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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.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
Noem defends Minnesota ICE operations, says judge's order "didn't change anything"
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
Peak travel: Viewing the U.S. from each state's highest point
"Highpointers" are people with a quirky goal: summiting the highest point in each of the 50 states, from Mr. McKinley in Alaska (elevation: 20,310 feet above sea level), to Florida's Britton Hill (elevation: 345 feet).
Voices of the civil rights movement
To mark Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, "Sunday Morning" talks with some of those who were engaged from the very beginning of the civil rights movement, from sit-ins and marches to the Supreme Court.
MoneyWatch
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Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans shed pounds
As obesity rates among Americans drop and weight loss drugs lead to a slimmer society, airlines could save on fuel costs, according to a recent analysis.
Politics
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Transcript: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Mike Turner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Noem defends Minnesota ICE operations, says judge's order "didn't change anything"
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
Transcript: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
World
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Transcript: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Mike Turner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Transcript: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Avalanches kill 8 skiers despite "clear and repeated warnings"
"This tragedy painfully demonstrates how serious the current avalanche situation is," one official said.
Shark attacks boy in Sydney, leaving him in critical condition
The predator bit the boy, believed to be about 13 years old, during the late afternoon off Shark Beach, police said.
Entertainment
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Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks: "Probably the funniest person of all time"
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like the director of such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol: "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like Mel Brooks, the filmmaker of such comedy classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" Apatow talks with Tracy Smith about the World War II veteran who broke comedy taboos by lampooning Nazis and racists, and about Brooks' long friendship with another comic legend, Carl Reiner.
Stellan Skarsgård on acting: "It is like being a child … you never grow up"
The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Andor." He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
Extended interview: Stellan Skarsgård
In this web exclusive, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård discusses his Golden Globe-winning performance in the film "Sentimental Value," in which he plays a director trying to reconnect with his daughter, an actress, by writing a role for her to play. He also talks about the effect of his 2022 stroke, which occurred during production of "Andor" and the "Dune" films, and how he feels he has changed as an actor after more than 150 film and TV credits.
"Sentimental Value" star Stellan Skarsgård
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Good Will Hunting," to "Mamma Mia!" and the "Star Wars" series "Andor." He just won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his estranged actress-daughters. Skarsgård talks with Seth Doane about why he's never bored making films; being a father of eight; and working with the effects of a 2022 stroke.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Robinson attorneys trying to disqualify prosecutor
Lawyers for the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are trying to disqualify one of the prosecutors on the case. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
Face the Nation: Warner and Turner
Missed the second half of the show? Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio join.
Turner: Greenland move alienating allies
GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio says President Trump's threats over acquiring Greenland are putting his other priorities around the world at risk by alienating overseas allies.
Warner: Trump has sewn "international chaos"
"Will my Republican friends, beyond saying quietly to me, 'Mark, this is crazy,' will they say that publicly, and stand up against a president that has brought chaos to the international order?" Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said, referring to the president's threats against Greenland.
CBS News poll: More say ICE being too tough
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News executive director of elections and surveys, discusses the findings of a new CBS News poll on immigration, Greenland, inflation and more.
Minneapolis mayor: Feds an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says local leaders are "doing everything possible to keep the peace, notwithstanding this occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."