A man's kidney donation to a friend led to a life-saving discovery
Robb Layne volunteered as a living organ donor to help a friend in need, but ended up saving his own life in the process.
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David Begnaud is a CBS News contributor and previously served as the lead national correspondent for "CBS Mornings," based in New York City. He joined the network in 2015 and his reporting — featured across all CBS News broadcasts and platforms, including "CBS Evening News," "48 Hours," "CBS Sunday Morning" and CBS News 24/7 — has earned him some of journalism's most prestigious awards.
One of Begnaud's most notable assignments was his coverage of Hurricane Maria when it hit Puerto Rico in October 2017. He spent more time covering Puerto Rico's recovery than any other network news correspondent, traveling to the island countless times and breaking numerous significant stories. His distinctive, unmatched reporting resulted in government action, and throughout the crisis, he delivered sustained coverage on all platforms — especially on social media. His coverage of Hurricane Maria earned him the prestigious George Polk Award for public service in 2018, which was the first time given to a journalist since 1978. The award, as the nominating committee states, places "a premium on investigative work that is original, resourceful and thought-provoking." Begnaud also received Radio Television Digital News Association's First Amendment Leadership Award for his significant contribution to the protection of the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
At CBS News, Begnaud covered major news stories around the world including the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California, and the devastating earthquake that hit Ecuador in April of 2016 leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured. In the summer of 2017, he covered Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Hurricane Irma in Florida, and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Begnaud's coverage of important national and international stories is also featured prominently on CBS News 24/7.
Prior to CBS, Begnaud covered a wide variety of national breaking news from weather to crime for several news organizations. Previously, he created and reported for "Newsbreaker" at ORA-TV, a social media platform for current events and breaking news and was a contributing correspondent for "Entertainment Tonight," the No. 1 syndicated entertainment newsmagazine in the world.
His career began in local news at KLFY-TV as an unpaid "teen reporter" while in high school, in his home state of Louisiana. Upon graduation, KLFY-TV hired him as a full-time reporter. He later became the weekend morning and evening news anchor. During the week he attended college, and graduated from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette in 2005.
Robb Layne volunteered as a living organ donor to help a friend in need, but ended up saving his own life in the process.
A woman was supposed to be a flower girl in a family wedding when she was 8 years old. CBS News contributor David Begnaud shares how a stranger helped fulfill her wish eight decades later.
Seth Varner has visited every incorporated town in six states across the Midwest. CBS News contributor David Begnaud shares Varner's mission to tell small towns' stories.
The boxer who was attacked by her husband and left for dead now speaks out in support of victims of domestic violence.
CBS News contributor David Begnaud shows how a school assignment about heroes changed the lives of a father and his son.
In Houston, a 91-year-old sings to his wife of 66 years, while in Louisiana, a 9-year-old raises money for her sister with Rett syndrome.
Don Allison and Marcus Cheffen were once on opposite ends of a gun. Today, they're working side by side.
When Gayle Noble died at 79, her daughter celebrated her life not with a funeral, but a birthday party
CBS News contributor David Begnaud highlights a high school pitcher overcoming adversity and a man helping to fund Alzheimer's research through baseball after a devastating family diagnosis.
Brandon Stanton, creator of "Humans of New York," reflects on his journey from addiction to building an influential storytelling project.
A 17-year-old becomes the youngest American woman to summit Mount Everest, an ICU nurse saves a jogger's life only to treat him days later and another nurse revives a baby raccoon.
CBS News Atlanta makes its debut with immersive technology, a startup-style newsroom and a mission to serve the community from day one.
CBS News contributor David Begnaud shares the story of a musician who returned to his passion and is now helping others after a life-changing diagnosis halted his career.
David Caprio, the son of the late Judge Frank Caprio, said his father's final message was a call to keep family close and help others.
Billy the flightless goose appeared without warning and became a beloved neighborhood fixture before his tragic death.