Padma Awards 2026 Ceremony Today: Full Honourees List
The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony will be held today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will present the first set of civilian honours. Dharmendra, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, R Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Satish Shah are among the major entertainment names in this year’s list. Padma Awards 2026 ceremony begins at Rashtrapati Bhavan The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony is set to take place today at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New
Padma Awards 2026 Ceremony Today: Full Honourees List
The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony will be held today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu will present the first set of civilian honours. Dharmendra, Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, R Madhavan, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Satish Shah are among the major entertainment names in this year’s list. Padma Awards 2026 ceremony begins at Rashtrapati Bhavan The Padma Awards 2026 ceremony is set to take place today at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New
Kyle Busch Death: NASCAR Champion Dies at 41 After Hospitalization
Kyle Busch death news has left NASCAR mourning one of its most accomplished modern drivers. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died at 41 after being hospitalized, according to a joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR. No cause of death was released. Busch had been hospitalized with what his family described as a “severe illness” before he was scheduled to compete during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, No
Kyle Busch Death: NASCAR Champion Dies at 41 After Hospitalization
Kyle Busch death news has left NASCAR mourning one of its most accomplished modern drivers. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died at 41 after being hospitalized, according to a joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR. No cause of death was released. Busch had been hospitalized with what his family described as a “severe illness” before he was scheduled to compete during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, No
Tottenham Premier League Safety Test Comes Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Tottenham Premier League safety is the central storyline as Spurs visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at 8:15 PM BST on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. For US viewers, kickoff is 3:15 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with the match available on Peacock. Spurs enter the London derby knowing a win would secure their place in the Premier League next season. NBC Sports reported that Tottenham need two points from their final two matches to guarantee safety, while even one point would likely be enou
Tottenham Premier League Safety Test Comes Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Tottenham Premier League safety is the central storyline as Spurs visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at 8:15 PM BST on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. For US viewers, kickoff is 3:15 PM EDT on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with the match available on Peacock. Spurs enter the London derby knowing a win would secure their place in the Premier League next season. NBC Sports reported that Tottenham need two points from their final two matches to guarantee safety, while even one point would likely be enou
New Jersey Ranks Third for Lottery Jackpot Wins Since 2005
New Jersey ranks third in the United States for lottery jackpot wins since 2005, according to an analysis of Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot data from the past 20 years. The Garden State recorded 33 jackpot-winning tickets during the period, placing it behind only California and New York in the ranking of states with the most major lottery jackpot winners. New Jersey Powerball and Mega Millions Winners The
New Jersey Ranks Third for Lottery Jackpot Wins Since 2005
New Jersey ranks third in the United States for lottery jackpot wins since 2005, according to an analysis of Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot data from the past 20 years. The Garden State recorded 33 jackpot-winning tickets during the period, placing it behind only California and New York in the ranking of states with the most major lottery jackpot winners. New Jersey Powerball and Mega Millions Winners The
Tamil Film Industry Seeks Reforms From Vijay Government
After the formation of the new government led by Vijay, the Tamil film industry is expecting major reforms to address theatre losses, piracy, OTT pressure and rising production costs. Tamil Film Industry Looks To Vijay Government After the formation of the new government led by Vijay, the Tamil film industry has placed several expectations before the administration. Producers, theatre owners and distributors beli
Tamil Film Industry Seeks Reforms From Vijay Government
After the formation of the new government led by Vijay, the Tamil film industry is expecting major reforms to address theatre losses, piracy, OTT pressure and rising production costs. Tamil Film Industry Looks To Vijay Government After the formation of the new government led by Vijay, the Tamil film industry has placed several expectations before the administration. Producers, theatre owners and distributors beli
Adhik Masa 2026: Meaning of 33 Gods, Daana and Vishnu Worship
Adhik Maas 2026 will be observed from Sunday, May 17, 2026, to Monday, June 15, 2026. In Hindu tradition, the month is also known as Purushottam Maas and is considered a sacred period for daana, vrat, Vishnu worship and spiritual discipline. One of the most searched questions around Adhik Maas is the meaning of 33. According to traditional belief, the number is linked with 33 gods and the practice of offering 33 daanas during this extra lunar month. What Is the Me
Adhik Masa 2026: Meaning of 33 Gods, Daana and Vishnu Worship
Adhik Maas 2026 will be observed from Sunday, May 17, 2026, to Monday, June 15, 2026. In Hindu tradition, the month is also known as Purushottam Maas and is considered a sacred period for daana, vrat, Vishnu worship and spiritual discipline. One of the most searched questions around Adhik Maas is the meaning of 33. According to traditional belief, the number is linked with 33 gods and the practice of offering 33 daanas during this extra lunar month. What Is the Me
Adhika Masa 2026: Dates, Rituals, Timings and Significance
Adhik Maas 2026 will be observed from Sunday, May 17, 2026, to Monday, June 15, 2026, according to commonly followed India-based Panchang listings. Also called Purushottam Maas, it is an extra lunar month in the Hindu calendar and is considered a sacred period for Vishnu and Krishna devotion. What Is Adhik Maas 2026? Adhik Maas is an additional lunar month added to the Hindu calendar roughly once every three years to help realign lunar months with the solar year. In 2026, the extra month is listed as Jyeshtha Adhik Maas. For devotees, the month is not viewed only as a calendar adjustment. It is traditionally used for prayer, fasting, charity, scripture reading, temple visits and simple devotional living. Why Is It Called Purushottam Maas? Adhik Maas is also known as Purushottam Maas, a name linked to Lord Vishnu, who is revered as Purushottam, or the Supreme Being. Devotional traditions describe the month as especially meaningful for worship, self-discipline and good deeds. Because Krishna is worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu, the month also carries special importance for Krishna bhakti, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan and the wider Braj region. For deeper understanding of the month’s spiritual symbolism, read our detailed guide on Adhik Masa 2026: Meaning of 33 Gods, Daana and Vishnu Worship. Adhik Maas 2026 Dates and Panchang Details For New Delhi, Drik Panchang lists Adhika Chandra Darshana on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and Jyeshtha Adhik Maas Ends on Monday, June 15, 2026. The month includes Adhika Jyeshtha Purnima on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and Parama Ekadashi on Thursday, June 11, 2026. US-based devotees should check their local temple Panchang because tithi observance can vary by location and time zone. Mathura, Vrindavan and Braj Pilgrimage During Adhik Maas 2026, many devotees may focus on Mathura, Vrindavan and Braj Bhoomi for darshan, parikrama, kirtan, Bhagwat Katha, Bhagavad Gita recitation, vrat and daan. These practices are believed by followers to bring punya and spiritual purification during Purushottam Maas. Why It Matters Adhik Maas 2026 gives devotees a full month for spiritual realignment. For many Hindu families, Purushottam Maas is a time to slow down, simplify daily life and reconnect with devotion through prayer, service and charity.
Adhika Masa 2026: Dates, Rituals, Timings and Significance
Adhik Maas 2026 will be observed from Sunday, May 17, 2026, to Monday, June 15, 2026, according to commonly followed India-based Panchang listings. Also called Purushottam Maas, it is an extra lunar month in the Hindu calendar and is considered a sacred period for Vishnu and Krishna devotion. What Is Adhik Maas 2026? Adhik Maas is an additional lunar month added to the Hindu calendar roughly once every three years to help realign lunar months with the solar year. In 2026, the extra month is listed as Jyeshtha Adhik Maas. For devotees, the month is not viewed only as a calendar adjustment. It is traditionally used for prayer, fasting, charity, scripture reading, temple visits and simple devotional living. Why Is It Called Purushottam Maas? Adhik Maas is also known as Purushottam Maas, a name linked to Lord Vishnu, who is revered as Purushottam, or the Supreme Being. Devotional traditions describe the month as especially meaningful for worship, self-discipline and good deeds. Because Krishna is worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu, the month also carries special importance for Krishna bhakti, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan and the wider Braj region. For deeper understanding of the month’s spiritual symbolism, read our detailed guide on Adhik Masa 2026: Meaning of 33 Gods, Daana and Vishnu Worship. Adhik Maas 2026 Dates and Panchang Details For New Delhi, Drik Panchang lists Adhika Chandra Darshana on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and Jyeshtha Adhik Maas Ends on Monday, June 15, 2026. The month includes Adhika Jyeshtha Purnima on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and Parama Ekadashi on Thursday, June 11, 2026. US-based devotees should check their local temple Panchang because tithi observance can vary by location and time zone. Mathura, Vrindavan and Braj Pilgrimage During Adhik Maas 2026, many devotees may focus on Mathura, Vrindavan and Braj Bhoomi for darshan, parikrama, kirtan, Bhagwat Katha, Bhagavad Gita recitation, vrat and daan. These practices are believed by followers to bring punya and spiritual purification during Purushottam Maas. Why It Matters Adhik Maas 2026 gives devotees a full month for spiritual realignment. For many Hindu families, Purushottam Maas is a time to slow down, simplify daily life and reconnect with devotion through prayer, service and charity.
Greg Abbott Courts Wall Street as Mamdani Backlash Hits NYC
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is courting Wall Street firms as criticism grows over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rhetoric toward wealthy business leaders and billionaire CEOs. The political clash has sharpened concerns about New York City’s business climate, especially among financial firms weighing taxes, regulation and long-term expansion plans. Texas Sells Low-Tax Business Climate Abbott’s office said Texas remains open to compani
Greg Abbott Courts Wall Street as Mamdani Backlash Hits NYC
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is courting Wall Street firms as criticism grows over New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rhetoric toward wealthy business leaders and billionaire CEOs. The political clash has sharpened concerns about New York City’s business climate, especially among financial firms weighing taxes, regulation and long-term expansion plans. Texas Sells Low-Tax Business Climate Abbott’s office said Texas remains open to compani
Could Alberta Leave Canada? Inside the Rising Independence Movement and 2026 Referendum Push
Alberta’s independence movement is gaining momentum—but can Alberta actually leave Canada? The short answer: not easily. Yet a new referendum push is forcing the question back into national debate. Alberta referendum gains traction A pro-independence group has submitted over 300,000 signatures—far above the ~178,000 required—to trigger a potential Alberta referendum in 2026. Officials say th
Could Alberta Leave Canada? Inside the Rising Independence Movement and 2026 Referendum Push
Alberta’s independence movement is gaining momentum—but can Alberta actually leave Canada? The short answer: not easily. Yet a new referendum push is forcing the question back into national debate. Alberta referendum gains traction A pro-independence group has submitted over 300,000 signatures—far above the ~178,000 required—to trigger a potential Alberta referendum in 2026. Officials say th
Operation Neptune Spear: Inside the raid that killed Osama bin Laden
The world’s most wanted man: Osama bin Laden On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, the world’s most wanted terrorist, was killed in a CIA-led operation called Operation Neptune Spear. After nearly a decade of intensive intelligence work, Bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, was pinpointed, marking a major victory in the war on terror. The mission, involving a covert night
Operation Neptune Spear: Inside the raid that killed Osama bin Laden
The world’s most wanted man: Osama bin Laden On May 2, 2011, Osama bin Laden, the world’s most wanted terrorist, was killed in a CIA-led operation called Operation Neptune Spear. After nearly a decade of intensive intelligence work, Bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, was pinpointed, marking a major victory in the war on terror. The mission, involving a covert night
US-Settled Malayali Sisters From Kottayam Die By Suicide In Kanyakumari
A deeply disturbing incident has come to light where two sisters from Kottayam, who were settled in Austin, were found dead in Kanyakumari on April 30, 2026. The victims had reportedly travelled from the United S
US-Settled Malayali Sisters From Kottayam Die By Suicide In Kanyakumari
A deeply disturbing incident has come to light where two sisters from Kottayam, who were settled in Austin, were found dead in Kanyakumari on April 30, 2026. The victims had reportedly travelled from the United S
What does Brock Rechsteiner’s signing mean? It signals a new sports chapter for the Steiner family
What does Brock Rechsteiner’s signing mean? It signals a new sports chapter for the Steiner family as the son of Scott Steiner begins his professional football journey with the Tennessee Titans after going undrafted. Titans offer opportunity after draft disappointment
What does Brock Rechsteiner’s signing mean? It signals a new sports chapter for the Steiner family
What does Brock Rechsteiner’s signing mean? It signals a new sports chapter for the Steiner family as the son of Scott Steiner begins his professional football journey with the Tennessee Titans after going undrafted. Titans offer opportunity after draft disappointment
Panchayat Actor Vinod Suryavanshi Opens Up On Casteism And Struggles
Actor Vinod Suryavanshi, who gained recognition for playing the new Sachiv Ji in the popular web series Panchayat, has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up, including caste discrimination and repeated rejection in the entertainment industry. In a recent conversation, Suryavanshi shared that caste-based divisions still exist in his village in Karnataka. He revealed that different communities continue to live separately, and certain social restrictions remain in place. Reca
Panchayat Actor Vinod Suryavanshi Opens Up On Casteism And Struggles
Actor Vinod Suryavanshi, who gained recognition for playing the new Sachiv Ji in the popular web series Panchayat, has spoken about the challenges he faced growing up, including caste discrimination and repeated rejection in the entertainment industry. In a recent conversation, Suryavanshi shared that caste-based divisions still exist in his village in Karnataka. He revealed that different communities continue to live separately, and certain social restrictions remain in place. Reca
Scottie Scheffler questions Masters course conditions after runner-up finish
Scottie Scheffler delivered an impressive late surge at the Masters Tournament but ultimately fell one shot short, finishing second behind Rory McIlroy at Augusta National Golf Club. Despite posting back-to-back bogey-free rounds over the weekend, Scheffler expressed concerns about course conditions that he believes impacted his chances. Scheffler, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, pointed specifically to differences in course setup between rounds. He noted that conditions during his Thursday afternoon start were significantly more challenging, while the greens appeared softer later on Friday, benefiting players in later groups. Scheffler, who teed off early Friday, carded a two-over 74 and lost critical ground on the leaderboard. He said the variation in firmness between Thursday and Friday created an uneven playing field, though he acknowledged that changing weather is part of the sport. Windy conditions on Thursday contributed to tougher scoring, while calmer conditions and softer greens later Friday allowed several players, including McIlroy, to post low rounds. McIlroy capitalized with a seven-under 65 on Friday afternoon, building a lead that proved decisive. Scheffler rebounded with a seven-under round on Saturday and mounted a strong charge Sunday, nearly closing the gap with a late run of birdie opportunities. However, a missed putt in the final stretch ended his comeback bid. Scheffler said his Friday round “hurt the most” in terms of his chances to win, emphasizing that he was unable to take advantage of more favorable scoring conditions seen later in the day. Even so, his performance marked a historic achievement, becoming the first player since 1942 to record consecutive bogey-free rounds on a Masters weekend. While disappointed with the outcome, Scheffler’s finish reinforced his consistency at the highest level, as he pushed one of golf’s biggest stars to the final hole in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
Scottie Scheffler questions Masters course conditions after runner-up finish
Scottie Scheffler delivered an impressive late surge at the Masters Tournament but ultimately fell one shot short, finishing second behind Rory McIlroy at Augusta National Golf Club. Despite posting back-to-back bogey-free rounds over the weekend, Scheffler expressed concerns about course conditions that he believes impacted his chances. Scheffler, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, pointed specifically to differences in course setup between rounds. He noted that conditions during his Thursday afternoon start were significantly more challenging, while the greens appeared softer later on Friday, benefiting players in later groups. Scheffler, who teed off early Friday, carded a two-over 74 and lost critical ground on the leaderboard. He said the variation in firmness between Thursday and Friday created an uneven playing field, though he acknowledged that changing weather is part of the sport. Windy conditions on Thursday contributed to tougher scoring, while calmer conditions and softer greens later Friday allowed several players, including McIlroy, to post low rounds. McIlroy capitalized with a seven-under 65 on Friday afternoon, building a lead that proved decisive. Scheffler rebounded with a seven-under round on Saturday and mounted a strong charge Sunday, nearly closing the gap with a late run of birdie opportunities. However, a missed putt in the final stretch ended his comeback bid. Scheffler said his Friday round “hurt the most” in terms of his chances to win, emphasizing that he was unable to take advantage of more favorable scoring conditions seen later in the day. Even so, his performance marked a historic achievement, becoming the first player since 1942 to record consecutive bogey-free rounds on a Masters weekend. While disappointed with the outcome, Scheffler’s finish reinforced his consistency at the highest level, as he pushed one of golf’s biggest stars to the final hole in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Confirm Wedding Date and Honeymoon Details
The highly anticipated wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is finally happening, and the couple has officially confirmed their wedding date and plans. After months of rumors and speculations, the duo has sent out their “save the date” invites, and fans are eagerly awaiting their big day. According to reports, the wedding is scheduled for July 3, 2026, dismissing earlier rumors that the couple might tie the knot on June 13, a date that holds special significance for Taylor. While earl
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Confirm Wedding Date and Honeymoon Details
The highly anticipated wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce is finally happening, and the couple has officially confirmed their wedding date and plans. After months of rumors and speculations, the duo has sent out their “save the date” invites, and fans are eagerly awaiting their big day. According to reports, the wedding is scheduled for July 3, 2026, dismissing earlier rumors that the couple might tie the knot on June 13, a date that holds special significance for Taylor. While earl
Kentucky man wins $551K lottery prize after grandson’s advice
A Kentucky man’s routine trip to a convenience store turned into a life-changing moment after he won a $551,151 lottery prize, surprising both himself and his family. The win was announced in a news release issued on Saturday, March 21, by the Kentucky Lottery. James Milby, a truck driver from
Kentucky man wins $551K lottery prize after grandson’s advice
A Kentucky man’s routine trip to a convenience store turned into a life-changing moment after he won a $551,151 lottery prize, surprising both himself and his family. The win was announced in a news release issued on Saturday, March 21, by the Kentucky Lottery. James Milby, a truck driver from
Masters 2026: Top contenders emerge in early leaderboard action
The 2026 Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club, with top players competing for golf’s most prestigious prize, the green jacket. As of 10:15 a.m. ET, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape, with several elite contenders positioning themselves early in the competition. Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns after completing a career Grand Slam in 2025 and now faces the challenge of repeating his success. He is joined by strong contenders including Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Åberg, all aiming to secure a top position. The tournament officially began with Round 1 on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with the earliest tee time at 7:40 a.m. ET. The event will continue through Sunday, April 12, 2026, when the winner will be crowned. Ahead of the main event, Aaron Rai won the traditional Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, though historically no winner of that event has gone on to claim the Masters title in the same year. Broadcast coverage spans multiple platforms throughout the four-day tournament, with morning and afternoon sessions airing across streaming services and major networks. As competition intensifies, the leaderboard is expected to shift rapidly, setting up a compelling race heading into the weekend rounds.
Masters 2026: Top contenders emerge in early leaderboard action
The 2026 Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club, with top players competing for golf’s most prestigious prize, the green jacket. As of 10:15 a.m. ET, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape, with several elite contenders positioning themselves early in the competition. Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns after completing a career Grand Slam in 2025 and now faces the challenge of repeating his success. He is joined by strong contenders including Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Åberg, all aiming to secure a top position. The tournament officially began with Round 1 on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with the earliest tee time at 7:40 a.m. ET. The event will continue through Sunday, April 12, 2026, when the winner will be crowned. Ahead of the main event, Aaron Rai won the traditional Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, though historically no winner of that event has gone on to claim the Masters title in the same year. Broadcast coverage spans multiple platforms throughout the four-day tournament, with morning and afternoon sessions airing across streaming services and major networks. As competition intensifies, the leaderboard is expected to shift rapidly, setting up a compelling race heading into the weekend rounds.
Texas school voucher program draws 274,000 applications by March 31 deadline
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ first statewide school voucher-style initiative has drawn overwhelming interest, with more than 274,000 applications submitted for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program by the deadline of Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The volume of applications significantly exceeds the program’s initial capacity of approximately 90,000 students, setting the stage for a highly competitive selection process. The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025,
Texas school voucher program draws 274,000 applications by March 31 deadline
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ first statewide school voucher-style initiative has drawn overwhelming interest, with more than 274,000 applications submitted for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program by the deadline of Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The volume of applications significantly exceeds the program’s initial capacity of approximately 90,000 students, setting the stage for a highly competitive selection process. The TEFA program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2025,
Felix Auger-Aliassime Wins in Dubai After Battling Through Six Match Points
Felix Auger-Aliassime, the top seed at the ATP 500 event in Dubai, had to dig deep before overcoming Zhang Zhizhen in the first round. Despite having six match points, the Canadian finally clinched a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory. Auger-Aliassime admitted that he lost count of the match points, as the frustration built up. "Having match points is the position you want to be in as a player, but it's weird how the mind plays a trick on you," Auger-Aliassime said. "It's much further for me from losing
Felix Auger-Aliassime Wins in Dubai After Battling Through Six Match Points
Felix Auger-Aliassime, the top seed at the ATP 500 event in Dubai, had to dig deep before overcoming Zhang Zhizhen in the first round. Despite having six match points, the Canadian finally clinched a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) victory. Auger-Aliassime admitted that he lost count of the match points, as the frustration built up. "Having match points is the position you want to be in as a player, but it's weird how the mind plays a trick on you," Auger-Aliassime said. "It's much further for me from losing
FBI warns of sharp rise in ATM jackpotting attacks across US
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a nationwide alert to banks and financial institutions, warning of a significant rise in ATM jackpotting attacks, a form of cyber-enabled theft that forces machines to dispense cash without legitimate transactions. Authorities say the trend is accelerating, with financial losses mounting as criminal groups refine their techniques and expand operations across the United States. According to federal officials, nearly 1,900 ATM jackpotting incidents have been reported nationwide since 2020. More than 700 of those cases occurred in 2025 alone, resulting in losses exceeding $20 million. The sharp increase has prompted urgent calls for banks to strengthen ATM security controls, monitor suspicious activity more closely, and share threat intelligence with law enforcement. At the center of the surge is malware from the Ploutus family, a tool specifically designed to hijack ATM systems. Rather than targeting individual customer accounts, the malware attacks the machine’s internal software layer. It exploits the Extensions for Financial Services, or XFS, which normally manages how ATMs physically dispense cash. By injecting unauthorized commands into this layer, attackers can override standard authorization checks and trigger withdrawals without bank approval, card use, or customer credentials. Security analysts warn that once installed, the malware can give criminals direct control of the machine. Because many ATMs operate on widely used operating systems, the attack can often be adapted across different manufacturers with minimal modification. In many cases, cash-out operations can be completed within minutes, allowing perpetrators to leave before alerts are triggered or the machine runs empty. Investigators emphasize that physical access remains the most common entry point for these attacks. Criminals frequently use generic keys to open ATM cabinets and then deploy malware using one of two primary methods. In some incidents, the machine’s hard drive is removed, infected on a separate computer, and reinstalled. In others, the original drive is replaced entirely with a compromised device preloaded with malicious software. Because the malware operates independently of standard banking communications, it can dispense cash without interacting with customer accounts or triggering traditional fraud detection systems. Officials have outlined several warning signs that may indicate a compromised ATM, including unexpected door alerts outside maintenance windows, sudden low-cash notifications, unauthorized devices connected to the machine, missing or tampered hard drives, and machines abruptly marked out of service. Financial institutions are being urged to review physical security protocols, enhance monitoring of service patterns, and report suspicious activity promptly as part of a broader effort to contain the growing ATM cyberattack threat.
FBI warns of sharp rise in ATM jackpotting attacks across US
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a nationwide alert to banks and financial institutions, warning of a significant rise in ATM jackpotting attacks, a form of cyber-enabled theft that forces machines to dispense cash without legitimate transactions. Authorities say the trend is accelerating, with financial losses mounting as criminal groups refine their techniques and expand operations across the United States. According to federal officials, nearly 1,900 ATM jackpotting incidents have been reported nationwide since 2020. More than 700 of those cases occurred in 2025 alone, resulting in losses exceeding $20 million. The sharp increase has prompted urgent calls for banks to strengthen ATM security controls, monitor suspicious activity more closely, and share threat intelligence with law enforcement. At the center of the surge is malware from the Ploutus family, a tool specifically designed to hijack ATM systems. Rather than targeting individual customer accounts, the malware attacks the machine’s internal software layer. It exploits the Extensions for Financial Services, or XFS, which normally manages how ATMs physically dispense cash. By injecting unauthorized commands into this layer, attackers can override standard authorization checks and trigger withdrawals without bank approval, card use, or customer credentials. Security analysts warn that once installed, the malware can give criminals direct control of the machine. Because many ATMs operate on widely used operating systems, the attack can often be adapted across different manufacturers with minimal modification. In many cases, cash-out operations can be completed within minutes, allowing perpetrators to leave before alerts are triggered or the machine runs empty. Investigators emphasize that physical access remains the most common entry point for these attacks. Criminals frequently use generic keys to open ATM cabinets and then deploy malware using one of two primary methods. In some incidents, the machine’s hard drive is removed, infected on a separate computer, and reinstalled. In others, the original drive is replaced entirely with a compromised device preloaded with malicious software. Because the malware operates independently of standard banking communications, it can dispense cash without interacting with customer accounts or triggering traditional fraud detection systems. Officials have outlined several warning signs that may indicate a compromised ATM, including unexpected door alerts outside maintenance windows, sudden low-cash notifications, unauthorized devices connected to the machine, missing or tampered hard drives, and machines abruptly marked out of service. Financial institutions are being urged to review physical security protocols, enhance monitoring of service patterns, and report suspicious activity promptly as part of a broader effort to contain the growing ATM cyberattack threat.









