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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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2 killed after Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashes in Salado, Texas
Two people aboard an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based out of Fort Hood were killed in a crash on Wednesday, according to local authorities and the Army.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive for her role in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of telling donors and banks it was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, while funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
MoneyWatch
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How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
Here's how much Social Security's 2027 COLA could rise under new estimates
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is projected to be lower than previously forecast, according to new estimates.
NYC Council probes prediction markets over advertising practices
New York City lawmakers allege that four major prediction markets engage in deceptive marketing practices and target young adults.
CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace
The CPI report was in line with economists' expectations, marking the second consecutive month with cooler price pressures.
Eli Lilly takes aim at illicit market for its experimental weight-loss drug
The pharmaceutical company is filing lawsuits against six outlets selling versions of its promising but unapproved weight-loss drug, retatrutide.
Politics
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Trump's secret plane switch took place within a day of credible missile threat
President Trump secretly moved from Air Force One to another plane within a day of U.S. and Turkish intelligence picking up on an Iranian plot to fire a missile at the jet, CBS News has learned.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive for her role in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of telling donors and banks it was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, while funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The DOJ unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
First on CBS
Top Trump officials heading to Iowa to help GOP campaigns, sources say
The upcoming Iowa State Fair is a pivotal window of opportunity for candidates on the campaign trail.
HealthWatch
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Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.
Doctor on Fauci's COVID-era revealed texts
Republican senators this week released 11 new text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci's government phone in 2021 as part of the investigations into his handling of the COVID pandemic. In the texts, he discussed the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine for pregnant women. Dr. Serena Chen, an OB-GYN and the director of advocacy at CCRM Fertility of New Jersey, has more.
Trump administration bars use of Medicaid funds for some youth transgender care
Medicaid said it won't pay for gender-affirming surgeries or hormones for transgender minors.
World
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At least 1 dead, 172 rescued from ferry fire near Bali, Indonesia
One Indonesian teenager was killed when the vessel caught fire in rough seas.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
Baby rescued from earthquake rubble in Colombia as death toll rises
Footage shared on social media shows a baby being rescued from the bloody arms of a man trapped underneath a destroyed building in Cali after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Becky G on her friendship with Karol G
Singer Becky G speaks with Gayle King about her tour with Karol G and the bond the two pop stars have formed. "We have a beautiful friendship," Becky G says, "one I'm really, really thankful for and one that I think throughout the years we've really earned with one another."
Behind the scenes of the movie "Tony"
Actor Dominic Sessa and renowned chef Eric Ripert talk with "CBS Mornings" about the new movie "Tony," which is loosely based on Anthony Bourdain's stories of his first experience working in a kitchen restaurant before he found fame. Sessa describes how he got involved and Ripert, who one of Bourdain's best friends, talks about his relationship with the beloved chef.
Becky G on being family's breadwinner
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King speaks exclusively with pop superstar Becky G about feeling the pressure of becoming her family's breadwinner at a young age.
Spotify to label music from "AI personas"
Kourtnee Jackson, senior streaming and entertainment editor at CNET, joins "The Daily Report" to give her take on Spotify's decision to label AI-generated music and block it from being recommended to users.
Graceland celebrates "Elvis Week"
"Elvis Week" kicked off at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 8 and runs until Aug. 16, marking Elvis Presley's death. Alicia Dean, the longtime marketing and promotions specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, joins with more.
Technology
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Technology
Google unveils new tech, centered around AI
Google is officially unveiling its latest line of Pixel phones and other new devices at its 2026 Made By Google event in New York. AI is at the center of its newest offerings. Matt Binder, a senior reporter at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta on trial for social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta is being accused of designing social media platforms that violate privacy and enable social media addiction in children. Jury selection in the trial begins today. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case.
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.
Duffy on new tech for air travel safety
Top transportation officials were at Newark Airport on Tuesday for the installation of a new radar system designed to help controllers prevent runway incidents. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave spoke with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the new technology.
Wall Street targets $500B for AI
Nvidia scored an astounding $500 billion in financing for artificial intelligence, backed by Wall Street's top power brokers and firms. Puck founding partner and industry journalist William D. Cohan weighs in on the AI boom and data center construction.
Science
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Science
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
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.
Perseid meteor shower peaks during eclipse
The Perseid meteor shower will peak during 2026's only total solar eclipse. Director of astronomy at Adler Planetarium, Dr. Geza Gyuk, explains why the eclipse is so special.
Total solar eclipse in Europe
A small part of the U.S. will be able to see a sliver of partial solar eclipse, but the path of totality will cut through Europe. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has more from Mallorca, Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy's counselor takes the stand
Latiesha Dukes, one of Lindsay Clancy's mental health counselors before the deaths of her three children, testified Wednesday that she did not see signs of Clancy in crisis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Judge makes rare ruling in Mangione case
At a hearing for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a judge ruled the jury in Mangione's New York state murder trial will be anonymous. Tom Hanson explains.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
More healthcare testimony in Clancy trial
Healthcare workers who treated Lindsay Clancy's postpartum mental health concerns are back on the stand Tuesday in her murder trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has the latest.
Space
More Space
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.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
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.
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
Brian Poindexter on his race against Max Miller
Democrat Brian Poindexter is seeing new interest in his Ohio campaign for Congress as his opponent, GOP Rep. Max Miller, faces allegations of abuse. Poindexter joined "The Takeout" to discuss the race.
Details on Leavitt's exit as press secretary
Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that she will leave her role as White House press secretary at the end of the month. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe has more on that and the latest on President Trump's secret plane switch.
Luke Bronin on his Connecticut primary upset
Luke Bronin beat 14-term Democratic Rep. John Larson in Tuesday night's primary for Connecticut's 1st congressional district. Bronin joined "The Takeout" to discuss his win.
Europe sees first total eclipse in 27 years
The moon passed in front of the sun, blocking its light for a total solar eclipse over parts of Europe on Wednesday. CBS News national weather correspondent Rob Marciano paints a picture from Mallorca, Spain, and Brian Gold, who witnessed the eclipse, joins with his thoughts.
Key takeaways from Tuesday's primaries
Tuesday's primaries in six states provided a blurry picture of the U.S. electorate. On the Democratic side, some progressives won and some lost while Republicans also saw mixed results for President Trump's endorsed candidates. CBS News' Major Garrett, Jonah Kaplan, Taurean Small and Anthony Salvanto break down all the results.