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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.
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, fatally shoots self, police say
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself what police described as a murder-suicide in their home in Annandale, Virginia, police said Thursday.
Mamdani: Democratic socialism "can flourish anywhere"
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke with "CBS Mornings" on Thursday and reflected on his first 100 days in office.
Pilot forced to "slam on the brakes" to avoid truck at Charlotte airport
An American Airlines pilot told Air Traffic Control at Charlotte International Airport that his plane "nearly hit" a truck speeding past on the concourse Wednesday, forcing him to slam the brakes.
Caine warns "we will use force" if Iran does not comply with blockade
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday thatthe U.S. military can "make the transition" from the blockade to "major combat operations."
Setback for ex-U.S. Marine pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators
An Australian judge turned away an appeal by former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan to avoid extradition to the U.S. over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military aviators more than a decade ago.
MoneyWatch
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Trump admin set to launch tariff refund portal. Here's what to know.
A federal agency will open a portal on April 20 that lets businesses apply for a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
S&P 500, Nasdaq hit record highs as investors shrug off Iran war fears
With another round of U.S.-Iran peace talks on the horizon, investors are optimistic that the war will wind down.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized big concert venues, jury rules
The lawsuit involved dozens of states that alleged Live Nation undermined competition and drove up ticket prices.
Why Jerome Powell — not Trump — will decide when the Fed chief steps down
President Trump would love to be finally rid of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But firing him would kick up a legal firestorm and roil financial markets, experts said.
Allbirds's pivot from footwear to AI sends its shares soaring 600%
The sneaker maker is selling its footwear assets and rebranding as "NewBird AI," betting on booming demand for AI computing power.
Politics
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Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, fatally shoots self, police say
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself what police described as a murder-suicide in their home in Annandale, Virginia, police said Thursday.
Mamdani: Democratic socialism "can flourish anywhere"
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke with "CBS Mornings" on Thursday and reflected on his first 100 days in office.
Caine warns "we will use force" if Iran does not comply with blockade
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday thatthe U.S. military can "make the transition" from the blockade to "major combat operations."
House set to break with Trump, vote against ending deportation protections for Haitians
All House Democrats and four Republicans forced a vote on a measure to stop the Trump administration from ending temporary deportation protections for more than 300,000 people from Haiti.
As Iran war drives up fuel prices, states are hesitant to suspend gas tax
As the conflict in the Middle East drives up prices at the pump, experts say suspending gas and diesel taxes isn't the easy fix it may appear to be.
HealthWatch
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As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in Title X program
According to new CDC data, there were 3.6 million U.S. births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024 and down 23% since 2007. The Trump administration has said it wants to reverse this trend.
FDA will consider easing restrictions on peptides as RFK Jr. calls himself a "big fan"
The FDA meeting announcement follows repeated pledges by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to loosen regulations on peptides, which are often pitched as a quick way to build muscle, heal injuries or appear younger.
New federal Medicaid rules require 1 month of work. Some states demand more.
Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period.
Florida doctor indicted after allegedly removing patient's liver instead of spleen
Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was arrested Monday after a two-year investigation by local, state and medical authorities.
Pennsylvania town faces fallout from Trump's environmental rule rollback
The Trump administration is ratcheting up attacks on environmental protections that Make America Healthy Again followers hold dear.
World
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Caine warns "we will use force" if Iran does not comply with blockade
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday thatthe U.S. military can "make the transition" from the blockade to "major combat operations."
Setback for ex-U.S. Marine pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators
An Australian judge turned away an appeal by former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan to avoid extradition to the U.S. over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military aviators more than a decade ago.
House set to break with Trump, vote against ending deportation protections for Haitians
All House Democrats and four Republicans forced a vote on a measure to stop the Trump administration from ending temporary deportation protections for more than 300,000 people from Haiti.
Live
Diplomacy to end Iran war ramps up as Trump touts Israel-Lebanon talks
With the Iran war frozen by a ceasefire but oil still not moving through the Strait of Hormuz, there are burgeoning efforts to build a diplomatic off-ramp.
Partner held in Zanzibar after influencer dies under mysterious circumstances
Joseph McCann was questioned by police after his partner, Ashly Robinson, better known online as Ashlee Jenae, was found dead in her room.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Simon Helberg on "The Audacity"
Simon Helberg, known for his role as Howard in "The Big Bang Theory," talks about the new show "The Audacity." Helberg plays a developer who is creating an AI companion. He explains what drew him to the role and discusses the show's messages about humanity and technology.
What happened to influencer Clavicular?
Controversial influencer Clavicular said he is home from the hospital after his livestream abruptly ended on Tuesday night. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports and The Free Press' River Page has more.
Jury: Live Nation, Ticketmaster act as monopoly
A jury on Wednesday found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly over big concert venues. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
Ramy Youssef on new comedy special
Golden Globe-winning actor and comedian Ramy Youssef talks about his new comedy special, "Ramy Youssef: In Love," which tackles topics like AI and religion but through a "lens of love." He explains his inspiration and how he includes personal stories about his family and marriage.
Ronda Rousey on return to MMA
After nearly a decade away from MMA, Ronda Rousey talks to "CBS Mornings" about her return and upcoming fight against another trailblazer, Gina Carano.
Technology
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Technology
How hackers are using AI to breach networks
U.S. officials are warning of Iranian cyberattacks on businesses and consumers. It comes as a new FBI report shows losses from cybercrime reached nearly $21 billion last year. Ash-har Quraishi shows how hackers are using artificial intelligence, and how you can protect yourself.
New report on utility companies and AI
U.S. utility companies are planning to invest $1.4 trillion over the next five years to help strengthen the nation's power grid, according to a new report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan nonprofit consumer education organization PowerLines. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more details.
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.
Maine lawmakers pass rule on data centers
Lawmakers in Maine passed a temporary ban on new, large data centers in the state this week. If Gov. Janet Mills signs the legislation, the state will become the first to ban data centers. Daniel Kool, a cost-of-living reporter for the Portland Press Herald, joins CBS News to discuss.
Sneaker company Allbirds pivots to AI
Footwear company Allbirds announced Wednesday it will stop making fabric sneakers and become an artificial intelligence company, sending its stock price soaring by more than 600%. Yahoo Finance senior reporter Brooke DiPalma joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Crime
Murder-suicide involving Justin Fairfax, wife
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed his wife and then fatally shot himself in a murder-suicide incident, police say. CBS News' Anna Scheter reports.
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills wife, fatally shoots self, police say
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself what police described as a murder-suicide in their home in Annandale, Virginia, police said Thursday.
Setback for ex-U.S. Marine pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators
An Australian judge turned away an appeal by former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan to avoid extradition to the U.S. over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military aviators more than a decade ago.
Mamdani bomb attempt suspects plead not guilty
The men suspected of throwing homemade bombs into a crowd of New York City protesters in March pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges on Wednesday. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Suspect in shooting of 7-month-old in court
The suspect accused of fatally shooting a 7-month-old Brooklyn girl is in court Wednesday for arraignment. CBS News New York's Christina Fan has the latest.
Space
More Space
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Artemis II crew splashes down to end historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts returned to Earth with a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after making a high-speed reentry through the atmosphere.
How an 8-year-old designed a zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II
The development of the mission mascot and viral sensation Rise began over a year before Artemis II blasted off.
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
Murder-suicide involving Justin Fairfax, wife
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed his wife and then fatally shot himself in a murder-suicide incident, police say. CBS News' Anna Scheter reports.
Simon Helberg on "The Audacity"
Simon Helberg, known for his role as Howard in "The Big Bang Theory," talks about the new show "The Audacity." Helberg plays a developer who is creating an AI companion. He explains what drew him to the role and discusses the show's messages about humanity and technology.
Latest on Strait of Hormuz blockade
The U.S. Navy said it has turned back 10 Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to evade its blockade of Iranian ports. In response to the U.S. blockade, Iran has vowed to block shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Charlie D'Agata reports.
Severe storms pummel Midwest for third day
Severe weather slammed parts of the Midwest for a third day in a row. Flash flooding left drivers stranded in Milwaukee, and in Cheboygan County, Michigan, river levels rose to new record highs. Rob Marciano has more.
How hackers are using AI to breach networks
U.S. officials are warning of Iranian cyberattacks on businesses and consumers. It comes as a new FBI report shows losses from cybercrime reached nearly $21 billion last year. Ash-har Quraishi shows how hackers are using artificial intelligence, and how you can protect yourself.