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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.
CBS Boise chief meteorologist Roland Steadham killed in plane crash
Roland Steadham and one other person were aboard a small plane that crashed into the icy Payette River on Tuesday.
Details emerge about victims killed in private jet crash in Maine
The victims in a private jet crash in Bangor, Maine, include a Texas mother who had been planning her daughter's wedding and a chef from Hawaii.
Texas man slated to be first person executed in U.S. this year, for double murder
A Texas man is slated to be first person executed in U.S. this year, for killing his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. At one point he escaped for three days.
NASA plane makes belly landing at Texas airport, video shows
Video shows the NASA WB-57 plane touching down with a jolt, its wings bouncing as yellow fire and white smoke bursts from beneath it.
Former law enforcement trainer sees "unanswered questions" in Alex Pretti's shooting
A former federal law enforcement trainer says the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers raises serious concerns about their tactical decision-making and use of force.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Amazon slashing some 16,000 jobs in its latest layoff round
Amazon is cutting about 16,000 jobs after eliminating some 14,000 in October.
Yale to offer free tuition to families who earn less than $200,000 a year
Yale joins Harvard, MIT and other top universities that have eliminated tuition for households with modest income.
Pinterest cites AI in laying off 15% of workforce
Pinterest is cutting costs to create more cash flow for AI-focused roles and AI‑powered products, the company said in a filing Tuesday.
Here's what to expect at the Fed's first interest rate meeting of 2026
Jerome Powell will announce the central bank's next interest rate decision on Jan. 28 amid political and legal turmoil involving the Fed.
Amazon is closing its Amazon Fresh grocery and Go convenience stores
Amazon acknowledged it hasn't yet "created a truly distinctive customer experience" in announcing move to scale back its brick-and-mortar grocery business.
Politics
More Politics
Former law enforcement trainer sees "unanswered questions" in Alex Pretti's shooting
A former federal law enforcement trainer says the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers raises serious concerns about their tactical decision-making and use of force.
Watch Live: Rubio testifes about Venezuela at Senate hearing today
The hearing will be the first chance for lawmakers to publicly question the secretary of state about the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the future of the country.
DOJ says it will finish releasing Epstein files soon, but doesn't offer timeline
Top Justice Department officials said Tuesday they expect to finish reviewing and publishing files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein soon, but cannot provide a specific timeline.
Man sprays Rep. Ilhan Omar with unknown substance at town hall
Rep. Ilhan Omar was calling for the abolishment of ICE and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign when a man sitting in the front row rushed up and sprayed her. He was arrested and Omar was not injured, police said.
One of Alex Pretti's final ICU patients says terrorism claims "broke my heart"
Alex Pretti, the man fatally shot Saturday by Border Patrol officers, was a nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he worked with the sickest of the sick in the ICU.
HealthWatch
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South Carolina measles outbreak now larger than Texas' in 2025, new data shows
South Carolina's measles outbreak has grown to include 789 cases. A West Texas outbreak last year sickened 762 people.
Trump policies at odds with emerging understanding of COVID's long-term harm
Studies offer insights into the health risks and burdens faced by people who have had COVID infections. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has narrowed COVID vaccine recommendations and cut research.
Pediatrics group releases vaccine recommendations, breaks with CDC
The AAP is recommending immunization against 18 diseases. Earlier this month, the CDC reduced its recommendations for childhood vaccines to 11 diseases.
Academy of Pediatrics vaccine reccomendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its own recommendations for childhood vaccinations Monday. The list differs significantly from the reduced vaccine schedule released earlier this month by the CDC. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York City, joins CBS News to discuss.
Winter storm brings warnings about heart attack risk of shoveling snow
Cardiologists say shoveling snow can increase a person's risk of experiencing a heart attack.
World
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Trump warns Iran to make a nuclear deal, threatening new U.S. attack
Suggesting Iran could suffer the same fate as Venezuela, Trump warns Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear agreement, or face "major destruction."
Would-be assassin of Iranian dissident set for sentencing in Manhattan
Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad Will confront a man who was involved in a murder-for-hire plot against her at his sentencing in federal court in Manhattan.
French ex-senator found guilty of drugging lawmaker to assault her
The trial comes months after the landmark drugging-and-rape case that turned Gisèle Pelicot into a global icon of the fight against sexual violence.
Iranian man describes surviving deadly protest crackdown
Amid an ongoing internet blackout in Iran, one man was able to get through and speak with CBS News, describing what he said was a massacre of anti-government protesters in early January.
Families of 2 men killed in Caribbean boat strike sue U.S. government
The families of two Trinidadian men who were killed in a boat strike sued the U.S. government, arguing the "premeditated and intentional killings lack any plausible legal justification."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Natalia Lafourcade reflects on music career
Natalia Lafourcade is the most awarded woman in Latin Grammy history with 20 awards. This year, she's up for best Latin pop album at the Grammys, which would be her fifth Grammy if she wins. Lafourcade spoke to Anthony Mason about her music journey and rise to fame.
Ye, formerly Kanye West, reveals brain injury, apologizes for antisemitic remarks
In a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, revealed that the right frontal lobe of his brain was injured in a car accident 25 years ago.
Sundance Film Festival leaving Park City, Utah
After more than 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival is leaving its longtime host of Park City, Utah, and heading to Boulder, Colorado. Sarah Horbacewicz reports.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton, the original supermodel
As the face of Revlon, Lauren Hutton – called a "believable beauty" – became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks about her adventurous life of no regrets.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second."
Technology
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Technology
Newsom launches probe into TikTok
The new American version of TikTok is under scrutiny as some users claim the app is suppressing anti-ICE or anti-Trump content. Now, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching an investigation into the complaints. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady reports.
Social media addiction case begins
A jury selection began on Tuesday in a landmark trial over alleged social media addiction. TikTok reached a late-night agreement Monday to settle the case. Stuart Benjamin, a professor at Duke Law School, breaks it down.
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.
Meta, YouTube still slated to go to trial
Tuesday marks the start of a landmark trial in a lawsuit claiming that social media companies are using addictive technology to hook children. TikTok, one of the giants being sued in this case, just agreed to settle and avoid the courtroom. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and BBC Technology correspondent Lily Jamali have more.
TikTok settles ahead of landmark case
TikTok settled a lawsuit ahead of the landmark California case set to begin over social media addiction. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more details.
Science
More Science
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
New details in shooting of Indiana judge
Authorities say the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife in their home was a gang attack and a planned assassination attempt. Five people were arrested last week and charged in the shooting. Jericka Duncan reports.
Government report on Alex Pretti shooting
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection report shared with Congress does not mention Alex Pretti reaching for his firearm before he was killed, as alleged by Trump administration officials. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports.
Man arrested after charging at Rep. Omar
A man charged at Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Also, a government report sent to Congress reveals more details about the Border Patrol shooting of Alex Pretti. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Texas man slated to be first person executed in U.S. this year, for double murder
A Texas man is slated to be first person executed in U.S. this year, for killing his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. At one point he escaped for three days.
Would-be assassin of Iranian dissident set for sentencing in Manhattan
Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad Will confront a man who was involved in a murder-for-hire plot against her at his sentencing in federal court in Manhattan.
Space
More Space
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Another government shutdown deadline nears
The recent fatal shooting in Minnesota may impact the outcome of the legislative process to keep the government funded. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
New details in shooting of Indiana judge
Authorities say the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife in their home was a gang attack and a planned assassination attempt. Five people were arrested last week and charged in the shooting. Jericka Duncan reports.
Government report on Alex Pretti shooting
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection report shared with Congress does not mention Alex Pretti reaching for his firearm before he was killed, as alleged by Trump administration officials. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports.
Man in Iran speaks out over protests
A protester inside Iran is speaking out about the anti-government demonstrations and calling for President Trump and the U.S. to help. Ramy Inocencio reports.
Iranian man describes massacre after protests
A man who witnessed the Iranian response to anti-government protests described the gruesome scene and his hopes for the future of Iran. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.