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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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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 28, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, CBS News correspondents Major Garrett, Robert Costa, Jan Crawford, Jennifer Jacobs and Scott MacFarlane join Margaret Brennan.
South Korean mine could soon supply the U.S. with a critical mineral
The Sangdong mine contains millions of tons of tungsten, known as a war metal that can withstand extraordinary temperatures, something the U.S. desperately needs for defense.
"Hail and farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2025
"Sunday Morning" looks back at some of the newsworthy men and women who passed away this year – from musicians and storytellers, to activists and statesmen – who touched us with their creativity and humanity.
Luke Burbank on making realistic New Year's resolutions
Forget about hitting the gym, or signing up for a foreign language app. Luke Burbank resolves to do far better with his New Year's resolutions in 2026 by committing to goals he can actually keep … probably.
The history of the New Year's Eve ball drop
Since 1907, New Yorkers have marked the New Year with the ceremonial dropping of a huge ball in Times Square. Now, a brand-new ball, covered with more than 5,000 handcrafted Waterford Crystal discs, will help ring in 2026.
MoneyWatch
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Bank of America CEO warns market "will punish people" without independent Fed
Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan stated last week that, as President Trump seeks a new chair of the Federal Reserve, maintaining the banking system's independence is paramount.
Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
5 money moves to make in 2026, according to financial experts
As many Americans head into 2026 with mounting money worries, reviewing your finances now could help put you on firmer footing next year.
Politics
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 28, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, CBS News correspondents Major Garrett, Robert Costa, Jan Crawford, Jennifer Jacobs and Scott MacFarlane join Margaret Brennan.
Trump and Zelenskyy say they're nearly in agreement on Ukraine peace plan
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday after he said he had a "good and very productive" call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Bank of America CEO warns market "will punish people" without independent Fed
Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan stated last week that, as President Trump seeks a new chair of the Federal Reserve, maintaining the banking system's independence is paramount.
Transcript: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 28, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025. Editor's note: This interview was filmed on Dec. 17, 2025.
Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
World
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Exclusive
Bondi Beach shooting hero says he just wanted to save innocent people
Ahmed al Ahmed, the man hailed as a hero for disarming one of the gunmen behind a deadly antisemitic attack on Australia's Bondi Beach, says he just wanted to save innocent people.
Knife attack in Suriname kills at least 9 people, police say
The attack took place in Richelieu in the Commewijne district about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Paramaribo.
Transcript: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 28, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025. Editor's note: This interview was filmed on Dec. 17, 2025.
South Korean mine could soon supply the U.S. with a critical mineral
The Sangdong mine contains millions of tons of tungsten, known as a war metal that can withstand extraordinary temperatures, something the U.S. desperately needs for defense.
1,000-pound U.S.-made WWII bomb found in Belgrade construction site
Unexploded bombs dating back to past wars have been discovered in Serbia and around the world in recent years.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
MetroCard art: Swiping beauty from the mundane
On December 31, New York City will officially retire the transit system's MetroCard, that ubiquitous piece of plastic used to gain entrance onto subways and buses. But there is beauty in using MetroCards as the raw materials for art, as Thomas McKean has found in his collages and miniature sculptures depicting portraits of city life. Serena Altschul reports.
2025: The year's top books
"Sunday Morning" checks out the bestselling fiction and non-fiction of the past year.
2025: The year's top movies
"Sunday Morning" checks out the highest-grossing films of the past year.
2025: The year's top music
"Sunday Morning" checks out Spotify's top streaming hits of the past year.
The Book Report: Ron Charles' picks from 2025
The Washington Post book reviewer offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his picks for fiction and non-fiction titles to add to their New Year's reading lists.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Knife attack in Suriname kills at least 9 people, police say
The attack took place in Richelieu in the Commewijne district about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Paramaribo.
Man says wife was killed by pipe coming through car windshield
Todd Kendhammer said his wife Barbara was killed in a freak accident, but a Wisconsin jury didn't believe him. Can his new attorneys upend the case with what they say is critical new evidence?
Man charged with fatal shooting of woman during backyard target practice
The victim was sitting with her family under a covered porch several blocks away when she was hit by a bullet, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Dad uses cellphone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cellphone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
What's next on the Epstein files release?
Lawmakers may take action against the Department of Justice for the delayed release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson weighs in.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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
Bondi Beach hero on disarming gunman
Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who disarmed one of the Bondi Beach gunmen, tells CBS News, "I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry still for the lost."
Trump, Zelenskyy meet at Mar-a-Lago
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday as they work toward a peace plan for Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Trump confirmed that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the meeting. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Face the Nation: Correspondents' panel
Missed the second half of the show? CBS News contributors Samantha Vinograd and Christopher Krebs join, plus our correspondents panel: Major Garrett, Robert Costa, Jan Crawford, Jennifer Jacobs and Scott MacFarlane join Margaret Brennan
Top national security threats in 2026
CBS News contributors Samantha Vinograd, a former top Homeland Security official in the Obama administration, and Christopher Krebs, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, discuss what national security threats the U.S. is facing in 2026. Editor's note: This segment was filmed on Dec. 21, 2025.
Full interview: Brian Moynihan
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, a portion of which aired on Dec. 28, 2025. Editor's note: This interview was recorded on Dec. 17, 2025.