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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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U.S. cruises past Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener
The U.S. men's national soccer team made easy work of Paraguay in its World Cup opener Friday, defeating the South American side 4-1 at SoFi Stadium.
1 killed, 22 injured in Virginia church tent collapse
The incident occurred Friday night during an outdoor service at East Lake Community Church in Moneta, Virginia.
Trump says U.S. killed Tren de Aragua leader in airstrike in Venezuela
The U.S. military has killed Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua, President Trump announced Friday.
Alabama seeks lethal injection execution after court rejects nitrogen gas method
Alabama is seeking to execute a man with lethal injection hours after his nitrogen execution was prevented from going forward.
New Yorker confronts unruly Knicks fans: "This is our city"
When violence erupted near a New York Knicks watch party on Monday, one New Yorker stood up to the unruly crowd.
MoneyWatch
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DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
Former SpaceX welder becomes a millionaire after historic IPO
Juan Hernandez, a former SpaceX employee, owns 6,500 company shares. On the first day of public trading, his wealth ballooned by $1,046,175.
Why the liberal arts can help young Americans prepare for the era of AI
The advent of AI puts a premium on developing skills like critical thinking and communication, according to education experts. The liberal arts can help.
FDA authorizes emergency use of drug to fight screwworms in pets
Nitenpyram is the first generic animal drug authorized to treat screwworms in dogs and cats, according to federal regulators.
Politics
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"It rips my heart apart": U.S. military veteran calls on ICE to release wife
An American citizen who served in the Army and the Texas National Guard for roughly 20 years is desperately urging immigration officials to release his wife, who is facing deportation to Honduras.
Trump says U.S. killed Tren de Aragua leader in airstrike in Venezuela
The U.S. military has killed Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of Venezuela-based gang Tren de Aragua, President Trump announced Friday.
DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
Ohio voting rights group facing criminal fraud investigation, sources say
The FBI executed a search warrant at the office of an Ohio-based group known for its voter registration work as part of an ongoing fraud-related investigation, sources told CBS News.
Workers begin removing Trump's name from Kennedy Center
A federal appellate court denied a last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to stop the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center on Friday.
HealthWatch
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Her Stage IV cancer had no symptoms. Innovative surgery saved her life.
A chance emergency room visit led to Amy Piccoli's diagnosis with late-stage colorectal cancer.
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient
The FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen that's been in use in Europe for years. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
New sunscreen option wins FDA approval after years of delay
A sunscreen ingredient that's been available in Europe, Japan and South Korea for years has finally been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Safety concerns over weight loss drug
There's a new safety concern about doctors prescribing one experimental weight loss treatment, retatrutide, that hasn't even been FDA approved yet. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
World
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U.S. military making plans to secure Iran's nuclear materials, sources say
Military planners have discussed contingencies that would involve U.S. forces helping secure Iran's nuclear materials if a deal is reached, according to U.S. officials familiar with knowledge of the ongoing planning.
Suspect linked to U.S. consulate shooting on run in Canada, officer killed
A manhunt is underway for an "armed and dangerous" suspect linked to a shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto after an officer was fatally shot.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
Stowaway with 524 pounds of cocaine, gun found on barge in Caribbean
It's the second time this year that authorities detained a stowaway holding a huge stash of drugs in the same harbor.
"Spy turtles" and "spy fish" prowling China's waters, Beijing claims
"An unseen covert war of espionage is currently unfolding" in the waters off China, the country's minister of state security has alleged.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
DOJ approves Paramount-Warner Bros. merger
The Justice Department has given the merger between CBS News' parent company, Paramount Skydance, and Warner Bros. Discovery the green light. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has the latest.
Shawn Hatosy talks acting on "The Pitt"
Actor Shawn Hatosy went from guest star to Emmy Award-winning fan favorite as Dr. Jack Abbot on the hit medical drama "The Pitt." Dr. Abbot "is very calm in the face of chaos and he can handle anything, but he's struggling, as is Robby, and they have to come together," Hatosy tells "CBS Mornings."
Taylor Swift is youngest woman inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame
Taylor Swift became the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame Thursday night, at the age of 36.
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
Amazon's best books of the year so far
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to reveal Amazon's best books of the year so far and why they made the list.
Technology
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As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
SpaceX expansion plans impact local community
Residents near SpaceX's South Texas campus have mixed opinions about Elon Musk's company and its plans to expand operations. CBS News' Jason Allen reports from Starbase, Texas.
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.
Why the liberal arts can help young Americans prepare for the era of AI
The advent of AI puts a premium on developing skills like critical thinking and communication, according to education experts. The liberal arts can help.
Uproar over planned data center near zoo
Residents are protesting plans for a 70,000-square-foot data center near the Nashville Zoo. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Science
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Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Crime
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Crime
Texas shooting kills at least 1, injures 10
On Wednesday, a 45-year-old gunman opened fire on police in Midland, Texas, allegedly refusing to surrender to police. He fled, finally barricading himself in an abandoned veterinary building and shooting wildly. All of those shot were civilians. The gunman was found dead on Friday, with the FBI and state agencies investigating. Jason Allen has more.
Midland gunman was on the run before shooting
At least one person is dead, and 10 others are injured after a gunman opened fire in Midland, Texas, on Friday. The shooter died after a standoff with police. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen reports.
Relative blames parents in cruise killing
Timothy Hudson, 16, has been charged with the death and sexual assault of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, who was on a Carnival cruise ship with her family when she was killed. Hudson's step-grandmother, Sonya Ziske, spoke to CBS News about Kepner's death, blaming parental irresponsibility as a major factor. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports.
Latest news on Midland, Texas, shooting
Officials provided an update after a mass shooting in Midland, Texas, where at least one person was killed. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe reports.
TX mass shooting suspect dead, officials say
The suspect in a deadly mass shooting in Midland, Texas, is dead, officials say. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe reports.
Space
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NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
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.
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.
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?
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
Analyzing situation between U.S., Iran
The U.S. and Iran appear closer than ever to an agreement that would launch negotiations on a long-term peace deal. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has analysis, and Linda Bilmes, a senior lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses the Iran war's economic impact.
Veteran calls on ICE to release his wife
Retired Staff Sgt. Wilmer Trujillo served in the U.S. National Guard for roughly 20 years. Now, he is calling on federal immigration officials to release his wife, Arelys Barahona-Martinez, a native Honduran who is facing deportation. Trujillo spoke with CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
U.S. monitoring activity in South China Sea
Tensions between China and the Philippines, a key American ally, intensified this week. U.S. intelligence agencies are closely monitoring activity around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, according to U.S. officials. The officials say the Chinese government installed what Beijing has called a "scientific structure" in the middle of the reef, angering the Philippines. CBS News' James LaPorta, who broke that story alongside Olivia Gazis, has more.
Revisiting the besties who say they are twins
Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" again with a pair of twins, who aren't really twins. Just don't try to tell them that.
SpaceX IPO creates new millionaires
SpaceX's market debut made Elon Musk a trillionaire on Friday. The company has also minted thousands of new millionaires. Jo Ling Kent reports.