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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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Here's what the Common Cents Act means for businesses, consumers
New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.
Blanche reiterates "anti-weaponization" fund is "dead" at confirmation hearing
"It is a moot issue, meaning there is no weaponization fund. The weaponization fund is dead," Blanche told lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Seal pup shot in head, third incident in less than year, hospital says
A three-week-old male harbor seal is in critical but stable condition and undergoing treatment at a Washington state wildlife center.
Will daylight saving time become permanent after House passes bill?
Lawmakers are one step closer to making daylight saving time permanent after the House passed a bill with overwhelming support.
Subaru recalls more than 541,000 vehicles over labeling error
Erroneous labels on some Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent cars could increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Here's what the Common Cents Act means for businesses, consumers
New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.
Subaru recalls more than 541,000 vehicles over labeling error
Erroneous labels on some Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent cars could increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.
U.S. Mint to make $1 gold coin with Trump's face on it
It's the latest effort by President Trump to make his mark on Washington, D.C.
26 Meta workers sue over alleged AI-aided layoffs of employees on leave
A group of 26 Meta employees has sued the company, claiming it used AI to choose people for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on medical, parental or family leave.
Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
Politics
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Blanche reiterates "anti-weaponization" fund is "dead" at confirmation hearing
"It is a moot issue, meaning there is no weaponization fund. The weaponization fund is dead," Blanche told lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Will daylight saving time become permanent after House passes bill?
Lawmakers are one step closer to making daylight saving time permanent after the House passed a bill with overwhelming support.
U.S. Mint to make $1 gold coin with Trump's face on it
It's the latest effort by President Trump to make his mark on Washington, D.C.
Live
Watch Live: Blanche testifies at confirmation hearing for attorney general
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department in a permanent capacity.
Clayton faces questions about election integrity, vows to enhance trust in DNI
Clayton, currently the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, is expected to succeed Bill Pulte, Trump's controversial acting director of national intelligence.
HealthWatch
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Introducing Norah O'Donnell's new health podcast
"Healthful with Norah O'Donnell" launches July 22.
Alzheimer's blood test may show who's likely to develop it in 5 to 10 years
A blood test may predict if apparently healthy older adults are likely to develop Alzheimer's symptoms in the next five or 10 years, researchers say.
Taco Bell removes some items amid outbreak
As of Tuesday, nearly 7,000 people in 34 states reported symptoms tied to a parasitic illness that, so far, has no official source. Carter Evans reports on what's suspected of being behind the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, said he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
World
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Why is Zelenskyy shaking up his cabinet amid successes against Russia?
Ukraine's president is shaking up his government just as observers note positive changes in the trajectory of the war with Russia.
England-Argentina World Cup semifinal reignites painful historic rivalry
The World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina is a grudge match that will reopen decades-old wounds for both countries.
Live
U.S. announces new strikes on Iran as war intensifies
The U.S. announces new strikes on Iran just hours after a 4th consecutive nighttime barrage, as the war ramps back up over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iraq seizes mounds of gold and millions in cash in corruption crackdown
An anti-corruption probe in Iraq leads to seizure of 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions in cash from lawmakers and government officials.
Spain reaches World Cup final with dominant 2-0 win over France
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the "Better in Person" talk show
Author and journalist Stephen Dubner, who rose to fame when he co-wrote The New York Times bestseller "Freakonomics," talks with "CBS Mornings" about launching his own weekly talk show on YouTube, "Better in Person." Dubner discusses how the show got its start, his wide range of guests and why he decided to self-finance it.
Insider at "The Wolf of Wall Street" firm opens up: "My lifestyle was insane"
The Paramount+ documentary "The Real Wolf of Wall Street" gives an inside look at Jordan Belfort's scandal-ridden firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Gelfand on "The Real Wolf of Wall Street"
"The Real Wolf of Wall Street," a new documentary from See It Now Studios on Paramount+, focuses on the real-life story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont. Howie Gelfand, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont, explains why he decided to be part of the documentary and how the 2013 film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, got the real story wrong.
Alan Ritchson on thriller "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson talks about starring in "Motor City," which has nearly no dialogue, how his process was different and why he thinks it will resonate with audiences.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Technology
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Technology
Backlash grows nationwide over data centers
There's growing backlash nationwide against AI data centers and now New York is hitting pause. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order to delay the building boom. Kelly O'Grady has more.
26 Meta workers sue over alleged AI-aided layoffs of employees on leave
A group of 26 Meta employees has sued the company, claiming it used AI to choose people for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on medical, parental or family leave.
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.
Major utility bill increases requested
Utility companies requested $9.2 billion worth of rate increases in the second quarter of 2026, potentially impacting over 56 million Americans, according to a new report from PowerLines. Former Michigan utility commissioner Tremaine Phillips joins CBS News to discuss.
Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
Science
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Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Grassley presses Blanche on Epstein files
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, pressed Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, on the apparent mishandling of the Epstein files during the release process that he led while at the Department of Justice during President Trump's second term in the White House.
Video shows aftermath of fatal ICE shooting
Security video appears to show the moments after immigration agents fatally shot a man in Maine. CBS News' Lilia Luciano and Nicole Sganga have more.
Louisiana man charged with murder in shooting of U.S. marshal
A Louisiana man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a deputy U.S. marshal who joined other officers in trying to arrest him.
U.S. marine biologist shot dead in the Philippines, companion injured
Kent Carpenter and his Filipina companion were at his house in the coastal town of Sibulan when masked men forced their way in.
Kagan opening statements on security funding
Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are on Capitol Hill to testify before House lawmakers in response to a request for increased security funding amid growing threats against members of the highest court.
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Clayton's opening statement at Senate hearing
Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, addressed the Senate Intelligence Committee before his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Grassley presses Blanche on Epstein files
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, pressed Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, on the apparent mishandling of the Epstein files during the release process that he led while at the Department of Justice during President Trump's second term in the White House.
Blanche touts Trump successes at hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered his opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to vet him to permanently fill the role in the Trump administration.
How ICE policy could impact 2026 midterms
A man was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Biddeford, Maine, during a traffic stop near his home, prompting the agency to make certain policy changes. CBS News' Fin Gomez has more.
More details emerge on D.C.-area ground stop
A Tuesday ground stop in the Washington, D.C., area over security concerns linked to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit left tens of thousands of travelers stranded. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.