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
Live
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended by 3 weeks, Trump says
The announcement followed a second round of peace talks in Washington.
U.S. special forces soldier who won $409K on Maduro bet is arrested
The soldier allegedly bet on Nicolás Maduro's removal as president of Venezuela before news of the raid was reported, a law enforcement source told CBS News.
Trump says he'll resurface Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, turning it blue
President Trump's renovation kick has now reached the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
1 killed, 5 injured and 5 in custody in shooting at Mall of Louisiana, police say
Police said the shooting appeared to have happened after two groups of people got into an argument in the mall's food court.
DOJ office aiding indigent immigrants stalls after lawyers were reassigned
Attorneys for a DOJ program that accredits nonprofits to help provide legal help to immigrants were transferred last month, creating setbacks for a number of legal aid groups.
Air travel prices likely to get worse in coming weeks, Chevron CEO says
Travelers could see airline fares rise and fewer flights available in the coming weeks, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Trump confirms he's weighing a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines "for the right price"
President Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop.
Former federal prosecutors see legal flaws in DOJ's SPLC indictment
Former federal prosecutors think the indictment struggles to articulate the elements of the alleged crimes in the case, a problem that could lead to its full or partial dismissal.
2 missing USF doctoral students are now considered endangered, police say
Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27, were last seen in the Tampa area on April 16, the University of South Florida Police Department said. Loved ones say their disappearances are out of character and they're concerned.
U.S.
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Oklahoma tornado destroys homes, forces Air Force base to close
A powerful tornado in Oklahoma on Thursday ripped roofs off buildings, destroyed homes, knocked down power poles and forced an Air Force base to close.
Trump confirms he's weighing a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines "for the right price"
President Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop.
DOJ office aiding indigent immigrants stalls after lawyers were reassigned
Attorneys for a DOJ program that accredits nonprofits to help provide legal help to immigrants were transferred last month, creating setbacks for a number of legal aid groups.
Planning a summer flight? Book now before prices surge, airline experts say.
"If you haven't booked for this summer, get busy," Atmosphere Research Group Airline industry analyst Henry Harteveldt told CBS News.
US special forces soldier who won $409K on Maduro bet is arrested
The soldier allegedly bet on Nicolás Maduro's removal as president of Venezuela before news of the raid was reported, sources told CBS News.
MoneyWatch
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Planning a summer flight? Book now before prices surge, airline experts say.
"If you haven't booked for this summer, get busy," Atmosphere Research Group Airline industry analyst Henry Harteveldt told CBS News.
Air travel prices likely to get worse in coming weeks, Chevron CEO says
Travelers could see airline fares rise and fewer flights available in the coming weeks, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Only one Trump "gold card" visa has been approved, Lutnick says
The Trump administration started accepting applications in December for foreigners willing to pay $1 million for the right to live in the U.S.
Nearly 208,000 heated socks sold at Costco recalled due to burn injuries
The 32 Degrees Heated Socks can pose a burn risk due to the combination of heat, friction, moisture and pressure created during athletic activities.
Meta to cut 8,000 jobs as it charges into AI
Meta plans to lay off roughly 10% of its workforce as the technology giant steps up its spending on artificial intelligence.
Politics
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Trump confirms he's weighing a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines "for the right price"
President Trump said Thursday that he was weighing a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines with the intent of reselling the struggling budget carrier after oil prices drop.
DOJ office aiding indigent immigrants stalls after lawyers were reassigned
Attorneys for a DOJ program that accredits nonprofits to help provide legal help to immigrants were transferred last month, creating setbacks for a number of legal aid groups.
US special forces soldier who won $409K on Maduro bet is arrested
The soldier allegedly bet on Nicolás Maduro's removal as president of Venezuela before news of the raid was reported, sources told CBS News.
Trump says he'll resurface Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, turning it blue
President Trump's renovation kick has now reached the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Air travel prices likely to get worse in coming weeks, Chevron CEO says
Travelers could see airline fares rise and fewer flights available in the coming weeks, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
HealthWatch
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Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives
Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
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.
World
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Tourists rescued from cliff as huge waves inched closer
A group of seven tourists, including three children, became trapped on a cliff when the tide came in during a morning walk on an Australian beach.
Lebanon accuses Israel of war crime in killing of journalist
A journalists' union said rescuers were prevented from accessing the destroyed building where reporter Amal Khalil was left trapped beneath rubble.
U.S. forces board Iran-linked vessel amid tit-for-tat ship interdictions
U.S. forces have intercepted and boarded another "stateless" vessel linked to Iran, the U.S. military says.
Prince Harry implores U.S. to do more for Ukraine during surprise Kyiv visit
Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Thursday to show his support for the country.
Ecuador to extradite notorious drug gang leader to U.S.
Dario Penafiel, known as "Topo," allegedly worked closely with one of Ecuador's most powerful drug lords, Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Survivor" castaway on elimination from game
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" speaks with the latest eliminated contestant from "Survivor 50" about exiting the game, strategy and transitioning to the jury.
"Giant" explores Roald Dahl scandal
"Giant," which is now on Broadway, dramatizes a real-life scandal that stained the legacy of world-famous children's author Roald Dahl. Anthony Mason spoke to John Lithgow, who stars in the play, and playwright Mark Rosenblatt.
DiCaprio speaks at 2016 Paris Agreement signing
On April 22, 2016, the U.N. held a signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at curbing climate change, featuring several speakers from various nations, including actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. Watch his full speech from the event.
Donnie Wahlberg talks "Boston Blue" success
Donnie Wahlberg talks about starring in the series "Boston Blue" and the emotional moments he shared with the cast members when he revealed the show was being renewed for a second season. He also discusses if his wife, Jenny McCarthy, could make an appearance on the show.
Vinyl record sales continue resurgence
New data shows interest in vinyl records is only getting stronger, with social media and and special releases from artists like Taylor Swift helping drive the trend. Jarred Hill has more.
Technology
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Meta to cut 8,000 jobs as it charges into AI
Meta plans to lay off roughly 10% of its workforce as the technology giant steps up its spending on artificial intelligence.
Victim has "nothing left" as AI fuels a surge in crypto fraud schemes
One woman's entire life savings was stolen from her by sophisticated scammers who used artificial intelligence to perfectly manipulate her.
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.
How to dispose of e-waste this Earth Day
Tuesday marks Earth Day, and if you have any unused devices at home, there are green ways to dispose of them. CNET senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta to track workers' computer use to train AI
Business Insider got a look at an email Meta, the parent company of Facebook, sent to all employees, letting them know that it would start tracking their interactions with their computers to train the company's artificial intelligence. Business Insider tech correspondent Charles Rollet joins to discuss.
Science
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Mysterious "golden orb" found in deep sea in 2023 is finally identified
Scientists spent over two years identifying a mysterious object found off the coast of Alaska in 2023.
Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Police stop man before alleged mass shooting
Florida police say they stopped a mass shooting by arresting a man who was on his way to Jazz Fest in New Orleans with a handgun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Cristian Benavides has details.
2 rival groups open fire in mall food court
A shooting broke out at a major mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where police said a feud in the food court ended with bullets flying and at least five people in the hospital. Matt Gutman reports.
What to expect from Baton Rouge investigation
At least one person was killed and several others were hurt during a shooting at a mall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Thursday. Police have five suspects in custody. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more. Editor's note: CBS News has removed an earlier report in light of new information from Louisiana authorities about the number of people hurt in the shooting.
IRS warns of surge in crypto fraud schemes
IRS investigators say artificial intelligence is fueling a surge in cryptocurrency fraud schemes. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Police update on Louisiana mall shooting
Police in Baton Rouge say a shooting broke out Thursday at the Mall of Louisiana after an argument between two groups of people. Multiple people were shot.
Space
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Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
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.
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
Overview of Lori Chavez-DeRemer allegations
Earlier this week, Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced she would leave her post as labor secretary. The news came as multiple outlets reported on an internal investigation into alleged workplace misconduct. CBS News has not independently confirmed the allegations. NOTUS reporter Anna Kramer joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
4/23: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Trump gives shoot and kill order for boats putting mines in Strait of Hormuz; Chevron CEO expects air travel disruptions due to jet fuel shortage.
What's next for Warner, Paramount Skydance?
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders voted on Thursday to approve Paramount Skydance's acquisition of the company in a deal valued at roughly $81 billion. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News senior business and tech correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports on the vote and next steps.
Marathon runner loses after celebrating early
A participant in the Delaware Running Festival is going viral after he slowed down to celebrate before crossing the finish line and lost first place. Carson Mello joins CBS News to discuss the moment.
Police department throws dog a retirement party
Dallas Police Corporal Scott Jay has been in some dangerous situations on the job, but nothing like when he and his K-9 were shot. Tony Dokoupil has the story.