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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.
OpenAI agent accessed government website data after going rogue, company reveals
The disclosure comes at a time of heightened concern over AI agents acting outside of human control.
TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
Twin doctors who grew up in poverty returned to their hometown to co-run an ER
Drs. Travan and Travis Jasper, identical twins, are co-directors of the emergency department at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, the city where they grew up in poverty.
Nor'easter brings powerful winds, severe flooding to the East Coast
Tens of millions of people are in the path of the storm, which has canceled flights, concerts and sporting events.
Supreme Court again blocks Missouri's new House map that favored GOP
The Supreme Court said in an unsigned decision that ordering Missouri to restore its 2025 map "would usher in electoral chaos."
MoneyWatch
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TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
How GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are changing fast-food menus
Chipotle, McDonald's and Shake Shack are among the restaurant chains revamping their menus as more consumers go on weight-loss drugs.
Ready or not, here come the AI gadgets, from "charms" to smart speakers
Meta, Microsoft and other major tech companies are developing a range of AI products for consumers, from wearables to speakers.
Facebook found liable for deceiving users in Cambridge Analytica case
The two-week trial in New Mexico centered on accusations Facebook deceived users about a data breach.
Soaring U.S. diesel prices slam local communities as fuel costs surge
The surge in diesel prices this year is putting a financial squeeze on schools, farms and small businesses around the U.S.
Politics
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Exclusive
The story behind the first CIA officers in Afghanistan after 9/11
Twenty-five years ago, a Soviet-designed helicopter crossed the mountains of Afghanistan with the first CIA officers sent into the country after 9/11, the opening move in what would later become America's longest war.
Trump cancels nearly $1 billion in spending, a move some lawmakers called illegal
President Trump moved to cancel almost $1 billion in spending that was approved by Congress, marking the second time his administration has employed a rarely used tactic that some lawmakers in both parties have called illegal.
Transcript: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of the interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian airing on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sept. 27, 2026.
Iranian President Pezeshkian talks about proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, who is also a physician, says he has visited Iran's supreme leader twice and talked with CBS News' Margaret Brennan about Mojtaba Khamenei's health.
Supreme Court again blocks Missouri's new House map that favored GOP
The Supreme Court said in an unsigned decision that ordering Missouri to restore its 2025 map "would usher in electoral chaos."
HealthWatch
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Teen's headache reveals family health risk: "Saving people's lives"
Minutes into a run, Caroline McCaffrey was struck with a massive headache. The resulting medical journey would reveal a family risk for a dangerous condition.
Will an FDA crackdown curb access to cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
The FDA has warned a major compounding pharmacy that it violated federal law by making copies of blockbuster weight-loss drugs in "inordinate amounts."
Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
First on CBS
JB Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use, pressed on possible presidential run
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed to "CBS Mornings" that for the last two years he has been using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
World
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Exclusive
The story behind the first CIA officers in Afghanistan after 9/11
Twenty-five years ago, a Soviet-designed helicopter crossed the mountains of Afghanistan with the first CIA officers sent into the country after 9/11, the opening move in what would later become America's longest war.
4 American tourists dead after building explosion in Greece
The mayor of Athens said the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak.
Transcript: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of the interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian airing on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sept. 27, 2026.
Iranian President Pezeshkian talks about proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian, who is also a physician, says he has visited Iran's supreme leader twice and talked with CBS News' Margaret Brennan about Mojtaba Khamenei's health.
A U.S. doctor survived a deadly strike in Gaza. Why he plans to go back.
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa was working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis when an Israeli strike hit the surgical unit he was in.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended interview: Stavros Halkias
Comedian Stavros Halkias speaks with Nate Burleson about his latest standup special, his hit show "Tires," his role in the Anthony Bourdain biopic, "Tony," and more.
2026 MTV VMAs: What to watch for
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will be held this weekend with Snoop Dogg carrying out hosting duties. "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent Denny Directo joins CBS News for a preview.
The New York Film Festival returns with obsessions, deceptions and monsters
Challenging documentaries and award-winning features are among the offerings of New York City's leading cinema event, starring such luminaries as Pedro Pascal, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Godzilla.
Book excerpt: "The Steps" by Sylvester Stallone
In his memoir, the actor writes of his early struggles, leading to writing his screenplay for the Oscar-winning hit "Rocky."
Ziggy Marley on dad Bob Marley's legacy
Jamaican musician Ziggy Marley shares memories of his father, Bob Marley, and discusses his new children's book, "True to Myself."
Technology
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TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
Court sides with Pentagon in Anthropic case
The growing concerns over the safety of artificial intelligence and the speed of its development have many calling for government regulation. Recently, President Trump said he plans to appoint an adviser and create an AI force. J.B. Branch, director of federal AI governance and technology policy at Public Citizen, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Takeaways as Xi wraps state visit with Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the U.S. wrapped up on Friday, with no deal announced on artificial intelligence, though he is set to meet with President Trump twice more before the end of the year. Weijia Jiang has more.
Software developer on the AI alignment problem
News broke this week that a rogue artificial intelligence agent hacked Australia's health care database, and no notice was given for months. Matt Calkins, CEO and co-founder of Appian, which develops software to maximize AI integration, joins to unpack the week's AI headlines.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
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Tasia Fortune's hanging was "staged" after her death, police say
Authorities haven't disclosed the exact cause of Fortune's death, but they did rule it a homicide and have arrested two men.
Latest in trial of "American Idol" contestant
Former "American Idol" contestant and music pastor Caleb Flynn stands accused of murdering his wife. His former mistress, Alleigha Botner, testified in the trial. CBS News' Ian Lee has more details.
Minnesota sailor returns from USS Lincoln duty to find apartment ransacked
A Minnesota native who had been serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln for nearly 10 months came home to an upsetting surprise.
Pittsburgh doctor killed while he slept remembered as "a true angel on Earth"
Dr. Idris Evans, the Pittsburgh doctor killed in a violent home invasion, is being remembered for his kindness and compassion.
"American Idol" alum's ex-mistress testifies
Former "American Idol" contestant Caleb Flynn is on trial for allegedly killing his wife and staging an elaborate crime scene. Flynn's former mistress testified at the trial. Ian Lee has the latest details.
Space
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NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
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.
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
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
Trump and XI hold summit talks
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met this week as questions linger over the U.S. war in Iran, China's purchase of Iranian oil and the future of artificial intelligence development.
African American History museum turns 10
The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is marking a major milestone this week - celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Photojournalist Parrish Smith looks back at when the doors opened, takes us inside to see some current exhibitions, and makes a stop at the museum's Sweet Home Cafe.
The CIA in Afghanistan after 9/11
Saturday marks exactly 25 years since the first CIA officers entered Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11. Olivia Gazis got a rare look inside the mission to shore up the Northern Alliance as America prepared to go to war.
Extended interview: Stavros Halkias
Comedian Stavros Halkias speaks with Nate Burleson about his latest standup special, his hit show "Tires," his role in the Anthony Bourdain biopic, "Tony," and more.