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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.
Duffy on AI replacing air traffic controllers: "That's not gonna happen"
"Am I gonna replace a controller and have AI manage the airspace? The answer to that is hell no, that's not gonna happen," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CBS News.
Exclusive
Parents of slain Loyola student Sheridan Gorman say, "We've got to make changes"
Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola freshman, was shot and killed in Chicago last month and an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela is under arrest.
Louisiana shooting exposes "dangerous gaps" in domestic violence, gun laws
After the mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, advocates are urging policymakers to reform domestic violence and gun control legislation.
Contract reveals fundraising deal for Trump's East Wing overhaul
The agreement, which was signed this fall, ensures donor anonymity, establishes a fee structure and institutes a ban on foreign contributions.
Florida opens criminal probe over ChatGPT's alleged role in FSU shooting
Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI after reviewing conversation logs between ChatGPT and a Florida State University student accused of killing two people last year.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Meta failed to protect social media users from scam ads, lawsuit alleges
The Consumer Federation of America accused Meta of allowing scam advertisements to "proliferate on its platforms."
UPS, FedEx and DHL file for tariff refunds. What it means for consumers.
Shippers have pledged to share refunds with customers who paid tariffs once the government issues refunds.
Will gas dip below $3 a gallon this year? Here's what experts think.
It could take months for U.S. gas prices to recede to their level before the outbreak of war in Iran, economists and energy experts say.
Kevin Warsh testifies that the Fed will remain "strictly independent"
Warsh, nominated by President Trump to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, also said he'll work with the White House on some matters.
Who will run the Federal Reserve if the Senate doesn't confirm Trump's pick?
President Trump is fighting to reshape the Federal Reserve by replacing Chair Jerome Powell with Kevin Warsh — but if the Senate doesn't confirm Warsh by next month, it's not clear who will run the nation's central bank.
Politics
More Politics
Virginia voters approve new congressional map favoring Democrats, CBS News projects
Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a new congressional map that would give Democrats an advantage in 10 House districts, leaving just one safe Republican seat, CBS News projects.
Duffy on AI replacing air traffic controllers: "That's not gonna happen"
"Am I gonna replace a controller and have AI manage the airspace? The answer to that is hell no, that's not gonna happen," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CBS News.
Contract reveals fundraising deal for Trump's East Wing overhaul
The agreement, which was signed this fall, ensures donor anonymity, establishes a fee structure and institutes a ban on foreign contributions.
Lawmakers demand answers at hearing on hospice fraud
Congress asks experts, advocates and victims how to combat hospice fraud, after a CBS News investigation uncovered widespread signs of potential fraud in California.
Trump extends ceasefire in Iran indefinitely
President Trump said he's extending the ceasefire until Iran has submitted a proposal in talks with the U.S. "and discussions are concluded."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
World
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Trump says U.K.'s Starmer can "recover" as Epstein scandal hits him again
Trump says British leader Keir Starmer has "time to recover" from the latest scandal over his decision to tap an Epstein associate as his U.S. ambassador.
Iran war shows "era of fossil fuel security is over," says U.K energy secretary
President Trump recently encouraged the U.K. to "drill baby, drill" in the oil-rich North Sea.
NATO intercepts Russian bombers and fighter jets over Baltic Sea
The Russian mission included two supersonic Tu-22M3s, as well as about 10 fighters, the French detachment said.
Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members
Nearly 500 alleged MS-13 members, including several alleged leaders, are on trial collectively in El Salvador, accused of thousands of murders.
Live
Trump extends ceasefire as uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace talks remains
With a two-week ceasefire set to expire and Iran balking at the resumption of peace talks, President Trump said he would be extending the deadline to allow for Iran to "come up with a unified proposal."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Vinyl record sales continue resurgence
New data shows interest in vinyl records is only getting stronger, with social media and and special releases from artists like Taylor Swift helping drive the trend. Jarred Hill has more.
Opening statements in Weinstein rape retrial
Opening statements have concluded in Harvey Weinstein's New York rape retrial. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
D4vd charged with murder in14-year-old's death
Singer D4vd appeared in court Monday, hours after prosecutors announced he would be charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Matt Gutman reports.
Details on charges against D4vd in teen's death
Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged singer D4vd in the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car last year. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman has the details.
What to know on the "Matlock" season finale
"Matlock" stars Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter join CBS News with more clues ahead of the show's season finale.
Technology
More Technology
Duffy on AI replacing air traffic controllers: "That's not gonna happen"
"Am I gonna replace a controller and have AI manage the airspace? The answer to that is hell no, that's not gonna happen," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CBS News.
John Ternus to become Apple CEO
Tim Cook announced he would be stepping down as Apple CEO on Monday. Jo Ling Kent reports on John Ternus, the mechanical engineer preparing to take the wheel.
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.
Where does Apple go after Tim Cook?
Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down in September after 15 years at the helm of the company. CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue joins to discuss Cook's legacy and where Apple's future could lead.
Florida opens criminal probe over ChatGPT's alleged role in FSU shooting
Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI after reviewing conversation logs between ChatGPT and a Florida State University student accused of killing two people last year.
Science
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Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
Crime
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Crime
DOJ charges Southern Poverty Law Center with fraud
The Justice Department on Tuesday announced fraud charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center over its nonprofit investigations into extremist groups. CBS News justice reporter Jake Rosen has the details.
New details about Mexican pyramid shooting
Mexican authorities say a gunman atop the Pyramid of the Moon, one of Mexico's most popular archaeological sites, shot at tourists and taunted first responders on Monday. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman reports on the new details.
Louisiana shooting exposes "dangerous gaps" in domestic violence, gun laws
After the mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, advocates are urging policymakers to reform domestic violence and gun control legislation.
FBI investigating missing staff at labs
The FBI is investigating possible connections in the cases of 10 missing or dead scientists and staff who worked at sensitive nuclear or space technology laboratories. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Florida opens criminal probe over ChatGPT's alleged role in FSU shooting
Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI after reviewing conversation logs between ChatGPT and a Florida State University student accused of killing two people last year.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Lawmakers on Cherfilus-McCormick resignation
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned on Tuesday, minutes before her House Ethics hearing to determine whether she should be sanctioned for allegations of theft and other misconduct. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill shared their reaction.
Vinyl record sales continue resurgence
New data shows interest in vinyl records is only getting stronger, with social media and and special releases from artists like Taylor Swift helping drive the trend. Jarred Hill has more.
Starting over with a divorce gift registry
Gift registries are common for baby showers and weddings, but now people are turning to them for one of life's toughest moments. Evyn Moon looks at the growing trend of divorce registries.
2026 expected to be bad year for ticks
The 2026 outlook for ticks shows cases of Lyme disease are expected to rise and the CDC is reporting the most weekly emergency room visits for tick bites, for this time of year, in at least a decade. Bradley Blackburn has more on how you can protect yourself.
What is "nuclear dust"?
Over the past several days, President Trump has made multiple statements on the U.S. goal to seize Iran's "nuclear dust." "The Daily Report" dives into what the president means by "nuclear dust" and how much Iran has. Will Todman, the chief of staff of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department at CSIS, has more analysis.