The rise and fall of a pharmaceutical opioid sales executive
A 60 Minutes investigation into the causes of the American opioid epidemic includes an examination of the tactics of one former top sales executive.
America's Opioid Epidemic
Pharma execs used strip clubs, broke FDA laws to boost opioid sales
A former sales VP for a pharmaceutical company who was sentenced to prison tells 60 Minutes he bribed doctors to prescribe fentanyl drugs. Bill Whitaker reports.
Former pharma sales exec: "The less of a conscience... the better"
60 Minutes investigates the playbook of sales practices that triggered an explosion of prescriptions, Sunday.
Melissa Etheridge's 21-year-old son has died, singer says
The opioid epidemic kills tens of thousands of people a year in the U.S.
"The Pharmacist" documents a father's fight against the opioid epidemic
The new Netflix documentary series profiles Dan Schneider, a small-town pharmacist who was one of the first people to identify and confront what we now know as America's opioid epidemic.
"Soupman" inspired to help the homeless after his son's death
Peter Kelleher started making soup for the homeless, and now he's giving back in more ways than one.
Inside one New Hampshire family's battle with opioid addiction
The Wilson family has been struggling with drug abuse spanning generations, and according to 64-year-old Paula Wilson, "the cycle of addiction is strong."
4 years later, New Hampshire's opioid epidemic still rages on
"If you went back eight years and told me that one of the leading issues in a presidential campaign would be drugs, I would have said, 'you've got to be kidding,'" said Peter Evers, CEO of Riverbend Community Health.
Officials warn of drug called "gray death"
"You don't want to touch this," police said. "If at all possible you don't even want to put it on your hands."
FDA plagued by lack of training during opioid crisis, report says
Researchers say lack of oversight and training problems happened while the opioid crisis killed tens of thousands of people a year.
Rwanda makes own morphine while U.S. awash with opioids
As thousands die from opioid addiction in America, millions deal with untreated pain in the world's poorest nations.
Sacklers cashed out $10.4 billion from Purdue Pharma in last decade
Analysis commissioned by bankruptcy court could fuel calls for Sackler family members to return their drug windfall.
Babies born addicted to opioids cost U.S. millions
Babies exposed to opioids in the womb face serious – and costly – consequences.
Home Depot CEO blames opioids for warehouse thefts
Retailer is working with law enforcement to stop what it calls a recent surge in stolen products.
Ex-opiate addict says implant saved him, but some call him a "guinea pig"
Alvin Dutruch took a chance on a new way to treat addiction — now a consumer group says he was exploited.
Drugmakers, distributors said to face federal opioid probe
The investigation comes after activists have called for drug companies to face criminal charges for the deadly epidemic
Melania Trump booed at youth opioid summit in Baltimore
The first lady was met with some loud boos by students in Baltimore – a city President Trump recently said no human would ever want to live in.
After 9 deaths at USC, students criticize letter sent by school
After recent student deaths, a letter was sent out to every USC student discussing mental health and the dangers of opioid use
U.S.-China opioid smuggling bust could speed trade deal
In a boost for trade talks, law enforcement officials from both countries joined forces to halt fentanyl shipments
These workers are the most likely to use opioids
New research offers clues about which jobs are most likely to lead to substance abuse problems
Opioid crisis forcing more kids into the foster system
CBS News met a family two years ago fostering five children from drug-ridden homes. Today, they're fostering an additional child.
Opioid settlement reached in Ohio with drug companies
Last-minute deal comes ahead of the first federal opioid trial for a crisis that has killed about 400,000 Americans
Family impacted by opioid crisis wants reckoning
Four of the six defendants in a landmark federal case against opioid manufacturers and distributors negotiated a last-minute settlement
$1.25 million worth of fentanyl seized in Southern California
Last week's seizure yielded almost half the amount of fentanyl seized by authorities in Orange County during all of 2018
Opioid epidemic cost U.S. more than $600 billion over 4 years
Along with ruining lives, the public health crisis has had a devastating impact on the nation's economy
HealthWatch
HealthWatch
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
U.S.
More U.S.
Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
How a Georgia county official stood up to a Russian ransomware ring
The Russian-based ransomware syndicate LockBit took responsibility for the cyberattack, which temporarily crippled the Georgia county's online infrastructure.
Here's what to know about the Corporate Transparency Act ruling
The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, requires businesses to register with FINCEN, or face fines. Here's what to know.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Here's what to know about the Corporate Transparency Act ruling
The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, requires businesses to register with FINCEN, or face fines. Here's what to know.
Dairy farmers struggle to cover expenses as American appetites change
The work never ends on a dairy farm. The job is "rewarding spiritually, not always financially," New York farmer Nate Chittenden says.
Starbucks strike expands to more cities just days before Christmas
Starbucks baristas and Amazon delivery drivers are on strike in handful of U.S. cities as they seek wage increases.
Nordstrom to go private in $6.25 billion deal with Nordstrom family
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal.
Walmart accused of illegally opening costly accounts for drivers
Walmart and Branch Messenger, a payments platform, accused of deceiving workers about pay from retailer for two years.
Politics
More Politics
Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
Ex-D.C. police officer convicted of lying about leaks to Proud Boys leader
A retired police officer in the nation's capital has been convicted of lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group.
Who are the 3 federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden didn't commute?
President Biden left in place the capital punishment sentences of just three federal inmates: Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Read the full Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report on allegations of misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Read the full report here.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
World
More World
Photos show well-preserved remains of baby mammoth found in Siberia
Yana is estimated to have been only about one year old when she died. She weighs more than 397 pounds and measures about 4 feet and 200 centimeters long.
Legendary drug lord deported to Colombia after release from U.S. prison
Fabio Ochoa arrived at Bogota's El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag.
Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Australia approves extradition of former U.S. Marine
Former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United States over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese aviators.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
Meet the man behind Bergdorf Goodman's iconic holiday windows
This year's holiday displays at Bergdorf Goodman honor Fifth Avenue's bicentennial and will be on display through Jan. 6.
Samara Joy on new album, family tour
Samara Joy, the 25-year-old jazz sensation and three-time Grammy winner, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about her new album "Portrait" and her holiday tour with family.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
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.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
More Crime
Prosecutor drops appeal to reinstate "Rust" charges against Alec Baldwin
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
CEO murder suspect pleads not guilty in state case
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state court Monday. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back and leg in Manhattan earlier this month. Lilia Luciano has more.
Legendary drug lord deported to Colombia after release from U.S. prison
Fabio Ochoa arrived at Bogota's El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag.
Mangione lawyer concerned about fair trial
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson remains behind bars after pleading not guilty to murder and terrorism charges Monday morning in New York. Luigi Mangione's lawyer argues that the multiple state and federal investigations conflict with his right to a fair trial. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reports.
NYC police charge man with murder of woman set on fire on subway
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with murder and arson after a woman sleeping on the New York City subway was set on fire and died, police say.
Space
More Space
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
How a Georgia official took on a ransomware ring
2024 could go down as the worst year yet for ransomware attacks, in which hackers gain access to a computer server, lock up all the files and then demand payment to get the victims back online. For "Eye on America," Ash-har Quraishi has the inside story of how a public official in Atlanta stared down some of the world's most destructive cybercriminals.
How Israel pulled of its exploding pagers plot
CBS News' "60 Minutes" got an inside look at how Israel pulled off one of the most daring and sophisticated intelligence operations in history. In the so-called pager plot, devices worn by members of the Hezbollah militia were turned into miniature bombs. Lesley Stahl spoke with two recently retired Israeli agents who spent years masterminding the plan.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 death row inmates
With less than a month to go in his term, President Biden granted executive clemency to 37 of the country's 40 federal death row inmates. The move reduces their sentences to life without the possibility of parole and makes them immune to President-elect Trump's promise to resume federal executions. Ed O'Keefe has more.
What's in the Matt Gaetz House ethics report?
Just before leaving Washington, D.C., for the holidays, the House Ethics Committee released a long-awaited and damning report on the conduct of former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. Scott MacFarlane has the latest from Capitol Hill.
CEO murder suspect pleads not guilty in state case
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state court Monday. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back and leg in Manhattan earlier this month. Lilia Luciano has more.