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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.
Hyundai recalls nearly 569,000 Palisade SUVs over faulty air bag
Side-curtain air bags in some Hyundai Palisade SUVs may not properly deploy during a crash, auto safety watchdog warns.
Senate to vote on advancing funding bills as Democrats push for ICE reforms
Democrats say they won't allow the funding package to move forward without reforms to immigration enforcement.
ICE ends enhanced immigration operations in Maine, Collins says
Maine Sen. Susan Collins said there are no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations in the state.
Dow to cut 4,500 jobs as it shifts to AI and automation
Dow's announcement comes after several other large corporations, from Amazon to UPS, said they plan to cut jobs.
AI poses bigger threat in jobs with more women, study finds
Workers in clerical and administrative roles could have the most trouble adapting to the impact of AI on jobs, new research shows.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Hyundai recalls nearly 569,000 Palisade SUVs over faulty air bag
Side-curtain air bags in some Hyundai Palisade SUVs may not properly deploy during a crash, auto safety watchdog warns.
Dow to cut 4,500 jobs as it shifts to AI and automation
Dow's announcement comes after several other large corporations, from Amazon to UPS, said they plan to cut jobs.
AI poses bigger threat in jobs with more women, study finds
Workers in clerical and administrative roles could have the most trouble adapting to the impact of AI on jobs, new research shows.
Bessent touts Trump Accounts as rainy day fund, slams critics as "out of touch"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the benefits of Trump Accounts and addressed affordability concerns in an interview with CBS News.
Bessent defends Powell probe: "Independence does not mean no accountability"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells CBS News that Federal Reserve officials must be "beyond reproach" in communicating with the public.
Politics
More Politics
Senate to vote on advancing funding bills as Democrats push for ICE reforms
Democrats say they won't allow the funding package to move forward without reforms to immigration enforcement.
ICE ends enhanced immigration operations in Maine, Collins says
Maine Sen. Susan Collins said there are no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations in the state.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar announces run for Minnesota governor
Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Thursday launched her campaign to be Minnesota's next governor, a surprise twist in the race for the top job in the state as it experiences an unprecedented immigration enforcement operation that's ignited a national debate.
Families adopting internationally face more hurdles with Trump's latest travel bans
Unlike earlier travel bans, President Trump's latest restrictions on travel from dozens of countries make no categorical exception for adoption-related visas.
Noem can't end protections for Venezuelans in U.S., federal appeals court rules
A federal appeals court said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem acted illegally when she ended legal protections giving hundreds of thousands of people from Venezuela permission to live and work in the U.S.
HealthWatch
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Life expectancy in U.S. hit record high of 79 years in 2024, CDC says
U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 - the highest mark in American history. But the U.S. still ranks below dozens of other countries.
Gerber recalls some arrowroot biscuits over potential plastic, paper pieces
The recall affects several batches of the 5.5-ounce Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits, the FDA said.
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.
World
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Indonesian couple caned for sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol
The Sharia police chief in Indonesia's Banda Aceh province is unapologetic about the latest canings, imposed for behavior he said, "tarnishes our name."
Small plane crash in Colombia kills all 15 passengers, including lawmaker
Authorities say a small plane has crashed in a rural area of Norte de Santander province in northeast Colombia, killing all 15 people on board.
Ancient species that survived mass extinction event found in China
The fossils offer a rare glimpse into a cataclysmic event that brought a sudden end to the greatest explosion of life in our planet's history.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
Colombian security forces kill 5 members of powerful cocaine cartel
President Donald Trump is set to host Gustavo Petro at the White House for talks on combatting drug trafficking from Colombia, the world's top cocaine producer.
Entertainment
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Longtime high school band director wins 2026 Music Educator Award
"CBS Mornings" reveals Jennifer Jimenez, a longtime high school band director in Miami, is the winner of the prestigious 2026 Music Educator Award.
Ralph Macchio looks back on playing "The Karate Kid"
On Jan. 29, 2026, the Library of Congress named "The Karate Kid" – a beloved 1984 tale of a young boy learning important life lessons from his mentor, a martial arts instructor – to the National Film Registry, to be preserved for future generations. In this 2024 interview with "Sunday Morning" correspondent Lee Cowan, "Karate Kid" star Ralph Macchio talked about auditioning for the role; his relationship with co-star Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi; and why he believes the film has resonated with audiences.
New batch of movie classics added to National Film Registry
Among the 25 films selected by the Library of Congress to be preserved for future generations are "The Big Chill," Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel," the Civil War drama "Glory," and John Carpenter's "The Thing."
Bruce Springsteen releases new song, "Streets of Minneapolis"
Bruce Springsteen has released a song in honor of Alex Pretti and Renee Good titled "Streets of Minneapolis."
Peyton List on new season of "School Spirits"
Peyton List, who stars in the series "School Spirits" talks to "CBS Mornings" about the show's third season, her desire for her character to get closure and performing in off-Broadway's "Heathers The Musical."
Technology
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Technology
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
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.
TikTok's new privacy policy is sparking a backlash. Here's what to know.
Some TikTok users are raising questions about the app's new terms and conditions after the social media platform's split from its China-based parent.
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.
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
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Crime
Sentencing for former deputy in Massey case
Sean Grayson, the man convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey after responding to her 911 call, is set to be sentenced Thursday. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Husband testifies he did not plot wife's killing despite affair with au pair
Brendan Banfield testified he and Juliana Peres Magalhães did not plot to kill his wife and another man despite what prosecutors suggest.
Masih Alinejad on facing would-be assassin
A would-be assassin operating on behalf of the Iranian government has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors say an Iranian operative hired Brooklyn man Carslile Rivera to assassinate women's rights activist Masih Alinejad for $100,000. Prosecutors note he may not have known he was working for Iran. Alinejad, a CBS News contributor, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Details on man who charged at Rep. Omar
More details are emerging about 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, the man detained after charging at Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting on Tuesday. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Colombian security forces kill 5 members of powerful cocaine cartel
President Donald Trump is set to host Gustavo Petro at the White House for talks on combatting drug trafficking from Colombia, the world's top cocaine producer.
Space
More Space
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Sentencing for former deputy in Massey case
Sean Grayson, the man convicted of fatally shooting Sonya Massey after responding to her 911 call, is set to be sentenced Thursday. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Bessent defends Powell probe, Trump Accounts
In an interview with CBS News, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the DOJ investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, saying, "I think that the message is that independence does not mean no accountability." He also addressed the new Trump Accounts, which are tax-deferred investment accounts created for every American child born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028.
2026 Grammy Music Educator Award announced
"CBS Mornings" exclusively announced the winner of the Grammy Music Educator Award for 2026: It goes to Jennifer Jimenez of South Miami Senior High School in Florida. Jimenez is a high school band director, who has taught for 19 years at the school.
Senate Democrats make demands for ICE reform
Senate Democrats are demanding changes to the Trump administration's ICE operations to avert a government shutdown. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Video of Alex Pretti scuffle
A video of an altercation involving Alex Pretti and federal agents 11 days before his death has emerged. CBS News' Lana Zak breaks down what was caught on camera.