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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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What's open and closed for Memorial Day 2026?
Most retail stores will be open for business on Memorial Day, while post offices will be closed. Here's what to know.
Alleged gunman outside White House had run-ins with Secret Service, sources say
Sources identified the 21-year-old suspect as Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, and documents obtained by CBS News show Best previously blocked a White House entry lane in June 2025.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council director, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, join Nancy Cordes.
Video shows infant being rescued from car trapped in Texas floodwaters
First responders rescued an infant from a car that became trapped in floodwaters in southern Texas on Saturday, video shows.
Celebrating most prestigious, and junkers, of automobile world
In California, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is widely considered the most prestigious car show in the world. But just a few miles away, the Concours d'Lemons celebrates the junkers of the automotive world.
MoneyWatch
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What's open and closed for Memorial Day 2026?
Most retail stores will be open for business on Memorial Day, while post offices will be closed. Here's what to know.
AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
House lawmakers launch insider trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket
Rep. James Comer is requesting information from Kalshi and Polymarket on how the prediction markets guard against insider trading.
Kevin Warsh sworn in as new Fed chair, replacing Powell
Kevin Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy, telling lawmakers he will never "predetermine" interest rates at the president's request.
This factor may determine whether you get rich. You don't control it.
Landing a good-paying job may not be enough to buy a home. A new study finds family wealth plays an outsized role in who becomes a homeowner.
Politics
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N.J. governor requests access to Delaney Hall ICE facility amid protests
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is asking ICE to let her inside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark.
Exclusive
Iran's supreme leader is holed up in undisclosed location, U.S. intel says
Officials at the highest levels of the Iranian government say they don't know where Mojtaba Khamenei is and have no way to contact him directly, relying instead on a network of couriers.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council director, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, join Nancy Cordes.
Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
HealthWatch
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Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Angry residents of a town at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned a tent that was part of a health center where people are being treated for the virus.
The latest details on the Ebola outbreak
Officials have increased the number of countries in Africa at risk for Ebola from three to 10. A third entry point is open for Americans traveling from certain high-risk countries back into the U.S. Holly Williams reports.
What to know about a leaking California chemical tank that may explode
The tank at GKN Aerospace is estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile chemical used to produce plastics.
Ebola kills 3 Red Cross workers in the Congo, organization says
The three workers, who fell ill in March and died in May, were "among the first known victims of the outbreak," the Red Cross said.
Teen's mystery illness solved: "It took 18 years to get an answer"
Lucia Adarve had a long list of symptoms that no one could diagnose. Her mother Lisa was determined to find an answer.
World
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Exclusive
Iran's supreme leader is holed up in undisclosed location, U.S. intel says
Officials at the highest levels of the Iranian government say they don't know where Mojtaba Khamenei is and have no way to contact him directly, relying instead on a network of couriers.
Shark kills spearfisher in front of friends: "Terrifying thing to see"
A spearfisher was killed on the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday in Australia's second fatal shark attack in just over a week, police said.
Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended interview: Patti LaBelle
It's been some 50 years since Patti LaBelle first sang her hit song "Lady Marmalade." As she marks her 82nd birthday, LaBelle talks to correspondent Tracy Smith about her career and what's next.
5/24: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Concours d'LeMons, Iranian propaganda, Patti LaBelle.
Patti LaBelle on being called a legend: "I have earned it"
Patti LaBelle said she's "having fun living it down" as the legendary singer marks her 82nd birthday.
The legendary Patti LaBelle
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle has been performing for six decades. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with LaBelle at her hometown of Philadelphia as she marks her 82nd birthday.
John McWhorter on being "strange," Fats Waller's lost Broadway musical
John McWhorter talks about his book, "Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America," published in 2000, along with one of his latest projects.
Technology
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CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately
Amid concern about AI taking jobs, people see a range of motives by AI companies.
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
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.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Science
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Science
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
Crime
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Crime
New details on Saturday's White House shooting
The alleged gunman in Saturday's shooting at the White House had tried to gain access to the White House last year. Natalie Brand reports.
Why Kouri Richins jurors decided Utah mom was a killer
At Kouri Richins' sentencing for the murder of Eric Richins, her husband and father of their three sons, she declared her innocence to the court and to her children. But for jurors on the case, the evidence told a different story.
Possible shots heard from White House
Several shots were heard from the White House property on Saturday. Aaron Navarro reports from the location after Secret Service told him to get down immediately.
Ivey and Ellison on 6 years since Floyd murder
Six years after his murder in Minneapolis, and despite passing the House twice, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act remains stalled in the Senate. Some lawmakers are hoping to change that. Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to reflect on the state of police reform.
Mosque attack was streamed online
The deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego was streamed online, and at least three people watched as two teenagers attacked the facility filled with young students, CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Space
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China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
5/24/2026: Booms, Busts and Bubbles; Sculpting Evolution; The Payam Method
First, examining lessons from the Wall Street crash of 1929. Then, a report on mouse DNA and the fight against Lyme disease. And, inside the "Payam Method" for learning piano.
5/24: CBS Weekend News
Crack in California chemical tank a positive sign, but explosion fears remain; details emerging on potential U.S.-Iran peace deal.
Living with coyotes
Once found only in parts of the West and Southwest, coyotes have dramatically expanded their range, and are now found in every state except Hawaii. Conor Knighton looks at how these animals have become part of the urban landscape in places like Chicago, and what roles they play — in history, in Native American stories, in art and in today's urban and suburban ecosystems.
New York's Trail of the Fallen
Charlie D'Agata reports on the trail just south of West Point Military Academy that honors America's fallen patriots.
Summer kicks off with gas and grocery costs up
Americans are now paying 20% more for food than four years ago. Inflation rose nearly 1% this month, mainly due to higher gas prices. Shanelle Kaul reports.