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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.
Trump says Iranians have "agreed to everything," including removal of enriched uranium
President Trump spoke with CBS News Friday in a new telephone interview.
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Exclusive
White House eyes alleged Utah scandal as GOP frets about redistricting loss
White House officials are leaning on Utah Republicans to further examine ethics concerns regarding a relationship between two key players in a key gerrymandering case, sources told CBS News.
U.S. could send senior officials back to Pakistan for Iran talks within days, sources say
The Trump administration is considering a renewed diplomatic push that could send officials back to Pakistan within days, sources said.
Senate passes short-term extension of surveillance law, following House
The House and Senate have now passed a 10-day extension for the controversial warrantless surveillance law.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Here's who is spending money on AI subscriptions, and how much they cost
Households are starting to make room in their budgets for spending on generative AI subscriptions, new data shows.
Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million pickup trucks due to gearshift issue
The recall affects F-150 vehicles quipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017, according to NHTSA.
Airline adding triple-decker bunk beds in economy-class for long-haul flights
Air New Zealand will soon offer four-hour stints in triple-decker bunk beds for long-haul flights. The carrier says they'll be the first lie-flat beds for budget air travelers.
AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
Politics
More Politics
Trump says Iranians have "agreed to everything," including removal of enriched uranium
President Trump spoke with CBS News Friday in a new telephone interview.
Exclusive
White House eyes alleged Utah scandal as GOP frets about redistricting loss
White House officials are leaning on Utah Republicans to further examine ethics concerns regarding a relationship between two key players in a key gerrymandering case, sources told CBS News.
U.S. could send senior officials back to Pakistan for Iran talks within days, sources say
The Trump administration is considering a renewed diplomatic push that could send officials back to Pakistan within days, sources said.
Senate passes short-term extension of surveillance law, following House
The House and Senate have now passed a 10-day extension for the controversial warrantless surveillance law.
Trump to nominate Cameron Hamilton to run FEMA after he was ousted last year
Cameron Hamilton was acting leader of FEMA last year and was ousted after telling Congress that the agency should not be eliminated.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
Exclusive
Trump to sign executive order on psychedelic drug used abroad to treat PTSD
Ibogaine is used in Mexico and the Caribbean to treat depression, anxiety, addiction and brain trauma.
As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in Title X program
According to new CDC data, there were 3.6 million U.S. births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024 and down 23% since 2007. The Trump administration has said it wants to reverse this trend.
World
More World
Trump says Iranians have "agreed to everything," including removal of enriched uranium
President Trump spoke with CBS News Friday in a new telephone interview.
U.S. could send senior officials back to Pakistan for Iran talks within days, sources say
The Trump administration is considering a renewed diplomatic push that could send officials back to Pakistan within days, sources said.
Exclusive
CBS News took a boat into the Strait of Hormuz. Here's what we saw.
Reporters from CBS News carefully arranged a risky trip into the Strait of Hormuz. Here's what they saw.
Activist recalls surviving assassination attempt caught on video
An environmentalist who survived an assassination attempt spoke during the presentation of a report that documented the killing of 10 activists in Mexico in 2025.
Ancient cave, hippo bones found under castle: "Once-in-a-lifetime discovery"
A prehistoric hidden cave and hippo bones found beneath Pembroke Castle could transform understanding of ancient life in Britain, researchers said
Entertainment
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Entertainment
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Surprise twist in "Survivor 50" elimination
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) "CBS Mornings" reveals a surprising twist in Wednesday's "Survivor 50" episode that led to a historic trial council ceremony.
More on Live Nation, Ticketmaster ruling
A jury ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly. Variety's Jem Aswad joins CBS News with more.
Simon Helberg on "The Audacity"
Simon Helberg, known for his role as Howard in "The Big Bang Theory," talks about the new show "The Audacity." Helberg plays a developer who is creating an AI companion. He explains what drew him to the role and discusses the show's messages about humanity and technology.
What happened to influencer Clavicular?
Controversial influencer Clavicular said he is home from the hospital after his livestream abruptly ended on Tuesday night. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports and The Free Press' River Page has more.
Technology
More Technology
AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
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.
Key takeaways on Anthropic's new AI model
More concerns are emerging about Anthropic's new Mythos AI model. Matt Shumer, a former AI company founder and CEO, joins CBS News with more details.
How hackers are using AI to breach networks
U.S. officials are warning of Iranian cyberattacks on businesses and consumers. It comes as a new FBI report shows losses from cybercrime reached nearly $21 billion last year. Ash-har Quraishi shows how hackers are using artificial intelligence, and how you can protect yourself.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Why Todd Lyons is leaving his ICE role
Acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons is planning to leave his post soon, U.S. officials familiar with his plan told CBS News. Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
ICE agent faces assault charges
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Gregory Morgan Jr. of Temple Hills, Maryland, is facing assault charges for allegedly pointing a gun at two people in Minnesota. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan reports.
Activist recalls surviving assassination attempt caught on video
An environmentalist who survived an assassination attempt spoke during the presentation of a report that documented the killing of 10 activists in Mexico in 2025.
Gallego reacts to misconduct allegations
Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego is denying allegations of misconduct after his friend, California Rep. Eric Swalwell, resigned from his post over sexual misconduct accusations. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct
Florida Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna joined CBS News on Thursday with allegations of misconduct linked to Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego. Politico's Nicholas Wu joins CBS News with more as Gallego denies the accusations.
Space
More Space
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
CBS News travels through Strait of Hormuz
CBS News senior foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab took a boat into the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of planning. Here's what he and his team saw.
Why Todd Lyons is leaving his ICE role
Acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons is planning to leave his post soon, U.S. officials familiar with his plan told CBS News. Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Key details on Strait of Hormuz announcement
Iran and President Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz will now be open, but questions remain about the flow of traffic in the key water passage. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Trump says Strait of Hormuz is open
President Trump posted on social media claims that the Strait of Hormuz will be "completely open." CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Ukrainians react to massive Russian attack
Ukrainians jumped in to help after a massive Russian attack left massive damage in Kyiv. CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports.