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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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Comey asks judge to drop case over seashells Instagram post
Former FBI Director James Comey argued that criminal charges stemming from an Instagram post should be dropped because his speech is protected by the First Amendment.
UNC football GM Michael Lombardi placed on administrative leave
Michael Lombardi joined Bill Belichick in making the NFL-to-college move when North Carolina hired the former New England Patriots coach in 2024.
Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
Coca-Cola resumes Fairlife milk production after ransomware attack
Coca-Cola restarts production of Fairlife brand milk after a ransomware attack forced it to halt operations at several factories.
Cracker Barrel CEO who oversaw controversial logo redesign to step down
Masino will be replaced on Aug. 10 by David Deno, most recently the CEO of Bloomin' Brands.
MoneyWatch
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Coca-Cola resumes Fairlife milk production after ransomware attack
Coca-Cola restarts production of Fairlife brand milk after a ransomware attack forced it to halt operations at several factories.
Cracker Barrel CEO who oversaw controversial logo redesign to step down
Masino will be replaced on Aug. 10 by David Deno, most recently the CEO of Bloomin' Brands.
Oil prices tumble, stock set to rise amid pause in U.S.-Iran fighting
Crude prices dropped as the U.S. Ambassador to the UN said suspension of attacks is aimed at finding a diplomatic solution.
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.
Politics
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Comey asks judge to drop case over seashells Instagram post
Former FBI Director James Comey argued that criminal charges stemming from an Instagram post should be dropped because his speech is protected by the First Amendment.
First on CBS
GOP targeted progressive dark money. That could boomerang on Trump.
The Trump-linked group Freedom 250 staged America's birthday with tens of millions that it is not required to disclose.
Pentagon lists 4 killed in Iran war under "Overseas Operations Casualties"
Four U.S. service members who were listed in a Pentagon casualties database as having died during the Iran war are now listed as "Overseas Operations Casualties."
Waltz says pause in strikes against Iran is "giving diplomacy some space"
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz also said military assets are being moved into the region. GOP Sen. John Kennedy and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders also weighed in on Iran.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 26, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.N. ambassador Mike Waltz join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
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Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
Cyclospora outbreak impact on eating habits
Amid the outbreak of cyclospora, a CBS News poll finds 40% of Americans say they are buying or eating less produce. Nearly half of those polled say they have little or no confidence in the FDA to deal with the outbreak. Carter Evans reports.
Cyclospora boosts fears that deadlier foodborne outbreaks are ahead
Food safety experts say cuts to the public health system hobbled the response — and that the next outbreak could be much worse.
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."
World
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Friend describes last known movements of missing American in Grenada
American Elizabeth Waddell was last seen on July 22 while visiting the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada.
Knife attack in Paris thwarted by quick-thinking bystander, witness says
Officials say the motive behind a violent attack on three women in Paris is unclear, but the suspect shouted incoherently after being tackled by bystanders.
Berlin Pride attack suspect with ISIS ties raised red flags, group says
Officials said Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German-born citizen with Lebanese roots, plowed a vehicle into celebrants at one of Europe's largest Pride events.
Fugitive in 1973 murder of iconic singer Victor Jara is captured
Former military officer Nelson Haase was convicted in the death of Jara, who was tortured and murdered with 44 bullets on September 16, 1973.
Live
U.S.-Iran war appears to pause as Trump gives "diplomacy a chance"
The U.S. and Iran hold fire amid work on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but the Trump administration says a military buildup continues.
Entertainment
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Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
Paul de Gelder talks high-risk shark mission
Shark attack survivor and advocate Paul de Gelder talks to "CBS Mornings" about his high-risk mission to search for one of the largest sharks in the North Atlantic as part of this year's "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel. He also addresses how he overcame his fear of sharks.
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."
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
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Knife attack in Paris thwarted by quick-thinking bystander, witness says
Officials say the motive behind a violent attack on three women in Paris is unclear, but the suspect shouted incoherently after being tackled by bystanders.
Chiefs assistant coach Eric Bieniemy's son charged in shooting of his mother
The son of Chiefs assistant coach Eric Bieniemy has been arrested and charged with a shooting that wounded his mother, Mia Bieniemy, according to authorities in Virginia.
Investigation underway in Berlin attack
An investigation is underway after prosecutors revealed the suspect in the deadly Berlin Pride car ramming attack had served time in prison for wanting to join ISIS. Former FBI supervisory special agent Doug Kouns has more.
Berlin Pride attack suspect with ISIS ties raised red flags, group says
Officials said Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German-born citizen with Lebanese roots, plowed a vehicle into celebrants at one of Europe's largest Pride events.
Details emerge on Berlin Pride attack suspect
The 21-year-old suspect who killed one person and injured at least 29 others after ramming a car into a crowd during a Berlin Pride event served prison time for trying to join ISIS, German prosecutors say. CBS News' Anna Noryskiewicz has the latest.
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
Investigation underway in Berlin attack
An investigation is underway after prosecutors revealed the suspect in the deadly Berlin Pride car ramming attack had served time in prison for wanting to join ISIS. Former FBI supervisory special agent Doug Kouns has more.
Trump to meet with Netanyahu, Zelenskyy
President Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday at the White House. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet on Tuesday. CBS News' Nancy Cordes has the latest.
Iran war unpopular with Americans, lawmakers
The U.S. paused strikes on Iran for the first time in 13 days on Monday. Retired Marine Col. Mark Cancian joins with more on what the pause might mean.
Key upcoming primaries to watch
U.S. lawmakers are gearing up for the 2026 midterm elections, which are officially 100 days away. CBS News' Fin Gomez breaks down key primaries to watch ahead of November 3, 2026.
Haitians losing TPS brace for deportation
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is expected to target large groups of Haitians losing Temporary Protected Status, sources told CBS News. Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.