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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.
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
Pastors for Trump founder drops out of House race after texting scandal
Jackson Lahmeyer had been backed by President Trump, although the president dropped his endorsement shortly before Lahmeyer dropped out.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but leaves door open to hike
U.S. inflation is expected to remain elevated through the end of the year, Fed officials say in their latest forecast.
The Obama Presidential Center and Library opens in Chicago
After more than a decade since it was announced, the Obama Presidential Center and Library officially opens to the public in Chicago's Jackson Park on June 19, 2026.
DOJ taps prosecutor to coordinate human trafficking, child exploitation cases
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appointed Alessandra Serano to serve as the Justice Department's national coordinator on human trafficking and child exploitation cases.
MoneyWatch
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Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but leaves door open to hike
U.S. inflation is expected to remain elevated through the end of the year, Fed officials say in their latest forecast.
Social Security faces looming benefit cuts. Can the program be saved?
Social Security checks could see a 22% cut in 2032 unless Congress takes steps to shore up the program. Here are 5 ideas for fixing it.
Want to start a business? AI can help, business owners say
AI is slashing the cost of starting and running a business. "Everything has decreased in cost and increased in speed," one entrepreneur said.
What to expect as Kevin Warsh leads his first Fed interest rate meeting
New Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is stepping in at a critical juncture for the U.S. economy, with inflation at its highest level in more than three years.
Yum! Brands sells struggling Pizza Hut in $2.7 billion deal
The sale will split ownership of the pizza chain between a U.S.-based private equity firm and a Chinese restaurant company.
Politics
More Politics
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
Pastors for Trump founder drops out of House race after texting scandal
Jackson Lahmeyer had been backed by President Trump, although the president dropped his endorsement shortly before Lahmeyer dropped out.
Read the 14 points of the agreement between Iran and the U.S.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
The Obama Presidential Center and Library opens in Chicago
After more than a decade since it was announced, the Obama Presidential Center and Library officially opens to the public in Chicago's Jackson Park on June 19, 2026.
DOJ taps prosecutor to coordinate human trafficking, child exploitation cases
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appointed Alessandra Serano to serve as the Justice Department's national coordinator on human trafficking and child exploitation cases.
HealthWatch
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Ebola outbreak still spreading in Congo: "We are missing cases"
A WHO official tells CBS News Ebola is still spreading in Congo after a month, as experts race to contain the outbreak in Central Africa.
American doctor who recovered from Ebola back in U.S., says he's "feeling well"
Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife, Rebekah Stafford, and their four children all arrived safely on Monday, according to Serge, a Pennsylvania-based Christian missions organization.
They're uninsured after Obamacare became too costly. They're far from alone.
After congressional Republicans let expanded subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans expire at the end of last year, some families have decided the price is too great of a financial burden and canceled their coverage.
Organic formula recalled after 3 babies diagnosed with infant botulism
The affected formula was sold at Target and at Nara.com, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
6/14: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The lack of obesity in Japan; Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance; former child star Bill Mumy; the past and future of the Houston Astrodome; a time capsule for America's 500th birthday; and soccer art made with gum wrappers.
World
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Read the 14 points of the agreement between Iran and the U.S.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
Exclusive
Is Russia burning through air defense missiles at an "unsustainable rate"?
Ukraine intelligence indicates the country's stepped up drone strikes are forcing Russia to burn through interceptor missiles, possibly faster than it can build new ones.
Vance says text of U.S.-Iran deal will be released Friday "at the latest"
Vice President JD Vance said on "CBS Monrings" that the Trump administration wants "to tell the American people what's in this deal."
Live
Trump says Iran deal not final, will resume bombing "if they don't behave"
President Trump warned he could order new strikes if Iran's leaders "don't behave." The U.S. and Iran signed the memorandum of understanding remotely, a White House official said.
Latest U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 1, leaves 2 survivors, Pentagon says
Critics have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes as well as their effectiveness since the U.S. military began them in September 2025.
Entertainment
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CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
CBS to host America 250 special on July 4
"CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil and "Entertainment Tonight" co-host Nischelle Turner will host "The Great American Block Party 250," a primetime special on July 4 celebrating America's 250th birthday from Washington, D.C.
Durand Bernarr on new music
Durand Bernarr talks about collaborations in his music, why his new album's title is a tribute to his father and his music journey since his viral Grammy speech earlier this year.
Messi ties men's World Cup goals record with first World Cup hat trick
Lionel Messi tied the Men's World Cup goals record with his first World Cup hat trick as Argentina topped Algeria.
America250 announces concert headliners, host
Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins are set to headline America250's "America's Block Party Concert," with Queen Latifah set to host. Rosie Rios, the chair of America250, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic pulls access to new AI models
Anthropic pulled access to its newly released AI models, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, after the U.S. government restricted who could use them. David Katzmaier, CNET editor-in-chief, joins CBS News to discuss.
Want to start a business? AI can help, business owners say
AI is slashing the cost of starting and running a business. "Everything has decreased in cost and increased in speed," one entrepreneur said.
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.
SpaceX to buy AI coding assistant Cursor for $60 billion
The deal comes just days after SpaceX went public in the largest IPO in history, raising $75 billion to help fund its expansion.
Anthropic to meet Trump officials, Axios says
Anthropic's senior staff is planning to meet with White House officials amid a recent dispute over the company's safety measures. Maria Curi, a tech reporter for Axios, has more.
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
Inside Gilgo Beach killer's sentencing hearing
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to life in prison without parole. CBS News New York's Jennifer McLogan was in the courtroom and joins with details.
Heuermann addresses court as he's sentenced
Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after pleading guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings. Heuermann spoke at the hearing where the sentence was handed down. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Rex Heuermann sentenced to life in prison
Rex Huermann, the man who pleaded guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
5 arrested in White House UFC attack plot
The FBI says it foiled a plot to attack Sunday's UFC event at the White House. Court records detail an alleged plot to use drones carrying explosives and snipers to target certain event attendees. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Gilgo Beach serial killer to be sentenced
Rex Heuermann, the man who pleaded guilty in April to the Gilgo Beach murders, is set to be sentenced on Wednesday. Tom Hanson reports on how the case unfolded.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
A road trip with 2 calves in the back seat
Filmmaker Joanna Zelman and her father, Jared, volunteered to transport two calves 600 miles from Vermont to Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Maryland. Joanna documented the trip for a short film called "Cow Trip." Photojournalist Parrish Smith has the story.
Inside the base camps for World Cup teams
The dozens of teams from around the globe competing in the World Cup need home bases while they're in the United States. Bradley Blackburn takes a look at the places they're calling home between matches, all across the country.
Why recess is important for kids
You may think school recess is just time for play, but the American Academy of Pediatrics is re-emphasizing that it's important for kids' health. Bradley Blackburn explains why.
What Iran gains from preliminary deal with U.S.
Senior U.S. officials dictated the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding on a call with reporters Wednesday. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Samantha Vinograd have the latest.
Warsh announces plan to reshape Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve unanimously voted Wednesday to keep interest rates unchanged. It was the first rate decision under the new chair, Kevin Warsh. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has the details.