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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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Exclusive
Activist who protested outside Stephen Miller's home won't face state charges
Local activist Barbara Wien will not be criminally charged for doxxing top White House aide Stephen Miller, according to a court filing.
Meta trained its AI on copyrighted work, new lawsuit alleges
The lawsuit claims that Meta's Llama is generating summaries — and, in some cases, verbatim copies — of original works.
Delta is cutting food and beverage service on shorter flights
Routes that are under a certain distance will no longer offer food and beverage service, the airline said.
Utz potato chips sold nationwide recalled over salmonella risk
Utz Quality Foods is recalling some of its Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips because an ingredient may be contaminated by salmonella.
2 hikers injured in bear attack at Yellowstone National Park
Two hikers were attacked by one or more bears, officials said, marking the first time in 2026 that a bear has injured people at Yellowstone.
MoneyWatch
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Meta trained its AI on copyrighted work, new lawsuit alleges
The lawsuit claims that Meta's Llama is generating summaries — and, in some cases, verbatim copies — of original works.
Delta is cutting food and beverage service on shorter flights
Routes that are under a certain distance will no longer offer food and beverage service, the airline said.
Utz potato chips sold nationwide recalled over salmonella risk
Utz Quality Foods is recalling some of its Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips because an ingredient may be contaminated by salmonella.
UnitedHealthcare to cut prior authorization for 30% of treatments
The largest U.S. health insurer said it will eliminate approval requirements for some treatments, including select outpatient surgeries and other procedures.
For some older Americans, retirement today means unretiring
Nearly 20% of Americans of retirement age are employed or seeking employment. "You have to eat," said one 69-year-old of her reasons for continuing to work.
Politics
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Exclusive
Activist who protested outside Stephen Miller's home won't face state charges
Local activist Barbara Wien will not be criminally charged for doxxing top White House aide Stephen Miller, according to a court filing.
Amid attacks by Trump, Justice Gorsuch says "my loyalty is to the Constitution"
President Trump has attacked Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett for voting to strike down his most sweeping tariffs.
Hegseth says "ceasefire is not over" after Strait of Hormuz exchange of fire
Iranian vessels fired on U.S. ships guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the U.S. sinking several small Iranian boats.
Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claims chatbot posed as medical professional
A Character AI chatbot falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist in Pennsylvania and provided an invalid license number, the state alleged.
From Truth Social to court: Groups challenging Trump get help from his posts
Judges in more than a dozen cases have cited social media posts by President Trump and members of his administration in decisions against the government.
HealthWatch
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UnitedHealthcare to cut prior authorization for 30% of treatments
The largest U.S. health insurer said it will eliminate approval requirements for some treatments, including select outpatient surgeries and other procedures.
Latest on apparent hantavirus cruise outbreak
A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship has killed three people, officials say. Tom Hanson reports.
Alito temporarily restores FDA rule allowing abortion pill to be sent by mail
A federal appeals court blocked a FDA rule that allowed the abortion pill mifepristone to be dispensed through the mail.
Apparent hantavirus outbreak kills 3 on cruise ship, sickens at least 3 more
A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic off Africa killed three people and sickened at least three others, health officials say.
5/3: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The effects of overtourism; horse therapy; a tool to help keep dementia in check; Sting on "The Last Ship"; a golf journalist takes over a failing golf course; a Mozart exhibition; and collecting PEZ dispensers.
World
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Amsterdam bans advertising for meat and fossil fuels in public places
The city, known for its tolerance of some drugs and sex work, no longer allows ads for airlines, cruises, beef, chicken, pork or fish products.
U.K. counter-terror police investigate arson at former synagogue
Keir Starmer warned Tuesday that there would be "consequences" if Iran is proven to be behind a recent series of antisemitic attacks in the capital.
Hegseth says "ceasefire is not over" after Strait of Hormuz exchange of fire
Iranian vessels fired on U.S. ships guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the U.S. sinking several small Iranian boats.
Hantavirus possibly transmitted human to human on stricken cruise ship, WHO says
Passengers aboard the ship are in good spirits but may have to quarantine for "eight weeks," a World Health Organization official told CBS News.
Live
U.S.-Iran ceasefire tested as U.S. guides ships through Strait of Hormuz
Hegseth said the ceasefire with Iran "certainly holds" for now after a naval clash between Iranian and U.S. forces and renewed attacks on the UAE.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Douglas Stuart reads "John of John" excerpt
Oprah Winfrey selected "John of John" by award-winning author Douglas Stuart, known for "Shuggie Bain," as her latest book club pick. Watch the author, Douglas Stuart, read an excerpt from his novel that Winfrey calls " a complex and compelling tale that ultimately showcases the transformational power of love."
Details from the Met Gala red carpet
CBS News' Adriana Diaz and contributor Lauren Sherman join CBS News 24/7 to share details from the 2026 Met Gala.
Breaking down the 2026 Tony Awards nominees
The nominees for the 79th annual Tony Awards, which air on CBS on June 7, were revealed on Tuesday. CBS News New York's Dave Carlin joins with more.
Zac Posen on Kendall Jenner's Met Gala look
GAP Inc. executive vice president and creative director Zac Posen discusses designing model Kendall Jenner's dress for this year's Met Gala. He also dives into other looks that stood out at the annual event.
Stars shine at Met Gala
Stars shined at fashion's biggest night of the year on Monday, the Met Gala. This year's event was co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams. Outside the museum, protesters gathered holding letters that spelled out "tax the rich." Adriana Diaz reports.
Technology
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Coinbase to lay off 700 workers as crypto company embraces AI
"This is a new way of working, and we need to leverage AI across every facet of our jobs," CEO Brian Armstrong said in a letter to employees.
Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claims chatbot posed as medical professional
A Character AI chatbot falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist in Pennsylvania and provided an invalid license number, the state alleged.
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.
GameStop offers to buy eBay for $55.5 billion, threatens hostile bid
EBay said on Monday that it will "carefully review" GameStop's unsolicited $ 125-per-share takeover offer.
Almanac: May 3
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Science
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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.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Crime
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Crime
Judge apologizes to Cole Allen for treatment
A federal judge apologized to Cole Allen, the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting case, for what he saw as overly restrictive and punitive conditions at the D.C. jail where he's being held. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Infamous drug lord pens letters from U.S. prison, citing "cruel punishment"
Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is serving a life sentence at a maximum security facility in Colorado.
Gunman shot near Washington Monument
The White House was on lockdown Monday afternoon after the Secret Service shot a gunman just blocks away near the Washington Monument. Nicole Sganga reports.
Cole Allen moved off suicide watch
Cole Allen, the suspected shooter at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, was moved off suicide watch in jail ahead of his appearance in court on Monday. CBS News senior coordinating producer Anna Schecter has more.
Record cocaine haul seized in Atlantic by Spanish police, union says
Spanish police impounded what is believed to be a national record haul of cocaine from a ship, with the seizure potentially reaching 40 tons, a union said.
Space
More Space
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.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
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
U.S. debt beats GDP for first time since WWII
The U.S. debt is exceeding the country's gross domestic product for the first time since World War II. CBS News contributor Javier David has more.
Douglas Stuart reads "John of John" excerpt
Oprah Winfrey selected "John of John" by award-winning author Douglas Stuart, known for "Shuggie Bain," as her latest book club pick. Watch the author, Douglas Stuart, read an excerpt from his novel that Winfrey calls " a complex and compelling tale that ultimately showcases the transformational power of love."
Trump answers Iran war questions
President Trump took questions on the war in Iran on Tuesday in the Oval Office after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave another update on the operations in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has the latest.
Expert on Iran on Operation Freedom
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is holding for now despite escalated tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
Details from the Met Gala red carpet
CBS News' Adriana Diaz and contributor Lauren Sherman join CBS News 24/7 to share details from the 2026 Met Gala.