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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.
U.S. targets California-born leader of notorious Jalisco cartel
Juan Carlos Gonzalez, also known as "Pelon," is the stepson of "El Mencho" — real name Nemesio Oseguera — who was injured and later died in a military sweep.
The Federal Reserve meets next week. Could it raise interest rates?
The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on Wednesday, but persistent inflation concerns are reshaping expectations for the rest of 2026.
Tree of Life rabbi Jeffrey Myers bids farewell 8 years after deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers is retiring from Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, which he led through the aftermath of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
All 11 on seaplane that crashed, caught fire north of Seattle survive
A seaplane with 11 people on board crashed and caught fire a short time later in the Puget Sound area north of Seattle. All 11 survived, authorities said.
Texas appeals court reverses injunction that closed midwife's clinics
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused Maria Rojas of performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a license last year.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
The Federal Reserve meets next week. Could it raise interest rates?
The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on Wednesday, but persistent inflation concerns are reshaping expectations for the rest of 2026.
Trump imposes new tariffs on dozens of countries, citing forced labor concerns
The Trump administration will impose tariffs of up to 12.5% on goods from 60 U.S. trading partners accused of failing to crack down on forced labor, extending the administration's tariffs on much of the world.
Tampa, Charleston airports to join new TSA privatized security initiative
The new Gold+ initiative would allow private contractors to handle passenger screening at three airports while the TSA retains federal oversight.
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.
Politics
More Politics
25 states sue FEMA and DHS, accuse Trump admin. of withholding funding
The lawsuit claims the Trump administration is withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in disaster-preparedness and homeland security grants to pressure states to change policies on elections and immigration.
Rapid pace of interceptor and precision-guided weapons use worries Trump admin.
The U.S. defense industrial base isn't equipped to produce missiles rapidly enough to replenish munitions used in the war with Iran, or transferred for use to Central Command.
Trump imposes new tariffs on dozens of countries, citing forced labor concerns
The Trump administration will impose tariffs of up to 12.5% on goods from 60 U.S. trading partners accused of failing to crack down on forced labor, extending the administration's tariffs on much of the world.
DOJ withdraws subpoenas for New York Times reporters over Air Force One story
The Justice Department withdrew its subpoenas for New York Times reporters during a court heraing Thursday, after a judge grilled government lawyers for making "errors."
GOP's Jack Smith referral fails to show he committed a crime, ex-prosecutors say
The Justice Department will face an uphill battle if it tries to prosecute Jack Smith over allegations leveled by House Republicans, former prosecutors say.
HealthWatch
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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.
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 recommends loosening regulations for some peptides
The FDA panel is reviewing seven peptides and deciding if they should be added to a list of substances that can be safely produced by compounding pharmacies.
World
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Head of euthanasia firm dies while climbing Mount Fuji
A Swiss man died after losing consciousness hiking up Mount Fuji, marking the second fatality in one week on the iconic mountain.
Wildfire forces 40,000 tourists and residents to flee French peninsula
Several firefighters have been killed as France, Spain and Italy all battle wildfires that have forced tens of thousands to evacuate a vacation hotspot.
Live
Iran keeps targeting U.S. bases as U.S. interceptor stockpiles dwindle
Explosions were heard near a U.S. base in Iraq, and Iran said it targeted Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait as the 21-week war intensifies.
Remembering cameraman Derek Williams, "the mate you would want in any war zone"
Derek Williams died Wednesday, according to his family. He had been living with Parkinson's disease and was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Rapid pace of interceptor and precision-guided weapons use worries Trump admin.
The U.S. defense industrial base isn't equipped to produce missiles rapidly enough to replenish munitions used in the war with Iran, or transferred for use to Central Command.
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
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
U.S. targets California-born leader of notorious Jalisco cartel
Juan Carlos Gonzalez, also known as "Pelon," is the stepson of "El Mencho" — real name Nemesio Oseguera — who was injured and later died in a military sweep.
Accused Apalachee High School shooter pleads guilty at hearing
Colt Gray was charged with 55 counts, including malice murder, and faces up to 180 years in prison for the deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School.
Contents of fist Guthrie ransom note revealed
Nearly six months after Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in Arizona, the full contents of a ransom note that might have come from her kidnapper are coming to light. Mark Strassmann reports on the latest developments in the search for the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie.
Latest on Wisconsin police shooting
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is calling for accountability over the deadly police shooting of a man in Madison. Protests have erupted in the wake of the incident. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan has more.
2 men stabbed near Central Park
Two men were stabbed on Thursday near Central Park in New York City, just blocks apart. The victims are Asian and Jewish, and the attacks are being investigated as a possible hate crime. Tom Hanson reports.
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
More Latest Galleries
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
Protests, questions after Wisconsin shooting
Protesters in Madison, Wisconsin, are demanding accountability after Corey Ruiz was fatally shot by police during an attempted arrest. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Trump imposing new tariffs
President Trump is imposing new tariffs on dozens of countries accused of failing to crack down on forced labor. The tariffs range from 10% to 12.5% and include U.S. allies. Nancy Cordes reports.
Are U.S. strikes on Iran sustainable?
Some Trump administration officials are concerned about the rapid use of interceptor and precision-guided weapons in the Middle East, sources told CBS News. CBS News' Kathryn Watson has more.
Concerns over U.S. weapons stockpile
As the U.S. builds up forces in the Middle East amid the ongoing war with Iran, there's concern among some officials that U.S. weapons may be getting depleted. It comes as President Trump has threatened new escalations and as the U.S. and Iran continue to trade strikes. Charlie D'Agata reports.
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.