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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.
Prosecutors in Minneapolis say more could resign over handling of shootings
Prosecutors expressed concern to a U.S. attorney that they weren't allowed to probe the federal officers who shot and killed Renee Good or Alex Pretti, sources said.
The No. 1 skill employers are looking for from a LinkedIn expert
Job seekers can raise their chances of landing a position by highlighting a particular kind of work experience, says LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher.
Family shelters newborn calf inside amid extreme cold: "She was just frozen"
A Kentucky family battling extreme cold temperatures on their farm over the weekend opened their home to a newborn calf that was struggling in the deep freeze.
First Brands founder Patrick James, brother Edward indicted for fraud
The James brothers face charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud and wire fraud.
Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
The No. 1 skill employers are looking for from a LinkedIn expert
Job seekers can raise their chances of landing a position by highlighting a particular kind of work experience, says LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher.
First Brands founder Patrick James, brother Edward indicted for fraud
The James brothers face charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud and wire fraud.
Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
The U.S. dollar just fell to its lowest level in 4 years. Here's why.
The greenback has slumped as investors "Sell America." Several factors explain why the dollar is shedding value.
Health care costs top Americans' list of financial worries, poll finds
Americans are more stressed out about their health care costs than they are about affording groceries or housing.
Politics
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Senate reaches deal ahead of shutdown deadline to fund government, continue ICE talks
The deal comes ahead of the Saturday shutdown deadline, but it will also need the approval of the House, which isn't scheduled to return until Monday.
Prosecutors in Minneapolis say more could resign over handling of shootings
Prosecutors expressed concern to a U.S. attorney that they weren't allowed to probe the federal officers who shot and killed Renee Good or Alex Pretti, sources said.
Troop deployments to U.S. cities cost nearly half a billion dollars in 2025
The Congressional Budget Office estimated deployments in 2025 to the cities of Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Memphis, Portland, and Chicago cost nearly half a billion dollars.
As Trump pressures Iran with "armada," Mideast allies urge him not to strike
Mideast allies including Turkey, Oman and Qatar are attempting to head off the possibility of U.S. strikes by brokering diplomatic talks.
Exclusive
Trump signs order launching new initiative to address drug addiction
President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to coordinate a federal government response to drug addiction.
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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Gymnast Jordan Chiles granted appeal in Olympic bronze medal ruling
A gymnastics medal disputed by the United States and Romania at the 2024 Paris Olympics is heading for a fresh legal review in a Swiss court.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Why Trump's threatening to punish Iraq if a former leader is reelected
Trump says if former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is reelected, the U.S. "will no longer help Iraq." Here's what's behind the intervention in Iraq's democracy.
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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Alex Warren on journey to music career
Alex Warren's hit song "Ordinary," a love letter to his wife, became Billboard's song of the summer in 2025. He spoke to "CBS Mornings" about his music journey and the challenges that came along the way, including losing his father to cancer at a young age. Natalie Morales reports.
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."
Technology
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Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Man testifies he didn't plot wife's killing
A man accused of double homicide in Virginia returned to the stand on Thursday as he testified that he did not plot to kill his wife despite having an affair with his family's au pair. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Man allegedly tried to free Luigi Mangione
A man armed with a "barbeque type fork" allegedly tried to free Luigi Mangione by impersonating an FBI agent on Wednesday night. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Man arrested for allegedly impersonating FBI agent to try to free Luigi Mangione
A man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly impersonating an FBI agent and trying to free Luigi Mangione, according to federal court filings and a law enforcement source.
Details on Sean Grayson's 20-year sentence
Sean Grayson, the former Illinois deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey in 2024, has received a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. CBS News correspondent Karen Hua has more.
Sonya Massey's family on Grayson's sentence
Sonya Massey's family is reacting to the sentencing of former deputy Sean Grayson, who was convicted of murder for fatally shooting Massey during a 911 response. CBS News' Karen Hua reports.
Space
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Durbin: DHS funding to get separate vote
Senators have reached a deal to separate five bipartisan bills from legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security, as Democrats call for reforms to ICE. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Omar Fateh says no ICE wind down seen yet
Reuters reports that federal immigration officers in Minneapolis have received new instructions since the arrival of border czar Tom Homan. Minnesota State Sen. Omar Fateh joins "The Takeout" with his reaction.
Homan holds talks with Minneapolis leaders
Border czar Tom Homan made his first public remarks Thursday since being ordered to take over immigration operations in Minneapolis. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee reports on the impact Homan is having on the ground in the Twin Cities.
FBI searches Georgia election office
The FBI raided a county election facility in Georgia on Wednesday, looking for ballots and other records from the 2020 election. CBS News' Skyler Henry and Jessica Levinson have more.
Man testifies he didn't plot wife's killing
A man accused of double homicide in Virginia returned to the stand on Thursday as he testified that he did not plot to kill his wife despite having an affair with his family's au pair. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.