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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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Fewer Americans own homes than thought, new Fed search finds
Only about 53% of Americans own homes, or about 12 percentage points lower than previous data has shown, the study found.
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.
Senate fails to advance latest attempt to limit Trump's Iran war powers
The Senate rejected an attempt to rein in President Trump's war powers in Iran, soon after the House adopted a separate measure rebuking the president amid escalations in the conflict in recent days.
FDA says new cyclospora outbreak linked to unspecified product
Federal health officials said they've identified a new outbreak of the cyclospora parasite, but the source hasn't been specified.
NYPD says dozens rescued from human trafficking during World Cup
There were 89 people arrested in the New York area over the course of the World Cup, the NYPD said.
MoneyWatch
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Fewer Americans own homes than thought, new Fed search finds
Only about 53% of Americans own homes, or about 12 percentage points lower than previous data has shown, the study found.
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.
1.6 million eggs are recalled over potential salmonella contamination
The recall affects white-shell and cage-free eggs sold under multiple grocery brands in six states. No illnesses have been reported.
Global oil prices hit $100 a barrel amid attacks in Red Sea
The last time global oil prices settled above $100 was on May 22, data from FactSet shows.
Google fined $1 billion by EU over its Play app store and search engine
The EU fined Google 890 million euros ($1 billion) after it said the tech giant broke digital antitrust regulations by setting up Google Play and its search engine to steer consumers toward its own services and apps over others'.
Politics
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Senate fails to advance latest attempt to limit Trump's Iran war powers
The Senate rejected an attempt to rein in President Trump's war powers in Iran, soon after the House adopted a separate measure rebuking the president amid escalations in the conflict in recent days.
Member of Vance's Secret Service detail under investigation for leaking
The Secret Service said a member of Vice President JD Vance's detail is under investigation for "compromising operational and information security."
House again rebukes Trump over Iran, while similar effort stalls in Senate
The House on Thursday voted to direct President Trump to end the war with Iran, after four Republicans joined Democrats to rebuke the president over his handling of the conflict.
Navy withholding sailors' service history, in another curb on press access
The U.S. Navy is taking a major step to restrict press access to information about service members by no longer releasing information about any sailor's service history.
Vance Boelter gets 2 life terms and more in Minnesota lawmaker shootings
Vance Boelter, the man who admitted in court to shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, was sentenced to two life terms in prison followed by 40 years Thursday morning.
HealthWatch
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FDA says new cyclospora outbreak linked to unspecified product
Federal health officials said they've identified a new outbreak of the cyclospora parasite, but the source hasn't been specified.
FDA panel to consider loosening regulations for some peptides
The FDA panel will review seven peptides and decide if they should be added to a list of substances that can be safely produced by compounding pharmacies.
1.6 million eggs are recalled over potential salmonella contamination
The recall affects white-shell and cage-free eggs sold under multiple grocery brands in six states. No illnesses have been reported.
Pastor sues over ChatGPT medical advice
A pastor in Florida is suing OpenAI after he used ChatGPT for medical advice and received suggestions that he claims caused him to delay necessary treatment. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Pastor sues OpenAI alleging ChatGPT's medical advice nearly killed him
The case accuses OpenAI of practicing medicine without a license and failing to safeguard users seeking health advice.
World
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Middle East oil producers step up plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz
As Iran's attacks keep ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a trickle and oil prices surge, Gulf states are planning to invest billions in pipeline alternatives.
Former model scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein found dead in his Paris home
A former model who accused Jeffrey Epstein associate Daniel Siad of rape says his death in Paris is "very disappointing," as he never faced justice.
Mayor who survived assassination attempt shot dead in town hall
Mayor Valentin Lavin, who was allied to President Claudia Sheinbaum's leftist party, had already survived an armed attack in January, according to local media reports.
First beluga whales from Marineland arrive in Texas as rescue underway
Two beluga whales settled into their new home at SeaWorld San Antonio this week following an international relocation mission from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.
5,700 more deaths than usual recorded in France during heat wave
France experienced at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic heat wave last month, according to the public health agency.
Entertainment
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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.
Luke Bracey on "Little House on the Prairie"
Luke Bracey tells "CBS Mornings" the new "Little House on the Prairie" series was adapted from the books rather than a reboot of the TV show. He explains why he thinks it resonates with people today and how a playlist helped him and a co-star bond over their characters.
Technology
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Technology
Pastor sues OpenAI over ChatGPT advice
Florida pastor Scott Winters claims in his lawsuit against OpenAI that ChatGPT's poor medical recommendations sent him to the hospital. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent sat down with Winters to discuss his experience.
Man sues OpenAI over medical advice
A former pastor is speaking out, claiming ChatGPT's guidance landed him in the hospital. He's now suing OpenAI and its CEO. The company said, in part, "ChatGPT is not a doctor and should never be used as a substitute for medical care." Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Details on OpenAI system's unprompted hack
ChatGPT developer OpenAI says its artificial intelligence systems hacked into another AI company without prompting. Connor Leahy, U.S. director for ControlAI, joins CBS News to discuss.
Machine learning professor on OpenAI attack
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, says one of its artificial intelligence models went rogue and hacked another AI company. Neil Lawrence, professor of machine learning at the University of Cambridge, joins to assess the claim.
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
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Crime
Search for suspect in Florida dad's murder
A multistate search is underway for a woman wanted in connection to a murder investigation. Police say Isabelle Rose Johnson is suspected of killing a Florida father who was found in a shallow grave last month. Cristian Benavides reports.
NYPD says dozens rescued from human trafficking during World Cup
There were 89 people arrested in the New York area over the course of the World Cup, the NYPD said.
Man fatally shot by police in Wisconsin
Protesters gathered after police in Madison, Wisconsin, fatally shot a man during an attempted arrest. The man was armed with a knife and injured an officer before he was shot, police said. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reports.
Judge sets June trial date for Maduro
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro faces drug trafficking charges in the U.S. and is scheduled to go on trial in June 2027. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman explains what to expect from Maduro's legal proceedings.
New details on Nolan Wells' cause of death
Independent autopsy results commissioned by Nolan Wells' family found the cause and manner of the 18-year-old's death were undetermined, pending further investigation. Wells died during a July Fourth boating trip with friends.
Space
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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
Search for suspect in Florida dad's murder
A multistate search is underway for a woman wanted in connection to a murder investigation. Police say Isabelle Rose Johnson is suspected of killing a Florida father who was found in a shallow grave last month. Cristian Benavides reports.
Trump adds contingency to U.S.-Saudi Arabia deal
President Trump said Thursday on social media that Saudi Arabia must agree to join the Abraham Accords as a contingency on a U.S.-Saudi Arabia nuclear agreement. In a separate post, he threatened Iran and its Houthi allies with "major military punishment." CBS News' Kathryn Watson has more.
Secret Service warns of more threats
The Secret Service is warning about a rise in threats ahead of the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner, which is set for Friday. CBS News' Nicole Sganga has the latest.
U.S. moves B-1 bombers, refueling jets
The U.S. is moving B-1 bombers and refueling jets, as well as medical personnel, deeper into the Middle East. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more on what it could mean.
Judge to hear arguments DOJ's NYT subpoenas
A federal judge is set to hear arguments on the Justice Department's subpoenas of The New York Times journalists over reports about President Trump's Qatari-donated Air Force One. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.