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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.
At least 13 people injured after vehicle crashes into crowd in Louisiana
Officials said the incident does not appear to be an intentional act based on a preliminary investigation.
Parker, Delle Donne among basketball greats set for Hall of Fame enshrinement
Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
Judge halts Trump effort requiring colleges show they don't consider race
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed earlier this month by a coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general.
3 hospitalized after bus crashes through Washington, D.C. restaurant
Washington, D.C., first responders said the building's structural integrity will be assessed once the bus is removed.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Sauté pans sold at Costco recalled after metal caps "forcefully eject"
One consumer reported sustaining bruising and burn injuries.
Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says he sees inflation as risk to 2026 rate cuts
Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said mounting inflation risks "complicates the picture" on interest rates.
3 ways the Iran war is hitting Americans' pocketbooks
U.S. consumers are starting to feel the financial impact of the Iran war. Here's how the conflict is seeping into the economy.
3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS are recalled
The eye drops — sold under multiple brands — have been recalled over concerns about sterility, according to the FDA.
Employers added 178,000 jobs in March, blowing past forecasts
Hiring was much stronger than expected in March, with employers adding roughly three times the number of jobs economists predicted.
Politics
More Politics
Family of Iran military leader Soleimani has U.S. residence visas revoked
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were granted U.S. asylum in 2019, but the government is now moving to strip them of their green cards.
Ousted Army chief of staff says soldiers deserve "courageous leaders" in email
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to step down and take immediate retirement, CBS News exclusively reported earlier this week.
First on CBS
White House is expected to shake up more leadership roles at DOJ, sources say
The changes were likely to affect Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the No. 3 official at the Justice Department and Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
Trump gives Iran 48-hour deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz or "Hell will reign down"
The war shows no signs of slowing as Iran responds to airstrikes with attacks across the region.
Judge halts Trump effort requiring colleges show they don't consider race
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed earlier this month by a coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
He thought he was in good health — until fainting during a bike ride
John Cantrell was enjoying his retirement until an unexpected condition forced him to choose between two kinds of heart surgery.
HHS announces national program to study effect of microplastics on humans
The Environmental Protection Agency also added microplastics to its contaminant candidate list for the first time.
FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss pill
The FDA approved a new GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
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Family of Iran military leader Soleimani has U.S. residence visas revoked
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were granted U.S. asylum in 2019, but the government is now moving to strip them of their green cards.
2 men and teen held in U.K. custody over Jewish charity ambulance attack
All men were charged Friday with arson and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
Deadly strikes in Ukraine and Russia kill 10, injure dozens
The attacks came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Dutch police probe explosion outside a pro-Israel Christian center
The incident comes after a string of similar nighttime attacks across Europe that have heightened concerns over antisemitism.
One dead, dozens injured in crush during rally at Peru soccer stadium
Videos broadcast by local television stations showed a large crowd of fans in the south stands amidst an explosion of fireworks.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
4/4: Saturday Morning
The search continues for a missing American service member after Iran shot down an F-15E fighter jet on Friday. Meanwhile, the Artemis II passed its halfway point to the moon.
Kenan Thompson on his career and parenthood
Kenan Thompson sits down with Kelly O'Grady to reflect on his career and parenthood while discussing his new children's book "Unfunny Bunny."
Drayton Farley performs "It's Called Doubt"
Alabama native Drayton Farley was working at a local auto plant and making bedroom recordings just a few years ago. Now he's being compared to Americana greats like Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell. His new album, "A Heavy Duty Heart," is out now. Here's Drayton Farley performing "It's Called Doubt."
Drayton Farley performs "The Luckier Ones"
Alabama native Drayton Farley was working at a local auto plant and making bedroom recordings just a few years ago. Now he's being compared to Americana greats like Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell. His new album, "A Heavy Duty Heart," is out now. Here's Drayton Farley performing "The Luckier Ones."
Drayton Farley performs "I Need Your Love"
Alabama native Drayton Farley was working at a local auto plant and making bedroom recordings just a few years ago. Now he's being compared to Americana greats like Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell. His new album, "A Heavy Duty Heart," is out now. Here's Drayton Farley performing "I Need Your Love."
Technology
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Technology
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
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.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Science
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Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
How do astronauts use the bathroom?
The science and technology behind using the restroom in space continues to evolve. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave looks at the out-of-this-world facilities available to the Artemis II crew.
Crime
More Crime
Man arrested at retirement home for wife's murder decades earlier
Janice Randle was found dead in her bed in 1992, but police couldn't make an arrest in the case until new information emerged.
From 1996: FBI arrests suspected Unabomber
On April 3, 1996, the FBI arrested Theodore Kaczynski in the Unabomber case, ending one of the longest and most intense manhunts in U.S. history. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
More on Pam Bondi's firing
President Trump's firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi is raising questions about their dynamic in the months prior. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
Plot to poison man's root beer float
A mother and daughter are accused of killing a man by poisoning his root beer float. CBS News' Peter Van Sant reports.
Tiger Woods arrest video
Golf icon Tiger Woods told officers at the scene of a Florida car crash where he was arrested for DUI that he was "just talking to the president." It's unclear if Woods was referring to President Trump. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Space
More Space
NASA troubleshoots Artemis II toilet problem in otherwise smooth flight
A possibly frozen vent line forced the Artemis II astronauts to avoid using their space toilet while engineers worked to resolve the problem.
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
NASA shares first photos of Earth taken by Artemis II
The photo shows the entire planet, as well as the Northern and Southern lights.
Artemis II crew clears Earth orbit, heads for the moon
The engine firing provided a slingshot-like boost to the Orion capsule, speeding it to 24,500 mph, the velocity needed to break free of Earth's gravitational clasp for a trek to the moon.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
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.
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
100 years of the Harlem Globetrotters
For 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been sharing the game of basketball around the world. Jericka Duncan caught up with them after a century of tricks and laughs.
Analyzing impact of Trump's changes to H-1B visas
For decades, the U.S. has imported highly-skilled tech workers from around the world on H-1B visas. But the Trump administration changed the way they are granted. Shanelle Kaul reports on how that is impacting the pipeline of global talent coming to America.
Artemis II crew speaks with CBS News on mission
The four astronauts on the Artemis II mission have passed the halfway point between the Earth and the moon. Mark Strassmann spoke with the astronauts about the accomplishment.
Beyond rising gas prices, car prices soar too
Amid the war in Iran, the nationwide average price for a gallon of regular is now $4.10. Soaring gas prices are also fueling new questions about the cost of the vehicles we drive. Ali Bauman has more from the New York Auto Show.
Trump gives conflicting messages on war in Iran
President Trump is threatening to escalate the war in Iran, after telling the nation on Wednesday that the conflict could end in two to three weeks. Taurean Small has more details.