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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.
New DOJ rule would allow immigration judges to hold lawyers in contempt
The Justice Department is proposing a new rule to empower federal immigration judges to hold attorneys, their clients and witnesses in contempt if they violate court orders.
Why are workers at leading AI companies calling for a slowdown in AI development?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other AI leaders say they support pacing the rapid advancement of AI's capabilities.
Salman Rushdie attacker convicted in federal trial over 2022 stabbing
A man has been convicted of federal terrorism charges in the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie.
FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleging it shared health data with Meta, Snap
Telehealth platform disclosed users' "most private" health info and locked consumers into subscriptions, regulators allege.
First on CBS
Trump-affiliated companies distance themselves from Trump-IRS deal
Top Senate Democrats sought answers about Trump IRS deal from mining company Kaz Resources, cryptocurrency companies World Liberty Financial and prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Why are workers at leading AI companies calling for a slowdown in AI development?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other AI leaders say they support pacing the rapid advancement of AI's capabilities.
FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleging it shared health data with Meta, Snap
Telehealth platform disclosed users' "most private" health info and locked consumers into subscriptions, regulators allege.
Why are airlines banning humanoid robots from flights?
Three major U.S. airlines have quietly changed their policies to ban humanoid and animal-like robots from their flights.
Fed holds interest rates steady, but 3 officials vote for hike
Fed officials are leaving their benchmark rate unchanged for a fifth straight meeting, a sign they expect inflation to ease.
Schools are testing pepper-spraying drones to stop shooters
Schools in three states will be equipped with drones this coming academic year that aim to find and deter active shooters within seconds.
Politics
More Politics
Sen. Paul: "Very real chance" Fauci could be prosecuted after Senate hearing
Hours after Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment in response to all questions during a Senate hearing, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky told CBS News he believes Fauci could be prosecuted.
New DOJ rule would allow immigration judges to hold lawyers in contempt
The Justice Department is proposing a new rule to empower federal immigration judges to hold attorneys, their clients and witnesses in contempt if they violate court orders.
First on CBS
Trump-affiliated companies distance themselves from Trump-IRS deal
Top Senate Democrats sought answers about Trump IRS deal from mining company Kaz Resources, cryptocurrency companies World Liberty Financial and prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi.
Trump unveils plans for overhaul of Dulles airport outside Washington
President Trump said he hopes the renovations will take Dulles from "an impossible airport" to one of the world's best.
Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll case
President Trump is asking the Supreme Court to throw out an $83.3 million defamation judgment the writer E. Jean Carroll won against him.
HealthWatch
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FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleging it shared health data with Meta, Snap
Telehealth platform disclosed users' "most private" health info and locked consumers into subscriptions, regulators allege.
The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"
"Ask a Doctor" columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joined "Healthful" to discuss the brain-gut connection.
Grants halted at agency devoted to safety of U.S. healthcare
Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants.
What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
World
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Elephants that died in Kenya likely poisoned by cyanide-tainted tomatoes
Fifteen elephants in southern Kenya are suspected to have been poisoned by cyanide-contaminated tomatoes, according to wildlife authorities.
FIFA hits Argentina with World Cup charges for scuffle, political banner
A list of disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina also includes "discriminatory chants and gestures" by fans.
Teen hitman guilty of U.K. murder plot for Swedish crime group with Iran links
A 19-year-old Norwegian hitman was found guilty of an assassination plot after sending selfies with weapons to his girlfriend and friends.
2 firefighters die in Greece as others fight massive blaze in France
Two firefighters died in a blaze on the Greek island of Crete Wednesday while crews in France confronted a wildfire four times the size of Paris, officials said.
2025 was deadliest year for antisemitic attacks in 30 years, study says
Last year, 20 people were killed in antisemitic attacks outside of Israel, making it the deadliest year for such incidents since 1994.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Zoe Saldaña on new season of "Lioness"
Zoe Saldaña tells "CBS Mornings" why this season of "Lioness" is demanding, how the series challenges the actors and what it's like working with Taylor Sheridan.
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
William Shatner, daughter on cancer journeys
Legendary actor William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch are opening up about their battles with Stage 4 cancer nearly at the same time as each other. Both are now cancer-free and share how they helped each other through the challenging time.
Technology
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Technology
OpenAI interested in AI wearables
OpenAI's president says it is working on wearable and hardware options for its AI chatbots like ChatGPT. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other technology headlines.
Why are workers at leading AI companies calling for a slowdown in AI development?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other AI leaders say they support pacing the rapid advancement of AI's capabilities.
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.
FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleging it shared health data with Meta, Snap
Telehealth platform disclosed users' "most private" health info and locked consumers into subscriptions, regulators allege.
Why are airlines banning humanoid robots from flights?
Three major U.S. airlines have quietly changed their policies to ban humanoid and animal-like robots from their flights.
Science
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Science
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
911 call played in Lindsay Clancy trial
Wednesday marked the second day of the high-profile trial against Lindsay Clancy. She's charged with three counts of first-degree murder and facing life in prison for the killings of her three children in 2023. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Salman Rushdie attacker convicted in federal trial over 2022 stabbing
A man has been convicted of federal terrorism charges in the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie.
Teen hitman guilty of U.K. murder plot for Swedish crime group with Iran links
A 19-year-old Norwegian hitman was found guilty of an assassination plot after sending selfies with weapons to his girlfriend and friends.
Actor Jared Leto accused of criminal sexual conduct by 4 women
Four women say Hollywood star Jared Leto committed sexual crimes against them when they were teenagers, in interviews with the BBC.
7 charred bodies found in house with narco gang-related messages
Ecuador has become a cocaine trafficking hub, plagued by gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels.
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
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.
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
Dingell urges Michigan Democrats to unite
The closely-watched Democratic Senate primary in Michigan between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens is less than one week away. Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan joins "The Takeout" to weigh in on the divisions in the race.
OpenAI interested in AI wearables
OpenAI's president says it is working on wearable and hardware options for its AI chatbots like ChatGPT. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other technology headlines.
911 call played in Lindsay Clancy trial
Wednesday marked the second day of the high-profile trial against Lindsay Clancy. She's charged with three counts of first-degree murder and facing life in prison for the killings of her three children in 2023. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Salman Rushdie recounts stabbing (2024)
Jurors on Wednesday convicted a man of federal terrorism charges for the 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie. In 2024, Rushdie spoke with Anderson Cooper about the attack.
Paul, Birx and Gounder on Fauci Senate hearing
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over a hundred times at a Senate hearing Wednesday on the COVID-19 pandemic, citing GOP Sen. Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession" with him. Paul, former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx and CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder join "The Takeout" to unpack the hearing.