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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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Trump's monumental reimagining of Washington, D.C.
President Trump has triggered a firestorm of lawsuits over his plans to remake our nation's capital, as opponents fight to preserve it.
How white supremacists staged the only successful coup in U.S. history
In 1898, Wilmington, N.C., was prosperous and integrated. But white supremacists took back control of the city's multi-racial government at gunpoint, and killed scores of Black residents - a little-known story retold in Lauren Collins' "They Stole a City."
U.S. and world leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham following sudden death
The senior U.S. senator for South Carolina died suddenly at 71 on Saturday.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after "brief and sudden illness"
President Trump paid tribute to the late senator, who was reportedly scheduled to do an interview on Sunday.
Kansas woman convicted of double murder after three trials
Mike Sisco and his girlfriend Karen Harkness were gunned down in her Topeka, Kansas, home in 2002. Authorities believed it was a crime of passion. Sisco's daughter set out to help prove it was her mother, Dana Chandler, who was responsible.
MoneyWatch
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High energy costs from Iran war heighten pressure on struggling farmers
As the agriculture industry in Louisiana contends with major energy cost hikes brought on by the Iran war, some farmers are unsure if their businesses will survive.
Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump refuses to sign it
A landmark housing bill automatically became law overnight after President Trump declined to sign it.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
Household staff can earn up to $300,000 working for America's rich
Good help is hard — and expensive — to find, according to a recruiting firm for private chefs, chauffeurs and other household workers.
Gas prices start climbing again as U.S.-Iran tensions flare
Prices at the pump sank following a June ceasefire. But renewed conflict in the Middle East and other factors are driving fuel costs back up.
Politics
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Transcript: Sen. Tim Scott on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 12, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 12, 2026.
U.S. and world leaders pay tribute to Lindsey Graham following sudden death
The senior U.S. senator for South Carolina died suddenly at 71 on Saturday.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after "brief and sudden illness"
President Trump paid tribute to the late senator, who was reportedly scheduled to do an interview on Sunday.
New Library of Congress exhibit features rare draft of Declaration of Independence
A rare draft of the Declaration of Independence, now on display at the Library of Congress, was written by Thomas Jefferson and contains edits from fellow Founding Fathers Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
Congressman says he was detained by Israeli settlers in the West Bank
Congressman Ro Khanna said members of the Israel Defense Forces spoke with the settlers and moved a car to block the road.
HealthWatch
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New Jersey works to destroy firefighting foam laced with cancer-linked PFAS
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are working to collect, remove and destroy all of their aqueous film-forming foam.
Departments getting rid of firefighting foam
Fire departments across the U.S. are changing how they extinguish fires. For decades, they used foam that contained so-called "forever chemicals" that are now linked to cancer. More than a dozen states are now working to collect, remove and destroy all of it. Mark Strassmann has more.
U.S. citizen working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded on the continent.
Pregnant mom diagnosed with Stage IV cancer after symptoms were dismissed
Jenney Bitner feared she wouldn't get to see her children grow up after a tumor in her brain revealed she had Stage IV melanoma.
Michigan's cyclosporiasis outbreak grows to more than 1,500 cases
Michigan health officials say the state's cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to more than 1,500 cases.
World
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Transcript: Sen. Tim Scott on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 12, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 12, 2026.
Typhoon Bavi weakens but still lashes China with strong winds, rain
Typhoon Bavi weakened Sunday to a tropical storm but was still bringing strong winds and heavy rain to parts of China.
At least 2 killed in shooting at Toronto street festival, police say
At least two people were killed and several more wounded in a shooting Saturday evening at a street festival in Toronto, Canada, authorities said.
Bull gores runner in the face at Spain's San Fermin bull run festival
A chaotic bull run at Spain's San Fermin festival in Pamplona on Saturday left 13 people injured, including one runner who was pierced by a horn in the face.
South African soccer player who competed in the World Cup dies at 25
Jayden Adams' death was confirmed by South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture on Saturday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Milepost: David Attenborough
This week, British documentarian Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 years old in May, broke the record for oldest nominee for a Primetime Emmy Award, earning two nominations this year.
Grace notes: Art as a reverie of gentle sounds
French artist and composer Céleste Boursier-Mougenot's "Clinamen," at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, is a mesmerizing installation in which porcelain bowls floating in giant basins of water collide, producing chiming sounds that reverberate in the 55,000-square-foot hall, to foster a state of grace. Tracy Smith reports.
Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"
The Emmy-winning HBO Max drama "The Pitt" immerses viewers in the hour-by-hour struggles faced by the overworked-yet-superhuman emergency room staff at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook visits the series' hyper-realistic set at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, Calif. (where cast members undergo a two-week medical boot camp), and talks with star, writer, director and executive producer Noah Wylie about why the former "ER" actor returned to the medical drama genre. (The series just received 25 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, the most of any program.) [Originally broadcast Jan. 4, 2026.]
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" actress Louise Lasser, and singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Gracie Abrams: Now center stage
At 26, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has won praise from critics and fans for her intimate songs – whispered words that become anthems. She talks about her latest album, "Daughter From Hell."
Technology
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Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
AI slop floods social media, report says
A new report from AI detector Pangram found that AI-generated content is flooding socials like X and Reddit, with LinkedIn accounting for nearly two-thirds of all AI content detected. Pangram CEO and co-founder Max Spero joins CBS News to discuss his findings.
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.
MSG tracked celebrities, WIRED reports
A major database breach at James Dolan's Madison Square Garden arena revealed an apparent internal list tracking nearly 40,000 celebrities, according to a new report from WIRED. The report alleges that surveillance labels included "LGBTQIA," "DO NOT HOST," and evaluated individuals on a "risk" level. MSG claims the report is inaccurate. WIRED contributing editor Noah Shachtman joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss his reporting.
Breaking down the Texas app store age law
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court said it would allow Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages while the issue plays out in the lower courts. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the constitutional question.
Science
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Science
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.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
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.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
Crime
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Kansas woman convicted of double murder after three trials
Mike Sisco and his girlfriend Karen Harkness were gunned down in her Topeka, Kansas, home in 2002. Authorities believed it was a crime of passion. Sisco's daughter set out to help prove it was her mother, Dana Chandler, who was responsible.
Apalachee High School shooting suspect set to change plea, documents show
Colt Gray is scheduled to appear in Barrow County Superior Court on July 24 for a plea hearing, court documents show.
Nolan Wells' parents speak out
Teen football player Nolan Wells was found dead on a Mississippi island days after he vanished during a July Fourth outing. Wells' parents are searching for answers, saying that they don't believe their son would have stayed behind on the island by choice.
Takeaways from weeklong Tyler Robinson hearing
The weeklong pre-trial hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrapped up on Friday with the defense calling one final witness to the stand. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Indictments in White House UFC attack plot
Eight people have each been charged with conspiracy counts over a planned attack at the UFC event that was held at the White House in June. CBS News' Jake Rosen reports.
Space
More Space
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.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
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
Nature: Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
We leave you this summer Sunday on the seashore at New Jersey's Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. Videographer: Scot Miller.
Milepost: David Attenborough
This week, British documentarian Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 years old in May, broke the record for oldest nominee for a Primetime Emmy Award, earning two nominations this year.
Grace notes: Art as a reverie of gentle sounds
French artist and composer Céleste Boursier-Mougenot's "Clinamen," at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, is a mesmerizing installation in which porcelain bowls floating in giant basins of water collide, producing chiming sounds that reverberate in the 55,000-square-foot hall, to foster a state of grace. Tracy Smith reports.
Training for a Tuscan tradition: The wine barrel race
Every August, the medieval Italian town of Montepulciano becomes the backdrop of intense rivalries among neighborhood teams competing in the Bravìo delle Botti – the wine barrel race. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with locals training for the grueling competition: to roll 200-lb. wine barrels uphill through the medieval city's streets.
Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"
The Emmy-winning HBO Max drama "The Pitt" immerses viewers in the hour-by-hour struggles faced by the overworked-yet-superhuman emergency room staff at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook visits the series' hyper-realistic set at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, Calif. (where cast members undergo a two-week medical boot camp), and talks with star, writer, director and executive producer Noah Wylie about why the former "ER" actor returned to the medical drama genre. (The series just received 25 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, the most of any program.) [Originally broadcast Jan. 4, 2026.]