Surge in sextortion cases targeting teen boys
FBI records reviewed by CBS News show a spike in reports of sextortion since 2019 and a surge in cases targeting teen boys. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Sextortion
DOJ working to fight sextortion cases
The Justice Department is working to fight a growing number of sextortion cases which have quintupled over the last five years. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Teen's family fights for change after sextortion scam leads to death
Elijah Heacock's parents had never heard of sextortion before their son died by suicide. Now, they're fighting to protect other families.
Family fights to end "sextortion" scams
A law signed by President Trump earlier this month could help fight "sextortion" schemes online. The FBI says at least 20 teens in the U.S. have taken their lives because of the scam since 2021. One Kentucky family has been fighting for change, saying they never want anyone to experience the tragic loss they've suffered.
Feds fighting child exploitation also face public reluctance to discuss crisis
Pauline Stuart says people she believed were friends "can't seem to handle talking to me" after her 17-year-old son's suicide.
Ex-TV meteorologist fights deepfakes after her image was doctored in scams
Bree Smith, a Nashville mom, says the deepfakes quickly multiplied, accompanying offers for private dinners and intimate acts in exchange for hundreds of dollars.
Meta cracks down on sextortion scams
Meta says it's cracking down on sextortion scams occurring on its platform, removing more than 60,000 accounts connected to scams mostly out of Nigeria. CBS MoneyWatch associate managing editor Aimee Picchi breaks down the move to curb bad actors on the social media platform.
Sextortion scams run by Nigerians are targeting U.S. men, Meta says
Meta says it's rooted out 63,000 accounts from Nigeria that were attempting to target adult U.S. men with the financial scam.
Family hopes new law to protect kids online prevents tragedies like theirs
John Demay said that what started as a seemingly innocuous encounter on Instagram quickly turned deadly for his teenage son Jordan.
FBI warns over sexual extortion scams
The FBI is warning parents about a spike in sexual extortion schemes aimed at individuals under 18 occurring across gaming platforms, video-streaming sites and social media. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports on the alarming trend.
Family of teen who died by suicide warns of dangers of financial sextortion
From October 2021 through March 2023, the FBI tracked roughly 12,600 sextortion victims — all of them minors.
Sextortion scams targeting teen boys
The U.S. is seeing a rise in financial sextortion cases targeting thousands of minors and officials say teenage boys are being targeted specifically. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2022 says it received more than 10,000 tips of financial sextortion of minors. By the end of July 2023, the agency says the number of reports jumped to nearly 13,000. John Shehan, senior vice president of the exploited children division and international engagement at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, joined CBS News to discuss the issue.
Trump orders Bondi to release Jeffrey Epstein-related grand jury testimony
President Trump late Thursday ordered the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump wants Texas to redraw its congressional map. Here's what to know.
President Trump has said he wants a "simple redrawing" of Texas' congressional map where Republicans pick up five seats.
Iran's president injured during Israeli strikes, U.S. intelligence sources say
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was injured during an Israeli strike, sources told CBS News — though it's unclear if he was intentionally targeted.
"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" to end in May 2026
CBS will end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and retire "The Late Show" franchise in May 2026, the company announced Thursday.
House passes Trump's rescissions request after Epstein fallout delays vote
Congress had until the end of day on Friday to pass the rescissions request, or the funding would have had to be spent as originally intended.
Millions could face higher ACA premiums, lower subsidies: "Sticker shock"
Consumers face both rising premiums and falling subsidies next year in Obamacare plans.
Man charged with hijacking plane, causing fighter jets to scramble
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with hijacking, constituting terrorism, over the incident.
DOJ requests lists of undocumented immigrants in California jails
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, whose agency oversees the jails, said deputies don't ask for an individual's immigration status during booking.
Unknown illness sickens 140 people aboard Royal Caribbean cruise
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas was on a week-long, round-trip cruise when passengers became sick, the CDC said.
U.S.
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Unknown illness sickens 140 people aboard Royal Caribbean cruise
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas was on a week-long, round-trip cruise when passengers became sick, the CDC said.
Trump wants Texas to redraw its congressional map. Here's what to know.
President Trump has said he wants a "simple redrawing" of Texas' congressional map where Republicans pick up five seats.
Here's your potential tax cut in 2026 from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The new tax cuts and spending law signed by President Trump on July 4 could provide savings for all income groups, an analysis finds.
Trump orders Bondi to release Jeffrey Epstein-related grand jury testimony
President Trump late Thursday ordered the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein.
What does the Federal Reserve do, and why is Trump unhappy with chair Powell?
President Trump floated the idea of firing Jerome Powell — whom he first appointed Federal Reserve chair — earlier this week, after years of on-and-off criticism over interest rates.
MoneyWatch
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Hollywood auction of "Indiana Jones" whip draws $575,000
A whip wielded by Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" sold at auction for $525,000 a day after the Rosebud sled from "Citizen Kane" went for a near-record $14.75 million.
Here's your potential tax cut in 2026 from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The new tax cuts and spending law signed by President Trump on July 4 could provide savings for all income groups, an analysis finds.
Millions could face higher ACA premiums, lower subsidies
Consumers face both rising premiums and falling subsidies next year in Obamacare plans.
What does the Federal Reserve do, and why is Trump unhappy with chair Powell?
President Trump floated the idea of firing Jerome Powell — whom he first appointed Federal Reserve chair — earlier this week, after years of on-and-off criticism over interest rates.
Juul can keep selling tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes, FDA decides
FDA regulators said Juul's studies show its e-cigarettes are less harmful for adult smokers, who can benefit from switching completely to vaping.
Politics
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Trump wants Texas to redraw its congressional map. Here's what to know.
President Trump has said he wants a "simple redrawing" of Texas' congressional map where Republicans pick up five seats.
US DOJ requests lists of undocumented immigrants in LA County jails
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, whose agency oversees the jails, said deputies don't ask for an individual's immigration status during booking.
Trump orders Bondi to release Jeffrey Epstein-related grand jury testimony
President Trump late Thursday ordered the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein.
What does the Federal Reserve do, and why is Trump unhappy with chair Powell?
President Trump floated the idea of firing Jerome Powell — whom he first appointed Federal Reserve chair — earlier this week, after years of on-and-off criticism over interest rates.
Iran's president injured during Israeli strikes, U.S. intelligence sources say
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was injured during an Israeli strike, sources told CBS News — though it's unclear if he was intentionally targeted.
HealthWatch
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Millions could face higher ACA premiums, lower subsidies
Consumers face both rising premiums and falling subsidies next year in Obamacare plans.
FDA: Juul can sell vape devices, nicotine pods
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday formally approved Juul to sell its vape devices and nicotine pods. Dr. Robert Jackler, a professor at Stanford Medicine who focuses on the impact of tobacco and advertising, speaks with "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson about it.
Juul can keep selling tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes, FDA decides
FDA regulators said Juul's studies show its e-cigarettes are less harmful for adult smokers, who can benefit from switching completely to vaping.
Ex-pilot who tried shutting off engines says he "had no intention of crashing" plane
Former airline captain Joseph Emerson, indicted for trying to shut off a plane's engines mid-flight in 2023, speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the incident.
Coke with cane sugar or corn syrup? Here's what health experts say
President Trump said Coca-Cola has agreed to use cane sugar in its U.S. cola, which is currently sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. Is one of them actually better for your health?
World
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U.S.-Russian woman arrested in Moscow, accused of smuggling gun
"The suitcase was found to contain an American Colt Commander, .45 caliber with three empty magazines," Russian officials said.
Snoop Dogg invests his star-power in Wales' Swansea City soccer team
Snoop Dogg says he's proud to be the new co-owner of the Swansea City soccer team, because it's an "underdog that bites back, just like me."
Man charged with hijacking plane, causing fighter jets to scramble
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with hijacking, constituting terrorism, over the incident.
Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding accident in Italy
Felix Baumgartner made global headlines in 2012 when he jumped from the stratosphere and parachuted down to a landing in New Mexico.
Iran's president injured during Israeli strikes, U.S. intelligence sources say
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was injured during an Israeli strike, sources told CBS News — though it's unclear if he was intentionally targeted.
Entertainment
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Hollywood auction of "Indiana Jones" whip draws $575,000
A whip wielded by Harrison Ford in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" sold at auction for $525,000 a day after the Rosebud sled from "Citizen Kane" went for a near-record $14.75 million.
Snoop Dogg invests his star-power in Wales' Swansea City soccer team
Snoop Dogg says he's proud to be the new co-owner of the Swansea City soccer team, because it's an "underdog that bites back, just like me."
Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding accident in Italy
Felix Baumgartner made global headlines in 2012 when he jumped from the stratosphere and parachuted down to a landing in New Mexico.
"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" to end in May 2026
CBS will end "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and retire "The Late Show" franchise in May 2026, the company announced Thursday.
"The Summer I Turned Pretty" stars reflect on show's final season
Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno, who star in "The Summer I Turned Pretty," spoke to "CBS Mornings" about the beloved show's third and final season.
Technology
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Technology
Roblox CEO unpacks new safety features
The online gaming platform Roblox is adding new safety features aimed at protecting its young players. CEO and founder David Baszucki joins CBS News to explain the changes.
Mark Zuckerberg settles lawsuit over Cambridge Analytica scandal, reports say
The reported settlement comes a day after an $8 billion class-action lawsuit began in court.
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.
America's power grid in the age of AI
Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to explain how extreme heat and tech expansion are driving Google's $25 billion investment and transforming U.S. infrastructure.
Teens turning to chatbots for friendship
A Common Sense Media survey reveals more teens are turning to chatbots for friendship. Michael Robb, a senior director at Common Sense Media, joins "CBS News Mornings" with more details.
Science
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8 babies born with DNA from 3 people in world-first IVF trial
A groundbreaking IVF trial has raised hope that women with genetic mutations in their own DNA could one day have children without passing on deadly diseases.
Skeleton of medieval knight found under former ice cream parlor
The site where the remains were found was once home to a beloved ice cream shop.
Crossbreeding corals from Honduras could help protect Florida's coast
Elkhorn coral helps form the skeleton of a healthy reef, but more than 95% of the Elkhorn coral off Florida has been wiped out. Scientists have created the "Flonduran" crossbreed to solve the problem.
What to know about the Perseids and when to view the 2025 meteor shower
The Perseids meteor shower begins this week and is expected to offer one of the best astronomy shows of 2025.
Cracking the code: Using genetic genealogy to unmask serial criminals
Barbara Rae-Venter never anticipated that her genealogy hobby would lead to the capture of one of California's most notorious criminals, the Golden State Killer. Her pioneering use of genetic genealogy has since helped solve numerous cold cases.
Crime
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Crime
Slain Idaho student's family speaks out
Steve and Kristi Goncalves join "CBS Mornings Plus" to share their reaction to Bryan Kohberger's guilty plea and the end of the nearly three-year wait for justice.
U.S.-Russian woman arrested in Moscow, accused of smuggling gun
"The suitcase was found to contain an American Colt Commander, .45 caliber with three empty magazines," Russian officials said.
Man charged with hijacking plane, causing fighter jets to scramble
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Shaheer Cassim, 39, has been charged with hijacking, constituting terrorism, over the incident.
US DOJ requests lists of undocumented immigrants in LA County jails
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, whose agency oversees the jails, said deputies don't ask for an individual's immigration status during booking.
Nanny on the run in alleged surrogacy scam
Police say 21 children, most born via surrogates, were pulled from a couple's 10,000 square feet California home. Now, the couple faces felony child endangerment charges and a nanny is on the run. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez reports from outside the home.
Space
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Space
Piece of Mars sells at auction
NWA 16788, the largest piece of Mars on Earth, fetched $5.3 million at auction. Franklin Institute chief astronomer and planetarium director Derrick Pitts joins CBS News with more.
Astronomers capture birth of a new solar system around sun-like baby star
Astronomers have discovered the earliest seeds of planets forming around HOPS-315, a baby star located 1,300 light-years away.
What to know about the Perseids and when to view the 2025 meteor shower
The Perseids meteor shower begins this week and is expected to offer one of the best astronomy shows of 2025.
Massive black hole merger forms one 225 times the mass of the sun
Two black holes merged into one massive one, scientists from an international collaborative group said.
Privately funded crew returns to Earth after space station visit
It was the fourth private astronaut mission funded by Houston-based Axiom Space and the second commanded by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson.
Latest Galleries
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Summer music heats up 2025
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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 Suzanne Morphew case
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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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Slain Idaho student's family speaks out
Steve and Kristi Goncalves join "CBS Mornings Plus" to share their reaction to Bryan Kohberger's guilty plea and the end of the nearly three-year wait for justice.
Former Israeli hostages speak to CBS News
Former Israeli hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel have been sharing details of their time in captivity after being taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio spoke with the couple about the ongoing war.
Caitlin Clark to miss WNBA All-Star Game
Tonight is the tip off for the WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, but basketball star Caitlin Clark will be noticeably absent from the court after suffering a groin injury. Ben Pickman, a staff writer for The Athletic, joins "CBS Morning News" to preview the WNBA All-Star Game festivities.
National Urban League's Marc Morial on new report
The National Urban League released its annual "State of Black America" report on Thursday, saying Black America is in a "state of emergency." President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc Morial joins "CBS Mornings News" to discuss the group's findings.
Canceled flights soar this summer
Data from Flightaware shows the rate of canceled flights since the start of the summer travel season is up 29% over last year. Delays are also up. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports on which airports have been impacted the most.