time in a month, prosecutors in Virginia failed to secure an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Erika Kirk has one word for Candace Owens
Erika Kirk has one word for Candace Owens, who has been peddling conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk.
Federal judge orders Abrego Garcia's immediate release from ICE custody
A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia's immediate release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Time magazine reveals its 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine named "the architects of AI" its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, calling out tech industry leaders behind the rise in artificial intelligence.
Tennessee executes man for 1988 rape and murder of college student
"To the people I harmed, I'm sorry," Harold Wayne Nichols said in his final statement.
MyPillow's Mike Lindell announces he's running for Minnesota governor
MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor as a Republican against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.
U.S.
More U.S.
U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
Here's how Trump's $1 million "gold card" visa will work
The Trump administration says it's also creating a $5 million platinum card visa that will allow foreigners to live in the U.S. for 270 days a year.
Critics detail concerns over proposed Chinese "super embassy" in London
Two former MI6 officials detail their espionage concerns, as the U.K once again delays its final decision on a new Chinese embassy in London.
Time magazine reveals its 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine named "the architects of AI" its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, calling out tech industry leaders behind the rise in artificial intelligence.
Some lawmakers see path for health care deal after failed Senate votes
With the partisan exercise behind them, some senators are expressing tepid optimism about a path forward on a health care compromise.
MoneyWatch
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Here's how Trump's $1 million "gold card" visa will work
The Trump administration says it's also creating a $5 million platinum card visa that will allow foreigners to live in the U.S. for 270 days a year.
Former officials warn of safety risks because of consumer watchdog cuts
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has lost key leadership and staff over the past year. Now two former commissioners removed by the Trump administration are raising concerns over safety risks.
Trump says "prices are coming down." Here's what the data shows.
President Trump says he's winning the war against inflation. But a look at prices around the U.S. shows why many Americans still feel financially squeezed.
Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI under new licensing agreement
Disney said on Thursday it will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI under a new partnership with the Sora and ChatGPT developer.
Waymo recalls more than 3,000 vehicles due to faulty software
NHTSA said faulty software may cause Waymo vehicles to pass a stopped school bus even when its red lights are flashing or its stop arm is extended.
Politics
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U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
Another grand jury refuses to indict Letitia James
For the second time in a month, prosecutors in Virginia failed to secure an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Some lawmakers see path for health care deal after failed Senate votes
With the partisan exercise behind them, some senators are expressing tepid optimism about a path forward on a health care compromise.
Minnesota tops list of 10 most expensive pandemic aid fraud schemes
Luxury cars, homes, jewelry and casino trips were among the spoils of some of the biggest pandemic era fraud cases, according to a CBS News review of five years of government records and data.
MyPillow's Mike Lindell announces he's running for Minnesota governor
MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor in 2026, seeking the Republican nomination to challenge DFL incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.
HealthWatch
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Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
Extended interview: Dr. Rochelle Walensky
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook speaks at length with former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the hepatitis B vaccine and last week's vote by the CDC's vaccine advisory panel to change the recommendation for when children should get their first dose of the vaccine.
Nursing home chain avoids settlement payouts after bankruptcy filing
Genesis HealthCare's bankruptcy case in Dallas will allow the nursing home chain to avoid paying millions of dollars it promised for residents who were injured or died while in its care.
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
Details on CDC Hepatitis B vaccine decision
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel on Friday voted to not recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for everyone at birth, alarming many in the medical community. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains what to know about the decision and its potential impact.
World
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U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
Critics detail concerns over proposed Chinese "super embassy" in London
Two former MI6 officials detail their espionage concerns, as the U.K once again delays its final decision on a new Chinese embassy in London.
Exclusive
Inside the secret mission to get Nobel Peace Prize winner out of Venezuela
An American special forces veteran led the operation to get María Corina Machado out of Venezuela: "The first Nobel Prize winner that we've ever rescued."
More than 600 British Empire artifacts stolen from U.K. museum
Police said they wanted to talk to four unidentified men, all wearing caps or hoodies, seen in the CCTV images carrying bags in the early hours.
Nobel laureate María Corina Machado makes first public appearance in 11 months
María Corina Machado had been in hiding in Venezuela since January, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters in a protest in Caracas.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Taylor Swift talks docuseries, favorite songs
Taylor Swift appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Wednesday while promoting her upcoming docuseries. She spoke about her life after the Eras Tour, her favorite songs from her catalogue and who she turns to for advice.
"Waiting to Exhale" stars on 30th anniversary
The iconic movie "Waiting to Exhale," starring Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon premiered 30 years ago this month. The film, which had an all Black cast and focused on female empowerment, was a box office hit. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke with the stars of the film about the movie and what Houston would think.
Sombr talks about writing breakout hits
Singer-songwriter Sombr is up for Best New Artist of the Year at the Grammy Awards. He was the only writer on his debut album, "I Barely Know Her." He spoke to Anthony Mason about where his journey began and his whirlwind year.
Carly Pearce on new music
Grammy-winning country music superstar Carly Pearce joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, fans relating to the lyrics in her music and being vulnerable.
Joe Bonamassa album pays tribute to B.B. King
Five-time Grammy Award winner Joe Bonamassa may already hold the record for the most No. 1 albums on the Billboard blues albums chart with 29, but he has no plans to stop anytime soon. His upcoming album is a tribute to B.B. King and includes tracks from artists like Aloe Blacc and Eric Clapton. "CBS Mornings" gets a behind-the-scenes look.
Technology
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Technology
Time magazine reveals 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine has just announced its 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing not just one person, but a group its calling "the architects of AI." The digital article is out now.
Time magazine reveals its 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine named "the architects of AI" its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, calling out tech industry leaders behind the rise in artificial intelligence.
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.
Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI under new licensing agreement
Disney said on Thursday it will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI under a new partnership with the Sora and ChatGPT developer.
Australia's new social media ban started with a mom saying, "Do something!"
With the world's first social media ban for children and teenagers under 16 now in effect in Australia, its initial political architect reveals it was personally inspired by his wife, for their four children.
Science
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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.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Crime
How Minnesota fraudsters blew millions
CBS News is getting an exclusive look at how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions of taxpayer dollars that was supposed to go to hungry children. CBS Minnesota investigative reporter Jonah Kaplan has more.
Bennie Thompson spars with Noem, FBI official
Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat of the House Committee on Homeland Security, sparred with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a hearing on Capitol Hill. Thompson asked about the Washington, D.C., ambush shooting where two National Guard members were targeted, and he grilled Michael Glasheen, the operations director of the FBI's National Security Branch, on the whereabouts of Antifa groups.
Deadline for Epstein files release approaches
The Department of Justice's Dec. 19 deadline to release the Jeffrey Epstein case files is approaching. CBS News' Jake Rosen reports.
Tennessee executes man for 1988 rape and murder of college student
"To the people I harmed, I'm sorry," Harold Wayne Nichols said in his final statement.
More on seizure of oil tanker near Venezuela
Experts are weighing in on the American operation to seize an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela. Retired Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, a professor at Southwestern Law School, has more on the operation, and CBS News contributor Sam Vinograd breaks down the legalities of the seizure.
Space
More Space
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
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.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Pint-sized politician
A pint-sized politician proves you are never too little to run a big campaign. David Begnaud catches up with the Agars, a father-son duo making history by competing together in triathlons. Plus, more heartwarming stories.
Taylor Swift talks docuseries, favorite songs
Taylor Swift appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Wednesday while promoting her upcoming docuseries. She spoke about her life after the Eras Tour, her favorite songs from her catalogue and who she turns to for advice.
Time magazine reveals 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine has just announced its 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing not just one person, but a group its calling "the architects of AI." The digital article is out now.
Noem on seizure of oil tanker near Venezuela
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem praised the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela and linked it to President Trump's fight against drug trafficking during questioning by Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas at a House hearing on worldwide threats.
How Minnesota fraudsters blew millions
CBS News is getting an exclusive look at how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions of taxpayer dollars that was supposed to go to hungry children. CBS Minnesota investigative reporter Jonah Kaplan has more.