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
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth faces lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
Exclusive
Confrontation between officers and alleged shooter at D.C. gala lasted 7 seconds
Seven seconds passed between when the alleged gunman at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner — carrying a shotgun initially concealed by a jacket — first encountered federal law enforcement and when he was subdued, sources told CBS News.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Exclusive
Details revealed on where Cole Allen is being held in D.C. jail complex
Cole Allen, 31, is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump and two firearms-related offenses stemming from the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night.
Trump signs bill funding DHS, ending record-breaking 76-day shutdown
The longest shutdown of a federal department in U.S. history came to an end on Thursday when President Trump signed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security following a breakthrough on Capitol Hill.
Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
Federal telecom regulators can revoke broadcast licenses, but legal experts say the FCC would face a tough road in forcing ABC to go dark.
Louisiana suspends House primaries for May 16 elections
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said Thursday that the state will suspend its May 16 House primaries in the wake of the Supreme Court striking down the state's Congressional map.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
U.S.
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Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
Federal telecom regulators can revoke broadcast licenses, but legal experts say the FCC would face a tough road in forcing ABC to go dark.
Meet the horses running in the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby will see a full field of 20 horses in the first leg of the 2026 competition for horse racing's Triple Crown.
2 employees killed in Kentucky bank robbery, suspect at large, police say
Kentucky State Police said a man went to a U.S. Bank in Brea, Kentucky, and shot and killed a man and a woman, both employees at the bank.
5 wounded in possible stabbing attack at Washington high school
The suspect, a student, was detained at the scene, police said.
Texas mother of 4 released from ICE custody after more than a month in detention
Meenu Batra, a single mother of four adult U.S. citizens, was arrested on March 17 by federal immigration officers while traveling for a work trip.
MoneyWatch
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Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
Federal telecom regulators can revoke broadcast licenses, but legal experts say the FCC would face a tough road in forcing ABC to go dark.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Thermos recalls 8.2 million containers after stoppers caused vision loss
The Thermos Stainless King Food Jars and Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles were sold at Walmart, Target and Amazon.com.
Buying a computer? AI is making it more expensive.
A memory chip shortage is driving up computer prices for consumers, reversing a decades-long drop in hardware costs.
Politics
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Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
Exclusive
Confrontation between officers and alleged shooter at D.C. gala lasted 7 seconds
Seven seconds passed between when the alleged gunman at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner — carrying a shotgun initially concealed by a jacket — first encountered federal law enforcement and when he was subdued, sources told CBS News.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
What states could try to redistrict and add more GOP seats
The Supreme Court's ruling on Wednesday about Louisiana's congressional map could have implications for several states as it narrowed the section of the Voting Rights Act about majority-minority districts.
HealthWatch
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Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Funding cuts for fentanyl test strips raise concerns: "It doesn't make sense"
Test strips cost about $1 each and can be used to check drugs for dangerous contaminants, including fentanyl and xylazine.
Trump drops Casey Means as surgeon general nominee, names Nicole Saphier
President Trump picked Dr. Nicole Saphier as his new nominee for surgeon general, and blamed Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy for Casey Mean's nomination stalling in the Senate.
World
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U.K. raises terrorism threat level to "severe" after stabbing attack
The U.K. has raised its national threat level from "substantial" to "severe," citing the increasing threat of Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism in the country.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
Jewish Londoners describe "utter horror" and living in fear after latest attack
"We've been warning about this for a long time," one local resident told CBS News. "It's like a tsunami — you see the smaller waves before the big one hits."
Tina Brown: King showed U.S.-U.K. ties are "bigger than current politics"
CBS News contributor Tina Brown said King Charles' address to Congress during his visit to the U.S. showed "the meaning of monarchy."
Exclusive
Fire aboard Navy destroyer USS Higgins, officials say
One of the officials told CBS News that the fire knocked out power and propulsion on the guided-missile destroyer, a mainstay of the Navy's forward presence in Asia.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
A look at Spencer Pratt's mayoral campaign
Spencer Pratt, who starred in the mid-2000s reality TV show "The Hills," released a new ad in his campaign for Los Angeles mayor that's getting attention online. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Stars preview "Devil Wears Prada 2"
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are reprising their iconic roles for "The Devil Wears Prada 2" 20 years after the original film was released. The stars speak to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King and give an inside look at the movie.
Eliminated survivor contestant on new twist
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) The fifth member of the "Survivor 50" jury, who was eliminated during Wednesday's episode, talks about being voted off and a huge twist in the game.
David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Technology
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Technology
Elon Musk concludes testimony in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's testimony concluded Thursday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Elon Musk cross-examined in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk was cross-examined in his lawsuit against OpenAI on Thursday. In testimony on Wednesday, he said he was "a fool" for funding OpenAI. He is accusing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, of betraying him and the public by abandoning its core mission as it transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. WIRED senior writer Maxwell Zeff joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Buying a computer? AI is making it more expensive.
A memory chip shortage is driving up computer prices for consumers, reversing a decades-long drop in hardware costs.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
Fin Gómez on correspondents' dinner shooting
CBS News political director and executive director of politics and White House Fin Gómez reflects on the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack on "The Daily Report," saying he was proud of "our fellow colleagues."
New details on Greg Biffle theft
Within hours of the plane crash that killed Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife and kids, authorities say someone was trying to break into his accounts and steal his money. Mark Strassmann has more details from police.
NYT reveals possible Epstein suicide note
The New York Times reported that the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein may have left a suicide note following an earlier incident about three weeks before his death. However, that note has been sealed in a separate case for nearly seven years and remains out of public view. Meg Oliver reports.
New details about correspondents' dinner
The man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump last weekend appeared in court on Thursday as new details are still emerging about the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Powerful blast sends officers into the air
Police say a man forced his way into a home in the New York City borough of Queens, where his family was, and then, when police arrived, he intentionally set off an explosion. Tom Hanson reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
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.
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
Hegseth testifies on Iran war at Senate hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, facing intense questioning from Democrats on the Pentagon budget, the war with Iran and more. These are some of the most notable exchanges from the hearing.
Breaking down OPEC and its influence
President Trump gave his endorsement to the United Arab Emirates' decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, on Wednesday. "The Daily Report" breaks it down.
Why did Saudi Arabia pull LIV Golf funding?
LIV Golf is seeking new backers after Saudi Arabia's public investment fund announced it will be pulling its funding at the end of the season. Gabby Herzig, a staff writer at The Athletic, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Fin Gómez on correspondents' dinner shooting
CBS News political director and executive director of politics and White House Fin Gómez reflects on the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack on "The Daily Report," saying he was proud of "our fellow colleagues."
Analyst breaks down economy amid Iran war
The national average gas price is up to $4.30 per gallon, the highest in four years, as President Trump said Thursday that gas prices "will drop like a rock" when the Iran war ends. Ted Rossman, principal analyst at Bankrate, joins "The Daily Report" with more.