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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.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race
Graham Platner had until 5 p.m. on Monday to formally suspend his campaign or he would remain on the ballot in November.
Iran admits to Trump advisers "they made a mistake" in shooting at ships in strait
The White House wants Iran to publicly acknowledge that shooting at the ships was a mistake.
Household staff can earn up to $300,000 working for America's rich
Good help is hard — and expensive — to find, according to a recruiting firm for private chefs, chauffeurs and other household workers.
Former Afghan general charged with drug and firearm offenses in U.S.
A former member of Afghanistan's National Assembly was arrested and charged with conspiring to illegally import heroin and methamphetamine into the U.S.
MoneyWatch
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Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
Household staff can earn up to $300,000 working for America's rich
Good help is hard — and expensive — to find, according to a recruiting firm for private chefs, chauffeurs and other household workers.
Gas prices start climbing again as U.S.-Iran tensions flare
Prices at the pump sank following a June ceasefire. But renewed conflict in the Middle East and other factors are driving fuel costs back up.
Trump not expected to veto housing bill, U.S. official says
President Trump said Friday he won't sign the law, but a U.S. official said he isn't expected to veto it either.
Ex-Epoch Times CFO pleads guilty in $67 million money laundering scheme
The former CFO of The Epoch Times, a conservative multinational media company, interrupted jury selection at his money laundering trial to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge in a $67 million fraud scheme.
Politics
More Politics
Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race
Graham Platner had until 5 p.m. on Monday to formally suspend his campaign or he would remain on the ballot in November.
Iran admits to Trump advisers "they made a mistake" in shooting at ships in strait
The White House wants Iran to publicly acknowledge that shooting at the ships was a mistake.
Former Afghan general charged with drug and firearm offenses in U.S.
A former member of Afghanistan's National Assembly was arrested and charged with conspiring to illegally import heroin and methamphetamine into the U.S.
Charlie Kirk's family cites "overwhelming evidence" against alleged killer
Charlie Kirk's family said the end of Tyler Robinson's preliminary hearing "marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice."
Vance family to rent home in Virginia countryside
Sources familiar with the decision say the rental property would supplement — not replace — the official vice presidential residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington.
HealthWatch
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Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak grows to more than 1,500 cases
Michigan health officials say the state's cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to more than 1,500 cases.
I tried eating Erling Haaland's World Cup "Viking diet" for a day
Can a normal human handle soccer star Erling Haaland's calorific bonanza? CBS News' Leigh Kiniry found out the hard way.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
World
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Iran admits to Trump advisers "they made a mistake" in shooting at ships in strait
The White House wants Iran to publicly acknowledge that shooting at the ships was a mistake.
Prince Harry, Meghan visit King Charles after security controversy
Prince Harry and Meghan have a rocky relationship with the prince's father.
Trump admin. to back tariffs on Russian oil in effort to end Ukraine war, sources say
The war in Ukraine is now in its fifth year. A bipartisan bill would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil,
Man, 26, arrested after former British politician found dead in her home
Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, had "sustained serious injuries" when she was found dead in her home in southwest England, police said.
At least 12 killed by wildfire in southern Spain
The cause of the blaze hasn't been determined, but Spain has been among the many European nations hit by severe heat waves, with temperatures peaking at almost 106 in the country's south.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Sean Evans on Netflix "Hot Ones" spinoff
"Hot Ones," hosted by Sean Evans, has become one of the hottest series on YouTube. He talks to Vladimir Duthiers about his celebrity-filled show, his new Netflix spinoff, "Hot Ones: Extra Heat," and who he wants to interview next.
Meg Cabot on new "The Princess Diaries" book
Author Meg Cabot returns to Genovia to reinterpret "The Princess Diaries" in her new graphic novel, "The Princess Diaries: The Graphic Novel." Cabot tells "CBS Mornings" that she's excited to revisit the characters from the original films and "introduce them to a new generation."
Book excerpt: "Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000" by Barry Walters
Barry Walters, a writer for such publications as Rolling Stone and Spin, explores how LGBTQ songwriters, musicians, execs and fans reshaped pop culture in the late 20th century, as queer messages in music became less coded.
Director of "Aces," breaks down docuseries
"Aces: The ATP No. 1 Club" is a new docuseries on the greatest male tennis players of all time. It features rare interviews from legends who reached number one in the world. Pat Dimon, the director of "Aces," joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Jon Batiste performs "Georgia On My Mind"
Jon Batiste performs the Ray Charles classic, "Georgia On My Mind," as America rings in its 250th birthday.
Technology
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Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
AI slop floods social media, report says
A new report from AI detector Pangram found that AI-generated content is flooding socials like X and Reddit, with LinkedIn accounting for nearly two-thirds of all AI content detected. Pangram CEO and co-founder Max Spero joins CBS News to discuss his findings.
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.
MSG tracked celebrities, WIRED reports
A major database breach at James Dolan's Madison Square Garden arena revealed an apparent internal list tracking nearly 40,000 celebrities, according to a new report from WIRED. The report alleges that surveillance labels included "LGBTQIA," "DO NOT HOST," and evaluated individuals on a "risk" level. MSG claims the report is inaccurate. WIRED contributing editor Noah Shachtman joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss his reporting.
Breaking down the Texas app store age law
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court said it would allow Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages while the issue plays out in the lower courts. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the constitutional question.
Science
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Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
Crime
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Crime
Takeaways from weeklong Tyler Robinson hearing
The weeklong pre-trial hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrapped up on Friday with the defense calling one final witness to the stand. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Indictments in White House UFC attack plot
Eight people have each been charged with conspiracy counts over a planned attack at the UFC event that was held at the White House in June. CBS News' Jake Rosen reports.
New details on Mexican man killed by ICE
New details are emerging about what led to Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's death. The Mexican man was wrongfully shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a traffic stop in Houston, Texas. Shawna Mizelle has the latest.
Man, 26, arrested after former British politician found dead in her home
Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, had "sustained serious injuries" when she was found dead in her home in southwest England, police said.
Records: Alibaba sold dangerous drugs in U.S.
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba knowingly sold dangerous drugs to U.S. consumers, but the DOJ did not prosecute, according to public records probed for a CBS News investigation. Senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch breaks down her reporting and why charges weren't pursued.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
Cyclosporiasis parasite cases skyrocket
Cases of cyclosporiasis, a disease caused by a microscopic parasite, are growing in 31 states, and health officials still haven't identified the exact source of the outbreak. Dr. Eric Ascher, a family medicine physician, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the illness.
Details on Mexican man killed by ICE
The Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were looking for a different person when a Mexican man was shot and killed in Houston on Tuesday. CBS News' Shawna Mizelle reports.
Iran says it "made a mistake" in shooting at ships
Iran told the Trump administration privately that it "made a mistake" in shooting at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, senior U.S. officials said. The attack on three ships led to two days of intense strikes. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak has more.
Curtis Sliwa on Netanyahu, Mamdani and more
A new poll from The Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center finds that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has a higher favorability rating among Jewish Americans than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Curtis Sliwa, who faced off against Mamdani as the Republican mayoral candidate, joins with his reaction.
What we know about Nolan Wells' case
The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells and their attorney Ben Crump called for an independent investigation into his death. Wells was reportedly missing on July Fourth after spending the day with his friends on Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has more.