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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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Online seller of peptides is sentenced to nearly 6 years in prison
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly six years in prison after finding the business deceived customers and sold products that were adulterated with steroids.
Mortgage rates hit highest level in a year amid inflation fears
Mortgage rates are drifting higher as the Fed's interest rate decision and war in the Middle East fuel inflation concerns.
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.
Want to save on student loan payments? Here's how to get a discount.
Federal student loan borrowers can qualify for a 1% discount on monthly interest charges if they enroll by the deadline. Here's what to know.
MoneyWatch
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Mortgage rates hit highest level in a year amid inflation fears
Mortgage rates are drifting higher as the Fed's interest rate decision and war in the Middle East fuel inflation concerns.
Want to save on student loan payments? Here's how to get a discount.
Federal student loan borrowers can qualify for a 1% discount on monthly interest charges if they enroll by the deadline. Here's what to know.
European teams boycott FIFA over plan to sell World Cup stake to investors
A source close to Joshua Kushner's firm tells CBS News there's no politics behind FIFA's bid to draw private investment, but Europe's soccer powerhouses are crying foul.
U.S. economy slowed in second quarter as Iran war weighs on growth
Economic activity weakened between April and June as energy costs surged, new government data shows.
Why are workers at leading AI companies calling for a slowdown in AI development?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other AI leaders say they support pacing the rapid advancement of AI's capabilities.
Politics
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Saudi, Israeli leaders try to shape Trump's decisions on Iran conflict
As conflict potentially expands in the region, Trump met with the Saudi defense minister and with Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli prime minister counseled Trump on three options for the war.
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.
First on CBS
4 major Latino organizations joining forces to mobilize voters for midterms
CBS News has learned that four of the nation's largest Latino civic organizations are joining forces for the first time, combining their voter outreach operations ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms.
Afghan woman to fight U.S. efforts to deport her over "alien terrorist" claim
Nazira Haji Zada's lawyer argued that the Justice Dept. is violating her due process rights.
Trump says he may pull Blanche's nomination until 2 Senate critics leave office
President Trump said Todd Blanche will remain acting attorney general as a holdup on his nomination continues.
HealthWatch
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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.
Acting CDC director on Fauci's testimony
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the director of the National Institutes of Health and the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spoke with Matt Gutman about Dr. Anthony Fauci's hearing on Wednesday and other health issues that affect many Americans.
Fauci invokes the Fifth over 100 times
Dr. Anthony Fauci faced an angry Senate hearing on Wednesday, with Republicans confronting him over diary entries and his handling of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nikole Killion has more.
World
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Spain deploys military to Morocco border after migrant crossings, 9 deaths
Spain will deploy its military to Ceuta to help restore order at its border with Morocco after local authorities in Ceuta had asked the central government in Madrid for reinforcements.
Saudi, Israeli leaders try to shape Trump's decisions on Iran conflict
As conflict potentially expands in the region, Trump met with the Saudi defense minister and with Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli prime minister counseled Trump on three options for the war.
European teams boycott FIFA over plan to sell World Cup stake to investors
A source close to Joshua Kushner's firm tells CBS News there's no politics behind FIFA's bid to draw private investment, but Europe's soccer powerhouses are crying foul.
U.K. village plans independence vote in protest over migrant housing plans
The English village of Piddington is planning a symbolic referendum to demand independence from the U.K. over plans to house people seeking asylum at a disused military barracks.
Japan earthquake death toll climbs to 34 as hopes wane for more rescues
The Kumamoto prefectural government said at least 34 people were killed in the powerful earthquake that hit southwestern Japan earlier this week.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
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.
BTS skipping the next Grammy Awards
BTS said they will not submit their latest album for Grammy consideration, which came after the group's yearslong hiatus to fulfill their mandatory military duty. Emily Curl explains why the group's decision may be connected to the academy adding a new category.
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.
Zoe Saldaña on new season of "Lioness"
Zoe Saldaña tells "CBS Mornings" why this season of "Lioness" is demanding, how the series challenges the actors and what it's like working with Taylor Sheridan.
Singer-songwriter Glen Hansard killed in motorcycle crash
Academy Award-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash.
Technology
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Technology
OpenAI CEO meets with key Trump advisers
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is meeting with high-ranking Trump administration advisers following his talks with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. This comes as some tech workers criticize the rapid development of AI, demanding that the government create new safety regulations. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more.
Inside the advancements in AI
CBS News contributor Matt Shumer, a venture capitalist, told "CBS Mornings" artificial intelligence advancements are moving "way more quickly than anyone anticipated." Shumer addresses recent developments in AI and its impact on the workforce.
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.
OpenAI interested in AI wearables
OpenAI's president says it is working on wearable and hardware options for its AI chatbots like ChatGPT. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other technology headlines.
Why are workers at leading AI companies calling for a slowdown in AI development?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other AI leaders say they support pacing the rapid advancement of AI's capabilities.
Science
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Science
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.
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.
Crime
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Crime
First responders testify in Lindsay Clancy trial
First responders testified Thursday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who admitted to killing her three children but pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Online seller of peptides is sentenced to nearly 6 years in prison
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly six years in prison after finding the business deceived customers and sold products that were adulterated with steroids.
Details on Colin Gray sentence
Colin Gray, father of Appalache High School shooter Colt Gray, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday for his part in the 2024 tragedy perpetrated by his son. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe has more.
First case in Alien Terrorist Removal Court
The Department of Justice is seeking to deport the mother of a convicted ISIS supporter through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, which has never before been used. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the story.
McHenry Co. coroner working to ID partial remains pulled from Fox River
Authorities have not yet identified partial human remains found in the Fox River, and it is not yet known whether they are connected to a boat crash or another incident.
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.
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
First responders testify in Lindsay Clancy trial
First responders testified Thursday in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who admitted to killing her three children but pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Stocks rebound as some tech companies rally
Wall Street saw a big rebound on Thursday, with the Dow and Nasdaq shooting up more than 600 points. Yahoo Finance senior reporter Brooke DiPalma joins with analysis.
Most Americans oppose Iran war, AP poll shows
A poll from the Associated Press shows that two-thirds of Americans believe the Iran war is not worth fighting. CBS News chief white house correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Details on Colin Gray sentence
Colin Gray, father of Appalache High School shooter Colt Gray, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday for his part in the 2024 tragedy perpetrated by his son. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe has more.
3 simple things to improve your gut health
Dr. Trisha Pasricha gives Norah O'Donnell and "Healthful" three simple tips for improving your gut health and your overall health.