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
He had 2 months to live. Research "like science fiction" saved his life.
Michael Wolff was at the "edge of a cliff" when he was diagnosed with a cancer that affects less than 300 patients a year in the U.S.
Health agencies "not creating an autism registry," official says
"We are not creating an autism registry," a Department of Health and Human Services official said in a statement.
USDA withdraws a plan to limit salmonella levels in raw poultry
The United States Department of Agriculture is withdrawing a rule proposed to help prevent salmonella poisoning from contaminated poultry.
Nonprofit hospitals chase down patients eligible for free care
For poorest patients at hundreds of nonprofit hospitals, financial pain follows medical care.
House Republicans face dilemma over Medicaid cuts
The GOP is unlikely to reach its lofty goal in spending cuts without paring back Medicaid, the safety net that helps more than 70 million people.
California offering $25 gift cards to encourage bird flu testing
California officials said bird flu testing has not stopped, despite social media rumors.
FDA head falsely claims no scientists laid off, as agency shutters food safety labs
"That just made me so mad," one laid-off FDA scientist said.
Almost half of U.S. exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution: Report
A new report on air quality across the U.S. offers a cloudy prognosis on the long-term health of about 156 million residents who live in areas that received an "F" in smog and soot pollution.
These are the 6 food dyes the FDA wants to phase out
The Department of Health and Human Services is calling on companies to phase out all petroleum-based dyes by the end of next year, Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr. announced.
U.S.
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The Washington Hilton's decades-long history with D.C. politics
The White House Correspondents' Dinner has been an annual tradition since 1921, bringing together presidential comedy and the press corps, and the Hilton has been its home for 57 years.
Kennedy Center cancels week of events celebrating LGBTQ rights
In the wake of the cancellations, Washington's Capital Pride Alliance has disassociated itself from the Kennedy Center.
Ex-Taliban leader pleads guilty in U.S. soldiers killings, journalists kidnapping
Haji Najibullah, 49, entered the guilty plea in Manhattan federal court to providing material support for acts of terrorism and conspiring to take hostages.
Mangione's supporters rally outside NYC court as he pleads not guilty
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to federal murder and stalking charges, drawing a crowd of onlookers to the courthouse in New York City.
Judge demands answers on whether 2-year-old U.S. citizen was deported to Honduras
In an order, a federal judge wrote there was a "strong suspicion that the Government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process."
MoneyWatch
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The ripple effect of Trump's tariff war with Canada on Nashville's local economy
The U.S. Travel Association says just a 10% dip in Canadian travel to the U.S. for the year could result in over $2 billion in lost spending.
Small businesses push for exemptions from Trump tariffs
Small businesses operate on narrow margins and lack the financial resources to absorb the cost of steep tariffs, Sen. Ed Markey said.
DOGE's $160 billion in savings have cost $135 billion, analysis finds
The push by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to slash federal funding will cost taxpayers money, nonpartisan group finds. Here's why.
Amazon sellers are hiking prices on hundreds of goods as tariffs bite
Prices on thousands of of goods sold on Amazon, Temu and Shein are rising as U.S. tariffs on China boost import costs.
Wall Street ends week on muted note amid ongoing trade questions
Financial markets are likely to remain choppy until investors get more clarity on U.S. trade policy, Wall Street analysts say.
Politics
More Politics
The Washington Hilton's decades-long history with D.C. politics
The White House Correspondents' Dinner has been an annual tradition since 1921, bringing together presidential comedy and the press corps, and the Hilton has been its home for 57 years.
Kennedy Center cancels week of events celebrating LGBTQ rights
In the wake of the cancellations, Washington's Capital Pride Alliance has disassociated itself from the Kennedy Center.
Judge demands answers on whether 2-year-old U.S. citizen was deported to Honduras
In an order, a federal judge wrote there was a "strong suspicion that the Government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process."
Trump says he hasn't asked El Salvador's president to return Abrego Garcia
President Trump called Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case "another men in women's sports thing for the Democrats."
DOJ rescinds policy against seizing journalists' records in leak cases
Attorney General Pam Bondi reversed a Biden-era policy that restricted federal prosecutors from seizing reporters' communications records, according to an internal memo obtained by CBS News.
HealthWatch
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He had 2 months to live. Research "like science fiction" saved his life.
Michael Wolff was at the "edge of a cliff" when he was diagnosed with a cancer that affects less than 300 patients a year in the U.S.
Health agencies "not creating an autism registry," official says
"We are not creating an autism registry," a Department of Health and Human Services official said in a statement.
USDA withdraws a plan to limit salmonella levels in raw poultry
The United States Department of Agriculture is withdrawing a rule proposed to help prevent salmonella poisoning from contaminated poultry.
Nonprofit hospitals chase down patients eligible for free care
For poorest patients at hundreds of nonprofit hospitals, financial pain follows medical care.
House Republicans face dilemma over Medicaid cuts
The GOP is unlikely to reach its lofty goal in spending cuts without paring back Medicaid, the safety net that helps more than 70 million people.
World
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Ex-Taliban leader pleads guilty in U.S. soldiers killings, journalists kidnapping
Haji Najibullah, 49, entered the guilty plea in Manhattan federal court to providing material support for acts of terrorism and conspiring to take hostages.
Napoleon's sword from 1802 to be sold at auction in Paris
The auction firm said on Friday it expected Napoleon's sword to reach $800,000 to $1.1 million.
India, Pakistan tensions flare along the border in disputed Kashmir
In the days since, tensions have risen dangerously between India and Pakistan, which have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir.
See photos of Pope Francis' funeral and procession
Pope Francis requested simplicity in his wooden coffin and final resting place, but his funeral Mass still reflected the grandeur and traditions of the Vatican.
Ukrainian troops forced out of Kursk region, Russia claims
Ukrainian officials disputed the claim, saying their forces continue to hold back Russian troops in the Kursk sector.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Rock band Goose opens up about latest album
The rock band Goose formed in 2014 and started to gain popularity playing in local bars. As audiences grew, they made their Saturday Sessions debut in 2022. Now, they're back to perform their new album "Everything Must Go." The band opened up about their latest work.
Goose performs "Thatch"
The rock band Goose formed in 2014 and started to gain popularity playing in local bars. As audiences grew, they made their Saturday Sessions debut in 2022. Now, they're back to perform their new album "Everything Must Go." From "Everything Must Go," here is Goose with "Thatch."
Goose performs "Give It Time"
The rock band Goose formed in 2014 and started to gain popularity playing in local bars. As audiences grew, they made their Saturday Sessions debut in 2022. Now, they're back to perform their new album "Everything Must Go." From "Everything Must Go," here is Goose with "Give It Time."
Goose performs "Your Direction"
The rock band Goose formed in 2014 and started to gain popularity playing in local bars. As audiences grew, they made their Saturday Sessions debut in 2022. Now, they're back to perform their new album "Everything Must Go." From "Everything Must Go," here is Goose with "Your Direction."
Herb Alpert reflects on fame, TikTok and turning 90 with the Tijuana Brass
Legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert marked his 90th birthday with a Lincoln Center performance and a new tour.
Technology
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Technology
Geoffrey Hinton on future of AI
Geoffrey Hinton, whose work shaped modern artificial intelligence, says companies are moving too fast without enough focus on safety. Brook Silva-Braga introduced us to Hinton in 2023 and recently caught up with him.
New process for mining electronic waste could be a gold mine
Easier and cheaper extraction of gold from old tech could boost the financial incentive to safely recycle, and keep toxic metals out of landfills.
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.
Navigating electric vehicle roadblocks
Electrical vehicles are growing in popularity, but finding a place to charge them can be difficult depending on where you leave. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Trump official on DOJ's face-off with Google
In Washington, D.C., a courtroom face-off continues between Google and the Department of Justice. The fate of Google Search lies in the hands of a federal judge who will decide the best solution to Google's monopoly in internet search. Tech journalist Yasmin Khorram interviewed Omeed Assefi, DOJ antitrust division deputy assistant attorney general, about the case.
Science
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"Bone collector" caterpillar disguises itself in the remains of its prey
There are other meat-eating caterpillars that "do lots of crazy things, but this takes the cake," the study's author said.
Trump admin fast-tracks fossil fuel projects, angering environmentalists
Shortening permitting procedures for mining and oil drilling could adversely affect the environment, communities and endangered species, experts say.
NASA releases stunning space photos to mark Hubble anniversary
The Hubble Space Telescope "opened a new window to the universe" when it launched into space. Now, 35 years later, NASA is releasing some stunning images to celebrate.
Coral reef bleaching hits 84% worldwide, worst on record, surveys show
Harmful bleaching of the world's coral has grown to include 84% of the ocean's reefs in the most intense event of its kind in recorded history, scientists say.
Cicada maps show where the insects will emerge in the U.S. this spring
A large brood of periodical cicadas is due to emerge in the spring of 2025. These maps show where people should expect to see, and hear, the bugs this year.
Crime
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Mangione's supporters rally outside NYC court as he pleads not guilty
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to federal murder and stalking charges, drawing a crowd of onlookers to the courthouse in New York City.
Jury in Read murder trial visits key location
On Day 4 of Karen Read's second murder trial, jurors visited the crime scene where Read is accused of hitting her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, with her car and leaving him to die in the snow, which she denies. CBS News Boston's Kristina Rex reports. Then, lawyer and legal analyst Eric Guster joins to break down the case.
Mangione pleads not guilty to federal charges
Luigi Mangione on Friday pleaded not guilty to federal charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione appeared in a Manhattan federal court for his arraignment on two counts of stalking, a firearm offense murder through the use of a firearm. He's accused of fatally shooting Thompson in December 2024. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty as DOJ seeks death penalty
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in NYC at his arraignment in Manhattan federal court.
Federal prosecutors on Santos' sentencing
Federal prosecutors spoke Friday after disgraced former Rep. George Santos was sentenced to 87 months, more than seven years, in prison on wire fraud and identity theft charges. "Today, finally, Santos has been held accountable for his years of fraud, deceit and theft," U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York John Durham said.
Space
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NASA releases stunning space photos to mark Hubble anniversary
The Hubble Space Telescope "opened a new window to the universe" when it launched into space. Now, 35 years later, NASA is releasing some stunning images to celebrate.
NASA images show peanut-shaped asteroid during high-speed flyby
This asteroid is bigger than scientists anticipated, about 5 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest point — resembling a deformed peanut.
When and where to see the Lyrid meteor shower's peak
During the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, 10 to 20 meteors could be seen per hour, NASA says.
NASA's most senior astronaut returns to Earth with 2 cosmonauts
Don Pettit, NASA's oldest active astronaut, marked his 70th birthday by landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan after 220 days in space.
NASA spacecraft to zoom past asteroid this weekend at 30,000 mph
The flyby is a dress rehearsal for 2027 when Lucy reaches its first so-called Trojan asteroid near Jupiter.
Latest Galleries
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"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.
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.
"Hands Off!": Americans across country protest Trump, Musk
Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, in Washington, D.C. and other cities across the United States, in opposition to the policies of Donald Trump, in the largest protests since he returned to the presidency.
Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed
A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Virginia Giuffre, Epstein accuser, dies at 41
Virginia Giuffre, who was the first of many accusers of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to go public with her allegations against him, has died by suicide at the age of 41 in Western Australia. Ali Bauman has more.
Deadly explosion rocks Iranian port
At least eight people were killed and at least 750 more injured in an explosion and fire at the Shahid Rajaei port in southern Iran Saturday. The cause of the blast remains unclear.
2-year-old U.S. citizen likely deported, judge says
A federal judge this week indicated that a 2-year-old U.S. citizen was likely deported from Louisiana to Honduras with her mother and sister. This comes after the arrest of a county judge in Wisconsin on federal charges alleging she obstructed an immigration arrest. Taurean Small has the latest.
Thousands bid farewell as Pope Francis laid to rest
An estimated 250,000 people, 50 world leaders and representatives from more than 160 nations attended the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. A plain wooden box, the simple coffin chosen by the pope himself, became the day's central symbol, a ceremony shaped to strip back the ornate rituals of papal burial. John Dickerson has more.
Catholic Church enters time of transition
When it came to championing the poor, the marginalized, and migrants, there was no advocate more visible than Pope Francis. Saturday's funeral and its turnout offer some clues as to who the next pope will be, and if those causes will remain a priority for the Catholic Church in world that is experiencing a major political shift. Chris Livesay has more.