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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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New York Times exec dies in California shooting; elderly in-laws accused of murder
An elderly couple in the San Francisco Bay Area is suspected of shooting and killing their 40-year-old son-in-law near a park over the weekend, police said.
Alito recuses from major climate change case to be decided by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments in the major climate change lawsuit between two energy companies and the city and county of Boulder, Colorado.
Gas prices could soar if the U.S. bans diesel exports, economists say
President Trump said he is "very seriously" considering a ban on diesel exports. But such a move could drive U.S. gas prices sharply higher, analysts said.
Details emerge in case of former Cornell student alleging rape by frat members
A woman, identified only as Jane Doe, alleges she was gang-raped by seven fraternity members in 2024 and accuses Cornell University of failing to protect her.
Top FBI official Andrew Bailey resigns
Bailey was originally brought in to help ease tensions between former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
MoneyWatch
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Gas prices could soar if the U.S. bans diesel exports, economists say
President Trump said he is "very seriously" considering a ban on diesel exports. But such a move could drive U.S. gas prices sharply higher, analysts said.
Trump administration rolls back Biden-era fuel economy standards
Regulators estimate the new rule will result in an average of 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031, down from an earlier projection of 50.4 mpg.
Could AI really take over the internet? Here's what experts say.
Multiple incidents of AI "agents" going rogue have conjured up fears that they could take down the internet. Should we be worried?
Nvidia announces security system to stop AI agents from going rogue
Nvidia said more than 100 organizations are using the platform, which it says could have stopped the Hugging Face hack by OpenAI agents.
YouTube, the new path to Hollywood for filmmakers
Two of Hollywood's biggest hits this year – "Obsession" and "Backrooms," horror films with tiny budgets directed by YouTube creators – have studios searching for other social media-savvy talent, making YouTube a valuable new kind of film school.
Politics
More Politics
Alito recuses from major climate change case to be decided by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments in the major climate change lawsuit between two energy companies and the city and county of Boulder, Colorado.
Top FBI official Andrew Bailey resigns
Bailey was originally brought in to help ease tensions between former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Trump administration rolls back Biden-era fuel economy standards
Regulators estimate the new rule will result in an average of 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031, down from an earlier projection of 50.4 mpg.
Trump had private dinner with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
The dinner comes as Amodei has warned about the "exponential growth" of AI, and has called for safeguards on the industry, which President Trump has rejected.
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow policy ending medical care for transgender inmates
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to revive for now a policy cutting off medical interventions and social accommodations for transgender inmates.
HealthWatch
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Food safety becomes election issue as major outbreaks, recalls cause concern
Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness and high-profile recalls have made food safety a concern of voters.
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.
World
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Pope Leo draws massive crowds in France. Is Catholicism making a comeback?
Large crowds in Paris and other parts of France offered a striking welcome for Pope Leo in one of Europe's most secular countries.
Princess Diana's brother says Buckingham Palace "has to gaslight" him
Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana, spoke to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about writing his new book, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister."
Wife, daughter of top drug lord held in U.S. are captured in Colombia
The women, who are wanted for money laundering, were arrested in an operation involving the FBI, President Abelardo de la Espriella said.
Russia hammers Ukraine's capital with major daytime drone strike
A wave of Russian strikes hit Ukraine Monday, killing at least 7 people, including a woman hit by a daytime strike on the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv.
Benjamin Satterley, pro wrestler known as "Pac," dies at 40
Benjamin Satterley, an English-born wrestler known for high-flying moves that delighted fans worldwide, was known as "Pac."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Highlights from the VMA "teal" carpet
Stars stunned on the MTV Video Music Awards "teal" carpet Sunday night in Los Angeles, California. Vlad Duthiers breaks down some of the night's best moments.
Key highlights from the 2026 MTV VMAs
Madonna and Taylor Swift won big at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, where artists also honored Dolly Parton's legacy and celebrated new singers making their global debuts. CBS News' Vlad Duthiers reports.
VMA performance highlights
Vlad Duthiers and Denny Directo break down the most iconic performances from Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, which included performances by Madonna, Shaboozey, Raye and more.
2026 MTV VMAs highlights include Madonna, Taylor Swift
Madonna won Artist of the Year while Taylor Swift became the most awarded artist in Video Music Awards history.
The New Season: Fall 2026 - The most anticipated new movies, music, TV and more
Be on the lookout for these new entertainment offerings in the coming months, from screens to the stage, from music to the page.
Technology
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Trump had private dinner with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
The dinner comes as Amodei has warned about the "exponential growth" of AI, and has called for safeguards on the industry, which President Trump has rejected.
How Trump is taking on AI
President Trump is meeting with the heads of AI giants as the global concern about rogue models lingers. This comes as more details emerge about OpenAI agents apparently scanning the United Nations website thousands of times. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports, and The Verge's Terrence O'Brien joins with more on his reporting.
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.
Trump confirms dinner with Anthropic's Amodei
President Trump confirmed a private dinner he had with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei as the world grapples with news of rogue AI models. Axios' Maria Curi joins with more.
Could AI really take over the internet? Here's what experts say.
Multiple incidents of AI "agents" going rogue have conjured up fears that they could take down the internet. Should we be worried?
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
More Crime
New York Times exec dies in California shooting; elderly in-laws accused of murder
An elderly couple in the San Francisco Bay Area is suspected of shooting and killing their 40-year-old son-in-law near a park over the weekend, police said.
Details emerge in case of former Cornell student alleging rape by frat members
A woman, identified only as Jane Doe, alleges she was gang-raped by seven fraternity members in 2024 and accuses Cornell University of failing to protect her.
Latest details on Caleb Flynn's murder trial
The trial of former "American Idol" contestant Caleb Flynn, who is charged with his wife's murder, continued on Day Eight. Prosecutors showed the courtroom videos from Flynn's initial police interviews following his wife's death. CBS News' Lana Zak has the latest.
Latest news on Cornell fraternity rape case
Authorities say an investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University in 2024 has been reopened. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the latest details.
5 U.K. terror plot suspects released on bail
Five suspects arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a U.K. Royal Air Force base have been released on bail, police say.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches Starship on giant rocket's first flight to orbit
The Super Heavy-Starship rocket's 14th test flight, the first boosting the upper stage to orbit, marked a major milestone for both SpaceX and NASA.
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.
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.
SpaceX's first Super Heavy-Starship orbital flight
SpaceX on Monday successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship on its first flight to orbit. Kristin Fisher, founder and executive producer of Endless Void Studios, joined CBS News to discuss what this means for space exploration moving forward.
New report on OpenAI access of U.N. website
The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI used aggressive techniques to access the United Nations' website in June. Wall Street Journal reporter Robert McMillian joins CBS News to discuss.
Nor'easter continuing to lash East Coast
The nor'easter that swamped much of the Eastern Seaboard over the weekend is still dropping rain as it slowly moves up the coast. CBS News' Tom Hanson and Jessica Burch have more.
Taxpayer-paid Trump-focused ad hits airwaves
A new ad campaign glorifying President Trump began airing on national cable and national networks over the weekend, including CBS, and American taxpayers are footing the bill. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.