How hidden fees hike consumer prices
From buying tickets and cars to phone or cable-TV service, what people actually pay is far more than the advertised price
Federal Trade Commission
Are mergers good or bad for the economy?
When companies swallow other companies and get bigger, consumers are more likely to suffer than benefit
Watch out for certified used cars with safety defects
The FTC now allows dealers to advertise and sell vehicles as “certified” -- even if they have an outstanding recall
Walgreens, Rite Aid to shed 865 stores to win merger OK
Selling hundreds of stores to rival retailer Fred's could help No. 1 and No. 3 drugstore chains seal their deal with regulators
DeVry to pay $100M over charges it misled students
The for-profit university chain will pay out $49 million to students and forgive $51 million of debt
Student debt "relief" companies still a plague
They continue to exploit unwise borrowers by charging for services that are available for free from the government
How do you know if a celebrity was paid for that Instagram?
Regulators are cracking down on sneaky social media advertising in which celebrities don't disclose they've been bought
The arf-ful truth: Pricey dog food won't extend Fido's life
FTC says pet food maker Eukanuba falsely claimed that its pricey product could add years to a canine's lifespan
New technology provides a solution for annoying robocalls
Telephone scams cost Americans $350 million a year, but now, there may be an answer to these unwanted calls
Is Herbalife a pyramid scheme? Billionaires bicker, FTC punts
Nutrition company's settlement with regulator boosts shares, but doesn't put to rest dispute over its business practices
Walmart's "Made in the USA" claims take another hit
Truth in Advertising.org says it found more than 100 mislabeled products on the retailer's website, after finding 200 earlier
Why more big mergers are getting shot down
Staples-Office Depot is just the latest deal regulators have successfully argued against -- and the message is spreading
Herbalife says it is in advanced talks with FTC
Company in talks to potentially settle a federal investigation into claims that it's a pyramid scheme
Judge says Amazon is liable for kids' in-app charges
The ruling favors the Federal Trade Commission's suit from 2014, which Apple and Google had agreed to settle
FTC sues VW over false "Clean Diesel" ad claims
Automaker hastily pulled ads following admission it had installed illegal software on its diesel vehicles to cheat emissions tests
Lord & Taylor deceived customers with fake reviews
FTC says consumers weren't told that department store chain paid fashion "influencers" to promote products on Instagram
Herbalife could soon be breathing easier
Optimism is rising that the multilevel marketer may reach a settlement with the FTC over charges it's a pyramid scheme
Lawmakers take closer look at potential crowdfunding scams
Neighbor who set up website to cover funeral expenses for 13-year-old accused of pocketing one third of the money raised
First time in 16 years, this tops consumer complaints
The FTC has compiled its 2015 list of complaints, and of the more than 3 million it got, this category took the honors
Feds claim false advertising by DeVry University
For-profit educator accused of making misleading claims about jobs and income for graduates, but vows to defend itself
Lumosity fined $2M for deceptive "brain training" games
The government alleges the popular program misled customers about improving cognitive performance and treating serious health conditions
Google spies on K-12 students, privacy advocates warn
Watchdog group claims Google is collecting kids' personal data with its student education services
FTC hits LifeLock again, with $100 million penalty
The ID-theft protection firm settles a charge that it violated a 2010 federal court order prohibiting deceptive ads
Feds seek to block Staples-Office Depot merger
FTC moves to derail merger of the nation's two largest office-supply chains, saying $6.3 billion deal would harm competition
FTC sues weight-loss co. for trying to silence unhappy customers
Roca Labs sold weight-loss powders billed as an alternative to gastric bypass surgery, but one customer shares why she thinks it was a sham
Joe Kent under FBI investigation for alleged leaks
The FBI is investigating Joe Kent — who resigned over the war with Iran — in connection with alleged leaks of classified information, sources say.
Live
Iran lashes out with missiles as Israel says war still intensifying
Iran retaliates for Israel's latest assassinations as Trump and Netanyahu give no indication the war is about to let up, 19 days in.
Exclusive
FBI, IRS to probe nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, sources say
In December, Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered law enforcement officials to prioritize efforts to probe and prosecute groups and individuals belonging to the antifa movement or are deemed "extremist."
Senate votes down effort to restrict Trump's Iran war powers
The Senate defeated a war powers resolution on Wednesday that aimed to block President Trump from ramping up the war with Iran, as the operation approaches a fourth week.
Trump hasn't decided on sending Americans after Iran's nuclear material, sources say
The Pentagon has prepared multiple options for President Trump as potential next steps in the Iran war.
U.S. gas prices rise as oil hits $111 a barrel
A barrel of Brent crude topped $111, while the U.S. benchmark also rose as the Iran war intensifies.
Dolores Huerta alleges assault by Cesar Chavez amid abuse claims
Allegations of abuse of women and girls by union leader Cesar Chavez were first reported by the New York Times on Wednesday.
Sen. Rand Paul confronts Sen. Markwayne Mullin at heated hearing
Sen. Markwayne Mullin appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee as the Senate considers his confirmation to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary.
Rhode Island high school hockey team wins state title weeks after deadly rink shooting
Weeks after three of Colin Dorgan's family members were killed in a shooting at a Rhode Island hockey arena, he helped his team win the state championship.
U.S.
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Son and brother of Afghan man who died in ICE custody demand answers
The family of an Afghan immigrant who died one day after being taken into custody by ICE in Texas says it has received no answers as to what caused the man's death.
U.S. gas prices rise as oil hits $111 a barrel
A barrel of Brent crude topped $111, while the U.S. benchmark also rose as the Iran war intensifies.
What to know about Joe Kent, Trump counterterrorism chief who resigned
In a resignation letter, Joe Kent said Iran "posed no imminent threat to our nation," and he asserted that "we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."
Maps show forecast for extreme heat wave scorching the West
A long-duration heat wave is taking shape over the western half of the U.S. and forecast to stick around in the days ahead.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, citing economic uncertainty
Fed officials are grappling with a host of economic challenges, from stubborn inflation to a slowing job market.
MoneyWatch
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U.S. gas prices rise as oil hits $111 a barrel
A barrel of Brent crude topped $111, while the U.S. benchmark also rose as the Iran war intensifies.
Wall Street is betting on Ukraine's drone technology
Swarmer is likely to be the first of many: a Ukrainian defense startup with an American face that leans on U.S. capital to scale production for both the Ukrainian and American militaries.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, citing economic uncertainty
Fed officials are grappling with a host of economic challenges, from stubborn inflation to a slowing job market.
How to sign up for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and save time at airports
Travelers hoping to bypass some of the increasingly long wait times at U.S. airports can enroll in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which is now operating at 65 locations.
Who is Josh D'Amaro, the new CEO of Disney?
As Disney CEO, Josh D'Amaro will be in charge of a massive entertainment empire that includes parks, movies and a streaming service.
Politics
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Joe Kent under FBI investigation for alleged leaks
The FBI is investigating Joe Kent — who resigned this week over the war with Iran — in connection with alleged leaks of classified information, sources tell CBS News.
Costa Rica shutters its embassy in Cuba and orders diplomats to leave
Costa Rica on Wednesday closed its embassy in Havana and told Cuba's Communist government to pull its diplomats from Costa Rica.
Son and brother of Afghan man who died in ICE custody demand answers
The family of an Afghan immigrant who died one day after being taken into custody by ICE in Texas says it has received no answers as to what caused the man's death.
Senate votes down effort to restrict Trump's Iran war powers
The Senate defeated a war powers resolution on Wednesday that aimed to block President Trump from ramping up the war with Iran, as the operation approaches a fourth week.
5 takeaways from the Illinois primaries
Illinois' heavily Democratic tilt means statewide candidates and those in the Chicago area and its suburbs are favored to win in November.
HealthWatch
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Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
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Costa Rica shutters its embassy in Cuba and orders diplomats to leave
Costa Rica on Wednesday closed its embassy in Havana and told Cuba's Communist government to pull its diplomats from Costa Rica.
Senate votes down effort to restrict Trump's Iran war powers
The Senate defeated a war powers resolution on Wednesday that aimed to block President Trump from ramping up the war with Iran, as the operation approaches a fourth week.
Wall Street is betting on Ukraine's drone technology
Swarmer is likely to be the first of many: a Ukrainian defense startup with an American face that leans on U.S. capital to scale production for both the Ukrainian and American militaries.
How Russia is benefitting from "America's war of choice in Iran"
Treasury chief Scott Bessent said Russia wouldn't benefit from an easing of oil sanctions to calm energy markets. But Russia is.
Trump hasn't decided on sending Americans after Iran's nuclear material, sources say
The Pentagon has prepared multiple options for President Trump as potential next steps in the Iran war.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the rise of The Last Dinner Party
The band The Last Dinner Party is coming to the U.S. next week to tour its second album, "From the Pyre." The members of the band spoke to Anthony Mason about how they met, their rapid rise to fame and the support they've had along the way.
Inside the Vanity Fair Oscar party
For more than 30 years, Vanity Fair has thrown an exclusive Oscar's after party. This year, the magazine's new global editorial director Mark Guiducci decided to trim the guest list, didn't allow press inside and even required guests to put a sticker over their phone camera for privacy. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" and gives an up-close look at the party.
Nancy Guthrie investigation "becomes much harder" as time goes on, expert says
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that additional images were obtained from surveillance cameras installed at Guthrie's Tucson home, but they showed nothing suspicious.
Melissa Etheridge opens up about new music
Melissa Etheridge speaks with "CBS Mornings" about releasing her 17th studio album "Rise" later this month, writing about the loss of her son and grief.
Woman on viral Coldplay "kiss cam" speaks out
Kristin Cabot, the woman from the viral Coldplay "kiss cam" video, spoke in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey about the backlash she received from that moment and how it differed from comments made about her boss Andy Byron, the CEO of their company.
Technology
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Technology
Inside NVIDIA's new chip
NVIDIA's GTC conference brought big crowds to Silicon Valley this week, with hundreds of companies showcasing products powered by NVIDIA's chips. Tim Werth, tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
AI expert designs cancer vaccine for his dog
A tech entrepreneur in Australia, Paul Conyngham, said he used artificial intelligence to design a cancer vaccine for his dog Rosie. He joins CBS News with Páll Thordarson, director of the UNSW RNA Institute, who worked with Conyngham on the technology.
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.
Jury still deliberating in social media trial
Jury deliberations for a landmark social media addiction trial in California entered a fourth day Wednesday. CBS News' Elaine Quijano has the latest.
How the military is using AI in war
From intelligence to research and grant applications, artificial intelligence is playing a bigger role in government and military operations.
Science
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Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
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Crime
Kouri Richins found guilty | "48 Hours" Podcast
Kouri Richins, Utah author and mother, was just found guilty for murder and attempted murder of her husband Eric Richins. The state accused her of killing him with a fentanyl-laced Moscow mule in 2022 after previously attempting to poison him via a sandwich on Valentine's Day. Monday evening the jury found her guilty on all counts including insurance fraud and forgery. In a special episode, "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales speaks with Skye Lazaro, former defense attorney for Richins, about the significance of the outcome and the key moments in court that let up to the verdict. This episode was recorded on March 17.
Nancy Guthrie investigation "becomes much harder" as time goes on, expert says
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that additional images were obtained from surveillance cameras installed at Guthrie's Tucson home, but they showed nothing suspicious.
Kouri Richins found guilty on all charges
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom accused of killing her husband and later writing a children's book about grief, was found guilty on all charges Monday, including aggravated murder. Her sentencing is now set for May and she faces the possibility of life in prison.
Accused Latin American drug lord arrives in U.S. after years on the run
Sebastian Marset, who eluded police for years, was captured in Bolivia last week and transferred to U.S. custody.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Space
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Space
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
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
3/18: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Sen. Markwayne Mullin faces tense confirmation hearing for DHS secretary job; DNI Tulsi Gabbard discusses Iran war on Capitol Hill.
WNBA players reach historic deal with league
The WNBA and its players' union reached a verbal agreement on a transformational new collective bargaining agreement. Jan Crawford has more.
Tax refund delays as IRS phases out paper checks
As the IRS pushes to phase out the use of paper checks, more than 800,000 tax filers are now facing delays in getting their refunds. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has the details.
Dogue, fashion magazine for dogs, sued by Vogue
Dogue, a fashion magazine for dogs, is being sued by Condé Nast, the parent company of Vogue. Tony Dokoupil has details.
Family of man who died in ICE custody speaks out
An Afghan father who served with U.S. forces died in immigration custody less than a day after being arrested in Texas. Camilo Montoya-Galvez spoke to his family, who are struggling to make sense of his death.