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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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Harvard to pay $53 million after morgue manager sold body parts
Harvard University has agreed to pay $53 million to resolve lawsuits by families alleging it mishandled the bodies of loved ones donated to its medical school.
Florida Senate race set between Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon
GOP Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon will face off in November after winning their primaries for U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, the Associated Press projects.
Byron Donalds, David Jolly to face off in Florida governor's race
Rep. Byron Donalds won the Republican primary for governor and former Rep. David Jolly won the Democratic primary, The Associated Press projects.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
Investigation
Beagles bred for research get new life amid questions over federal oversight
The USDA's own inspector general has repeatedly raised concerns about federal oversight of dog breeders.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Inflation is outpacing wages again. Many workers were already behind.
When inflation rises faster than workers' wages, it feels like they're getting a pay cut. Companies, meanwhile, benefit.
State Farm is sending refund checks to customers. Here's who qualifies.
More than 7.2 million checks have been mailed so far, with millions more expected to go out this week, according to State Farm.
DEI policies brought no financial penalty to firms, study finds
Companies that stood by their diversity efforts faced no detectable impact from investors or shoppers, researchers found.
Meta's federal trial begins over child social media addiction claims
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
Outshine Fruit Bars recalled over possible glass, parent Dreyer's says
Five flavors of Outshine Fruit Bars sold nationwide were recalled because they may include glass, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream said.
Politics
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Sen. Dan Sullivan, Mary Peltola advance in Alaska Senate primary
In Alaska, the top four vote getters in the primary advance to the general election.
Trump says he paused 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods as deal being finalized
President Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. and Canada have reached a last-minute agreement to pause the 50% tariffs.
U.S., South Korea cut short their joint military drills at Trump's direction
President Trump ordered the exercises be scaled back, citing what he said was a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join the U.S. war against Iran.
Scandal-ridden Cory Mills ousted in GOP primary in Florida's 7th District
The Trump-backed incumbent has struggled to raise money for his reelection bid as the House Ethics Committee investigates numerous allegations against him.
Florida Senate race set between Ashley Moody and Angie Nixon
GOP Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon will face off in November after winning their primaries for U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, the Associated Press projects.
HealthWatch
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Ebola Congo cases surpass 5,000 as record-setting pace of spread continues
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has passed 5,000 cases, government data showed, an unprecedented rate of spread that's outpacing efforts to slow it in one of the country's remotest regions.
From 2024: Tommy John on Tommy John surgery, before and after
In this interview from 2024, former pitching ace Tommy John talked with correspondent Faith Salie about the injury to his pitching arm he suffered in 1974, and about the innovative procedure (which came to be known as "Tommy John surgery") that rescued his career – and would prolong the careers of many more professional and amateur athletes since. [John died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83.]
School vaccination rates inch down again to record low
U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high for the 2025-2026 school year
RFK Jr.'s hunt for autism culprits stalls amid Trump's baseless vaccine order
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s closed-door research has yet to produce evidence linking vaccines and autism.
Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
World
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Australian woman appeals murder convictions in poison mushroom case
Triple-murderer Erin Patterson appeals convictions for poisoning four of her estranged husband's relatives with death cap mushrooms.
Skeletal remains believed to be ritual offering unearthed in Peru
The body was buried inside a canal, resting on its left flank, with the skull facing the pyramid and the Pacific Ocean, archaeologists said.
Ebola Congo cases surpass 5,000 as record-setting pace of spread continues
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has passed 5,000 cases, government data showed, an unprecedented rate of spread that's outpacing efforts to slow it in one of the country's remotest regions.
Ukraine's fired defense minister calls for elections despite war with Russia
The former defense minister, whose firing sparked weeks of protests, said Ukraine needed to find a way to hold elections despite the prolonged war with Russia.
Trump says he paused 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods as deal being finalized
President Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. and Canada have reached a last-minute agreement to pause the 50% tariffs.
Entertainment
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Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Nominees revealed for some VMA categories
"CBS Mornings" revealed the nominees for three categories at this year's VMAs, including artist of the year.
Top upcoming book to movie adaptations
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss some of her favorite books coming to the big screen this year.
Technology
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Technology
OpenAI debuts ChatGPT for teens
OpenAI has launched a chatbot marketed for teens that the company says will provide stronger protections as concerns over AI safety increase. Axios Chief Technology Correspondent Ina Fried joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Meta's federal trial begins over child social media addiction claims
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
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.
Data centers, AI become midterm flashpoint
Artificial intelligence and the data centers powering the technology have become a flashpoint ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Wall Street Journal, has more.
Discord suspends livestreams in Brazil amid backlash over girl's suicide
Popular American chat app Discord says it suspended livestreams in line with a Brazilian government order, amid fierce criticism over a 13-year-old girl's death.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Details on Meta trial over addiction claims
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Clancy's former mother-in-law testifies
Lindsay Clancy's former mother-in-law, Susan Clancy, took the stand Tuesday to offer testimony as Lindsay Clancy stands on trial for the killings of her three children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Philadephia police hunting man in Chucky mask
Philadelphia police are searching for a man in a horror mask resembling Chucky the doll who has been terrorizing locals. Lilia Luciano has more.
Man on trial for suspected murder for hire
The alleged killer in the case of Jared Bridegan, a former Microsoft manager who prosecutors say was the victim of a murder for hire arranged by his ex-wife and her husband, is now on trial. Jason Allen has more.
Massive campus cocaine dealer arrested
A 24-year-old at Penn State University, described as the largest cocaine dealer on campus, has been arrested and charged. Meg Oliver has more.
Space
More Space
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
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.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Watch: Lawyer hits car outside courthouse
A lawyer attracted unwanted attention outside Boston Federal Court following Lawrence, Massachusetts, Mayor Brian DePeña's arraignment last Friday. The mayor's attorney rear-ended a parked vehicle while attempting to leave the area and remarked that he would bring bodyguards with him next time. Prosecutors allege DePeña improperly used more than $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans.
Crime in D.C. down to lowest level since 2010
A CBS News analysis finds crime in Washington, D.C., dropped to its lowest level since at least 2010 in the 12 months after President Trump declared a federal emergency and deployed the National Guard into the city. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Oil prices rise as Iran war continues
Oil prices on Tuesday reached their highest level since July as the war in Iran drags on without an end in site. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
DOJ sending 1,000 monitors to midterm polls
The head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced Monday that she's planning to deploy 1,000 federal monitors to polling places throughout the U.S. for the midterm elections. Jen Fifield, reporter for ProPublica, joins CBS News to discuss.
Details on Meta trial over addiction claims
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.