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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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Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels with his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as "El Mencho," according to federal prosecutors.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are released, including message saying she died
One of the notes threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if a multimillion-dollar ransom wasn't paid in a week. The second, a few days later, says, "She is buried in nature now."
F-35 fighter jet crashes near San Diego Marine Corps base, sparking fire
An aerial photo shows a smoking F-35 fighter jet next to scorched vegetation in a field at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
3 states would face Colorado River water cuts under federal plan
Arizona, California, and Nevada would take less water from the Colorado River under a federal proposal to stave off a crisis in the river.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
MoneyWatch
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Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
American Airlines makes its flight refund policy more restrictive
American Airlines is tightening its flight refund and cancellation policy. Here's what to know.
Politics
More Politics
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Lawyer for Rep. Miller's ex-wife files for restraining order amid abuse claims
The ex-wife of GOP Rep. Max Miller asked a court to issue a restraining order blocking Miller from contacting her lawyer, as the Ohio congressman faces allegations of abuse — which he denies.
First on CBS
Democrats demand training info on ICE agent who killed immigrant in Maine
Two Democrats are demanding details and records about the training of an ICE officer who shot and killed a Colombian immigrant in Maine, according to a letter obtained by CBS News.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Ukrainian ambassador tracks how Kyiv's relationship with D.C. has evolved
The outgoing Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. says Ukraine has been able to combat what she said characterized as a prior, erroneous narrative that Russia was winning the war, now in its fifth year.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
Extended Interview: Jay Bhattacharya
Rob Gutman speaks with Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health and acting director of the CDC, about Dr. Anthony Fauci's actions during the pandemic, the possible origins of COVID-19, vaccines and more.
World
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Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels with his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as "El Mencho," according to federal prosecutors.
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Spain sends over 25,000 migrants back to Morocco from Ceuta; dozens dead
The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, estimated that 60,000 migrants had entered the enclave from Morocco and said that at least 34 people had died.
FIFA official resigns in protest of World Cup investment plan
The pressure is rising on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ditch a $20 billion privatization plan, but soccer's governing body is doubling down and criticizing the media.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" swings into theaters
Just weeks after "Supergirl" underperformed at the box office, the ninth live-action Spider-Man film since 2002 is expected to premiere with a projected global opening of as much as $465 million. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss.
From the archives: Spider-Man creator Stan Lee
The creator of such superheroes as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, Stan Lee (1922-2018) was a comic book genius whose characters made him a superhero himself to legions of fans. In this report that originally aired Jan. 17, 2016, Lee talked with "Sunday Morning" correspondent Lee Cowan about his marvelous life story that, fittingly, was published in comic-book form.
Netflix sued for allegedly losing unreleased Nicolas Cage movie
A lawsuit alleges that a drive storing a $45 million spy film starring Nicolas Cage was "stolen right off a Netflix desk."
From the archives: "Once" songwriter Glen Hansard
Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, an Oscar-winner for "Once" (which became a Tony Award-winning musical), died July 29, 2026 at age 56. In this March 17, 2013 "Sunday Morning" profile, Hansard talked with Anthony Mason about growing up as a street performer in Dublin, and his meteoric rise to fame as a member of the rock band The Frames and (with Markéta Irglová) half of the duo The Swell Season. Also: A web extra featuring Hansard busking on the streets of New York City.
Actor Jared Leto facing allegations
Actor Jared Leto is facing allegations of criminal sexual conduct, which he has denied. In a new BBC documentary, four women accuse Leto of targeting them when they were underage. Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Technology
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Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Is Iran targeting the U.S. water supply?
Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved with a series of cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Nicole Sganga 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.
U.S. probing Minnesota water systems hackings
The U.S. is investigating whether Iran hacked more than 30 community water systems across Minnesota, CBS News has learned. Nicole Sganga reports.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels with his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as "El Mencho," according to federal prosecutors.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are released, including message saying she died
One of the notes threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if a multimillion-dollar ransom wasn't paid in a week. The second, a few days later, says, "She is buried in nature now."
Lindsay Clancy trial: Ex-husband takes the stand
Three years after the deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy, the trial of their mother Lindsay is underway. This week, CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi and CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul take listeners inside the courtroom for jury selection, opening statements, and the highly anticipated testimony of her now ex-husband Patrick Clancy. They examine the prosecution's claim that Lindsay Clancy carefully planned the killings and the defense's contention that postpartum psychosis left her unable to control her actions.
New York sues Kalshi betting site
New York State is suing Kalshi, the online betting portal, for allegedly operating an illegal gambling business. Kalshi says that it is a federally regulated exchange and is not subject to state laws. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Dad who gave gun to school shooter sentenced
Colin Gray, the father of the teen who was convicted of killing four in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors said he ignored warning signs, giving his son an assault-style semiautomatic rifle and ammunition as a gift.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
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.
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
Lindsay Clancy trial: Ex-husband takes the stand
Three years after the deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy, the trial of their mother Lindsay is underway. This week, CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi and CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul take listeners inside the courtroom for jury selection, opening statements, and the highly anticipated testimony of her now ex-husband Patrick Clancy. They examine the prosecution's claim that Lindsay Clancy carefully planned the killings and the defense's contention that postpartum psychosis left her unable to control her actions.
Watch: Fires displace 250,000 across Europe
At least one person has died, and more than 250,000 have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires ravage Western Europe in July, spreading across France, Spain, Greece, and the United Kingdom.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
New York sues Kalshi betting site
New York State is suing Kalshi, the online betting portal, for allegedly operating an illegal gambling business. Kalshi says that it is a federally regulated exchange and is not subject to state laws. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
F-35 plane crash in San Diego
An F-35 military aircraft appears to have crashed near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. There is no word yet from authorities on what caused the crash or any possible injuries.