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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.
Bobby Cox, longtime Braves manager, dies at 84
Cox managed the Braves for 25 seasons, winning the World Series in 1995.
Audio captures moment Frontier plane fatally struck pedestrian
The plane was evacuated because of smoke in the aircraft after the collision, according to the flight crew.
Pedestrian fatally struck by Frontier plane departing Denver for LA
A pedestrian was hit by a Frontier airplane departing Denver for LA late Friday night, the airport and airline confirmed.
Man who survived hantavirus 24 years ago, but lost mom and sister, recounts experience
In 2002, Zermeño found out he contracted hantavirus after cleaning the family house following the death of his mother and sister. He had been exposed to rodent droppings and became infected.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new House primary as state pushes to redistrict
Alabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year's elections.
MoneyWatch
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Fed unlikely to cut interest rates until 2027, Bank of America says
A "hawkish" turn at the Fed and stubbornly high inflation could delay interest rate cuts, according to Bank of America economists.
What the Trump administration's latest tariff blow means for businesses
A trade court's ruling this week against a 10% U.S. tariff is narrow in scope, offering limited relief to importers. Here's what to know.
ABC accuses the FCC of violating free speech rights over "The View"
ABC filed a petition with the FCC claiming that the agency's scrutiny of "The View" threatens to "chill critical protected speech."
Employers added 115,000 jobs in April, blowing past forecasts
Hiring once again exceeded forecasts, with employers adding far more than the projected gains of 65,000.
U.S. trade court rules against Trump's 10% tariffs
The tariffs were put in place in February, days after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous round of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.
Politics
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Pentagon says 1 survivor after latest strike on alleged drug boat kills 2
The U.S. military's latest strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed two men Friday while leaving one survivor.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new House primary as state pushes to redistrict
Alabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year's elections.
What the Trump administration's latest tariff blow means for businesses
A trade court's ruling this week against a 10% U.S. tariff is narrow in scope, offering limited relief to importers. Here's what to know.
Trump announces prisoner swap in 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
President Trump said the agreement will swap 1,000 prisoners from each country after Russia and Ukraine announced separate short-term ceasefire plans.
U.S. launches major expansion of denaturalization campaign
The Trump administration announced a major expansion of its denaturalization campaign targeting foreign-born American citizens accused of fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship.
HealthWatch
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WHO director says he will personally oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
The MV Hondius is expected to reach the Canary Islands early Sunday. Passengers are set to be carefully removed hours after docking.
A deadly diagnosis almost derailed a mom's dream. Her husband gave her hope.
Maralee Lellio always dreamed of having a large family. A Stage IV cancer diagnosis almost caused her to lose hope.
Man who survived hantavirus 24 years ago, but lost mom and sister, recounts experience
In 2002, Zermeño found out he contracted hantavirus after cleaning the family house following the death of his mother and sister. He had been exposed to rodent droppings and became infected.
Locals protest hantavirus outbreak ship
U.S. citizens potentially exposed to hantavirus amid the deadly outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship could be on their way back to the U.S. as soon as next week. Under newly-released plans, a special biocontainment unit in Nebraska is preparing to host at least 17 people for mandatory isolation.
U.S. plans evacuation for Americans on cruise ship in hantavirus outbreak
The MV Hondius is currently traveling to the Canary Islands, where the 147 people on board will be methodically off-boarded and flown home.
World
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Putin says Russia fighting for "just cause" in Ukraine during Victory Day parade
The Victory Day celebrations didn't include a show of heavy weapons for the first time in nearly two decades.
Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's rule
Péter Magyar's center-right Tisza party defeated Orbán's nationalist-populist Fidesz in a stunning blow last month.
WHO director says he will personally oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
The MV Hondius is expected to reach the Canary Islands early Sunday. Passengers are set to be carefully removed hours after docking.
U.K.'s Starmer faces calls to resign after disastrous local elections
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Saturday to revive the Labour Party after a disastrous set of local and regional elections.
Pentagon says 1 survivor after latest strike on alleged drug boat kills 2
The U.S. military's latest strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed two men Friday while leaving one survivor.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the scenes of Met Gala glam
Adriana Diaz goes behind the scenes with her prep ahead of this year's Met Gala.
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Last Orders"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Last Orders."
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "In the Middle of It"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "In the Middle of It."
5/9: Saturday Morning
A Frontier plane struck a pedestrian on the runway in Denver before takeoff. Meanwhile, the cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak is set to evacuate passengers on Spain's Canary Islands.
Technology
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Technology
Online learning platform Canvas hacked
The online learning platform Canvas, which is used by 30 million students around the world, was hacked Thursday in a massive cyberattack. The platform is used by thousands of schools, including major universities. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Canvas back online after cyberattack hit learning platform for U.S. schools
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
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.
Here's how AI can help with retirement planning, and where it struggles
As more people turn to chatbots for financial advice, experts say AI offers both pros and cons for retirement planning. Here's what to know.
Google unveils screenless Fitbit
Fitness trackers started as devices for measuring workouts, but now they are designed for 24/7 monitoring and the passive collection of health data. Fitbit announced its latest device, called the Fitbit Air, to compete with other screenless trackers like the Whoop. Tech journalist Lexi Savvides joins CBS News with more.
Science
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Science
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Crime
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Crime
Mother of missing woman in Bahamas speaks out
The search for Michigan mother Lynette Hooker headed into a fifth week as Coast Guard investigators seek to question the owners of a sailboat that was moored near the Hooker's vessel when she went missing. Cristian Benavides reports.
CBS News finds security gaps at Hilton Hotel
CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga returned to the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., to better understand the security surrounding the White House Correspondents' Dinner. What she found was a 13-minute gap in security camera coverage in the moments leading up to the shooting.
DOJ yet to authenticate possible Epstein note
A federal judge has made public an apparent suicide note written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Correspondents' dinner shooting analysis
A CBS News team analyzed the security footage of the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. Nicole Sganga breaks down what we learned.
Investigation of correspondents' dinner attack
A CBS News visual investigation reveals new details in an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Space
More Space
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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
Behind the scenes of Met Gala glam
Adriana Diaz goes behind the scenes with her prep ahead of this year's Met Gala.
The Dish: Danielle Sepsy
Danielle Sepsy, also known as the "Scone Queen," tells "CBS Saturday Morning" about her journey to creating The Hungry Gnome.
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Last Orders"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Last Orders."
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "In the Middle of It"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "In the Middle of It."