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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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Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
How parents are finding community support in delaying smartphones
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem.
Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán was a nine-time All-Star during his 20-year MLB career. Andruw Jones was a five-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves.
Lululemon pulls "Get Low" leggings from website amid sheer fabric complaints
The company said its "Get Low" collection is temporarily unavailable for sale online, but remains in stock in stores while it reviews customer feedback.
MoneyWatch
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Lululemon pulls "Get Low" leggings from website amid sheer fabric complaints
The company said its "Get Low" collection is temporarily unavailable for sale online, but remains in stock in stores while it reviews customer feedback.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Trump's 10% credit card cap deadline is here. Will card companies comply?
President Trump called for a one-year 10% cap on credit card rates starting Jan. 20. Here's what credit card companies are doing.
A new buy now, pay later option from Affirm will help tenants cover rent
A new BNPL pilot from financial technology company Affirm will give renters the option to break up their rent into two equal payments.
Netflix revises its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, making it all cash
The streaming service is sweetening its offer amid Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid for the Hollywood studio.
Politics
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Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Supreme Court to weigh Trump's bid to oust Lisa Cook from Fed board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in August.
Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance announced they are expecting their fourth child.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
World
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U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
China "super embassy" greenlit in London despite concerns
Despite fears of Chinese spying and hacking, the British government gave the go-ahead for China to build a massive new embassy in the heart of London.
Mexico sends 37 cartel members to U.S. amid pressure from Trump administration
Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch wrote in a social media post on X that the people transferred were "high impact criminals."
Entertainment
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Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
"Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown on why he skipped cast interview on "CBS Mornings"
An assistant for "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown told "CBS Mornings" he would not be joining Tuesday's interview with the cast ahead of the release of the series' 10th and final season.
Bert Kreischer talks new comedy series
Actor and comedian Bert Kreischer stars in the new comedy series "Free Bert," where he plays a fictional version of himself. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, which was inspired by his own family, and why the show almost didn't happen.
"Queer Eye" cast reflects on show
The cast of the series "Queer Eye" talks to "CBS Mornings" about a member of the show's absence, the series' legacy ahead of its 10th and final season and how it has impacted them.
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93
Acclaimed fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, has died at age 93. Seth Doane looks back at his life and legacy.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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Crime
Former Uvalde CISD officer's trial nears end
A jury will soon decide the fate of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales, whom prosecutors allege failed in his duty to stop a gunman during a 2022 mass shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the details.
Busfield released before child sex abuse trial
A New Mexico judge ordered the release of actor Timothy Busfield during a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday. Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two child actors, which he denies. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the latest.
Indiana judge shot, injured, manhunt underway
A manhunt is underway in Indiana after a county judge and his wife were shot and wounded inside their home over the weekend. Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, were taken to a hospital for medical treatment following the shooting and are in stable condition. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.
New docuseries looks at "Deadpool Killer"
The new Paramount+ docuseries "Handsome Devil: Charming Killer" takes a look at the case of Wade Wilson, a convicted murderer of two women who shares a name with the comic book character Deadpool. Writer and executive producer Brian Ross joins to preview the show.
Indiana judge, wife shot in home
The manhunt is underway in Indiana after a judge and his wife were shot and wounded in their Lafayette home. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending its first all-female crew to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Cow uses tool to scratch, surprising scientists
Dating back to the dawn of civilization, humans have been one of the only creatures on Earth that use multi-purpose tools. Now, there's a new animal in the club. "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Parents find support in delaying kids' digital use
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem. Meg Oliver has details.
Parents on edge as massive measles outbreak grows
It's been one year since a measles outbreak in West Texas killed two children and made hundreds of other people sick. While that outbreak is over, another in South Carolina is getting worse. Skyler Henry reports.
Trump's Greenland push raises global tensions
President Trump marked the first year of his return to power by posting private text messages between him and other world leaders, mocking critics of his plan to take control of Greenland, and then heading overseas to negotiate with those critics face-to-face. Ed O'Keefe has more.
Former Uvalde CISD officer's trial nears end
A jury will soon decide the fate of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales, whom prosecutors allege failed in his duty to stop a gunman during a 2022 mass shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the details.