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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.
DOJ tests limits of never-before-used court to deport suspected terrorist
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Before now, it had never been used.
Americans face higher back-to-school costs. Here's what's pricier.
U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.
Civil War-era artifact turns out to be live explosive, Texas officials say
The device was a live "parrot round," the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office said.
Trump meets with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu amid wars in Iran, Ukraine
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday.
Trump calls Graham "beloved friend" and "American original" in eulogy
President Trump delivered the eulogy for friend and ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly just a short time after visiting Ukraine earlier this month.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Americans face higher back-to-school costs. Here's what's pricier.
U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.
Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company says.
Taylor Farms CEO pressed by lawmaker over cyclospora outbreak
Rep. Robert Garcia is seeking information about whether Taylor Farms used White House ties to influence the federal response to the foodborne illness outbreak.
Amazon plans to deploy more than 5,000 satellites for new telecom service
Amazon Leo wants to launch a constellation of thousands of satellites to connect devices directly from space.
The biggest weather risk for homeowners? It's no longer hurricanes.
Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ tests limits of never-before-used court to deport suspected terrorist
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Before now, it had never been used.
Trump meets with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu amid wars in Iran, Ukraine
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday.
Trump calls Graham "beloved friend" and "American original" in eulogy
President Trump delivered the eulogy for friend and ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly just a short time after visiting Ukraine earlier this month.
Judge orders immigration officials to free key witness in deadly ICE shooting
A federal judge ordered U.S. immigration authorities to release a key witness in the fatal shooting of a Mexican homebuilder by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Houston.
Thune says of Lindsey Graham "I feel his absence every day" in Capitol ceremony
President Trump is delivering a eulogy for Sen. Lindsey Graham, his one-time opponent for the presidency and later, his close ally.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
Cyclospora outbreak impact on eating habits
Amid the outbreak of cyclospora, a CBS News poll finds 40% of Americans say they are buying or eating less produce. Nearly half of those polled say they have little or no confidence in the FDA to deal with the outbreak. Carter Evans reports.
Cyclospora boosts fears that deadlier foodborne outbreaks are ahead
Food safety experts say cuts to the public health system hobbled the response — and that the next outbreak could be much worse.
World
More World
Kenya investigates deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli National Park
The Kenya Wildlife Service said 10 of the elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying within two days.
Trump meets with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu amid wars in Iran, Ukraine
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday.
Woman murdered in 1936 and buried under building is finally identified
Police have finally identified the remains of a woman murdered nearly a century ago and buried beneath a building in Toronto.
Widow of murdered mayor arrested in extortion case in Mexico
Valentin Lavin, who was allied with President Claudia Sheinbaum's leftist party, was shot and killed during a town hall.
People trapped and injured after powerful earthquake strikes Japan
A powerful earthquake hit southern Japan, seriously damaging a shopping mall where there are reportedly many people trapped and some feared dead.
Entertainment
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William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
William Shatner, daughter on cancer journeys
Legendary actor William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch are opening up about their battles with Stage 4 cancer nearly at the same time as each other. Both are now cancer-free and share how they helped each other through the challenging time.
Ariana Grande sues alleged hackers
In a new lawsuit, Ariana Grande alleges unidentified hackers caused "irreparable harm" to her career and stole her unreleased music, photos and videos. She's asking the court to force internet providers to identify them.
"The Odyssey" movie sparking interest in book
Moviegoers are turning out in droves for the IMAX spectacle "The Odyssey," but they're also flocking to something else: the 2,700-year-old source material. Matt Gutman has more.
Comedian Jeff Arcuri talks new special
Comedian Jeff Arcuri became a sensation on social media after more than a decade of performing at comedy clubs. He talks about his debut stand-up special, "Jeff Arcuri: Nice to Meet You," his comedy reaching new audiences and a time when crowd work didn't go as expected.
Technology
More Technology
Amazon plans to deploy more than 5,000 satellites for new telecom service
Amazon Leo wants to launch a constellation of thousands of satellites to connect devices directly from space.
Theaters score with themed popcorn buckets
Bradley Blackburn visits gets a taste of the custom popcorn buckets from movies like "The Odyssey" that are driving fans crazy.
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.
Brands cash in on AI influencers
A growing number of faces on your feeds are generated by artificial intelligence, and brands are buying in. Increasingly, these AI influencers are marketing products, often deceptively, to consumers. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Science
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Science
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Tuesday sentenced Colt Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gray pleaded guilty to killing four people in the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has the latest.
Apalachee High School shooter sentenced to life without parole
Colt Gray, the teenager who admitted to killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
Police seek third Seattle shooting suspect
Seattle police are hunting for a third suspect being linked to a deadly shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
Extremism expert on Berlin Pride attack
Authorities say the suspect who attacked Berlin's Pride event was known to German police for other crimes. Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler of the Counter Extremism Project speaks on German efforts to monitor extremists, and CBS News' Bradley Blackburn takes a look at German data on hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people.
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Rand Paul releases Dr. Anthony Fauci diary
Dr. Anthony Fauci will appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday after Sen. Rand Paul released over a thousand pages of journal entries from Fauci's pandemic-era diary. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder joins CBS News to discuss.
Videos capture 7.1 magnitude quake in Japan
A deadly 7.1 magnitude earthquake rattled southern Japan on Tuesday, collapsing buildings and sparking fires. These videos show the moment the quake struck and the destruction it left behind.
Grenada officials on search for missing American
A friend of missing North Carolina woman Liz Waddell, last seen in the Caribbean, informed police of security footage showing the 44-year-old swimming off the coast of Grenada's capital. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides reports.
Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Tuesday sentenced Colt Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gray pleaded guilty to killing four people in the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has the latest.
Trump meets with Netanyahu, Zelenskyy
President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss a number of foreign policy issues ahead of Sen. Lindsey Graham's funeral, which both foreign leaders attended. CBS News' Natalie Brand has the details.