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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.
How Trump admin cuts have compromised food safety
Since May, more than 11,000 cases of illness caused by the parasite cyclospora have been reported in 41 states. This comes after the Trump administration drastically cut FDA and CDC staff, prompting one expert to call this summer's outbreaks "a national wake-up call."
Home, not alone: Helping aging seniors in rural America
Health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation are more common among the aging population of rural America. In North Dakota, the program Aging in Community aims to build connections among neighbors to help isolated rural seniors.
CBS News poll finds many changing their eating habits amid cyclospora outbreak
Nearly as many Americans are following news about the cyclospora parasite as they are the conflict with Iran.
Exclusive
ICE to target Haitians as Temporary Protected Status is set to end, sources say
The plans include arresting migrants in Ohio and quickly putting them on deportation flights to crisis-stricken Haiti, the internal documents indicate.
Family's battle for justice has impacted victims' rights
The 1979 murder of 18-year-old California college freshman Catina Salarno changed the course of her family's lives—sparking a decades-long battle to keep her killer in prison.
MoneyWatch
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Paramount to delay Warner Bros. merger until as late as June 2027
Paramount Skydance on Friday said it would delay the deal until as late as June 2027.
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Ford recalls more than half a million Bronco vehicles over engine fire risk
A short circuit in the engine compartment can potentially cause a fire. Here's the fix.
Here are the new tariff rates on dozens of countries targeted by Trump
President Trump announced new tariffs of up to 12.5% to replace expiring Section 122 levies. Here are the rates for each country.
Politics
More Politics
CBS News poll finds most say Iran conflict more difficult than Trump had expected
Most see conflict lasting months or years longer now; Republicans say U.S. should continue to press until it wins more concessions.
CBS News poll finds many changing their eating habits amid cyclospora outbreak
Nearly as many Americans are following news about the cyclospora parasite as they are the conflict with Iran.
Exclusive
ICE to target Haitians as Temporary Protected Status is set to end, sources say
The plans include arresting migrants in Ohio and quickly putting them on deportation flights to crisis-stricken Haiti, the internal documents indicate.
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of helping Iran target U.S. bases with satellite images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's accusations of Russia helping Iran target U.S. troops are not the first.
Maine Democrats pick Troy Jackson to replace Platner on Senate ballot
Maine Democrats gathered Saturday to select former state Senate President Troy Jackson as the Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner on the ballot.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
How Trump admin cuts have compromised food safety
Since May, more than 11,000 cases of illness caused by the parasite cyclospora have been reported in 41 states. This comes after the Trump administration drastically cut FDA and CDC staff, prompting one expert to call this summer's outbreaks "a national wake-up call."
How Trump admin cuts have compromised food safety
Since May, more than 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, caused by a parasite, have been reported in 41 states. The outbreak comes after the Trump administration drastically cut FDA and CDC staff; disbanded a national advisory committee on how to prevent microbial contamination in food; winnowed down an early-warning surveillance program for specific pathogens; and further delayed a rule that would have required tracing contaminants from field to store. Correspondent David Pogue talks with experts who see the current compromises of food safety as "a national wake-up call."
Cyclospora outbreak dubbed "lettuce-gate" as health concerns spread across U.S.
Americans say they aren't convinced the cyclospora outbreak is under control as confirmed cases near 2,000.
Confusion around cyclosporiasis outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control said the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded to four more states and sickened thousands. In the weeks following the initial reports, some consumers expressed confusion about what's safe and what's not. Ali Bauman has more details.
Grandfather with pancreatic cancer beats the odds with clinical trial
Hernando Salcedo was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer after mild symptoms. Chemotherapy made him feel worse than before his diagnosis.
World
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CBS News poll finds most say Iran conflict more difficult than Trump had expected
Most see conflict lasting months or years longer now; Republicans say U.S. should continue to press until it wins more concessions.
Berlin ramming attack believed to be act of Islamist extremist terror, officials say
German police have identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B. and warned the public that he may be armed and dangerous.
More than 300,000 displaced in France and Spain as wildfires rage
Forests in Spain and France have been parched by successive heatwaves since May that have brought drought to many areas.
Brazil denies visa requests to U.S. officials ahead of upcoming elections
Brazil's Foreign Ministry says it denied visas to two U.S. State Department officials who sought to travel to the South American nation next week.
Suspect in Berlin LGBTQ+ parade attack has ties to Islamic "circles," police say
Berlin police did not identify the suspect, who is still at large, by name but said that he was already known to police and is from Berlin.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The adventurous life of supermodel Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second." (Originally broadcast Jan. 25, 2026.)
7/26: New York Times bestseller lists
Check out this week's top-selling titles on The New York Times fiction and non-fiction lists.
Passage: Late-night TV exec Peter Lassally
During his half-century in television, Peter Lassally (who died last Sunday at age 93) played producer and confidant to late-night hosts David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, Tom Snyder, and Johnny Carson. Mo Rocca has a remembrance of the man they called "The Host Whisperer."
Corinne Bailey Rae on the sadness of loss and the beauty of life
Twenty years after her single "Put Your Records On" made her an international star, the two-time Grammy-winner is embarking on a tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of her breakout debut album.
Extended interview: Corinne Bailey Rae
In this web exclusive, British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae talks with Seth Doane about growing up in Leeds and feeling on the margins; the influence of Billie Holiday and Kurt Cobain on her music; the breakout success of "Put Your Records On"; the devastating loss of her first husband; finding love again; and what aging has taught her.
Technology
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Technology
Brands cash in on AI influencers
A growing number of faces on your feeds are generated by artificial intelligence, and brands are buying in. Increasingly, these AI influencers are marketing products, often deceptively, to consumers. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
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.
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.
ChatGPT now has a space for sharing medical records. Should you?
OpenAI announced a dedicated space in ChatGPT for sharing medical records, Health in ChatGPT. Health and AI experts lay out the pros and cons.
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
More Crime
Family's battle for justice has impacted victims' rights
The 1979 murder of 18-year-old California college freshman Catina Salarno changed the course of her family's lives—sparking a decades-long battle to keep her killer in prison.
Inside a family's fight to keep teen daughter's killers in prison
Justine Vanderschoot was 17 when she was brutally murdered by her boyfriend and his roommate in Placer County, California. More than 20 years later, her family continues to fight for justice.
WHCA scholarship recipients relive shooting
Kaitlin Bender-Thomas and Madison Maynard, two White House Correspondents' Association scholarship recipients, join "The Daily Report" to reflect on April's terrifying shooting ahead of the rescheduled dinner.
High security for correspondents' dinner
The White House Correspondents' Dinner will have a redo in Washington, D.C., on Friday night, after the original event was interrupted in April when a gunman stormed in. It'll be a scaled-down event with scaled-up security. Nicole Sganga reports.
Georgia school shooting suspect pleads guilty
Nearly two years after a school shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School, a 16-year-old pleaded guilty to killing two fellow students, two teachers and wounding nine other people in Georgia. Jericka Duncan reports.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Sanders on upcoming 2026 midterms, Iran war
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders shared his thoughts on the upcoming midterm elections, including how he thinks progressive candidates may fare, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." He also called for a negotiated end to the war in Iran.
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 26, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sens. Bernie Sanders and John Kennedy discuss the war with Iran and the 2026 midterm elections. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb also join, and CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto shares the latest CBS News poll results.
Nature: Great white sharks in Mexico
We leave you this Sunday swimming with sharks off the coast of Guadalupe Island in Mexico. Videographer: Maurico Handler.
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.
The adventurous life of supermodel Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second." (Originally broadcast Jan. 25, 2026.)