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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.
SNAP restrictions cut soda sales but raise stigma concerns, study finds
Banning people from using food stamps to buy sugary drinks helps lower consumption, proponents say. Are such restrictions a good idea?
Dolly Parton remembered by fellow stars, politicans: "A true loss for millions"
President Trump said that he would be "lowering the American flag" throughout the nation for one week in Dolly Parton's honor.
Feds consider charging ICE officer accused of shooting immigrant in Minnesota
The shooting took place in January during the Trump administration's immigration operation in Minnesota.
Where will Lindsay Clancy end up after her murder trial? Legal experts explain.
Lindsay Clancy has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in the January 2023 strangulation deaths of her children.
Dolly Parton, country music legend, dies at age 80
Dolly Parton became an icon over her six-decade career as a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, movie and TV star and theme park owner who donated millions to help others.
MoneyWatch
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SNAP restrictions cut soda sales but raise stigma concerns, study finds
Banning people from using food stamps to buy sugary drinks helps lower consumption, proponents say. Are such restrictions a good idea?
Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
United Airlines to add 10 new international routes. See where.
The new overseas routes represent the largest expansion in the airline's history, United said.
Callaway Golf CEO says "mistakes were made" over controversial ad
The ad for a new driver had sparked an online backlash, with viewers criticizing the spot for trivializing violence against women.
Why Trump's Canada tariffs are likely to have a modest impact on prices
Although some Canadian goods will get more expensive in the U.S., trade experts don't expect a broader inflation spike.
Politics
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Feds consider charging ICE officer accused of shooting immigrant in Minnesota
The shooting took place in January during the Trump administration's immigration operation in Minnesota.
First on CBS
ICE releases father of U.S. Navy sailor serving on USS Abraham Lincoln
Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, the father of a U.S. Navy sailor onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, was released by ICE on Tuesday, his family told CBS News.
Abdul El-Sayed distances himself from Hasan Piker
Popular left-wing streamer Hasan Piker drew stiff criticism from prominent Democrats on Monday after arguing that some Jewish Americans' support for Israel is "making antisemitism worse."
Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
U.S. airman faces charges for criticizing Trump over Iran war
The charges against Major Jason Watson are believed by his attorneys to be among the only instances for officers of his rank in the history of the U.S. military to be charged under Article 88.
HealthWatch
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Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
World
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Gun-running ship located 78 years after being sunk by Israeli military
In June 1948, Israeli forces opened fire and sank the boat in waters off Tel Aviv on the orders of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first prime minister.
U.K. estate used as Wayne Manor in "Batman Begins" must be surveyed for bats
Since being built in the 1850s, Mentmore Towers has been featured in "Batman Begins" and other movies, but has fallen into disrepair.
Will the U.S. sanctions against Iran work if they don't include China?
Analysts say without meaningful sanctions against China, Iran will likely survive this latest round of financial punishment.
Russian ex-official says "unknown sources" could attack U.K. drone plants
Former senior Russian diplomat says U.K. factories making drones for Ukraine "could be attacked - not by Russia, but from unknown sources."
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From the archives: Dolly Parton, legend
Dolly Parton, the poor girl from the Great Smoky Mountains who became the shining queen of country music, died on Aug. 25, 2026 at age 80. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that originally aired Feb. 10, 2019, the singer, songwriter and philanthropist talked with CBS News' Tony Dokoupil about creating a musical legacy (including writing such classics as "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "Coat of Many Colors"), and counting her blessings – all while presenting herself as "a country girl's idea of glam."
Dolly Parton remembered by fellow stars, politicans: "A true loss for millions"
President Trump said that he would be "lowering the American flag" throughout the nation for one week in Dolly Parton's honor.
Trump says he's lowering flags for Dolly Parton
President Trump on Tuesday said he is lowering the American flag throughout the U.S. following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. CBS News' Anthony Mason, Jamie Wax and Nicole Valdes have more.
Dolly Parton's nephew announces her death
Dolly Parton, legendary singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist, has died at 80. Her nephew announced her death on Tuesday in a video on social media. CBS News' Anthony Mason and Jamie Wax have more.
Dolly Parton on "I Will Always Love You"
Dolly Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist, has died at 80, her family says. She spoke to CBS News' Rebecca Jarvis in 2012 about her song "I Will Always Love You," which Whitney Houston turned into a global phenomenon with her rendition for the "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. "She just took it worldwide and made it the most special song in the whole world for a long period of time," Parton said.
Technology
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Musk's data centers push out family that's owned land for generations
A plant in Southaven, Mississippi, that powers Elon Musk's SpaceXAI data centers in the area has sparked backlash from residents concerned about noise and air pollution.
Elon Musk's data centers spark backlash
In Southaven, Mississippi, some residents are pushing back on SpaceXAI's expanding footprint in the region.
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.
Key takeaways from China's robot games
China's World Humanoid Robot Games is a technological showcase, but also a possible glimpse into the future of robotics. Anna Coren reports.
How the Robot Games are going in Beijing
The World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, in a stadium repurposed from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Many of the machines on display can now outrun and out-jump even the best real-life Olympians. Anna Coren has the story.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Prosecution reprimanded in Lindsay Clancy trial
Closing arguments are expected this week in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial for the killings of her three young children. Attorney and legal analyst Joe Tamburino joins CBS News to discuss the case and a moment on Monday where witness testimony was cut short over comments about religion.
Lindsay Clancy's faith is not on trial
The judge in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy denied a mistrial request from her attorneys but scolded the prosecution after a witness brought up Clancy's religious beliefs. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports, and legal analyst Joe Tamburino weighs in.
Dramatic moment in Lindsay Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy's defense team asked for a mistrial after a prosecution witness brought up Clancy's religious beliefs. The judge denied the request but reprimanded prosecutors. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi has the latest analysis.
49ers' Jed York could face NFL punishment
San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York was arrested in Ohio over the weekend and pleaded no contest to amended charges originally stemming from a prostitution arrest. Now, he could face punishment from the NFL. Carter Evans reports.
Lindsay Clancy trial final witness expected
The prosecution's final rebuttal witness is expected Tuesday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her children in a state of postpartum psychosis. Closing arguments are expected Wednesday.
Space
More Space
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.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
From the archives: Dolly Parton, legend
Dolly Parton, the poor girl from the Great Smoky Mountains who became the shining queen of country music, died on Aug. 25, 2026 at age 80. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that originally aired Feb. 10, 2019, the singer, songwriter and philanthropist talked with CBS News' Tony Dokoupil about creating a musical legacy (including writing such classics as "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "Coat of Many Colors"), and counting her blessings – all while presenting herself as "a country girl's idea of glam."
Trump says he's lowering flags for Dolly Parton
President Trump on Tuesday said he is lowering the American flag throughout the U.S. following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. CBS News' Anthony Mason, Jamie Wax and Nicole Valdes have more.
Dolly Parton's nephew announces her death
Dolly Parton, legendary singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist, has died at 80. Her nephew announced her death on Tuesday in a video on social media. CBS News' Anthony Mason and Jamie Wax have more.
Parton said "town tramp" inspired iconic look
60 Minutes' Morley Safer spoke to Dolly Parton back in 2009 about her iconic look and how being underestimated helped her in business. Parton died at 80, her family announced Tuesday.
Dolly Parton on "I Will Always Love You"
Dolly Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist, has died at 80, her family says. She spoke to CBS News' Rebecca Jarvis in 2012 about her song "I Will Always Love You," which Whitney Houston turned into a global phenomenon with her rendition for the "The Bodyguard" soundtrack. "She just took it worldwide and made it the most special song in the whole world for a long period of time," Parton said.