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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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Mark Warner says he'll vote against Trump pick Jay Clayton as DNI
Sen. Mark Warner said he'll vote against Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, citing disappointment in his testimony at a confirmation hearing last week despite his previous optimism about the nominee.
2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina kicks off Sunday
Spain and Argentina will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
Homan says "I think body cameras are the way to go" after ICE shootings
White House border czar Tom Homan said "I think body cameras are the way to go" after fatal shootings by federal immigration officers in Texas and Maine earlier this month.
Judge Ronald Gould on his MS: "Just take life a step at a time"
At 79, Ronald Gould, a federal judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle, shoulders a full caseload despite living with progressive multiple sclerosis – a condition he faces with grit and a healthy dose of humor.
Pitch perfect: Developing natural grass for the World Cup
FIFA rules state that World Cup matches must be played on natural grass. For this year's tournament, scientifically-engineered sod (that can withstand playing conditions and differing climates) was deployed in stadiums with artificial turf.
MoneyWatch
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Target recalls over 200,000 children's sandals due to choking risk
Target said it received 23 reports of the sandal's pearls falling off the shoe.
DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
Boomer wealth transfer will mostly benefit the already rich, report finds
Trillions of wealth passed down by the baby boomers will likely go to younger Americans who are already rich. Here's how much they'll get.
Coca-Cola temporarily halts production of Fairlife milk after cyberattack
A cybersecurity incident has forced Coca-Cola to suspend Fairlife milk production in the U.S. An investigation is underway.
Politics
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Mark Warner says he'll vote against Trump pick Jay Clayton as DNI
Sen. Mark Warner said he'll vote against Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, citing disappointment in his testimony at a confirmation hearing last week despite his previous optimism about the nominee.
Transcript: Chris Krebs and David Becker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with CBS News contributors Chris Krebs and David Becker that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026.
Homan says "I think body cameras are the way to go" after ICE shootings
White House border czar Tom Homan said "I think body cameras are the way to go" after fatal shootings by federal immigration officers in Texas and Maine earlier this month.
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026.
Transcript: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026. Editor's note: This interview was taped on July 16, 2026.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Judge Ronald Gould on persevering despite his MS
Ronald Gould is a federal judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle, one rung below the U.S. Supreme Court. At 79, he shoulders a full caseload despite living with progressive multiple sclerosis. He talks with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook about working with MS, a condition he faces with grit and a healthy dose of humor. LaPook also talks with one of Gould's former law clerks, Karla Gilbride, an attorney who has been blind since birth.
Ted Danson with 4 tips on aging creatively
Studies show that having a positive outlook about aging, and having good social networks, can have positive health benefits, from preventing memory loss to a longer life expectancy. Actor Ted Danson presents "Sunday Morning" viewers with advice on how to embrace aging.
Healthcare costs associated with aging out of reach for many Americans
One New York couple depleted their retirement and savings accounts, paying out-of-pocket for healthcare, before they were able to access Medicaid funds.
Healthcare out of reach for many aging Americans
One New York couple depleted their retirement and savings accounts, paying out of pocket for healthcare before they were able to access Medicaid funds. They are among many Americans facing the same challenges. Jericka Duncan has the story.
Outbreak sparks race to remove contaminated lettuce
A cyclospora outbreak, which has sickened thousands of people nationwide, is believed to have been traced to contaminated lettuce from Mexico supplied by produce giant Taylor Farms. Ian Lee has the latest.
World
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2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina kicks off Sunday
Spain and Argentina will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
Transcript: Chris Krebs and David Becker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with CBS News contributors Chris Krebs and David Becker that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026.
Transcript: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026.
Transcript: Border czar Tom Homan on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Tom Homan, Trump administration border czar, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 19, 2026.
Entertainment
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Sam Smith and the "gentle revolution" of "My Guy"
Rolling Stone writer Barry Walters, author of the music history "Mighty Real," says the latest ballad by British singer Sam Smith is a step forward from LGBTQ love songs being marginalized.
Sam Smith and the "gentle revolution" of "My Guy"
Rolling Stone writer Barry Walters, author of the music history "Mighty Real," says the latest ballad by British singer Sam Smith is a step forward from LGBTQ love songs being marginalized.
"Stuart Fails to Save the Universe": Comedy that breaks the rules (and the multiverse)
A new HBO Max comedy series – a spin-off from "The Big Bang Theory" – features comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman) as an unlikely action hero trying to restore order to a disintegrating universe. Luke Burbank talks with Sussman, co-star Lauren Lapkus, and series creators Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Zak Penn, about taking "The Big Bang Theory" characters into uncharted worlds.
Shania Twain on her "very long road" to getting it right
Throughout family hardships, divorce, and losing her voice to Lyme disease, Shania Twain became the top-selling female country artist of all time. She talks about her biographical new album, "Little Miss Twain," in which she reflects on her life with a smile.
Extended interview: Shania Twain
In this web exclusive, singer-songwriter Shania Twain, then performing at Wembley Stadium in London, talked with correspondent Seth Doane about the cathartic experience of creating her autobiographical new album, "Little Miss Twain."
Technology
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Technology
cbs-mornings-deals-071826
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.
Can you spot an AI image? Quiz shows how difficult it has become.
An AI expert said the telltale signs people once relied on, such as distorted fingers, unnatural eyes, or other obvious visual flaws, have largely disappeared as technology has improved.
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.
Erin Brockovich on data center regulation
New York is now the first state to temporarily ban data center construction, paving the way for others to follow suit. Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Mayor to homeowner losing sleep over data center plant: "Consider selling"
Noise from a Mississippi plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area is causing migraines, ringing ears and sleepless nights, residents say.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Boxer Hannah Rapp struck and killed in Texas; driver arrested
Deputies in Brazos County have arrested Charles Medina, 31, charging him with manslaughter.
Searching for Maya Millete
A young mother disappears. Investigators say her husband contacted spellcasters to put a hex on his wife so she wouldn't leave him. "48 Hours" contributor Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Where's Maya Millete? Family, friends continue search for missing California mom
A California mother disappears without a trace – did her husband try to have a hex put on her so she wouldn't leave him?
Feeding Our Future fraud ring's alleged No. 2 appears in court after Somalia arrest
Forty-two-year-old Abdikerm Eidleh appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Friday, just weeks after he was arrested in Mogadishu.
Agent in ME shooting has violent record: AP
The ICE officer who shot and killed a Maine man has a history of violent behavior, the Associated Press reports, citing interviews with family and court records. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
Space
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Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
Latest Galleries
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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
Becker on election officials' arrest threats
CBS News contributors David Becker and Chris Krebs joined "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" in the wake of President Trump's primetime speech last week accusing China of accessing election data. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said that if election officials do not secure elections, they could face fines or "depending on how far it goes, prison time." Becker said "hardly a week goes by where someone in this administration doesn't threaten election officials with arrest … it's become almost a running joke."
Homan: "Body cameras are the way to go"
Amid questions about immigration agents' actions in deadly shootings this month in Texas and Maine, Trump administration border czar Tom Homan told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "I think body cameras are the way to go," adding that body cameras "let the American people know what that officer sees when he takes that action."
Face the Nation: Hochul, Homan, Moynihan
Missed the second half of the show? New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, White House border czar Tom Homan and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan join the show.
Moynihan: "Affordability is a challenge"
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he has been hearing from customers that "affordability is a challenge" amid rising gas and food prices and inflation, but he added that "in the last couple months, we're seeing the wage growth of all income cohorts kind of coalesce together around 3 to 4% which is good."
Sen. Warner: Bases "on and off under attack"
In the wake of the deaths of two U.S. service members over the weekend at a Jordanian military base, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "these bases have been on and off under attack" since the beginning of the war of Iran, which he described as a "war of choice."