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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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Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Tony Romo arrested in Wisconsin on suspicion of driving while intoxicated
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said Romo was pulled over around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state
The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to recommend that South Carolina should hold the nation's first 2028 presidential nominating contest.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
MoneyWatch
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Paramount to delay Warner Bros. merger until as late as June 2027
Paramount Skydance on Friday said it would delay the deal until as late as June 2027.
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Ford recalls more than half a million Bronco vehicles over engine fire risk
A short circuit in the engine compartment can potentially cause a fire. Here's the fix.
Here are the new tariff rates on dozens of countries targeted by Trump
President Trump announced new tariffs of up to 12.5% to replace expiring Section 122 levies. Here are the rates for each country.
Politics
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Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state
The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to recommend that South Carolina should hold the nation's first 2028 presidential nominating contest.
Trump expected to attend White House Correspondents' Dinner redo after April attack
President Trump is expected to attend the redo of the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday night after an armed assailant upended April's dinner.
Pentagon website "anomalies" that removed names of 4 killed in Iran war remain
The Pentagon website, which was last updated on July 22, still showed only 14 killed in the conflict as of Friday.
HealthWatch
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Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
"The child is terrified": Doctors on front lines of measles comeback speak out
Confirmed measles cases in the U.S. just hit a 35-year high, and it's only July.
Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expands to 4 more states
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, the nation's largest, is currently affecting nine states.
FDA investigating new cyclospora outbreak
U.S. health officials said they are investigating an additional outbreak of cyclospora, but do not know its source. Plus, Taylor Farms has reportedly shut down the plant where lettuce is suspected to have started the initial outbreak that has sickened thousands in at least 41 states. Carter Evans reports.
Measles outbreak "slowing," but newborn's family still can't meet her
Utah's weekly measles case count has fallen. The national tally hasn't, and a newborn who's too young to be vaccinated is caught in between.
World
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Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Costa Rica captures top fugitive "Diablo," wanted by U.S., officials say
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, had a $500,000 U.S. bounty on his head for alleged drug trafficking.
Meet the "Steel Warriors" melting down knives to empower British teens
A charity is turning thousands of knives taken off London streets into a new type of weapon to counter youth violence: Free outdoor gyms.
Ex-cop wanted for murder extradited from China after 21 years on the run
The case of former officer Daniel Hiers Jr. was featured on "America's Most Wanted."
Pentagon website "anomalies" that removed names of 4 killed in Iran war remain
The Pentagon website, which was last updated on July 22, still showed only 14 killed in the conflict as of Friday.
Entertainment
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Paramount to delay Warner Bros. merger until as late as June 2027
Paramount Skydance on Friday said it would delay the deal until as late as June 2027.
Tilly Norwood's creator insists the AI actor is creating Hollywood jobs
The robot actor is generating work for Hollywood creatives, not stealing jobs from actors, her inventor tells CBS News.
From the archives: Legendary late-night producer Peter Lassally
Peter Lassally, the fabled TV executive for such late-night hosts as Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and a mentor for many rising comedians, died July 19, 2026 at age 93. In this March 11, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, correspondent Mo Rocca talked with Lassally (affectionately dubbed "The Host Whisperer") about working with the kings of late-night. Lassally also talks about his childhood, part of which was spent in Nazi concentration camps, and also about whether he has had joy in his life.
Aisha Tyler on "Criminal Minds" journey
"Criminal Minds" star Aisha Tyler was only supposed to be in six episodes of the show, but her journey on the series has now spanned over a decade. She tells "CBS Mornings" how her role has impacted her in real life and what it was like to work with guest star Connor Storrie from "Heated Rivalry."
James Norton talks "House of the Dragon"
Actor James Norton describes what it is like to play a villain in "House of the Dragon," which is a prequel to "Game of Thrones" and reveals which scene made him nearly faint during shooting.
Technology
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Technology
Lawmakers weigh AI "kill switch"
Days after OpenAI revealed one of its models went rogue and hacked into another company's servers, House lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the federal government to effectively shut down models that may put the public at risk. Jo Ling Kent explains.
How to save on your next laptop amid AI boom
As the back-to-school shopping season begins, you can expect to pay more for certain items, like laptops, due to shortages stemming from artificial intelligence. Brian Westover, principal hardware writer for PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss how you can save money.
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.
Study: ChatGPT solved complex cybersecurity task
New research from a cybersecurity company now indicates that artificial intelligence models are getting better at solving multi-part problems. Gabriel Bernadett-Shapiro, who worked on the project and is a distinguished AI research scientist at SentinelOne, joins to unpack his team's research.
OpenAI confirms "unprecedented" incident
OpenAI is investigating after two of its AI bots went rogue and targeted an outside company during a training exercise in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident." Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at Puck, joins with more.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Upper West Side double stabbing suspect facing hate crime charges
The suspect in Thursday's double stabbing on New York City's Upper West Side has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, among other things.
Costa Rica captures top fugitive "Diablo," wanted by U.S., officials say
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, had a $500,000 U.S. bounty on his head for alleged drug trafficking.
Inside heightened security for WHCA dinner
The Secret Service says there has been a significant rise in threats ahead of the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner. CBS News' Nicole Sganga has more details.
Apalachee shooting suspect pleads guilty
The teen accused of killing four people during a 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia has pleaded guilty to all charges. CBS News' Jared Eggleston reports.
Ex-cop wanted for murder extradited from China after 21 years on the run
The case of former officer Daniel Hiers Jr. was featured on "America's Most Wanted."
Space
More Space
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
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.
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
Mixed close on Wall Street amid Iran war, tariffs
Stock markets closed mixed on Friday as the Iran war continues to upend energy prices. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more.
Trump says "nobody got out ahead" on Saudi deal
President Trump took questions from reporters the day after he seemed to upend a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia by adding a new condition: that the country join the Abraham Accords. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has the details.
Ontario Premier Ford on U.S.-Canada relations
Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe about the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge and President Trump's new tariffs on Canada. "We didn't start this trade war. President Trump decided to go after his close ally and friend, his number one customer in the entire world," Ford said.
Impact of Trump's new tariffs
The markets showed a muted reaction as President Trump announced the latest round of tariffs on Thursday over "forced labor" concerns. Moneywatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady reports.
Trump to meet with Zelenskyy at White House
President Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Tuesday amid calls for military support against Russia as Ukraine gains ground in the conflict. The Trump administration also recently imposed a new round of tariffs on dozens of countries, alleging forced labor concerns. Nicole Killion breaks it down.