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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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Canada's leader describes ties to U.S. as "weaknesses that we must correct"
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address released Sunday that Canada's strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and former Attorney General Eric Holder join Margaret Brennan.
Mike Waltz says U.S. is "never going to take an approach of trust" with Iran
U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz said Sunday that the U.S. is "never going to take an approach of trust" with Iran as U.S. officials are set to head to Islamabad for a second round of talks this week.
5 wounded in shooting near University of Iowa, including 3 students
Officers from the Iowa City Police Department heard gunfire while responding to a report of a large fight, the department said.
8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, police say
Eight children and teens were killed early Sunday in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. The suspected shooter is also dead.
MoneyWatch
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Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Airlines cut routes in response to rising jet fuel costs amid Iran war
Rising jet fuel prices are forcing airlines to cut routes and trim schedules.
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Here's who is spending money on AI subscriptions, and how much they cost
Households are starting to make room in their budgets for spending on generative AI subscriptions, new data shows.
Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million pickup trucks due to gearshift issue
The recall affects F-150 vehicles quipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017, according to NHTSA.
Politics
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Canada's leader describes ties to U.S. as "weaknesses that we must correct"
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address released Sunday that Canada's strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and former Attorney General Eric Holder join Margaret Brennan.
Mike Waltz says U.S. is "never going to take an approach of trust" with Iran
U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz said Sunday that the U.S. is "never going to take an approach of trust" with Iran as U.S. officials are set to head to Islamabad for a second round of talks this week.
Transcript: Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 19, 2026.
Transcript: Amos Hochstein on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Amos Hochstein, Biden administration senior energy adviser and Middle East negotiator, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 19, 2026.
HealthWatch
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New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
World
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Canada's leader describes ties to U.S. as "weaknesses that we must correct"
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address released Sunday that Canada's strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.
Transcript: Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 19, 2026.
Transcript: Amos Hochstein on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Amos Hochstein, Biden administration senior energy adviser and Middle East negotiator, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 19, 2026.
Transcript: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 19, 2026.
Transcript: Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," April 19, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with first Trump administration surgeon general Dr. Jerome Adams that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 19, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
4/19: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The purge of immigration judges; seeking accountability in trucking accidents; Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri on Broadway; portraitist Michael Shane Neal; the legacy of woodworker George Nakashima; an operatic car salesman; and Earth Day stories of advances in sustainability.
A portrait of portraitist Michael Shane Neal
Michael Shane Neal, perhaps America's greatest living portraitist, recently fulfilled a long-held ambition: to paint a living president. He talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about producing a portrait of former President Joe Biden. He also discusses "being in the zone" while painting a portrait; following in the footsteps of famed artists Everett Raymond Kinstler and John Singer Sargent; and becoming a TikTok fashion icon.
"Proof": Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows
The celebrated actors are both making their Broadway debuts in a revival of David Auburn's Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winner "Proof," about a brilliant mathematics professor with mental-health issues, and his daughter with issues of her own.
Extended interview: Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle
In this web exclusive, actors Ayo Edebiri ("The Bear") and Don Cheadle ("Hotel Rwanda") talk with Tracy Smith about making their Broadway debuts in the revival of "Proof." They also discuss their love of live theater, and the early roles that inspired their passion for acting.
"Proof": Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows
Celebrated actors Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri are both making their Broadway debuts in a revival of David Auburn's Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winner "Proof," about a brilliant mathematics professor with mental-health issues, and his daughter with issues of her own. Cheadle and Edebiri talk with Tracy Smith about exploring the dynamics of a parent-child relationship, and how their off-stage relationship helps them on-stage.
Technology
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Technology
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
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.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Science
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Science
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Police give update on Louisiana mass shooting
Officials in Louisiana held a news conference after 10 people were shot in a domestic disturbance that left eight children dead. Corporal Chris Bordelon of the Shreveport Police Department, Mayor Tom Arceneaux and Chief Wayne Smith provided updates on Sunday afternoon.
5 wounded in shooting near University of Iowa, including 3 students
Officers from the Iowa City Police Department heard gunfire while responding to a report of a large fight, the department said.
8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, police say
Eight children and teens were killed early Sunday in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana. The suspected shooter is also dead.
Investigators team up to solve mystery of missing Iowa teen
After Jade Colvin, a missing Iowa teenager, is tracked to a remote farm, photos discovered on an old cellphone reveal important clues.
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Space
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Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep 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.
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
José Andrés on food's role in U.S. history
Chef José Andrés, who became an American citizen in 2014, says food is both tradition and "also our future. The strength of America depends on how we feed ourselves but also how we feed the world."
Turning recordings of animals into music
Stewart Copeland, best known as the drummer with The Police, teamed up with naturalist Martyn Stewart for "Wild Concerto." Their album combines music with the sounds of animals.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin | 60 Minutes Interview
When Hamas abducted her son Hersh, Rachel Goldberg-Polin became the face of the hostage crisis in Israel. Since his murder, she says she has learned that the constant pain of grief is a "badge of love.
Tour Stewart Copeland's studio
The Police drummer gives Bill Whitaker a tour of his Los Angeles studio, where custom percussion, rare instruments, and nature-inspired sounds come together in his latest project, "Wild Concerto."
U.S. eyes Iran's highly enriched uranium
The fate of the Iran war centers on highly enriched uranium, an essential ingredient for nuclear weapons. A post-Soviet-era operation that could inform a U.S. recovery mission in Iran.