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Medical Price Roulette
Man relieved of $1.7 mllion debt relief
An update on the story of Alexis Hernandez, who fought to survive after an explosion only to be hit with a $1.7 million medical debt for his treatment at a burn center in Brooke Army Medical center. While his debt was finally waived after the story and urgings of legislators, others with similar stories still face their huge medical bills. Anna Werner reports
COVID long-haulers may face financial hurdles
Some long-haulers suffering from long-term coronavirus symptoms are now facing financial challenges as well. Anna Werner spoke with several people who faced challenges getting disability and health care coverage.
Some Cologuard users hit with unexpected high bills after cancer test
"I am mad because I pay so much every month for this insurance," on Cologuard user told CBS News. "I just feel like I'm really getting raked over."
Man billed $1.7 million by government for life-saving burn treatment
"I never expected, never in my life to live through something like this," Alexis Hernandez told CBS News' Anna Werner.
Company pauses plan to send 9,000 back to office after pushback
Epic Systems, a medical records software company, "is going to have to adhere by the same rules as everyone else," a local official said.
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.
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.
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"
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
How to find out health care costs in advance
How much will that cost? Why did that cost so much? Always ask. Take notes, take names, take numbers
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
She needed two rounds of ultrasound exams. 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
Ways to save on health care costs
ClearHealthCosts offers some practical tips to help you beat back your health care costs
How to read a medical bill or explanation of benefits
An insurance company's "explanation of benefits" often confuses matters more
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
Appealing a claim denial, or how to turn "no" into "yes"
If your insurance company denied a treatment or a medication in advance, and you want help, here's where to start
10 steps for appealing a claim or bill
So you got a huge bill, and you're sure there's been a mistake. Here's a step-by-step course of action
CBS News investigates lack of transparency in health care prices
"Nothing about the United States' health care system really makes sense," one doctor said
Health
Baby formula supplies dwindle amid widening shortage
FDA working to boost formula supplies, with more than half of popular products out of stock in some U.S. states.
Omicron surge adds complications to U.S. economy
The spread of the Omicron variant is causing an additional complication to the U.S. economy, which is already struggling with high inflation and a supply chain crisis. And data shows nearly 9 million Americans were out of work in January because they were caring for someone with COVID-19 or being ill with the virus themselves. Joshua Hausman, associate professor of public policy and economics at the University Of Michigan and research associate at the National Bureau Of Economic Research, joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more.
FDA works to approve vaccines for kids under 5
The White House is now working to provide Americans with free N95 masks and at-home COVID-19 test kits. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the vaccines for kids under the age of 5. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Owais Durrani joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest efforts to combat the virus.
Kids' COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise
COVID-19 hospitalizations for children are climbing, with an average of more than 900 kids admitted a day. CBS News' Michael George reports, then Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
COVID-19 infections rising in kids
CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports on a rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases in communities like Kansas City, Missouri. Then Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at St. Joseph Health and a professor of medicine at New York Medical College, joins CBSN to discuss the latest on COVID-19.
COVID vaccines don't affect fertility, study finds
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 does not reduce the chances of getting pregnant, new research shows. Meanwhile, as the Omicron variant continues to strain hospitals, military troops are deploying to help. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on the pandemic response.
Omicron batters states with low vaccination rates
Thursday marks two years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on how the virus is impacting states with low vaccination rates, and the battle over masks in schools. Then, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anand Swaminathan joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
U.S. debuts site for free at-home COVID tests
Some hospitals are overwhelmed, facing an influx of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Pfizer says that its oral pill is showing efficacy against Omicron in lab tests. Dr. Jen Caudle joins CBSN to break down some of the latest coronavirus headlines.
Omicron continues to overwhelm U.S. hospitals
The Biden administration is planning to give out 400 million free N95 masks to Americans in the coming weeks as the coronavirus surge tightens its grip on hospitals in hard-hit areas of the country. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports from Missouri, where COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising among the unvaccinated. Then, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed
COVID-19 infections are continuing to surge in parts of the U.S. In North Carolina, recent data shows one in three people tested positive for the virus. And some local hospitals are struggling to keep up. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports from Charlotte.
U.S.
More U.S.
Trump signs executive order to create a U.S. Space Academy
"Space is the hot thing," President Trump said at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
David Booth pioneered index investing. Here's his advice for investors..
David Booth, the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, says the key to investing — and life — is to stay calm in the face of uncertainty.
Walmart settles opioid lawsuit brought by Justice Department
Walmart settled claims that it filled thousands of invalid prescriptions at its pharmacies at the height of the opioid epidemic.
Cattle ranchers express concern about boosting foreign beef imports
Trump administration plan to temporarily waive higher tariffs on beef imports has drawn backlash from U.S. cattle ranchers.
Younger workers are more scared of AI than older employees, survey finds
Employee attitudes toward AI are closely tied to their age and generational concerns, according to Glassdoor.
MoneyWatch
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David Booth pioneered index investing. Here's his advice for investors..
David Booth, the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, says the key to investing — and life — is to stay calm in the face of uncertainty.
Walmart settles opioid lawsuit brought by Justice Department
Walmart settled claims that it filled thousands of invalid prescriptions at its pharmacies at the height of the opioid epidemic.
Cattle ranchers express concern about boosting foreign beef imports
Trump administration plan to temporarily waive higher tariffs on beef imports has drawn backlash from U.S. cattle ranchers.
Younger workers are more scared of AI than older employees, survey finds
Employee attitudes toward AI are closely tied to their age and generational concerns, according to Glassdoor.
Fed will have "work to do" if inflation doesn't fade, Warsh says
Fed chief Kevin Warsh said in a closely watched speech that inflation remains a concern, while praising the broader U.S. economy.
Politics
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Trump signs executive order to create a U.S. Space Academy
"Space is the hot thing," President Trump said at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
ICE deports Venezuelan father from Texas to West Africa
Carlos Tellez Sanchez had worked at a car dealership in Dallas during the day and drove for Uber Eats at night to support his family.
Marine One has trouble communicating with air traffic control again
The incident happened about an hour after the National Transportation Safety Board released new details about a similar incident in early August.
U.S. military uses laser to shoot down 3 cartel drones at southern border, Pentagon says
The U.S. military this week used a laser to shoot down three drones along the U.S.-Mexico border that were allegedly operated by drug cartels, the Pentagon said.
Judge rules Trump administration illegally punished AI firm Anthropic
A judge barred the Trump administration from enforcing a set of rules aimed at cutting off Anthropic from the federal government, ruling the administration had unconstitutionally punished the AI company for protected speech.
HealthWatch
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2 airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane in Germany
Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.
Cyclospora outbreak tied to 3 more states, FDA says
U.S. officials have confirmed cases of a parasitic illness tied to lettuce in three more states: Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
FDA approves new pancreatic cancer drug that could extend patients' lives
Patients taking the first-of-a-kind pill, called daraxonrasib, lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients, studies showed.
Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
World
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ICE deports Venezuelan father from Texas to West Africa
Carlos Tellez Sanchez had worked at a car dealership in Dallas during the day and drove for Uber Eats at night to support his family.
Family says Virginia man missing in Nepal floods was "in his happy place"
Anil Goel sent his family in the U.S. a photo of his tour group at the Nepal-Tibet border just before the area was hit by a wall of mud and water.
2 airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane in Germany
Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.
Men buy museum tickets, then steal 200-carat diamond necklace
Police said the two men did not wear masks, paid to enter the museum and were clearly seen on surveillance cameras.
Tigers, jaguars, bison found in raid on fuel smugglers near U.S. border
Smuggling gasoline and diesel from the U.S. into Mexico and reselling it tax-free is a huge money-maker for organized crime gangs, including drug cartels.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Zac Brown shares memories of Dolly Parton
Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band joins "CBS Mornings" to reflect on his friendship with Dolly Parton and her enduring legacy.
Dolly Parton's sister praises generous nature
Tributes pour in for country music icon and humanitarian Dolly Parton. Thousands of fans signed a petition asking officials to name Nashville's airport after her. Plus, her family is sharing more information.
Exclusive look at Grand Theft Auto VI
Netflix is sharing a look at the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI, set to be released in November. Jordan Minor, a gaming writer at PCMag and author of "Video Game of the Year," joins "The Daily Report."
How Dolly Parton supported the Black community
Nashville historian David Ewing joins "The Daily Report" to break down how Dolly Parton used her royalties from Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" to uplift the Black community in the city.
Closing arguments in trial of man accused in Tupac's murder expected Monday
Both sides have rested in the murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who prosecutors allege orchestrated the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur.
Technology
More Technology
Younger workers are more scared of AI than older employees, survey finds
Employee attitudes toward AI are closely tied to their age and generational concerns, according to Glassdoor.
OpenAI, Anthropic warn AI cyberattacks could surge in coming months
Hospitals, technology firms and other companies could soon be at risk from AI-enabled cyberattacks, according to a new open letter from more than 100 signatories.
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.
Bill Gates' dire warning about AI
Microsoft founder and computer pioneer Bill Gates changed the world forever with his technological innovation. Now, Gates is warning that the development of artificial intelligence without strong oversight and regulation could threaten society as we know it. MIT professor Max Tegmark shares his concerns.
Meta settles social media addiction suit
A series of lawsuits accused tech giant Meta of purposefully designing social media apps to entice users and cause social media addiction. Meta will pay out $17 billion in a landmark settlement. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Science
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Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Crime
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Crime
Veteran describes the power of the outdoors
Alex Othmer, the founder and board president of Guardian Revival, joins CBS News with more on his mission to bring veterans and first responders outdoors to better support their mental health.
Lindsay Clancy trial jurors have a question
The jurors in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial have a question for the judge, CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports. Also, legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe weighs in.
German man convicted for 1994 rape and murder of U.S. tourist
Amy Lopez, 24, was discovered by children and had stab wounds, severe head injuries and injuries consistent with strangling.
Lindsay Clancy trial jurors weigh charges
Jurors in the trial of Lindsay Clancy are deliberating after hearing days of testimony about the mother killing her three young children.
Breaking down Clancy trial closing arguments
The Lindsay Clancy murder trial is now in the jury's hands after closing arguments occurred in court. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe has more.
Space
More Space
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Duo team aims to inspire through racing
Amy and Jamie Shinneman plan to run their fifth marathon together in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 30 as part of their mission to race all eight Abbott World Marathon Majors. But what sets them apart from other individual runners is that they compete together as a team. Amy has Bethlem myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy, so Jamie pushes her in a racing wheelchair. They hope their story can inspire others with disabilities to chase big dreams, too.
Trump awards Artemis II crew
President Trump awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of Artemis II and announced the creation of a U.S. Space Academy on Friday. CBS News' Bill Harwood and Ed O'Keefe have more.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
CIA head assessed Russia's war: NYT
CIA Director John Ratcliffe delivered a dire assessment of Russia's war during his recent trip to Moscow, The New York Times reports. CBS News' national security contributor Joe Zacks has more on what we know.
Latest details on Iran war after 6 months
The Iran war continues as the U.S. navigates the prolonged conflict that President Trump first predicted would only last for six weeks. CBS News' Courtney Kealy reports.