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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.
Kaine says guardrails on Pentagon firings could see bipartisan support
Sen. Tim Kaine said guardrails on Pentagon firings could see bipartisan support in Congress, following a string of high-level officers exiting the military during the second Trump administration.
Douglas Brinkley on America at 250: History tells us hoping for unity is not futile
In these fiercely-polarized times, the presidential historian reminds us that Americans' freedom has been tested – and has survived – much worse.
The Equal Rights Amendment: A promise unfulfilled
An Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – guaranteeing rights to all Americans regardless of sex – was first proposed to Congress in 1923. More than a century later, the ERA still has not become a formal part of our nation's bedrock of laws.
Historic Route 66: Americana on the go
Though long bypassed by interstates, the historic "Mother Road," stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, remained a place for drivers to "get their kicks." Today, marking its first 100 years, Route 66 continues to attract travelers searching for an America of yesterday.
The Founding Fathers: Why their radical beliefs continue to shape America
The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were flawed, but what they did in the summer of 1776 changed the world forever – and their fight for equality continues today.
MoneyWatch
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Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
Trump vows immediate 100% tariff if countries levy digital services tax
Countries that tax U.S. companies offering digital products and services would immediately face a 100% tariff on their exports to the U.S., President Trump said.
Nude portrait by Amedeo Modigliani sets record at auction
The Modigliani painting "Nu assis au collier" (Seated Nude Wearing a Necklace) sold for $63.9 million, the highest price achieved for a work by the artist sold at auction in Europe, Sotheby's said.
Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
Big Tech is spending trillions on AI. Investors want proof it'll pay off.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
Politics
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Kaine says guardrails on Pentagon firings could see bipartisan support
Sen. Tim Kaine said guardrails on Pentagon firings could see bipartisan support in Congress, following a string of high-level officers exiting the military during the second Trump administration.
Transcript: Sen. Tim Kaine on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 28, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 28, 2026.
Exclusive
Cassidy accuses RFK Jr. of building public health "upon a foundation of lies"
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., "If you build public health upon a foundation of lies, then you're going to have the absence of adequate public health."
Poll: America at 250 and some of what Americans think is best about U.S.
Americans weighed in on what's best about the U.S., its greatest invention, most representative food and more in latest CBS News poll.
Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 28, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 28, 2026. This interview was conducted on June 25, 2026.
HealthWatch
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Mom gets answers after fighting for diagnosis: "Something's wrong"
Michelle Williams struggled with high blood pressure and swelling for years before she was finally diagnosed with an unusual condition.
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
World
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Transcript: Sen. Tim Kaine on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 28, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 28, 2026.
5 nurses among 11 killed in French skydiving plane crash
Mayor Mathieu Klein said the victims "died in full view of their loved ones, who were preparing to film the tandem skydives."
Israel moves to formally recognize Armenian WWI deaths as a genocide
The step, which still needs approval in Parliament, reflects deteriorating ties between Israel and Turkey.
Videos show U.S. rescue team pull mother, baby from rubble in Venezuela
Hundreds of U.S. search and rescue workers are on the ground in Venezuela after deadly quakes struck the South American nation.
Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 28, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 28, 2026. This interview was conducted on June 25, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Songbook: James Taylor sings "Moon River"
Six-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor, whose choices of essential American songs include the 1961 hit "Moon River," performs Henry Mancini's tender song of heartbreak for "Sunday Morning" viewers. Accompanying Taylor are Kevin Hays on keyboards, Jon Suters on bass, and Nick Halley on percussion. [Check out the complete "Sunday Morning" Essential American Songbook at cbsnews.com/songbook.]
Larry David on "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness"
The comic icon behind "Curb Your Enthusiasm" brings his own perspective to America's storied past in a new HBO sketch comedy series – finally making use of his history major from college.
Extended interview: Larry David
In this web exclusive, Larry David talks with longtime friend and collaborator Susie Essman about his new HBO sketch comedy series, "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness."
Larry David on "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness"
Larry David brings his own comic perspective to America's storied history in the new HBO sketch comedy series, "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness." He talks with Susie Essman about finally making use of his history major from college, and how he took comments from one of the show's producers, former President Barack Obama.
Songbook: Sara Bareilles sings "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"
Two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, whose choices of essential American songs include Aretha Franklin's rendition of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," performs the Gerry Goffin-Carole King-Jerry Wexler classic, joined by pianist Misty Boyce. [Check out the complete "Sunday Morning" Essential American Songbook at cbsnews.com/songbook.]
Technology
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Technology
How trains drove American history
The transcontinental railroad changed just about everything in America: transportation, communications, commerce, cities, politics, even our perception of time. Correspondent David Pogue visits Steamtown National Historic Site, in Scranton, Pa., home to Big Boy, the biggest functioning steam train in the world, to learn how trains helped define an expansive America.
California creates AI job trend tracker
California now has the nation's first dashboard to publicly track artificial intelligence-related job trends, ones created and ones lost. As of now, early findings show no evidence of rising statewide unemployment from jobs exposed to AI. Till von Wachter, a faculty director of the California Policy Lab at UCLA, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
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.
Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
Apple, Microsoft announce price hikes
Apple and Microsoft announced they're hiking prices for some electronic products, including computers and XBOX consoles, citing a shortage of memory chips. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein weighs in.
Science
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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Crime
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Detective believes 6-year-old's mother was killed in next room while he slept
For most of his life, Reggie Reed has wondered who murdered his mother Selonia Reed decades ago in Hammond, Louisiana. A fresh look at the evidence ultimately implicated the man he called his "rock" — Reginald Reed Sr., the man who lovingly raised him.
Michigan parents charged with murder after boy found to be 250+ pounds
Two Flint Township, Michigan, parents, are facing several charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of their 7-year-old son, who was 255 pounds and abused and neglected, according to the Genesee County prosecutor.
Billionaire Leon Black testifies on Epstein
Billionaire Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee on Friday. After Black ended the interview, the committee issued two subpoenas. Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, a member of the House Oversight Committee, joins "The Takeout" to discuss this and the U.S. strike on Iran.
Minnesota fraud suspect arrested in Somalia after 4 years on the run, officials say
Abdikerm Eidleh, accused of playing a key role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, was arrested in Somalia after more than four years, federal officials said.
Mistrial ruled in Palisades Fire arson case
A judge declared a mistrial in the case against a man accused of starting a fire that grew into the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire. The jury was deadlocked during deliberations. CBS News Los Angeles has more.
Space
More Space
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Face the Nation: Kaine, Crawford
Missed the second half of the show? Sen. Tim Kaine and CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford join.
Kaine on guardrails on Pentagon firings
Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he believes there could be bipartisan support for guardrails on Pentagon firings in the aftermath of the departure of Gen. Chris Donahue, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
Cassidy on Trump and the Senate
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who recently lost the primary in his state to a challenger endorsed by President Trump, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he thinks Congress will continue to hold Mr. Trump accountable after he and Sens. Thom Tillis and John Conryn leave, but he added "I don't know" if the president knows the Senate is a separate body from the presidency.
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 28, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sen. Bill Cassidy discusses the explosive meeting between President Trump and Senate Republicans as well as why he changed his vote on the Iran war powers resolution. Plus, Sen. Tim Kaine and CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford join.