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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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Marine One's warning calls before mishap went unheard by air traffic controllers
The NTSB said tower recordings show controllers never heard Marine One's Aug. 4 calls warning it was preparing to take off, though separate recordings confirm the calls were made.
Dolly Parton offered to try experimental drugs if "no hope" in her cancer battle
"She told me recently that if there was no hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future," Stella Parton said in a Facebook post.
Toronto mayor calls tariff fight "unnecessary"
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told CBS News that around 5,000 jobs in Toronto's textile, clothing and leather manufacturing industries could be affected, which "means the price of Americans buying things, the cost will go up."
Judge considers Kennedy Center board's push to put Trump's name back on building
The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted earlier this month to add inscriptions recognizing President Trump to the building's facade.
Fired Stars and Stripes journalists sue Hegseth and Pentagon spokesperson
The plaintiffs say the Trump administration is trying to fire them as a part of its "extraordinary censorship efforts."
MoneyWatch
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OpenAI, Anthropic warn AI cyberattacks could surge in coming months
Hospitals, technology firms and other companies could soon be at risk from AI-enabled cyberattacks, according to a new open letter from more than 100 signatories.
Netflix offers extended pre-launch look at Grand Theft Auto 6
The latest GTA game is scheduled to drop on Nov. 19, more than 13 years after the last installment was released.
Fed's Cook responds to Trump firing threat, calls attacks "unfounded and untrue"
A lawyer for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said she "has never committed mortgage fraud or any intentional wrongdoing."
Trump's oil and gas stock trades continued during Iran war, filings show
President Trump has accused oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil of "making too much money." He owns shares of both.
Bill Gates issues stark warning about AI's impact on American jobs
In a nearly 6,000-word essay, Gates argues that artificial intelligence poses a mounting threat to U.S. workers.
Politics
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Marine One's warning calls before mishap went unheard by air traffic controllers
The NTSB said tower recordings show controllers never heard Marine One's Aug. 4 calls warning it was preparing to take off, though separate recordings confirm the calls were made.
Toronto mayor calls tariff fight "unnecessary"
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told CBS News that around 5,000 jobs in Toronto's textile, clothing and leather manufacturing industries could be affected, which "means the price of Americans buying things, the cost will go up."
Judge considers Kennedy Center board's push to put Trump's name back on building
The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted earlier this month to add inscriptions recognizing President Trump to the building's facade.
Fired Stars and Stripes journalists sue Hegseth and Pentagon spokesperson
The plaintiffs say the Trump administration is trying to fire them as a part of its "extraordinary censorship efforts."
Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America"
The executive order directs the Interior Department to update the Geographic Names Information System, changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves new pancreatic cancer drug that could extend patients' lives
Patients taking the first-of-a-kind pill, called daraxonrasib, lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients, studies showed.
Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
World
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Toronto mayor calls tariff fight "unnecessary"
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told CBS News that around 5,000 jobs in Toronto's textile, clothing and leather manufacturing industries could be affected, which "means the price of Americans buying things, the cost will go up."
Nepal flood highlights glacier risks in warming Himalayas: "The new normal"
The deadly flash flood in Nepal was likely caused by a huge chunk of a glacier that broke off and temporarily dammed a river, according to preliminary investigations by scientists.
UEFA preparing criminal complaint against FIFA leader Gianni Infantino
UEFA said it is preparing a criminal complaint in Swiss courts against FIFA's Gianni Infantino over possible financial mismanagement related to his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors.
Ratko Mladic, so-called "Butcher of Bosnia," dies in prison at 84
The Bosnian Serb general oversaw atrocities in Bosnia in the 1990s. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2017.
Ancient gold treasures stolen from museum in "super-fast" raid
The treasure was discovered in 1963 by archaeologist Jose Maria Soler in a vessel sunk in a dried-out riverbed in Villena.
Entertainment
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Dolly Parton offered to try experimental drugs if "no hope" in her cancer battle
"She told me recently that if there was no hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future," Stella Parton said in a Facebook post.
Netflix offers extended pre-launch look at Grand Theft Auto 6
The latest GTA game is scheduled to drop on Nov. 19, more than 13 years after the last installment was released.
From the archives: Yayoi Kusama, the princess of polka dots
Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan's most celebrated artists, renowned for her signature polka dots that covered paintings, sculptures, and human bodies, died in Tokyo on Aug. 14, 2026, at age 97. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that originally aired Sept. 16, 2012, correspondent Mo Rocca talked with Kusama about her love of creating art, and her lifelong obsession with dots (which she attributed to hallucinations she'd had beginning in childhood). Rocca also visited a major Kusama retrospective at New York's Whitney Museum of American Art.
"Big Brother" to air 1,000th episode
As "Big Brother" airs its 1,000th episode, host Julie Chen Moonves breaks down what makes the show so popular. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Alex Warren on sophomore album "WILDCHILD"
Alex Warren, whose breakout hit "Ordinary" topped charts in 2025, releases his second album on Friday. The singer-songwriter sat down with Anthony Mason to talk about how his new record differs from his first, and how he found inspiration from the loss of his parents.
Technology
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OpenAI, Anthropic warn AI cyberattacks could surge in coming months
Hospitals, technology firms and other companies could soon be at risk from AI-enabled cyberattacks, according to a new open letter from more than 100 signatories.
Bill Gates' dire warning about AI
Microsoft founder and computer pioneer Bill Gates changed the world forever with his technological innovation. Now, Gates is warning that the development of artificial intelligence without strong oversight and regulation could threaten society as we know it. MIT professor Max Tegmark shares his concerns.
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.
Meta settles social media addiction suit
A series of lawsuits accused tech giant Meta of purposefully designing social media apps to entice users and cause social media addiction. Meta will pay out $17 billion in a landmark settlement. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Why does the Meta settlement matter?
Meta's multi-billion dollar settlement with 47 states over social media addiction could result in some major changes to social media rules, especially for children. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins with more.
Science
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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."
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.
Crime
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Crime
Court hears closing arguments in Clancy trial
Attorneys delivered closing arguments Thursday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three young children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul was in the courtroom and has more.
No verdict on Day 1 of Clancy deliberations
Jurors on Thursday began deliberations in the murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy, who says postpartum psychosis led her to kill her kids. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and legal contributors Jessica Levinson and Caroline Polisi have the latest.
Doctor on postpartum depression
A jury on Thursday began deliberations over the fate of Lindsay Clancy, accused of killing her three children in Jan. 2023. CBS News correspondent Bradley Blackburn reports and reproductive psychiatry expert Dr. Jennifer Payne joins to discuss postpartum depression.
9 key takeaways from the Lindsay Clancy trial
A jury is deliberating in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts woman who killed her three children in 2023. Her defense attorney claims she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible. Prosecutors say she planned the killings and faked a suicide attempt that left her paralyzed from the waist down. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has been covering the weekslong trial and shares the key moments.
Deliberations begin in Lindsay Clancy trial
The jury has begun deliberations in Lindsay Clancy's trial for the killings of her three children. Clancy has admitted to killing the kids, but has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, arguing she was overmedicated and suffering from postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul, Katrina Kaufman and Rebecca Roiphe have the latest.
Space
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Court hears closing arguments in Clancy trial
Attorneys delivered closing arguments Thursday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three young children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul was in the courtroom and has more.
Revisiting a great loss in Revolutionary War
Thursday marks 250 years since George Washington's Continental Army suffered a brutal defeat at the Battle of Brooklyn. Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, joins "The Takeout" to discuss how that loss ultimately led to America's triumph in the Revolutionary War.
WaPo: Ex-Mike Collins intern posted KKK imagery
A former intern for Republican Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia, who is the GOP nominee in the Peach State Senate race, posted imagery sympathetic to the KKK and Nazism, the Washington Post found. Political strategists Robyn Patterson and Leslie Shedd join with analysis.
No verdict on Day 1 of Clancy deliberations
Jurors on Thursday began deliberations in the murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy, who says postpartum psychosis led her to kill her kids. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and legal contributors Jessica Levinson and Caroline Polisi have the latest.
Grand jury: DeSantis administration misused cash
$10 million from a Medicaid settlement found its way into a charity tied to the wife of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Despite what a grand jury called a clear misappropriation of funds, no criminal charges are being filed. CBS News Miami investigative reporter Jim DeFede has the details.