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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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House Ethics investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez for alleged sexual misconduct
The allegations include "engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer," according to the committee.
Trump welcomes 16-year-old lifeguard and boy he rescued to the Oval Office
President Trump praised lifeguard Ryder Williams for his bravery, saying his rescue of a 10-year-old boy in treacherous waters was "incredible."
Has your license plate been tracked by Flock? Here's how to check.
The website HaveIBeenFlocked has compiled a database of 4.6 million license plate records that have appeared in roughly 242 million Flock searches.
Ex-prosecutor fired over FACE Act case sues DOJ for unlawful termination
Sunita Doddamani argues that she was terminated as an assistant U.S. attorney because she prosecuted activists accused of blocking an entrance to an abortion clinic.
Hayden Panettiere remembered by co-stars and friends after her death
Co-stars and friends of Hayden Panettiere are remembering her for her friendship, intelligence and talent after her shocking death on Sunday.
MoneyWatch
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Has your license plate been tracked by Flock? Here's how to check.
The website HaveIBeenFlocked has compiled a database of 4.6 million license plate records that have appeared in roughly 242 million Flock searches.
Trump family crypto firm granted conditional approval to establish a bank
The plan has sparked criticism from Democrats, who argue that granting bank status to a business affiliated with the Trump family poses a conflict of interest.
CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
Politics
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House Ethics investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez for alleged sexual misconduct
The allegations include "engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer," according to the committee.
Trump welcomes 16-year-old lifeguard and boy he rescued to the Oval Office
President Trump praised lifeguard Ryder Williams for his bravery, saying his rescue of a 10-year-old boy in treacherous waters was "incredible."
First on CBS
Hegseth to go to Iowa today to campaign for GOP candidates, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was scheduled to head to Iowa on Monday to give remarks, speak to veterans and campaign, sources told CBS News.
Ex-prosecutor fired over FACE Act case sues DOJ for unlawful termination
Sunita Doddamani argues that she was terminated as an assistant U.S. attorney because she prosecuted activists accused of blocking an entrance to an abortion clinic.
CENTCOM commander tries to ease concerns about USS Abraham Lincoln
President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have disputed concerns about conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
HealthWatch
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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.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
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.
World
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Senior Israeli official calls for killing of "30 to 40" Gazans every night
Israel's far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for nightly "targeted assassinations" in Gaza: "They're not even people."
CENTCOM commander tries to ease concerns about USS Abraham Lincoln
President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have disputed concerns about conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
BBC asks court to subpoena Trump family members for defamation defense
After failing to deliver subpoenas itself, the BBC has asked a Florida court to compel three of President Trump's family members to testify over the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Thousands waiting for help as Indonesia earthquake death toll nears 70
Thousands of people are still waiting for aid on Indonesia's Flores island days after a powerful earthquake killed at least 68 people.
U.K. prime minister messages with impersonator of top Trump staffer
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messaged with someone pretending to be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Opening statements in Tupac Shakur murder trial
The trial has begun for the man accused of ordering the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, Duane "Keffe D" Davis. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Hayden Panettiere remembered by co-stars and friends after her death
Co-stars and friends of Hayden Panettiere are remembering her for her friendship, intelligence and talent after her shocking death on Sunday.
Jon Batiste on creating his 3 new albums
Jon Batiste speaks with "CBS Mornings" about his three new albums, which were inspired by composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Thelonious Monk, and explains how he crafted each one in a single day. The Grammy winner also gives an update on his wife, who is battling cancer.
Hayden Panettiere dies at 36
Actor Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in "Remember the Titans" and "Heroes," has died at 36, her publicist confirmed. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
Hayden Panettiere dies at 36
Actor Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, her father confirmed in a statement. The star was known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville." Gayle King has a look at her life and career.
Technology
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Technology
States crack down on misleading home listings
More home listings are using AI to add furniture, repaint walls, spruce up landscaping and even add windows. But when does virtual staging cross the line into deception or even fraud? CBS News' Evyn Moon explores.
The iNaturalist app – Mixing science with fun
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species. (Originally broadcast March 22, 2026.)
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.
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
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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Tupac Shakur was murdered in "act of revenge," prosecutor tells jury
The long-unsolved drive-by shooting gripped the hip-hop community, partly because no one was charged until Duane "Keffe D" Davis was indicted in 2023.
Lindsay Clancy's mother takes the stand
Paula Musgrove, Lindsay Clancy's mother, gave emotional testimony in her daughter's murder trial on Monday, where she said Clancy was a dedicated, loving mom.
Lindsay Clancy's sister takes stand in trial
Lindsay Clancy's sister, Allison Ozga, took the stand in Clancy's murder trial on Monday to share what her sister's mental health was like before allegedly killing her three children.
Opening statements in Tupac Shakur murder trial
The trial has begun for the man accused of ordering the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, Duane "Keffe D" Davis. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Prosecution rests in Lindsay Clancy trial
The prosecution rested its case Monday in the Massachusetts trial against Lindsay Clancy, who admitted to killing her three children in 2023. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
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.
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.
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.
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: Trump takes questions on Iran, more
President Trump on Monday met with 16-year-old Ryder Williams, the lifeguard who saved a 10-year-old boy who was struggling in rough surf on a California beach. During the Oval Office meeting, the president also took questions from reporters on Iran, conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and more.
Retired Marine colonel on Trump threat to Oman
Mark Cancian, retired Marine colonel and senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News to discuss President Trump's threat to bomb Oman if it "gets in the way" of efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Lindsay Clancy's mother takes the stand
Paula Musgrove, Lindsay Clancy's mother, gave emotional testimony in her daughter's murder trial on Monday, where she said Clancy was a dedicated, loving mom.
Lindsay Clancy's sister takes stand in trial
Lindsay Clancy's sister, Allison Ozga, took the stand in Clancy's murder trial on Monday to share what her sister's mental health was like before allegedly killing her three children.
New CBS News poll on economy, socialism
A new CBS News poll is digging into how Americans feel about capitalism, socialism and the economy at large with the 2026 midterm elections just a few months away. CBS News' executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto has more.