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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.
Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Victim of "horrifying" Chelsea murder identified after 26 years
"Chelsea Jane Doe" has been identified as Tiffany Bradley of Pennsylvania.
American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
MoneyWatch
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American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles over faulty seat belts
Safety watchdog said seat belts in certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing them from functioning properly.
These are the best airlines in 2026, according to The Points Guy
The Points Guy's annual ranking gives extra weight to affordability this year as higher fuel costs and airline fees squeeze travelers.
Outback Steakhouse sued for $1.5M over alleged mashed potato slip-and-fall
A Virginia woman alleges she suffered serious injuries after slipping on what appeared to be mashed potatoes at an Outback Steakhouse.
Social Security checks could be cut by $500 a month in 2032, report finds
Beneficiaries would continue receiving payments if Social Security's trust fund is depleted, but checks could shrink by about 24%, according to a new report.
Politics
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Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Connie Chan and Scott Wiener advance in race to succeed Pelosi, CBS News projects
Voters in San Francisco on Tuesday advanced San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and state Sen. Scott Wiener in the race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District, CBS News projects.
HealthWatch
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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
World
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Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
North Korea announces opening of a new nuclear facility
State media photos showed what appeared to be a large centrifuge hall, indicating the plant is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Hamm talks "Your Friends & Neighbors"
Jon Hamm previews "Your Friends & Neighbors" season 2 finale, saying "it is satisfying" and provides some answers for fans. He also talks about the relatability of the show's characters and reflects on "Mad Men."
André De Shields on Tony nomination
André De Shields speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," which is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classical musical told through the lens of ballroom culture. De Shields talks about bringing ballroom to Broadway and his latest Tony nomination.
Tribeca at 25: NYC festival celebrates music, Broadway and New York stories
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Analyzing the YouTuber-to-filmmaker boom
The sci-fi horror flick "Backrooms" was the number one movie in the U.S. as of Tuesday. The filmmaker behind the movie, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is now the youngest director with a number one film globally. Brooks Barnes, The New York Times' chief Hollywood correspondent, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Peabo Bryson, singer known for Disney movie hits, dies at 75
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Technology
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Technology
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
OpenAI CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to oppose proposals that would require developers to obtain government approval before releasing new artificial intelligence models. Jordan Rae Kelly, former director for cyber incident response on the National Security Council, joins with analysis.
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.
Microsoft VP explains its AI assistant Scout
Microsoft announced a slew of new AI products during its annual Microsoft Build developers conference in San Francisco. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft vice president, speaks with CBS News about the product.
Meta unveils new AI business agent
Businesses can now expand their AI customer service with Meta's help. Senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to talk about that and some of the other big tech stories of the day.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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3 shot at high school graduation outside Sacramento, officials say
Three people were shot at a high school graduation ceremony near Sacramento, officials said.
Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Coast Guard searching in Lynette Hooker case
A team of specialized Coast Guard divers and investigators have been searching the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Cristian Benavides reports.
FBI kills hostage-taker in California
A 15-hour standoff at a bank building in Bakersfield, California, ended Wednesday after all hostages were freed and the suspect was killed by the FBI. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Details on suspect in bank hostage standoff
All hostages are safe and a suspect is dead after an hourslong standoff at a bank in California, police said on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Space
More Space
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
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
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
U.S.-Iran tensions on rise
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran have executed some of the most intense fighting since the ceasefire went into effect, and unlike other cases where military targets were hit, a civilian area came under fire. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
State of primary ballot count in California
Election results from California's primary races were still coming in on Wednesday. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has the latest on the races.
Video store sees new demand for VHS tapes, DVDs
A Brooklyn video store is going old school and it's drawing a new generation of movie fans. Evyn Moon shows how DVD and VHS are making a comeback as people trade algorithms for aisle browsing.
6/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
House passes measure that would rein in Trump on Iran; Trump says Iran talks are ongoing despite recent attack.