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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.
1,500 strangers attend WWII veteran's funeral
Veterans service officer Terrance O'Keefe put out a call from Massachusetts for a World War II veteran who needed a proper hero's send-off. When he arrived at the funeral, a line was already out the church door.
Residents near California chemical tank forced to flee: "You're freaking out"
Emergency crews raced overnight to prevent a tank holding a volatile industrial chemical from exploding at an aerospace facility in Southern California.
Buying a car? Here are some tips to save money.
Here are the financial considerations to make when shopping for a new vehicle amid high car prices.
Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes
A draft memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the halt of fighting on all fronts, sources say.
American Music Awards air tonight with star-studded performances
The American Music Awards celebrate fan favorites in the music world and feature performances from multiple artists.
MoneyWatch
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Buying a car? Here are some tips to save money.
Here are the financial considerations to make when shopping for a new vehicle amid high car prices.
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.
Politics
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Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes
A draft memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the halt of fighting on all fronts, sources say.
AG requests to resume ballroom construction, citing latest shooting
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the ballroom is "being constructed for the physical safety and security of all Presidents, their families, staff, Foreign Dignitaries, and guests."
DOJ says it scrubbed news releases about Jan. 6 criminal cases from its website
The Justice Department acknowledges it has removed from its website news releases about criminal cases related to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot, calling the information "partisan propaganda."
Vietnam vets say opposing Trump's arch is about being "loyal to the country"
"I think it's just disrespectful to those that I served with who didn't come back," a veteran suing to stop construction of the arch told CBS News.
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.
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 the chemical tank in California that forced evacuations
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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Here's what the draft memo for a proposed deal with Iran includes
A draft memorandum includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the halt of fighting on all fronts, sources say.
Pope Leo calls for "disarming" of AI in technology-focused encyclical
In his "Magnifica Humanitas" encyclical, Pope Leo warns that as civilization grapples with the power of AI, the main challenge is remaining "profoundly human."
Land where notorious cartel leader was killed is being auctioned
The Mexican government announced the auction of a plot of land within the country club where drug kingpin "El Mencho" died during a clash with the army in February.
Experts from Thai rescue join efforts to save 7 trapped in Laos cave
Seven Laotian villagers entered a cave five days ago searching for gold and were trapped inside after heavy rain triggered flash flooding.
Minibus crashes into elephant, killing 3 people in Uganda national park
Three people died and four others were injured after their vehicle collided with an elephant in Murchison Falls National Park, police said on Monday.
Entertainment
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American Music Awards air tonight with star-studded performances
The American Music Awards celebrate fan favorites in the music world and feature performances from multiple artists.
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.
Technology
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Pope Leo calls for "disarming" of AI in technology-focused encyclical
In his "Magnifica Humanitas" encyclical, Pope Leo warns that as civilization grapples with the power of AI, the main challenge is remaining "profoundly human."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Latest on shooting near White House
21-year-old Nasire Best, the suspect linked to a shooting near the White House on Saturday, previously tried to gain access to the White House and may have had mental health issues, according to law enforcement sources and court documents. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Suspects wanted by FBI for robbing athletes' homes arrested in Chile
The thieves stole jewelry, high-end watches and souvenirs such as sports jerseys, among other belongings, police said.
Husband convicted of hiring hitman to kill NYC art dealer in Brazil
Daniel Sikkema faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Brent Sikkema was stabbed to death in his Rio de Janeiro townhouse in 2024.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Latest news on U.S.-Iran peace deal process
There appears to be progress in talks between the U.S. and Iran, but the process toward a peace deal may still take some time. CBS News' Aaron MacLean has more insight.
Latest on CA chemical leak explosion threat
Officials say the risk of a massive explosion has been "eliminated" for California after a chemical leak in Orange County. CBS News Los Angeles' Tina Patel reports.
Slowed U.S.-Iran peace deal progress
Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is holed up in an undisclosed location with little access to the outside world, U.S. officials tell CBS News. This comes as news of some progress in peace talks emerges. CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Watch: Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks
President Trump delivered remarks on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery after paying his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Pope Leo encyclical on "disarming" of AI
Pope Leo XIV's major encyclical warns about the rise of artificial intelligence. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.