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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.
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.
Tupac Shakur autopsy photos shown at murder trial after some family members leave
Tupac Shakur's cousin said the autopsy photos made him feel "very angry, to say the least."
Former NIAID adviser pleads guilty in COVID-19 records scheme
David Morens, 78, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses and to defraud the United States.
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.
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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Former NIAID adviser pleads guilty in COVID-19 records scheme
David Morens, 78, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses and to defraud the United States.
Who is Natalie Harp? Trump's loyal assistant suddenly in the spotlight
The 35-year-old executive assistant to the president is a quiet but loyal force at President Trump's side.
Former DOJ lawyer alleges government improperly targeted Ivy League schools
The Trump admin. pressured attorneys to investigate allegations of antisemitism at elite universities even though there was no factual or legal basis to do so, former DOJ lawyer says.
Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
Appeals court upholds block on immigration arrests at certain houses of worship
A federal appeals court sided with houses of worship from the Quaker, Sikh, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship religious traditions.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
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.
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.
World
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Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
Ukraine targets Moscow with drones as Russia threatens U.K. over support
Ukraine targets Moscow with a huge wave of drones as Russia warns the U.K. will pay a price for supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons.
USS Benfold went days without power in the South China Sea
The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold spent four days without power last month after a problem with its engineering, according to a spokesperson for the Navy's 7th Fleet.
U.S. diplomat calls Israeli strikes on Syria base "unnecessary escalation"
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack says an Israeli attack on a Syrian air force base was an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability."
Trial opens 32 years after American woman murdered in Germany
The man is accused of luring Amy Lopez under false pretenses into a secluded room, where he then allegedly handcuffed her, sexually assaulted her and killed her.
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
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.
Missing Atlanta kids found locked in trailer
Two children in Atlanta were found locked inside a trailer after going missing while in the custody of their babysitter, who had told their mother they were involved in an accident. Skyler Henry reports.
Recycling plant explosions kill 2 in Ohio
Two workers died Tuesday in a Toledo, Ohio, recycling plant after a series of explosions sparked a massive fire. Tom Hanson has more.
New details in Hayden Panettiere's death
A Greenville city police report reveals new details in the death of beloved actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away Sunday at 36. Mark Strassmann has more.
Landmark trial against Meta underway
New York Times technology reporter Mike Isaac joins CBS News to break down the landmark social media trial against Meta that's currently underway, with parents accusing the tech giant of designing its platforms to be addictive and harmful to children.
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
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
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.
Missing Atlanta kids found locked in trailer
Two children in Atlanta were found locked inside a trailer after going missing while in the custody of their babysitter, who had told their mother they were involved in an accident. Skyler Henry reports.
Recycling plant explosions kill 2 in Ohio
Two workers died Tuesday in a Toledo, Ohio, recycling plant after a series of explosions sparked a massive fire. Tom Hanson has more.
Disney, ABC sue FCC over early license renewals
The Walt Disney Company, ABC and their owned television stations are suing the Federal Communications Commission, following the agency's decision to review ABC's broadcast license early. David Shepardson, correspondent for Reuters, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
New details in Hayden Panettiere's death
A Greenville city police report reveals new details in the death of beloved actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away Sunday at 36. Mark Strassmann has more.