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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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Exclusive
Sherrill enters national political fray with first midterm endorsements
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is taking her first major step onto the national stage, endorsing 13 Democrats — as the moderate signals she may jump into the debate over her party's future.
Meta says its AI model breached a third-party company during testing
Tech giant Meta revealed Wednesday that one of its artificial intelligence models hacked another organization during testing, the third time in recent weeks that an AI model has improperly accessed a third-party company.
FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initial pushback
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna that uses mRNA technology, the drugmaker announced.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
More rescued beluga whales arrive in Texas as relocation effort continues
SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed seven more beluga whales on Tuesday, the latest development in the international effort to relocate dozens of the mammals from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.
MoneyWatch
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Meta says its AI model breached a third-party company during testing
Tech giant Meta revealed Wednesday that one of its artificial intelligence models hacked another organization during testing, the third time in recent weeks that an AI model has improperly accessed a third-party company.
FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initial pushback
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna that uses mRNA technology, the drugmaker announced.
Some Gen Zers swap smartphones for "dumb" phones in a bid to unplug
"It really opens up your mind," said one 23-year-old who ditched smartphones to wean herself off social media.
Why SpaceX stock is falling despite strong revenue growth
Investors are focused on whether SpaceX will be able to deliver on its ambitious artificial intelligence agenda.
Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app
Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.
Politics
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What Fauci has said about COVID origins, gain-of-function research
Thursday's vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress follows years of tension with GOP Sen. Rand Paul, hinging on the origins of the coronavirus and a controversial type of research.
Tennessee voters to choose gubernatorial nominees, and more races to watch today
Tennessee voters head to the polls on Thursday to choose their gubernatorial nominees, as well as candidates in newly redrawn congressional districts.
Exclusive
Sherrill enters national political fray with first midterm endorsements
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is taking her first major step onto the national stage, endorsing 13 Democrats — as the moderate signals she may jump into the debate over her party's future.
Trump denies U.S. running low on some munitions, says vast resupplies being made
President Trump is taking issue with recent reports of significant U.S. munitions shortages due to the war with Iran.
House candidate wins primary despite ending campaign, beating Trump endorsee
Thomas Smith won Michigan's 8th District GOP primary on Tuesday — even though he had suspended his campaign in mid-July. Even more surprisingly: He defeated a Trump-endorsed candidate.
HealthWatch
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What Fauci has said about COVID origins, gain-of-function research
Thursday's vote on whether to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress follows years of tension with GOP Sen. Rand Paul, hinging on the origins of the coronavirus and a controversial type of research.
FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initial pushback
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna that uses mRNA technology, the drugmaker announced.
Toddler twins reunited after cancer treatment
A video showing 3-year-old twins Millie and Maverick reuniting after one of them had to undergo cancer treatment hours away from their home has gone viral. Matt Gutman reports.
Cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce now linked to 15 states, CDC says
Cyclospora cases have been reported in at least 47 states total this year, and investigators have continued to probe how many could be linked to a common contaminated source.
Qdoba removes jalapeños as salmonella outbreak spreads to 27 states
At least 345 people — the majority in Colorado and Minnesota — have been sickened by a salmonella outbreak, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
World
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Red alert issued for major Italian cities as heat wave grips Europe, sets Austria record
The heat has set a national temperature record in Austria, fueled wildfires in France and disrupted energy and transportation systems across the continent.
Trump denies U.S. running low on some munitions, says vast resupplies being made
President Trump is taking issue with recent reports of significant U.S. munitions shortages due to the war with Iran.
More rescued beluga whales arrive in Texas as relocation effort continues
SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed seven more beluga whales on Tuesday, the latest development in the international effort to relocate dozens of the mammals from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.
$25 million reward offered for U.S.-born leader of powerful cartel
Juan Carlos González is the stepson of "El Mencho," who was killed by the Mexican military.
Baby "cocaine hippo" linked to infamous drug lord is rescued in Colombia
Colombia has around 200 so-called "cocaine hippos" living in the wild, all of which descended from a colony brought to South America by slain cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Inside the risky business of Broadway musicals
The costs of a Broadway musical production have skyrocketed in recent years. CBS News contributor Jamie Wax reports.
Aaron Pierre talks new series, "Lanterns"
Actor Aaron Pierre is starring as John Stewart in the new series "Lanterns." He tells "CBS Mornings" why this character is special to him, what it's like to join the DC Universe and how he managed undergoing surgery during the audition process.
Stranger rescues band from car troubles
A kind stranger named Ernie helped rock band The Autumn Kings make it to their tour stop after their car broke down in Wisconsin. Matt Gutman reports.
Ariana Grande on her plans to take break
One day after announcing she'll step back from the spotlight after her tour ends, Ariana Grande spoke directly to fans at Monday night's show in Chicago. The singer said the decision was her own and "was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Jordan Roth talks "The Shards"
Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth talks about starring in the "The Shards" and describes what it was like to go from behind the scenes on Broadway to making his major on-screen acting debut.
Technology
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Meta says its AI model breached a third-party company during testing
Tech giant Meta revealed Wednesday that one of its artificial intelligence models hacked another organization during testing, the third time in recent weeks that an AI model has improperly accessed a third-party company.
AI models are behaving unexpectedly. Experts warn of a "bumpy road" ahead.
AI models are engaging in unauthorized actions — in the most recent case, creating fake identities and attempting to persuade real people to approve malicious code.
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.
At least 12 states report cyberattacks on water systems possibly linked to Iran
Cyberattacks on U.S. water systems that officials suspect may be linked to Iran-backed hackers have been reported in at least a dozen states, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Anthropic AI created fake profiles in hack
Two of the most powerful artificial intelligence agents created fake human profiles to try to trick people in attempted cyberattacks. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
Crime
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Investigation
Crime
Questions about company in L.A. warehouse fire
Matt Gutman investigates Lineage Logistics, the company involved in the Los Angeles warehouse fire that left tens of millions of pounds of meat to rot, forcing a whole community to face foul odors and other health hazards.
Details on man arrested near Trump golf club
A man arrested outside President Trump's golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, was already under investigation for robbery. Nikole Killion has the details.
New Mexico AG on suing DOJ over Epstein files
New Mexico is suing the Trump administration for access to files related to Jeffrey Epstein as it investigates the convicted sex offender's Zorro Ranch property. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Water system cyberattacks spread to more states
Several states are experiencing cyberattacks on their water systems after Minnesota reported at attack last week. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Latest details from Lindsay Clancy trial
The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy wrapped its seventh day on Wednesday. Clancy has admitted to killing her three children, but her defense says she was experiencing an extreme mental health crisis at the time of their deaths. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Space
More Space
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
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.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Trainer's 3 simple things to do in the morning
Fitness expert and Norah O'Donnell's personal trainer, Kira Stokes, shares three simple things you can do when you wake up to feel ready for the day.
Her Mom Got a Devastating Diagnosis. Now What?
Jill and Mark discuss the spectacular collapse of the Situational Awareness hedge fund and what it reveals about today's AI-fueled investing boom. They help a caller fighting back tears figure out how to balance three competing priorities: saving for retirement, paying for her children's college, and preparing to care for her mother following the diagnosis of a degenerative illness. Plus: a reaction to billionaire Jeremy Grantham's outrageous advice that investors should ditch U.S. stocks altogether.
Ex-Sanders campaign adviser on El-Sayed's win
Abdul El-Sayed has defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, CBS News projects. Corbin Trent, former national coordinator for the Bernie Sanders campaign, joins with analysis.
Former Defense Sec. Chuck Hagel on Iran war
Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel served from 2013 to 2015 in the Obama administration. He joins CBS News to discuss the latest developments in the Iran war as congressional lawmakers ask for more transparency and information about the conflict.
LIV Golf secures "lead investor" for 2027 season
The CEO of LIV Golf announced an investor agreement that he claims will allow the league to continue. The Athletic staff writer Gabby Herzig joins CBS News to discuss.