Are mergers good or bad for the economy?
When companies swallow other companies and get bigger, consumers are more likely to suffer than benefit
Federal Trade Commission
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
"Do not call" list complaints up
"Do not call" list complaints up and more of the latest MoneyWatch headlines
Live
Border czar Homan says feds will withdraw 700 law enforcement personnel
Since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News there have been "conversations" with the federal government
No suspect identified in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom
The disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, is being investigated as a crime.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at Florida golf course gets life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Exclusive
Anti-fraud task force targeting Calif., more states to be led by Vance: sources
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order putting JD Vance and Andrew Ferguson in charge of the group.
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage
The storied newspaper, owned by Jeff Bezos, will eliminate its sports department and reduce its coverage of foreign news.
Suspect in National Guard shooting in D.C. pleads not guilty
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of shooting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in November.
Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill almost 20 in one morning
Gaza medical officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including two infants, with one hospital director asking, "Where is the ceasefire?"
U.S.
More U.S.
Millions of Americans face higher utility bills after rate hike approvals
Over 50 million Americans will face higher utility costs as a result of rate hikes approved in 2025, according to Powerlines.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at Florida golf course gets life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Suspect in National Guard shooting in D.C. pleads not guilty
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of shooting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in November.
Democrats lay out demands for DHS funding, urging GOP to "get serious"
Democratic leaders outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week.
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Millions of Americans face higher utility bills after rate hike approvals
Over 50 million Americans will face higher utility costs as a result of rate hikes approved in 2025, according to Powerlines.
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage
The storied newspaper, owned by Jeff Bezos, will eliminate its sports department and reduce its coverage of foreign news.
China banning hidden car door handles starting in 2027 due to safety concerns
China will ban hidden door handles on cars, commonly used on Tesla's electric vehicles and many other EV models, starting next year, due to safety concerns.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
Politics
More Politics
Suspect in National Guard shooting in D.C. pleads not guilty
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of shooting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in November.
Democrats lay out demands for DHS funding, urging GOP to "get serious"
Democratic leaders outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week.
Exclusive
Anti-fraud task force targeting Calif., more states to be led by Vance: sources
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order putting JD Vance and Andrew Ferguson in charge of the group.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
HealthWatch
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Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
World
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Poland probing whether Epstein's "satanic circle" trafficked Polish girls
Polish leader Donald Tusk says his country will pore over the files for any evidence that Epstein's network trafficked women or girls from the country.
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
Cold and doubt in Ukraine as 2nd round of talks with Russia kick off
U.S., Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are back around a table for a second round of technical talks, but in Kyiv, Russian bombs bring suffering and skepticism.
Ex-Prince Andrew moves out of royal home amid new Epstein revelations
King Charles' disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moves from his royal mansion to a private estate after appearing in newly released Epstein files.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ron Funches opens up about autism diagnosis
Actor and comedian Ron Funches talks to "CBS Mornings" about appearing on the reality show "The Traitors," how it led to his autism diagnosis and opening up to others about it.
2026 Super Bowl ads to look out for
Super Bowl advertisements are already making waves as companies seek a big win during the NFL's final football game of the season. Jeanine Poggi, the editor-in-chief at Ad Age, joins CBS News with more.
Susan Lucci on life after soap opera stardome
For decades, Susan Lucci starred in "All My Children." She speaks to "CBS Mornings" about her second memoir, which dives into her life after the soap opera series, the death of her husband and the resilience she found along the way.
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Miranda Lambert sells entire music catalog
Country star Miranda Lambert's entire catalog now belongs to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group. Jem Aswad, executive editor for music at Variety, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Technology
More Technology
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
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.
Tech executive breaks down AI agents
Scott Hanselman, vice president of developer community at Microsoft, joins CBS News to explain the difference between an LLM like ChatGPT and an AI agent. He also explains how AI agents could become assertive if given too much access.
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Poland probing whether Epstein's "satanic circle" trafficked Polish girls
Polish leader Donald Tusk says his country will pore over the files for any evidence that Epstein's network trafficked women or girls from the country.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at Florida golf course gets life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
Nancy Guthrie investigation ramps up
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has ramped up. This comes as an apparent ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news station on Monday, the Pima County sheriff confirmed. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports.
Ex-Prince Andrew moves out of royal home amid new Epstein revelations
King Charles' disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moves from his royal mansion to a private estate after appearing in newly released Epstein files.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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
Fulton County requests seized documents
Fulton County officials are demanding the return of all 2020 election documents seized by the FBI last week. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Where things stand for DHS funding
President Trump signed a House-approved funding bill on Tuesday to officially end the four-day partial government shutdown that began over the weekend. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the latest.
Homan announces Minnesota personnel removal
Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that 700 personnel would be immediately removed from Minnesota. CBS News' Omar Villafranca has more.
Nancy Guthrie investigation ramps up
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has ramped up. This comes as an apparent ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news station on Monday, the Pima County sheriff confirmed. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports.
Ukrainians remain defiant during Russia war
Ukrainians are reeling from a frigid winter but remain defiant as Russia continues to target infrastructure. CBS News' Aidan Stretch has more.