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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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Feds plan to transfer hundreds of pre-trial detainees in private prison dispute
The U.S. Marshals Service is preparing to transfer some Georgia detainees to another private facility 200 miles away.
Trump says he's banning CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House
President Trump said Friday that he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, the latest move to target media outlets over their reporting.
Mortgage rates are nearing 7%. One house hunter says he's "despondent."
"It seems like we're trying to climb out of a hole somebody else is digging," said one frustrated house hunter as homeownership costs rise.
Increased ICE enforcement in 2025 hurt local employment, analysis finds
Employment fell last year in U.S. cities where ICE arrests surged, according to the Brookings Institution.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Sept. 20)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
MoneyWatch
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Mortgage rates are nearing 7%. One house hunter says he's "despondent."
"It seems like we're trying to climb out of a hole somebody else is digging," said one frustrated house hunter as homeownership costs rise.
Increased ICE enforcement in 2025 hurt local employment, analysis finds
Employment fell last year in U.S. cities where ICE arrests surged, according to the Brookings Institution.
AI security experts say they used Claude to hack ChatGPT
Cybersecurity researchers said they were able to use Anthropic's Claude AI platfom to penetrate ChatGPT in "less than 72 hours."
195,000 heated blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries
The manufacturer has received hundreds of reports of blankets "smoking, melting or burning" due to overheating, according to a recall notice.
Warren Buffett stepping aside as Berkshire Hathaway chairman
Warren Buffett is stepping aside as Berkshire Hathaway chairman, he announced in a letter to shareholders Friday.
Politics
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RFK Jr. tells anti-vaccine activists they have a "friend in the White House"
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a conference hosted by an organization he once led that has promoted doubts about vaccines.
Book excerpt: "Go and Do Likewise" by Andy Beshear
The Democratic Governor of Kentucky writes about how the language of faith, which he believes has been co-opted by some politicians, can be used to bridge the nation's partisan divide.
Exclusive
Feds plan to transfer hundreds of pre-trial detainees in private prison dispute
The U.S. Marshals Service is preparing to transfer some Georgia detainees to another private facility 200 miles away.
Trump says he's banning CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House
President Trump said Friday that he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, the latest move to target media outlets over their reporting.
DOJ says ban on selling handguns to young adults under 21 is unconstitutional
The Justice Department released a new legal opinion that concludes a federal law prohibiting firearms dealers from selling handguns to people between the ages of 18 and 20 is unconstitutional.
HealthWatch
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Twins conjoined at the head are separated in 25-hour surgery
The twins were born in Ethiopia with a rare condition that left them joined at the head. Doctors spent a year planning a separation surgery.
Exclusive
Porsha Williams reveals health emergency: "It all happened so fast"
Porsha Williams revealed to "CBS Mornings" co-anchor Gayle King that she had to undergo an emergency partial hysterectomy this year after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids
Conjoined twins separated in Ethiopia
Two-year-old conjoined twin sisters saw each other face-to-face for the first time after a successful 24-hour surgery to separate them. Ian Lee reports from the children's hospital in St. Louis, where it happened.
1 in 3 Americans with health insurance have medical debt, survey finds
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
How Olympian Aly Raisman learned to advocate for her own health
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses what she's learned about speaking up for herself and taking care of her body.
World
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Police capture suspected serial killer disguised as woman, carrying baby
Brazilian police said they will reopen dozens of cases linked to a self-confessed serial killer who was arrested as he attempted to escape dressed as a woman and carrying a baby.
Trump touts plan for new U.S. base as Poland warns of risks from Russia
Trump touts "major progress" on plans for a permanent U.S. Army base in Poland as the country's leader warns Russia's war on Ukraine could hit NATO soil.
First on CBS
Princess Diana's brother claims Charles sounded "elated" after she died
Princess Diana's brother claims in his book that then-Prince Charles "sounded giddily elated" right after his ex-wife died in a Paris car crash.
German leader under huge pressure as the far-right AfD gains steam
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing a "crisis of authority and leadership" as immigration concerns fuel a far-right rise.
Live
2 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz as Trump grapples with his next move
Following more attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he'll make a "big decision" on whether to "annihilate" Iran's leadership.
Entertainment
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Duncan Sheik, singer-songwriter of "Barely Breathing," dies at 56
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
Princess Diana's brother makes new claims
The brother of the late Princess Diana claims in his upcoming book that then Prince Charles seemed "upbeat" right after his ex-wife died in a Paris car crash in 1997. When asked about these allegations, Buckingham Palace referred to a statement it released earlier this week saying that the king "is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory, even many years after such a loss." Watch more of Charles Spencer's conversation with Mark Phillips on "CBS Sunday Morning."
Diana's brother on Charles' reaction to death
Princess Diana's brother, Earl Charles Spencer, makes stunning allegations in a new memoir against then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, and his reaction to Diana's death. Holly Williams reports.
Exclusive
Porsha Williams reveals health emergency: "It all happened so fast"
Porsha Williams revealed to "CBS Mornings" co-anchor Gayle King that she had to undergo an emergency partial hysterectomy this year after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids
From the archives: Bob Mackie on being dressmaker to the stars
Nine-time Emmy-winning costume designer Bob Mackie, who clothed such musical and comedic talents as Cher, Carol Burnett, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli, died on Sept. 14, 2026 at age 87. In this Sept. 21, 2003 "Sunday Morning" profile, Mackie talked with correspondent Rita Braver about how a star-struck kid growing up outside Hollywood became a dressmaker to the stars, and what fascinates him about divas. He also talked about the tragic death of his son, Robin, from AIDS.
Technology
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Technology
How to book cheaper flights with AI
Travel costs are up as fuel prices soar. The Points Guys managing editor Clint Henderson shares his cost saving tips.
Director addresses AI fears in new film
Expert whistleblowers and frontier tech CEOs are calling for government oversight and boundaries for artificial intelligence development after a series of incidents where AI agents went rogue. Director Daniel Roher explains how conversations around AI motivated him to make "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
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.
Use of AI backfires on an expert witness at trial: "They have biases"
The use of artificial intelligence in the courtroom is drawing fresh attention after an expert witness in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit used ChatGPT to help create his report.
Analyzing the fight over AI regulations
Patrick McGee, a contributing writer for The Free Press, says AI firms "are not jogging...they're still sprinting" despite agreeing to pace the frontier. Here's the latest.
Science
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New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Crime
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Police capture suspected serial killer disguised as woman, carrying baby
Brazilian police said they will reopen dozens of cases linked to a self-confessed serial killer who was arrested as he attempted to escape dressed as a woman and carrying a baby.
Grandmother sues Fargo, ND, over facial tech
A Tennessee grandmother is suing the city of Fargo, North Dakota, after facial recognition software linked her to a crime she didn't commit, which led to a nearly six-month stay in jail. CBS News' Nicole Valdes has more.
Uber must pay $40 million in wrongful death suit
A woman was hit and killed after an Uber driver forced her and her friend out of his car on a freeway. Now, Uber has been ordered to pay $40 million after the victim's family brought forth a wrongful death suit. CBS News' Lauren Pozen reports.
Holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy trial speaks
The lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial has released a statement explaining his vote and offering his account of the jury's deliberations.
Facing 10 years in prison, ex-budget official flees U.S. by boat and plane
Kosta Diamantis is now a fugitive in Greece after fleeing the U.S. by boat and plane ahead of his sentencing for corruption, his lawyer and prosecutors said.
Space
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NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Major Garrett: Trump press ban signals weakness
President Trump lashed out at reporters who cover his administration on Friday, saying he would ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. Major Garrett shares his thoughts on the ban and CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports.
Trump: CNN, MS NOW and Politico banned from White House
President Trump took questions from reporters on Friday after he said he was banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand and legal contributor Jessica Levinson have more.
Sources: Trump orders DOJ not to appeal gun ruling
President Trump has ordered the Justice Department not to appeal a court ruling that loosened restrictions on firearms known as "gangster weapons." CBS News' Sarah Lynch reports.
Midterm early voting begins in some states
Early in-person voting has begun in Virginia, Minnesota and South Dakota for this year's midterm elections. CBS News' Shawna Mizelle reports.
Source: Trump to sign Russia sanctions bill today
President Trump will sign the recently passed Russia sanctions bill Friday, a White House official tells CBS News. CBS News' Weijia Jiang has more on that and the rest of the news coming out of the White House.