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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.
RFK Jr. on Kennedy Center name change: "I have bigger fish to fry"
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged he understood relatives were upset about the change, but said he has bigger priorities.
RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
Minneapolis mayor rips ICE after fatal shooting: "Get the f*** out"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disputed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's attempt to frame the shooting that killed a 37-year-old woman as an act of self defense by ICE.
Trump says he'll ban large investors from buying single-family homes
President Trump said "people live in homes, not corporations," in announcing plans to bar big investors from home purchases.
Justice Dept. to surge prosecutors to Minnesota amid fraud allegations
The Justice Department is sending a team of prosecutors to Minnesota to help investigate allegations of widespread fraud within the state's social services programs, U.S. officials said.
MoneyWatch
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Trump says he'll ban large investors from buying single-family homes
President Trump said "people live in homes, not corporations," in announcing plans to bar big investors from home purchases.
Warner Bros. Discovery rejects Paramount Skydance's latest hostile bid
Warner Bros. Discovery's board again urged shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance's offer, calling it inferior to Netflix's bid
Pilot who landed jet after panel blew out says Boeing unfairly blamed him
Captain Brandon Fisher was commended for helping ensure none of the 177 people aboard flight 1282 were killed when the blowout happened in January 2024.
Fliers left stranded after Venezuela strikes. Can travel insurance help?
Travel insurance won't help most people whose flights were disrupted by the turmoil in Venezuela. Here's what such policies do cover.
New study urges flyers to avoid tap water, coffee and tea on aircraft
New research recommends against drinking coffee or tea served by airlines, urging travelers to stick to bottled water.
Politics
More Politics
RFK Jr. on Kennedy Center name change: "I have bigger fish to fry"
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged he understood relatives were upset about the change, but said he has bigger priorities.
RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
RFK Jr. on new nutrition guidelines: "People should be eating protein"
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told CBS News that one key goal of the Trump administration's new dietary guidelines is to encourage protein consumption, defending them against criticism that it could lead to more saturated fat consumption.
CBS News poll finds actions in Venezuela divide Americans
Most don't want the U.S. to control Venezuela. Maduro's removal from power draws big backing from MAGA, Republicans.
Justice Dept. to surge prosecutors to Minnesota amid fraud allegations
The Justice Department is sending a team of prosecutors to Minnesota to help investigate allegations of widespread fraud within the state's social services programs, U.S. officials said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
RFK Jr. announces new dietary guidelines. Here's what to know.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limits on added sugars and mention gut health. Here's what to know.
Concerns with drinking water on some airlines
A new study found potential health concerns with the drinking water on some airlines where you might order coffee or tea. The review was of airplane drinking water stored in onboard tanks, not bottled products. Of the 10 major airlines, Delta scored best, while JetBlue and American were the bottom two carriers.
The CDC just sidelined these childhood vaccines. Here's what they prevent.
Six routine vaccines that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases are no longer being recommended for all children by the CDC.
Flu cases surge across U.S.
There have been at least 11 million cases of the flu so far this season. As cases climb, doctor visits for the flu have hit their highest level in almost three decades, the CDC says. Skyler Henry reports.
World
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CBS News poll finds actions in Venezuela divide Americans
Most don't want the U.S. to control Venezuela. Maduro's removal from power draws big backing from MAGA, Republicans.
Trump's Greenland remarks are "pissing people off," Danish lawmaker says
Denmark and Greenland requested a meeting with Marco Rubio, which one Danish lawmaker hopes will halt talk "about wanting to acquire Greenland."
Rand Paul says military action in Greenland "won't happen under my watch"
Sen. Rand Paul says he opposes military action in Greenland as the White House says it is exploring all options for the territory, including military action.
Iran leans into anti-Western bluster as it grapples with deadly protests
Iran says it has hanged a man who spied for Israel and is ready for a new military confrontation as it struggles to tamp down domestic unrest.
U.S. military seizes 2 oil tankers linked to Venezuela
The U.S. carried out operations Wednesday to seize the oil tankers Marinera and Sophia, officials announced.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Sophie Turner talks new thriller "Steal"
"Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner is starring in a new thriller series called "Steal." She plays Zara, who works at a London pension fund investment company when thieves force her to help them steal billions of dollars. She talks to CBS Mornings about the series, how she prepared for the role and rising to fame in "Game of Thrones."
Brigitte Bardot's funeral draws hundreds to pay respects in Saint-Tropez
The funeral for Brigitte Bardot was private, but hundreds poured into the streets of Saint-Tropez to pay their respects to an icon of the 1960s silver screen.
Nikki Glaser returning to host Golden Globes with "different approach"
Nikki Glaser is hosting the Golden Globes for a second time and told CBS Mornings about the challenges of picking the perfect jokes.
From the archives: Pioneering dancer Carmen de Lavallade
Dancer, choreographer, actress and teacher Carmen de Lavallade, one of the pioneers of American modern dance, and the first prima ballerina of Creole descent to perform at New York's Metropolitan Opera, died on Dec. 29, 2025 at age 94. In this Dec. 3, 2017 "Sunday Morning" report, de Lavallade talked with Rita Braver about her artistic journey (including her collaborations with Alvin Ailey and future husband Geoffrey Holder), and her decision to boycott a 2017 Kennedy Center Honorees reception following President Trump's remarks about White nationalists who marched in Charlottesville, Va.
Nikki Glaser on hosting Golden Globes
Comedian Nikki Glaser was the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo last year. She's returning to host the awards show again on Sunday. Glaser speaks to "CBS Mornings" about her preparation for the show.
Technology
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Technology
AI renewing some Utah prescriptions: Politico
In Utah, artificial intelligence can now renew some prescriptions. A Politico exclusive says the pilot program will "test how far patients and regulators are willing to trust AI in medicine." Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her reporting.
Laundry-folding robot debuts at CES 2026
Technology leaders are gathering in Las Vegas for CES, one of the industry's biggest conferences of the year. CNET editor at large Bridget Carey joins CBS News with a firsthand look at the new gadgets on display.
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.
Nvidia announces "Vera Rubin" AI platform
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced the new "Vera Rubin" AI platform at CES on Monday. CNET reporter David Katzmaier joins CBS News to discuss.
Nvidia unveils new "revolutionary" AI tech
Artificial intelligence technology giant Nvidia announced a new endeavor that it says will be revolutionary. Emily Bary, MarketWatch's assistant managing editor, joins CBS News with more.
Science
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Science
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.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Crime
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Crime
Video shows moments after ICE shooting
Videos show the chaotic moments after an ICE agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman. CBS News breaking news correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Anger turns to sadness in Minneapolis
An ICE agent shot and killed a woman in her car in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday. According to Sen. Tina Smith, the 37-year-old woman was a U.S. citizen and city leaders say she was not the target of an ICE-related arrest. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan and Katrina Kaufman have more.
Minneapolis mayor tells ICE to get out
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey denounced ICE after an officer shot and killed a woman in the city Wednesday. See Frey's full remarks. Warning: This video contains graphic language.
What to expect from Nick Reiner's arraignment
Nick Reiner is set to be arraigned Wednesday on murder charges for the death of his parents, Rob and Michelle. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more on what to expect.
Live
ICE officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis, investigation underway
An ICE officer fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover never-before-seen celestial object: "Cloud 9"
The hydrogen cloud is a remnant of the universe's early formation, NASA said in a news release.
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Full interview: RFK Jr. on new health guidelines
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explains the new dietary guidelines for Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's revised vaccine schedule and more in an interview with CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes.
What U.S. hopes to do with seized oil tankers
The U.S. has seized two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the actions are part of a "three-phase plan" for the South American country. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan joins with analysis.
Poll: Americans split on Maduro's removal
New CBS News polling shows Americans are split on the Trump administration removing Nicolás Maduro from power, and people's views appear tied to their perceived goals of the U.S. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the findings.
RFK Jr. says "we're not taking vaccines away"
"We're not taking vaccines away from anybody," said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sidelined six routine vaccines from its schedule for children. The flu vaccine is now recommended only for children at high risk of serious illness or after a consultation between doctors and parents, "which is how it ought to be," he said.
Minneapolis City Council member on ICE shooting
A federal immigration officer shot and killed a motorist in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Jason Chavez, a city council member who represents the area where the shooting took place, joins with his reaction. Then, CBS News' Anna Schecter joins with more on the future of the investigation.