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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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Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Surrogate appeals to Supreme Court in custody dispute over baby with heart defect
A California couple's surrogate who refused their wishes to have an abortion has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a custody dispute over the 4-week-old child, who was born in Texas with a serious heart defect.
Diesel prices are nearing $6 a gallon for the first time ever
The price of diesel has soared more than 60% over the last year, a surge energy experts said is likely to continue. Here's why.
Trump's $5,000 payments would reignite inflation, economists say
Mr. Trump's pledge to give $5,000 to Americans would stoke inflation and worsen the nation's fiscal outlook, according to economists.
August CPI report could spark the Fed's first rate hike in over 3 years
Friday's August CPI report could set the stage for the Federal Reserve's first interest rate hike in more than three years.
MoneyWatch
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Diesel prices are nearing $6 a gallon for the first time ever
The price of diesel has soared more than 60% over the last year, a surge energy experts said is likely to continue. Here's why.
Trump's $5,000 payments would reignite inflation, economists say
Mr. Trump's pledge to give $5,000 to Americans would stoke inflation and worsen the nation's fiscal outlook, according to economists.
August CPI report could spark the Fed's first rate hike in over 3 years
Friday's August CPI report could set the stage for the Federal Reserve's first interest rate hike in more than three years.
Why you shouldn't bank on Trump's $5,000 dividends happening
President Trump pledged $5,000 to all American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress. You may not be able to take that to the bank.
Humans "close to being outsmarted" by superintelligence, AI expert says
Rapid developments in AI are prompting concerns about "superintelligence." Here's why some experts are worried.
Politics
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Surrogate appeals to Supreme Court in custody dispute over baby with heart defect
A California couple's surrogate who refused their wishes to have an abortion has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a custody dispute over the 4-week-old child, who was born in Texas with a serious heart defect.
Joe diGenova resigns from DOJ after overseeing "grand conspiracy" probe
Joe diGenova, the prosecutor who was tapped by Attorney General Todd Blanche to supervise the "grand conspiracy" investigation targeting Obama- and Biden-era officials, told CBS News he has resigned.
Exclusive
Trump shares more details on $5,000 dividends in exclusive interview
CBS News Texas political reporter Jack Fink sat down with President Trump for an exclusive interview during the president's visit to North Texas.
Trump's $5,000 payments would reignite inflation, economists say
Mr. Trump's pledge to give $5,000 to Americans would stoke inflation and worsen the nation's fiscal outlook, according to economists.
White House framework for testing new AI models remains hidden as concerns mount
The White House has not publicly released the voluntary framework for testing frontier AI models that it finalized in August.
HealthWatch
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Coroner releases details on 2 infant deaths in Pennsylvania measles outbreak
Neither infant was old enough to be vaccinated. The first dose of the measles vaccine is typically given at around 1 year of age.
How donating blood could reveal clues about your own health
Amid a national blood supply crisis, Dr. Courtney Lawrence sat down with Norah O'Donnell to talk about donating blood, health myths and more.
A generation of kids suffers as Trump destabilizes immigrant families
Children in immigrant families are facing multiple health threats from President Trump's policies.
NYC officials release unseen post-9/11 air quality documents
New York City officials released thousands of previously unseen documents questioning the air quality at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Experts discuss the symptoms, diagnosis and stigma surrounding postpartum psychosis (not to be confused with postpartum depression), a psychiatric emergency with symptoms that can be extreme and dangerous, as testified in the trial of Lindsay Clancy.
World
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Spain's spy agency warned of Ceuta border breach plans before crisis, declassified files show
Spain's national intelligence agency issued multiple warnings about a potential mass crossing of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, declassified documents show.
25 people killed in fire on cargo ship docked in China, state media reports
The deadly fire broke out when the cargo ship was docked for repairs at a major shipping hub on China's northeastern coast.
Multiple U.S. military aircraft damaged in Iranian strikes on base in Jordan, sources say
One A-10 Thunderbolt, an attack aircraft known as the Warthog, was struck and lost a wing, according to sources.
Deadly fire on ferry off Philippines leaves dozens of people missing
A fire on a passenger ferry off the western Philippines left dozens of people missing and killed at least five. An intense and widespread search was on for the unaccounted for.
Barry Melrose, prominent NHL player, coach and broadcaster, dies at 70
Barry Melrose, a hockey player-turned-coach who led the Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final before going on to a long career in broadcasting the sport, has died at 70.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Dolly Parton's sister on Dolly's marriage
Dolly Parton's younger sister sat down with Gayle King for a conversation that included Dolly's makeup routine and her decades-long love affair with her husband Carl.
Sandra Bullock, Lee Pace on "Practical Magic 2"
Sandra Bullock and Lee Pace sat down with Adriana Diaz to discuss "Practical Magic 2," which premieres Friday.
Exclusive
Stella Parton says her sister Dolly was prepared and at peace when she died
Stella Parton gives insight into her sister Dolly Parton's marriage, makeup habits and views on death in an exclusive CBS News interview.
Dolly Parton's sister on star's life, death
Dolly Parton's sister, Stella, sits down with Gayle King for her first interview since Dolly's death to discuss her sister's legendary life. Stella Parton says the country star was "definitely prepared" and at peace when she died last month.
Fashion designer Romeo Hunte shares new pieces
Fashion designer Romeo Hunte joins "The Daily Report" to discuss pieces in his new collection as New York Fashion Week kicks off.
Technology
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Technology
Expert on threats of AI "superintelligence"
Public concerns over the threat of "superintelligence" are on the rise following comments from a former Anthropic researcher that the technology could kill off humanity. J.B Branch, director of federal AI governance and technology policy at Public Citizen, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Former Anthropic employee on his fears
Anthropic said on Thursday that it disrupted several potential efforts this year to make biological weapons using its models. It's the exact kind of threat that has some people worried, including former Anthropic employee Jacob Coxon. Jo Ling Kent spoke with him on Thursday.
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.
Democrats, Republicans in stalemate over AI
No federal law exists to regulate AI as Democrats and Republicans clash in the wake of renewed fears of human extinction. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more.
Political strategists on calls for AI regulation
Momentum appears to be growing on Capitol Hill for artificial intelligence regulation, following the resignation of an Anthropic researcher over concerns that AI could wipe out humanity. Political strategists Emily Cherniack and Marc Short join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Science
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First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
Crime
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Crime
Ex-FBI agent on hunt for alleged 9/11 planner
"Daughters of 9/11," a new documentary airing on CBS on Friday, follows two women who lost their fathers in the attacks and are demanding alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed be held accountable. Their journey leads them to Retired FBI Special Agent Frank Pellegrino, who spent more than a decade hunting for Mohammed and eventually questioned him. Pellegrino joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Lindsay Clancy lawyer files to toss mistrial
Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, filed a motion Thursday to throw out last week's mistrial and acquit Clancy. Clancy admitted to killing her three children, but pled not guilty to murder charges, arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.
One year since Charlie Kirk's killing
It has been one year since conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event in Utah. Benji Backer, the founder and CEO of Nature Is Nonpartisan, joins CBS News with more on his friendship with Kirk.
Video shows attempted murder in Ohio
A potential killing was caught on camera in Ohio and was revealed at the trial of a man found guilty of attempting to shoot his wife in a crowded restaurant. Mark Strassmann reports.
Lindsay Clancy Mistrial: Reddington Weighs In
In the wake of the mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy murder case, CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul and WBZ-TV reporter and anchor Kristina Rex share new reporting from inside the courtroom, exclusive juror insights, and behind-the-scenes details of the dramatic final courtroom moments. Plus, we learn what's next as the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office weighs its options.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
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.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Dolly Parton's sister on Dolly's marriage
Dolly Parton's younger sister sat down with Gayle King for a conversation that included Dolly's makeup routine and her decades-long love affair with her husband Carl.
Recounting the moment Bush learned of 9/11
Andy Card, former President George W. Bush's chief of staff, and the teacher of the class Bush was in on Sept. 11, 2001, spoke with Major Garrett about that day.
Expert on threats of AI "superintelligence"
Public concerns over the threat of "superintelligence" are on the rise following comments from a former Anthropic researcher that the technology could kill off humanity. J.B Branch, director of federal AI governance and technology policy at Public Citizen, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Former Anthropic employee on his fears
Anthropic said on Thursday that it disrupted several potential efforts this year to make biological weapons using its models. It's the exact kind of threat that has some people worried, including former Anthropic employee Jacob Coxon. Jo Ling Kent spoke with him on Thursday.
400,000 exposed to toxins from 9/11, CDC says
Nicholas Papain, an FDNY union attorney who has handled thousands of claims to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, joins "The Daily Report" to break down the harm to public health caused by the attacks.