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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.
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Lionel Richie hospitalized after weekend show in latest health concern
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
Whistleblower warns Postal Service's mail ballot portal is "rushed," "untested"
The whistleblower, described by lawyers as a federal official, disclosed information about the Postal Service's new mail-voting procedures to Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
St. Louis becomes the latest battleground in fight over data centers
"We have to be very careful about where and how we install these large data centers," said Kasey Fowler-Finn, a biologist at St. Louis University, who is among a group suing to halt a data center development.
Guilty verdict in 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, was charged with murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang in Shakur's death.
3 friends went hiking in the Grand Canyon. 1 died, 2 were reported missing.
At least two people were killed after flash floods swept through parts of Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend.
MoneyWatch
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E&Y to award $100 million in bonuses for workers who show people skills
Management consulting firm EY said it will reward employees who demonstrate human skills, such as business acumen and judgment.
Trump inks deal with 9 pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs
The White House said the agreements will reduce costs to treat Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease and other illnesses.
FTC and 22 states sue Amazon over alleged secret ad surcharge scheme
Regulators allege that sellers and brands were overcharged by tens of billions of dollars through secretly inflated ad prices.
Will Trump's Venezuela oil deal ease U.S. gas prices?
The deal involves developing 17 strategic oil fields in Venezuela, an undertaking that experts said could take years.
Kalshi bans ex-congressman George Santos for life after suspicious trades
George Santos faces a lifetime ban from Kalshi after failing to cooperate with the prediction market's investigation into his alleged unlawful trades.
Politics
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Whistleblower warns Postal Service's mail ballot portal is "rushed," "untested"
The whistleblower, described by lawyers as a federal official, disclosed information about the Postal Service's new mail-voting procedures to Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
Mass. primary features Markey vs. Moulton and more key races
Massachusetts is holding its 2026 primary election on Tuesday, with the ballot featuring a Senate race between Ed Markey and Seth Moulton.
The market forces quietly adding thousands to patient bills
The true cost of "vertical integration": Patients directed to a higher-priced location for procedures. Or forced to buy from their insurer's wholly owned pharmacy, which may not stock the drug prescribed or provide it at the lowest price.
U.S.-Venezuela oil deal will rely on North American Blue Energy Partners
The Trump administration's plan to take a stake in tens of billions of barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves will hinge on a private company called North American Blue Energy Partners, the White House announced Monday.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigning after friction with Hegseth
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is resigning, the White House confirmed.
HealthWatch
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The market forces quietly adding thousands to patient bills
The true cost of "vertical integration": Patients directed to a higher-priced location for procedures. Or forced to buy from their insurer's wholly owned pharmacy, which may not stock the drug prescribed or provide it at the lowest price.
Trump inks deal with 9 pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs
The White House said the agreements will reduce costs to treat Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease and other illnesses.
Man with sinus infection symptoms diagnosed with heart condition
Marc Gaudisosi thought his symptoms were caused by a sinus infection. Then an urgent care told him to go to the hospital.
Juul can sell updated e-cigarette with age-verification system, FDA says
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
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.
World
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First on CBS
American among thousands missing in Nepal contacted, officials say
Nepali officials tell CBS News they have contacted a U.S. national among the more than 4,000 people still missing in the wake of the deadly flash floods.
U.S.-Venezuela oil deal will rely on North American Blue Energy Partners
The Trump administration's plan to take a stake in tens of billions of barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves will hinge on a private company called North American Blue Energy Partners, the White House announced Monday.
Lionel Messi says he is retiring from the Argentina national soccer team
Lionel Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to win the tournament in 2022 in Qatar.
Spectator calls low stadium flyover a top life moment: "Amazing"
An extremely low flyover above a rugby stadium in South Africa has left many people asking: How low is too low?
Families of those missing after Nepal floods struggle to cling to hope as death toll passes 1,000
As the death toll from the Nepal floods passes 1000, Americans with loved ones among the nearly 4,000 people missing are still hoping for miracles.
Entertainment
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Lionel Richie hospitalized after weekend show in latest health concern
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
John Galliano's Met Gala exhibit canceled
John Galliano's exhibit for the 2027 Met Gala has been canceled after weeks of backlash over his past antisemitic and racist comments. CBS News fashion contributor Lauren Sherman reports.
Jury finds Davis guilty in 1996 murder of Tupac
A Las Vegas jury on Monday found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Closing arguments in Tupac Shakur murder trial
The jury heard closing arguments Monday in the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the man accused of orchestrating the shooting that killed rapper Tupac Shakur. Celebrity attorney Chris Melcher joins to discuss the case.
John Galliano's Met Gala exhibit canceled
John Galliano's 2027 Met Gala exhibit has been canceled, both he and the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced Monday, following weeks of scrutiny for his past antisemitic and racist remarks.
Technology
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St. Louis becomes the latest battleground in fight over data centers
"We have to be very careful about where and how we install these large data centers," said Kasey Fowler-Finn, a biologist at St. Louis University, who is among a group suing to halt a data center development.
Data center controversy grips St. Louis
Tech companies pour trillions of dollars into new data centers, the backbone of the AI boom. But many communities across the U.S. are rejecting them. A recent Gallup poll found that more than 70% of Americans don't want data centers in their area. St. Louis is in the middle of the national fight, and Tony Dokoupil takes a visit.
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.
A look at data centers' public image
Residents in Southaven, Mississippi, told CBS News reporter Lauren Fitchen that their local AI data center is causing noise and air pollution, and they are working to fight back. Greg Matusky, the owner and founder of public relations agency Gregory, which works with AI companies to try to improve their public image, joins CBS News to discuss.
FTC and 22 states sue Amazon over alleged secret ad surcharge scheme
Regulators allege that sellers and brands were overcharged by tens of billions of dollars through secretly inflated ad prices.
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
Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of Tupac murder
Duane "Keffe D" Davis was found guilty of orchestrating the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur and could face life in prison. Trial lawyer and former prosecutor Mark Eiglarsh shares his thoughts on the case.
Jury finds Davis guilty in 1996 murder of Tupac
A Las Vegas jury on Monday found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Times Square stabbing victim and suspect dead
One of the two people stabbed in Times Square on Monday has died, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says. The suspect is also dead after being shot by police.
Guilty verdict in 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 63, was charged with murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang in Shakur's death.
Police shooting in Times Square
Warning: Disturbing footage. NYPD officers opened fire on a woman allegedly wielding at least one knife in Times Square on Monday. Tom Hanson reports from New York City.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
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.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Supreme Court allows White House ballroom
The Supreme Court voted 5-4 on Monday to allow White House ballroom construction to continue, halting a lower court's ruling that tried to temporarily halt work on the 90,000-square-foot space. Nancy Cordes reports.
Driscoll resigns after Hegseth tensions
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation directly to President Trump after months of friction with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of Tupac murder
Duane "Keffe D" Davis was found guilty of orchestrating the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur and could face life in prison. Trial lawyer and former prosecutor Mark Eiglarsh shares his thoughts on the case.
Search deepens for missing Grand Canyon hiker
At least two people were killed in flash flooding in the Grand Canyon over the weekend and one person is still missing, officials said, as search efforts intensify Tuesday. Matt Gutman reports.
Eye Opener: Grand Canyon hiker search
The search continues for a missing Grand Canyon hiker after major flash floods. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Edouard threatens Texas and Louisiana. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.