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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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Graham Platner to win Maine Democratic Senate primary and face Sen. Susan Collins
The primary victories set up a race that could be key to Democrats' hopes of winning control of the Senate.
Pamela Evette, Alan Wilson advance to runoff in crowded South Carolina primary, CBS News projects
Rep. Nancy Mace, who led a high-profile campaign after sparring with President Trump, did not advance.
Democrat Annie Andrews projected to face off against Sen. Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham has held the seat since 2003, and Democrats have an uphill battle in any attempt to unseat him.
House passes pro-union bill after 20 Republicans defy party
It's the seventh time this session that a discharge petition has secured the necessary 218 signatures to force a vote on legislation.
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.
MoneyWatch
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May inflation likely topped 4% for first time in 3 years, economists say
Economists expect the Consumer Price Index this week to show U.S. inflation continuing to rise due to higher energy costs.
Here's the retirement challenge nobody talks about
Many Americans spend decades saving for retirement, but lack a plan for using that money once they stop working, a new survey finds. Here's what to know.
A bidding war is underway for the world's oldest bank
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has been operating for well over 500 years, and some Italian officials reportedly want to ensure it stays in Italian hands.
Social Security's insolvency date is projected for end of 2032
Medicare's hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits in 2033, which could lead to higher health care costs for Americans over 65.
Meta launches program to train workers for data center jobs
Meta pledged to invest $115 million to train electricians, plumbers and other workers needed to operate data centers.
Politics
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Graham Platner to win Maine Democratic Senate primary and face Sen. Susan Collins
The primary victories set up a race that could be key to Democrats' hopes of winning control of the Senate.
Pamela Evette, Alan Wilson advance to runoff in crowded South Carolina primary, CBS News projects
Rep. Nancy Mace, who led a high-profile campaign after sparring with President Trump, did not advance.
GOP Rep. Valadao to face progressive Villegas in key California House district
Progressive Randy Villegas' win is an embarrassing defeat for establishment Democrats amid an intraparty feud about the party's future.
Democrat Annie Andrews projected to face off against Sen. Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham has held the seat since 2003, and Democrats have an uphill battle in any attempt to unseat him.
Hilton to face Becerra in election for California governor, CBS News projects
Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, will advance to November's general election in the race to become California's next governor, CBS News projects.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
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.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs have been found to help patients reduce weight, changing the lives of more than 30 million people in the U.S. But there also have been troubling side effects reported.
World
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Vance: Iran deal could happen in a week or months from now
In an interview airing on "CBS Sunday Morning," Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. will reach a deal with Iran before November's midterm elections.
Dozens of 7,000-year-old headless human skeletons found in ditch
Researchers have discovered dozens of headless human skeletons in a ditch in Slovakia, which they believe date back 7,000 years.
Ukraine winning war with Russia, retired U.S. generals say
Several retired U.S. generals and the former director of a U.S. intelligence agency told CBS News they believe Ukraine now has the upper hand in the war with Russia.
Afghan Taliban forces open fire at protest sparked by dress code arrests
Afghanistan's Taliban rulers deny shooting at protesters and claim no women or girls have been arrested because they're all following strict dress code rules.
A bidding war is underway for the world's oldest bank
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has been operating for well over 500 years, and some Italian officials reportedly want to ensure it stays in Italian hands.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Broadway stars at the Tony Awards
Hollywood stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Rachel Dratch took to the stage this Broadway season. CBS News' Taylor Masi spoke with some of the stars at the 2026 Tony Awards.
Logan Marshall-Green on "Killing Castro"
"Marshals" actor Logan Marshall-Green joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings to discuss his recent work on "The Odyssey," "Boiúna: Legend of the Amazon" and "Killing Castro."
Expert on UAPs, Spielberg's "Disclosure Day"
Garry Nolan, a professor of pathology at Stanford University School of Medicine and the executive director of the board for The Sol Foundation, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss Steven Spielberg's new movie, "Disclosure Day," and its exploration of the existence of aliens on Earth.
Biggest winners from the 79th Tony Awards
CBS News New York's Dave Carlin breaks down the biggest wins and performances from the 79th Tony Awards.
Steven Spielberg talks "Disclosure Day"
Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg talks to CBS News about his 34th feature film, "Disclosure Day," which explores what would happen if all of the evidence about UFOs and alien life was released to the entire world and proved we are not alone. He also discusses his opinion on aliens, saying they "have been here and they are here."
Technology
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Technology
OpenAI announces plan to go public
Last week, Anthropic, valued at almost a trillion dollars, filed to go public. Yesterday, its chief rival OpenAI confidentially filed for an initial public offering. Later this week, SpaceX is set to go public in what could be the largest IPO ever. Jon Krohn, the co-founder and CEO of Y Carrot, joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta launches program to train workers for data center jobs
Meta pledged to invest $115 million to train electricians, plumbers and other workers needed to operate data centers.
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.
New Apple features to keep kids safe
Apple is rolling out an update with new parental controls to help navigate screen time and keep kids safe. Jo Ling Kent explains the changes.
How to buy SpaceX shares as its blockbuster IPO readies for liftoff
SpaceX is setting aside a large chunk of shares for ordinary investors as it seeks to raise a record $75 billion. Here's what to know.
Science
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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.
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Crime
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Crime
Nick Reiner seeks trust fund release
Nick Reiner, who's accused of killing his parents, Rob and Estelle Reiner, last December, wants a judge to order the release of money from his trust fund. Carter Evans reports.
Karmelo Anthony found guilty of murder
Emotions were high after a jury in Texas found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet last year. Immediately after the verdict, tension erupted outside the courthouse. Jonah Kaplan reports.
Details on Karmelo Anthony's sentencing
A jury on Tuesday found Karmelo Anthony, 19, guilty of murder for the 2025 stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet. CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan reports.
Karmelo Anthony convicted of murder in stabbing
Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder Tuesday for the 2025 stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet. CBS News Texas reports.
Charlotte train stabbing suspect found incompetent
Decarlos Brown Jr, the man accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail train, has been ruled incompetent for trial "at this time." CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Space
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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.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
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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6/9: CBS Evening News
A 19-year-old is convicted of murder after a track meet stabbing; the U.S. launches new strikes on Iran.
Graham Platner wins primary, CBS News projects
CBS News projects that Graham Platner has won Maine's Democratic Senate primary, setting up a November battle with Sen. Susan Collins for her seat. Platner had faced a bevy of scandals in recent weeks. Jessi Mitchell anchored CBS News' special report.
The goals and challenges for Artemis III
Four astronauts are expected to launch into Earth orbit next year as part of NASA's goal to return to the lunar surface. Retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the mission's goals and challenges.
New research on remote work and mental health
New research suggests that working remotely full-time can negatively affect people's mental health, despite polls that show people are willing to get paid less for that flexibility. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
Artemis III mission: What to know
NASA on Tuesday named the four astronauts who will participate in Artemis III mission, they are expected to launch into Earth orbit next year to test rendezvous and docking procedures with moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport has more.