Guilty plea in $380 million Ponzi scheme, feds say
A financial adviser in Georgia, Todd Burkhalter, has pleaded guilty in a Ponzi scheme that bilked more than 2,000 people out of $380 million, federal authorities say.
Ponzi Scheme
RadioShack buyers ran a Ponzi scheme, SEC alleges
The buyers of distressed brick-and-mortar companies like RadioShack and Modell's Sporting Goods, are accused of running a Ponzi scheme.
Retired IRS agent gets 12 years for scamming elderly California woman out of life savings
A retired IRS agent from Southern California has been sentenced to state prison after she was convicted of defrauding an elderly San Francisco Bay Area woman out of $1 million in life savings.
Bernie Madoff's victims to get additional $158 million in restitution
Nearly 25,000 of the victims in Madoff's Ponzi scheme will see restitution through the Madoff Victim Fund.
California man sentenced in cow manure Ponzi scheme
After his arrest, Ray Brewer claimed he saved several soldiers from a fire while serving in the Navy, but later admitted, "these were both lies meant to curry favor with law enforcement."
2/9: Red and Blue
George Santos' work for firm accused of Ponzi scheme drew scrutiny; 2024 GOP presidential field begins to take shape.
Investigating Rep. George Santos' past
A new CBS Reports documentary explores Congressman George Santos' history of lies and his past involvement in a company accused in an alleged Ponzi scheme. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns discusses "Campaign of Deceit: The Election of George Santos" with Anne-Marie Green and Seth Doane.
2009: The man who knew
In 2009, 60 Minutes interviewed Madoff Ponzi scheme whistleblower Harry Markopolos, who said he alerted the Securities and Exchange Commission of Madoff's fraud starting in 2000.
Bernie Madoff's sister and her husband dead in apparent murder-suicide
They were found unresponsive with gunshot wounds in their residence, police say. Madoff wiped out people's fortunes and ruined charities with a massive Ponzi scheme.
Christian radio host gets 3 life prison terms for bilking listeners
"He ruthlessly stole from his clients who trusted him for almost a decade," said the chief of the Tarrant County DA's Elder Financial Fraud team.
The history behind Bobby Bonilla Day
The Mets are sitting atop National League East and enjoying a good return so far on the team's $196 million payroll. But included in that figure is nearly $1.2 million for a player that hasn't stepped to the plate in more than 20 years, and one the team will continue to pay for another 14 years. Here's more on the now-infamous arrangement between an athlete and an owner, and the most notorious Ponzi scheme in history.
Bernie Madoff: How he pulled it off
On April 14, 2021, Bernard Madoff, who burned thousands of investors through an epic Ponzi scheme, died in prison while serving a 150-year prison sentence. Correspondent Jim Axelrod talks with journalist Jim Campbell, author of "Madoff Talks," who maintained a years-long correspondence with the disgraced investor and his family, to learn exactly how Madoff pulled off the largest financial fraud in Wall Street history.
Bernie Madoff: How he pulled it off
Journalist Jim Campbell, author of "Madoff Talks," maintained a years-long correspondence with the disgraced investor to learn exactly how Madoff pulled off the biggest fraud in American financial history.
Book excerpt: "Madoff Talks" by Jim Campbell
The journalist's new book features exclusive interviews with the disgraced investor who built a Ponzi scheme that grew into the largest financial fraud in Wall Street history.
Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff dies in prison at 82
Bernie Madoff, the mastermind of the largest Ponzi scheme in history, died in prison at age 82. He suffered from kidney disease in recent years.
Federal prosecutors allege Shkreli lied and stole to keep his other companies afloat
Pharmaceutical CEO Martin Shkreli who was accused of price gouging is out on bail after his arrest Thursday on unrelated securities fraud charges. Federal prosecutors allege Shkreli lied and stole to keep his other companies afloat. He was already called a symbol of corporate greed after his drug company raised the price of a medicine by more than 5,000 percent. Anthony Mason reports.
Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical company CEO who caused a public uproar after drastically raising the price of a life-saving prescription drug, was arrested on Thursday
Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical company CEO who caused a public uproar after drastically raising the price of a life-saving prescription drug, was arrested on Thursday. Federal prosecutors accuse Shkreli of running a Ponzi-like scheme to pay off investors at his former hedge fund. Anthony Mason reports.
Stocks surged after the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy added 211,000 jobs in November
Stocks surged after the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy added 211,000 jobs in November. Also, the trustee of Bernie Madoff's firm began distributing more money to people swindled in Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Hena Daniels reports on the day's top MoneyWatch headlines.
A French company is showing off a self-driving shuttle bus at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas,
A French company is showing off a self-driving shuttle bus at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It's the first driverless vehicle commercially available in the U.S. With a top speed of 12 miles an hour, the shuttle is intended for college campuses and airport parking lots. That story and more Moneywatch headlines from Wendy Gillette.
Bernie Madoff seeks early release due to end-stage renal disease
Without compassionate release, Madoff's sentence would not end until 2139.
Jeffrey Epstein once worked at firm behind massive Ponzi scheme
"I don't think there was anyone who worked for the company who didn't understand it was a fraud the whole time," a lawyer told CBS News
Bernie Madoff asks Trump for clemency
The perpetrator of the biggest fraud in history is seeking commutation of his 150-year prison sentence, which he is serving in North Carolina
Almanac: Schemer Charles Ponzi
The founding father of financial hijinks, who trapped his investors in a "musical chairs" of fraud, was born on March 3, 1882
Ponzi scheme suspect cast spells, paid $720K for prayers to thwart charges
Six-figure payments for prayers didn't spare Dawn Bennett from a 17-count indictment on fraud charges
Feds charge 3 men after busting $364M Ponzi scheme
Federal prosecutors say the accused ripped off hundreds while spending big on homes, cars and other luxury goods
Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023
The Fed increased its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to battle resurgent inflation driven by surging energy prices.
Exclusive
New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
Patrick Clancy in his own words, only on 60 Minutes
This Sunday on 60 Minutes, Patrick Clancy talks about his grief, his memories of his children, and the baseless conspiracy theories that flooded social media since his ex-wife's murder trial.
Exclusive
Family blames Texas' "merciless" abortion ban for woman's death, sues Paxton, others
The family of 37-year-old Tierra Walker filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and others, saying she was denied an abortion that could have saved her life.
First on CBS
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had a medical procedure at the Mayo Clinic earlier this week, CBS News first reported.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
The committee accused Black of defying subpoenas as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Live
House speaker declares Iran nuclear issue "taken care of"
The Iran war has cost the U.S. military at least $33.4 billion — most of it on munitions — and not including hundreds of millions more spent by other agencies, the Pentagon says.
Investigation
A trusted seal made websites look legit. The weight-loss drug they sold wasn't.
Selling retatrutide commercially is prohibited by federal law. Yet, companies have promoted the drug on social media, thanks in part to being certified by LegitScript.
How Olympian Aly Raisman learned to advocate for her own health
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses what she's learned about speaking up for herself and taking care of her body.
U.S.
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Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
AI doesn't have rights or feelings, Microsoft's AI chief says
Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman said in an essay that trying to develop AI consciousness would be "catastrophic" for humanity.
Senate Democrats meet with El-Sayed, rallying around Michigan nominee
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats as they look to rally around his candidacy in the final sprint to November's election.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
The committee accused Black of defying subpoenas as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
First on CBS
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had a medical procedure at the Mayo Clinic earlier this week, CBS News first reported.
MoneyWatch
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AI doesn't have rights or feelings, Microsoft's AI chief says
Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman said in an essay that trying to develop AI consciousness would be "catastrophic" for humanity.
Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023
The Fed increased its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to battle resurgent inflation driven by soaring energy prices.
Amazon raises starting pay to $20 an hour and adds Whole Foods perks
Amazon said it is increasing its minimum pay for operations workers by $1 an hour and adding grocery discounts for all U.S. employees.
Own a car? You're getting socked by higher prices, and not only for gas
Car ownership costs have soared 50% since 2020, according to new economic data. Here's where motorists are getting dinged.
OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models
Top OpenAI executive endorses plan that would require AI companies to submit their technology to third-party reviews to assess their safety.
Politics
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Senate Democrats meet with El-Sayed, rallying around Michigan nominee
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats as they look to rally around his candidacy in the final sprint to November's election.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
The committee accused Black of defying subpoenas as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
First on CBS
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had a medical procedure at the Mayo Clinic earlier this week, CBS News first reported.
House cutting week short before adjourning until after midterms
House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled votes in the chamber that were planned for Thursday ahead of a six-week recess.
First on CBS
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had medical procedure at Mayo Clinic
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles was diagnosed with breast cancer in March.
HealthWatch
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How Olympian Aly Raisman learned to advocate for her own health
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses what she's learned about speaking up for herself and taking care of her body.
Investigation
A trusted seal made websites look legit. The weight-loss drug they sold wasn't.
Selling retatrutide commercially is prohibited by federal law. Yet, companies have promoted the drug on social media, thanks in part to being certified by LegitScript.
Outcome of employment lawsuit could promote use of skimpy health plans
A long-running lawsuit challenging what it means to be an employee and therefore have access to work-based health plans is being closely watched by health policy analysts.
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, coroner reports
A 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles, the coroner reported.
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
World
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Village votes to leave U.K. in symbolic protest of plan to house asylum seekers
Residents of Piddington voted overwhelmingly to leave the United Kingdom in a symbolic referendum over plans to house asylum seekers nearby.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Is the U.S. and China's mutual distrust the biggest risk as AI evolves?
Analysts tell CBS News that as the U.S. and China race for AI supremacy, they risk driving all of humanity "off a cliff."
U.S. adds sanctions on South Africa, alleging discrimination against White people
The Trump administration has announced that it will impose travel bans on officials it claims are responsible for discrimination against White people and other minority groups in South Africa.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ed Sheeran speaks out on Macklemore decision
Ed Sheeran spoke out Tuesday after facing backlash for dropping Macklemore from his tour following the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements onstage. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Ed Sheeran breaks silence amid controversy
The rapper Macklemore was bumped from Ed Sheeran's U.S. concert tour for pro-Palestinian comments that some say crossed a line into prejudice. Now, four additional supporting acts have quit in solidarity and the headliner has addressed the controversy. Carter Evans reports.
Ed Sheeran's supporting acts pull out of tour after Macklemore was dropped
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Food & Wine unveils list of "Best New Chefs"
Food & Wine reveals its list of "Best New Chefs" this week. One of those talents is Masako Morishita of Perry's Restaurant in Washington, D.C., who joins to discuss her career move from NFL cheerleader to D.C. food icon and share one of her favorite recipes.
Elin Hilderbrand and daughter on latest book
Elin Hilderbrand, who wrote hit summer reads like "The Perfect Couple" and "28 Summers," joins "CBS Mornings" with her daughter Shelby Cunningham to discuss the latest book in their co-written The Academy Series, titled "The Thoroughbreds."
Technology
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AI doesn't have rights or feelings, Microsoft's AI chief says
Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman said in an essay that trying to develop AI consciousness would be "catastrophic" for humanity.
AI is making it easier for adversaries to target U.S. military, experts say
An Iran-linked adversary used Claude AI to try to target U.S. naval forces, Anthropic revealed in a recent report.
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.
Is the U.S. and China's mutual distrust the biggest risk as AI evolves?
Analysts tell CBS News that as the U.S. and China race for AI supremacy, they risk driving all of humanity "off a cliff."
OpenAI chief on tech safety efforts
Chris Lehane, the chief global affairs officer for OpenAI, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss recent tech leaders' efforts to address AI safety and regulations.
Science
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Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy hires new lawyer for retrial
Lindsay Clancy has hired Martin Weinberg, one of Karen Read's attorneys, as she faces a retrial for the killings of her three children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Family blames abortion ban for woman's death
Tierra Walker, 37, died of preeclampsia when she was 20 weeks pregnant. Her family filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other doctors, alleging that the state's abortion ban led to her death. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Navy vet's murder solved after suspect who gave DNA dies by suicide
A veteran's 1987 murder has been solved, after the now-deceased suspect's DNA matched evidence at the scene of the killing, authorities said.
Georgia execution delayed for hearing under new law that may reduce sentence
A Georgia judge has put an execution on hold to allow time for a hearing on whether the sentence should be reduced under a new state law that lets victims of abuse have their sentences reconsidered.
Man arrested for alleged ISIS plot
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man has been arrested for allegedly plotting what could have been a "mass casualty attack" inspired by ISIS, federal officials say. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX 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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Susie Wiles announces she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free after being diagnosed with breast cancer in March. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe reports.
Watch: Fed chair Kevin Warsh takes questions
Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh spoke to reporters Wednesday after interest rates were raised by 0.25 percentage points, the first raise since 2023.
U.S. deploys first space-based weapon
The U.S. has deployed its first space-based weapon, the Air Force says. Tara Copp, a national security correspondent for The Washington Post has more.
Potential cyberattack on Texas-bound tanker
Coast Guard personnel and FBI agents boarded a Texas-bound commercial oil tanker last month in the Atlantic after finding the ship's network may have been compromised by a foreign actor, the Coast Guard said Tuesday. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Takeaways from photos of damage in Iran war
New images are revealing the widespread damage at multiple U.S. positions throughout the Middle East from Iranian missile and drone attacks. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan reports and CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean provides context.