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Medical Price Roulette
COVID-19 tests should be free, but these people still got big bills
People returning to their jobs could wind up having to pay for COVID-19 tests, experts warn.
COVID-19 antibody test accuracy in question
The CDC says COVID-19 antibody tests, used to determine if people have been infected in the past, could be wrong up to half the time. It recommends they not be used to decide who returns to work.
Strangers help pay woman's medical bills
People from all over the country are pitching in to help an Alabama woman pay her medical bills after she faced a lawsuit from a hospital
His coronavirus test wasn't processed, but he got billed $9,000
Congress passed a law making coronavirus tests free, but all costs may not be covered by all insurers.
Alabama couple struggling after hospital sues over medical debt
KC and Daryl Roberts were paying what they could each month toward the more than $30,000 hospital bill.
Even with insurance, woman hit with $40,000 in medical bills
When Molly McKenna went to a clinic in agonizing pain, doctors told her it was an emergency. Only later did she learn much of her treatment was out-of-network
Man hit with $650,000 in medical bills finally gets relief
Frank Esposito was hit with $650,000 in medical bills after his insurance company said his surgery didn't qualify as an emergency
Medical bills jump from $220 to $4,000 a month – for treatment her life depends on
"I was like, how is this even possible?" one patient said of the unpredictable charges
After her miscarriage, she needed two rounds of ultrasounds. Why did one cost 10 times more?
Medical prices vary greatly, even within the same city. "It's either unethical or dishonest," said one patient hit with a surprise bill
Back surgery saved him from paralysis. Then the bills arrived: over $650,000
Frank Esposito, a tool and die maker from Long Island, New York, drained $49,000 from his retirement account and still owes over $220,000
Woman fighting with insurance for follow-up breast cancer tests
Mammograms can save lives, but in some cases, insurance companies are refusing to cover follow-up tests ordered by doctors.
Women shocked by "hidden" cost of mammograms
Health insurance covers mammograms every one to two years, but many women often need secondary tests that aren't covered
Man drives five hours for surgery insurance won't cover
Around the country, middle-class Americans with high-deductible insurance plans are heading to dozens of cash-based surgery centers
Regulators want to change law after CBS News report
"After hearing about — and resolving — a recent issue, we know that if it could happen to one consumer, it could happen to others"
Health
Health
Doctor explains the risk of coronavirus in kids
President Trump claimed children are "almost immune" to COVID-19, but that is not true - more than 338,000 children in the U.S. have caught it, and students and teachers at multiple schools have been forced to quarantine following positive test results in the first week of in-person classes. Emergency care physician Dr. Ron Elfenbein joined CBSN to discuss how the virus affects kids and more.
Facebook, Twitter remove false Trump claim
President Trump is once again facing criticism for spreading false information about the coronavirus. Facebook and Twitter removed videos in which he claimed children are essentially immune from the virus, which is not true. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to set the record straight.
LA to cut utilities to homes hosting large gatherings
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Wednesday that he is authorizing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to shut off utility service to properties where large parties and gatherings are held in violation of public safety orders. Watch his remarks here.
Chicago public schools to be fully remote this fall
Facing a slow but steady rise in new COVID-19 cases in Chicago, and the possibility of a strike vote by the Chicago Teachers Union next week, Chicago Public Schools ditched plans to have some students in classrooms to start the school year, and announced a fully remote learning plan for the fall. CBS Chicago's Mugo Odigwe reports.
UNC develops new social distance technology
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has designed a first-of-its-kind "Health Greeter Kiosk" that detects whether individuals are spaced 6 feet apart and if they have on facial masks. Steven King, an associate professor of emerging technologies at the UNC School of Media and Journalism, joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss the new technology.
Clorox wipes won't be available until 2021
Clorox CEO Benno Dorer says that grocery stores won't be fully stocked with the company's disinfecting wipes any time soon, because demand increased six-fold during the coronavirus pandemic. CBS Los Angeles reports.
Contact tracing falls behind in U.S.
A report in The New York Times looks at how contact tracing in the U.S. is falling behind in many states as the coronavirus spreads. Times reporter Jennifer Steinhauer joined CBSN to explain why.
NYC health commissioner resigns
Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the New York City Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene who oversaw the city's coronavirus response, resigned on Tuesday. In a letter sent to staff on Tuesday, obtained by CBS News, Barbot wrote that the department "must be better leveraged" as the city prepares for a likely second wave of the coronavirus. CBSN New York has more.
How to talk about allegations of sex abuse
Charges against Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein gained worldwide attention, but some of the ways the allegations are frequently described may do even more harm to the victims. Gen by Medium senior writer Andrea Gonzalez-Ramirez joins CBSN to explain how the media's language serves to undermine the seriousness of the allegations.
Trump claims coronavirus is "receding"
A day after Coronavirus Task Force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said the coronavirus is now "extraordinarily widespread," President Trump contradicted her, claiming "evidence of progress." "Very encouraging," he said at a news conference Monday. "I have to add that the virus is receding." However, while some states are seeing a decrease in daily cases, in many others, the cases are surging. Watch his remarks here.
World
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DOJ argues migrant kids set to be expelled aren't entitled to safeguards
The Trump administration has placed scores of migrant children in hotel rooms before expelling them from U.S. soil, denying them the opportunity to seek asylum.
Pope Francis appoints 6 women to senior roles
Pope Francis has ensured there are more women officials at the Vatican than ever before.
Hiroshima survivor on "the path to peace," 75 years after bombing
Toshiko Tanaka was just 6 years old when the mushroom cloud rose menacingly over Hiroshima.
Beirut residents search for missing loved ones: "It might be too late"
Ghassan Hasrouty is one of dozens who have not been heard from since the devastating blasts that left more than 130 dead and thousands wounded.
Beirut blasts stoke coronavirus fears as hospitals are overwhelmed
"There is no doubt that our immunity in the country is less than before the explosion and this will affect us medium- to long-term. We desperately need aid," doctor says.
U.S.
More U.S.
116 students quarantined after start of school in Mississippi town
Each day this week, Corinth School District has reported an uptick in coronavirus cases in its schools.
Teen forced to take off Black Lives Matter mask at graduation
His father said the experience for his son was "both incalculable and traumatic and will follow him the rest of his life."
Ohio governor tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Trump's visit
The governor was tested in advance of plans to greet President Trump at the airport.
DOJ argues migrant kids set to be expelled aren't entitled to safeguards
The Trump administration has placed scores of migrant children in hotel rooms before expelling them from U.S. soil, denying them the opportunity to seek asylum.
New Mexico oil boom towns hope worst is over
In Artesia, one in 5 workers were directly employed by oil and gas companies. Businesses that provide services for the industry have also seen revenues dry up.
Politics
More Politics
Ohio governor tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of Trump's visit
The governor was tested in advance of plans to greet President Trump at the airport.
DOJ argues migrant kids set to be expelled aren't entitled to safeguards
The Trump administration has placed scores of migrant children in hotel rooms before expelling them from U.S. soil, denying them the opportunity to seek asylum.
Navarro: Trump executive order on drug prices a "beautiful thing"
Mr. Trump is set to travel to northern Ohio Thursday where he will visit a Whirlpool appliance factory.
New Mexico oil boom towns hope worst is over
In Artesia, one in 5 workers were directly employed by oil and gas companies. Businesses that provide services for the industry have also seen revenues dry up.
Democrats stick to demands for coronavirus bill as impasse remains
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said "we will keep working" with White House officials until a deal is reached.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Michelle Obama reveals she has depression
Former First Lady Michelle Obama revealed on the second episode of her Spotify podcast she has a low-grade form of depression.
LeBron James responds to Trump's protest criticism
The president branded NBA stars who kneel during the national anthem "disgraceful."
FBI searches California home of YouTube star Jake Paul
Misdemeanor charges against Paul stemming from a June incident in Arizona were dropped, but police said they may refile pending the outcome of a federal investigation.
NBA pledges $300 million to fund Black economic growth
The NBA Foundation will work to "deepen the NBA family's commitment to racial equality and social justice," among other initiatives.
Reynolds and Lively apologize for plantation wedding
"What we saw at the time was a wedding venue on Pinterest. What we saw after was a place built upon devastating tragedy," Reynolds said.
Technology
More Technology
Nintendo sales surge as COVID-wary homebound turn to gaming
Quarterly profits for the maker of Pokemon, Super Mario and Animal Crossing have soared more than 600% since last year.
Facebook, Twitter remove Trump video over false COVID-19 claims
A recent study from South Korea showed children ages 10-19 can spread the coronavirus at least as well as adults can.
Facebook launches Instagram Reels to lure TikTok users
New Instagram option will let users record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio and visual effects.
"It's easy for anyone" to spread disinformation, expert warns
The U.S. needs a "joined-up government response" to disinformation, author Nina Jankowicz said.
Astronauts describe thrilling SpaceX splashdown
With a piloted test flight complete, NASA hopes to certify the SpaceX capsule for operational missions.
Science
More Science
Substance behind Beirut blasts was used in Oklahoma City bombing
Ammonium nitrate is an odorless crystalline substance that has caused numerous industrial explosions over the decades.
Weather experts issue most threatening hurricane forecast yet
Labeling the 2020 hurricane season "extremely active," meteorologists are now predicting so many named storms they may run out of letters of the alphabet.
Ex-Google engineer sent to prison for stealing robocar secrets
Levandowski accused of wanting to "be seen as the singular inventor of the self-driving car, the way Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing the telephone."
Astronauts describe thrilling SpaceX splashdown
With a piloted test flight complete, NASA hopes to certify the SpaceX capsule for operational missions.
SpaceX launches Starship prototype on dramatic test flight
The Starship test rocket's single Raptor engine boosted the vehicle into the sky above Boca Chica, Texas, atop a plume of flaming exhaust and billowing clouds of smoke.
Health
More Health
116 students quarantined after start of school in Mississippi town
Each day this week, Corinth School District has reported an uptick in coronavirus cases in its schools.
19 dead from virus at Texas nursing home; 24 staffers infected
"This harrowing development speaks to the severity of this pandemic," said Yolanda Ford, the mayor of Missouri City, Texas.
Facebook, Twitter remove Trump video over false COVID-19 claims
A recent study from South Korea showed children ages 10-19 can spread the coronavirus at least as well as adults can.
Moderna's virus vaccine costs far more than rival treatments
Drugmaker is charging $32 to $37 for initial doses, more than triple the cost of other vaccines being tested.
Los Angeles to cut water and power to homes hosting large parties
The announcement comes hours after the city introduced a motion to increase penalties for property owners who hold large house parties in violation of public health orders.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
New Mexico oil boom towns hope worst is over
In Artesia, one in 5 workers were directly employed by oil and gas companies. Businesses that provide services for the industry have also seen revenues dry up.
Nintendo sales surge as COVID-wary homebound turn to gaming
Quarterly profits for the maker of Pokemon, Super Mario and Animal Crossing have soared more than 600% since last year.
SEC reportedly zooms in on Kodak loan disclosure
Stock surge followed by announcement of lucrative pharma deal reportedly prompts SEC investigation into inside trading
Facebook launches Instagram Reels to lure TikTok users
New Instagram option will let users record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio and visual effects.
SEC investigating hotels criticized for taking Paycheck loans
Hotel group run by Dallas entrepreneur Monty Bennett faces securities probe over "related-party transactions."
Crime
More Crime
Teens arrested after jumping Mar-a-Lago wall with loaded AK-47
Mar-a-Lago has been the scene of several intrusions since Trump became president in 2017.
FBI searches California home of YouTube star Jake Paul
Misdemeanor charges against Paul stemming from a June incident in Arizona were dropped, but police said they may refile pending the outcome of a federal investigation.
Feds charge 11 MS-13 members with sex trafficking 13-year-old girl
The 13-year-old victim was beaten twice with a baseball bat, and was abused by several members and associates of MS-13 over nearly two months.
Commission stalls on amendment to dismantle Minneapolis PD
The Charter Commission had expressed concern that the process to change the city's charter was being rushed.
Police bodycam video shows witness becoming murder suspect
"We had sex, obviously." A woman stuns police when she tells them what she did with a boyfriend, just hours before witnessing her husband's murder.
Space
More Space
Astronauts describe thrilling SpaceX splashdown
With a piloted test flight complete, NASA hopes to certify the SpaceX capsule for operational missions.
SpaceX launches Starship prototype on dramatic test flight
The Starship test rocket's single Raptor engine boosted the vehicle into the sky above Boca Chica, Texas, atop a plume of flaming exhaust and billowing clouds of smoke.
Astronauts talk about their SpaceX mission
NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley held a news conference after their return from the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, the first commercial spacecraft to carry astronauts into orbit. Watch a portion of their remarks.
How to watch the Perseids, the best meteor shower of the year
One of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year is about to peak.
SpaceX splashdown marks a milestone
When the SpaceX "Endeavour" capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday afternoon, it marked the successful end of the first U.S. commercial manned space mission. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood joins CBSN's Lana Zak with details on the historic day, which had been 10 years in the making.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
"Murder hornet" spotted in the United States
Growing up to two inches long, this killer insect can decapitate 40 honeybees per minute.
Fast food capitals of America, ranked
These cities have endless fast food options... want fries with that?
New on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu and More
Shows and movies you'll want to stream soon.
Best movies streaming right now on Netflix
Looking for something fresh to watch? These are the top films available on the streaming platform.
Kelsey Berreth murder: Crime scene evidence photos
Krystal Lee shows investigators where she says she was told to clean up the crime scene after Patrick Frazee beat Kelsey Berreth to death with a baseball bat
Popular
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Popular
Growing pains for legal weed in California
When voters legalized marijuana three years ago, advocates said illegal operations would be pushed out and the state would make hundreds of millions in tax revenue. So far, those dreams have not panned out. Sharyn Alfonsi reports.
White House and Congress fail to reach new stimulus deal
Despite hours of negotiating early Saturday, the White House and Congress failed to reach a new stimulus deal despite millions of Americans facing possible evictions and other financial obligations. Nikole Killion reports.
Pandemia: Latinos in Crisis
These are the stories of disparity, inequity and leadership in the Latino community amid the coronavirus pandemic. Maria Elena Salinas hosts “Pandemia: Latinos in Crisis,” a CBS News special.
California wildfires force evacuations
Blazing wildfires attributed to scorching temperatures are ripping through Southern California. At least 200 homes have been evacuated as hundreds of firefighters are on the ground battling the flames.
Inside Lalibela, the mysterious holy site
In the northern highlands of Ethiopia stand 11 churches that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church says were built by angels. Scott Pelley reports.