The best Mega Millions lottery strategies, according to a Harvard statistician
Choosing random numbers increases your chances of not having to split the prize money should you win.
Lottery
Mega Millions jackpot nears billion dollar mark, at $977 million
The Mega Millions jackpot has grown to an estimated $977 million during the 29 drawings with no winner since Dec. 8.
Combined jackpots surpass $1.5 billion
The Powerball and Mega Millions drawings have reached huge jackpots that are up for grabs this week. Drew Svitko, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Lottery and the chair of the Powerball Product Group, joins CBS News with a look at the drawings.
Mega Millions jackpot grows to an estimated $875 million
There has not been a Mega Millions jackpot winner since Dec. 8.
Mega Millions jackpot rises to $792 million after no one wins $735 million prize
The jackpot for Friday night's Mega Millions drawing will be at least an estimated $792 million after no tickets matched the numbers for Tuesday night's $735 million grand prize.
Man sues Powerball for $340 million for posting wrong winning numbers
John Cheeks woke up to what he thought was news he had the winning Powerball numbers, only to find out the wrong numbers were accidentally posted on the lottery's website.
Powerball jackpot nears world record
With no winning tickets sold for Wednesday's Powerball drawing, the jackpot for Saturday night's drawing will be an estimated $1.5 billion.
Powerball $842.4 million winning ticket sold in Michigan
There was one winner in the $842.4 million Powerball drawing Monday night and that ticket was sold in Michigan.
Winner of $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot sues to protect identity
Departing somewhat from Maine lottery rules, the jackpot winner was allowed to be identified by the company through which his ticket was purchased.
Powerball ticket sold in California wins $1.765 billion jackpot
It's the second-biggest grand prize ever won in U.S. lottery history, behind only a $2.04 billion pot of gold also won in California in November 2022.
No Powerball winner, jackpot climbs to $1.73 billion
The estimated jackpot for Wednesday night's drawing is the second-largest in Powerball history.
Here are the top 10 biggest Powerball jackpots
So far, the Powerball jackpot has surpassed $1 billion four times.
Estimated $1.4 billion Powerball jackpot up for grabs
Players will have a chance at the third-largest jackpot in Powerball history with Saturday night's estimated $1.4 billion drawing. The chances of winning on a single ticket are about 1 in 292.2 million. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Michigan man wins $2 million after playing Powerball "on a whim"
Zach Birchmeier said he plans to use some of his winnings to build a house.
Powerball jackpot rises to $1.4 billion after no winners Wednesday
The estimated jackpot for Saturday night's drawing would be the third-largest in Powerball history and fifth-biggest in U.S. lottery history.
Powerball jackpot rises to estimated $1.4 billion
The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated $1.4 billion after there were no winners in Wednesday night's drawing. It marks the third-highest jackpot in the game's history. The next drawing will take place Saturday night.
EV battery boom brings jobs to "battery belt"
In the past three years, more than $90 billion in battery investments have been announced in the U.S., creating an estimated 70,000 manufacturing jobs, much of it in a stretch from Michigan to Georgia being called the "battery belt." Ben Tracy has more.
Powerball jackpot hits $1.2 billion after no winners Monday
Nobody hit the jackpot in Powerball's Monday drawing, raising the next jackpot to an estimated $1.2 billion for Wednesday.
Powerball jackpot hits $1.2 billion
The Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $1.2 billion after nobody won Monday night. It's the third-highest prize in the game's history.
Powerball jackpot tops $1 billion
For the fourth time in the game's history, the Powerball prize has topped $1 billion. CBS News' Tony Dokoupil has more.
Powerball jackpot leaps over $1 billion
The Powerball jackpot is an estimated $1.04 billion after nobody won Saturday night.
Powerball jackpot rises to estimated $835 million
The jackpot for the next Powerball drawing is an estimated $835 million. It's still set to be the fourth largest prize in the game's history.
Colorado man buys flowers for his wife after winning lottery
Waldemar "Bud" Tasch was on a backpacking trip in the wilderness with his dog when his winning number was called.
$1.58 billion lottery ticket sold in Florida
Tuesday's $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot drawing, the largest in the game's history, produced a single winning ticket sold at a grocery store in Neptune Beach, Florida. Cristian Benavides has more.
One winning ticket for record estimated $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot
One winning ticket was sold in Florida for the Mega Millions jackpot — the third largest in U.S. lottery history.
Live
Trump says he was "an hour away" from striking Iran
Trump says he scrapped a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf allies as "serious negotiations" on a peace deal are underway.
Exclusive
Troops say Army ignored request for more medical support before deadly attack
Survivors say they'd asked for more medical support before the Iranian drone strike that killed six U.S. soldiers at their command post in Kuwait in the war's first 24 hours.
DOJ's settlement with Trump bans IRS from taking action over his old tax returns
The Internal Revenue Service is permanently barred from pursuing claims against President Trump or his company based on prior tax returns, part of a controversial settlement deal between the Justice Department and Mr. Trump.
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
Trump's $1.7+ billion fund sparks rush to capitalize: "All J6ers will apply"
One Republican lawyer close to the administration told CBS News that they expect the fund to face court challenges even though "a lot of people in MAGA world are already counting their money."
Chinese execs, shipping container companies accused of price fixing during pandemic
The indictment, which was first reported by CBS News, marks the latest in a series of probes by the Justice Dept. related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mangione supporters should not have been given press passes, mayor says
Luigi Mangione supporters have loudly made their feelings known outside every court appearance, but several are now in court with official press passes.
Security guard killed in San Diego Islamic Center shooting remembered as a hero
A security guard who was among the victims killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego is being hailed for his heroism and bravery during the attack.
What to know about today's primaries in Georgia, Kentucky and more
Voters are going to the polls Tuesday for primaries in several states, including the most expensive House primary in history.
U.S.
More U.S.
Mangione supporters should not have been given press passes, mayor says
Luigi Mangione supporters have loudly made their feelings known outside every court appearance, but several are now in court with official press passes.
Chinese execs, shipping container companies accused of price fixing during pandemic
The indictment, which was first reported by CBS News, marks the latest in a series of probes by the Justice Dept. related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is the teen summer job a thing of the past?
A summer job was once a seasonal tradition for millions of American teenagers. No more — here's why fewer young people are expected to clock in when school ends.
Polymarket to let users make prediction market bets on private companies
Polymarket users can now trade on private companies' valuations, IPOs and secondary market activity.
The 10 most affordable U.S. cities to buy a home
Buyers can still find lower-cost homes in some midsize cities, especially across the Rust Belt and Sun Belt, a new analysis finds.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Is the teen summer job a thing of the past?
A summer job was once a seasonal tradition for millions of American teenagers. No more — here's why fewer young people are expected to clock in when school ends.
Polymarket to let users make prediction market bets on private companies
Polymarket users can now trade on private companies' valuations, IPOs and secondary market activity.
The 10 most affordable U.S. cities to buy a home
Buyers can still find lower-cost homes in some midsize cities, especially across the Rust Belt and Sun Belt, a new analysis finds.
AI sparks backlash from new graduates. How deep does the disapproval go?
Many Americans are signaling disapproval of the technology amid fears that it will eclipse already competitive entry-level jobs.
Mango founder Isak Andic's son arrested in his death
Police in Spain arrested the son of Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the Spanish fashion brand Mango, for allegedly having played a role in his December 2024 death.
Politics
More Politics
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
DOJ's settlement with Trump bans IRS from taking action over his old tax returns
The Internal Revenue Service is permanently barred from pursuing claims against President Trump or his company based on prior tax returns, part of a controversial settlement deal between the Justice Department and Mr. Trump.
Chinese execs, shipping container companies accused of price fixing during pandemic
The indictment, which was first reported by CBS News, marks the latest in a series of probes by the Justice Dept. related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump's $1.7+ billion fund sparks rush to capitalize: "All J6ers will apply"
One Republican lawyer close to the administration told CBS News that they expect the fund to face court challenges even though "a lot of people in MAGA world are already counting their money."
First on CBS
Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say
There is concern among some in the Justice Department that the pending charges against him are weak, sources said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
Latest on American who contracted Ebola
A missionary doctor who was serving in Congo will receive treatment in Germany after testing positive for Ebola. Skyler Henry has the latest.
American doctor working in Congo tests positive for Ebola
An American medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was evacuated after testing positive for Ebola.
Ebola strain in latest outbreak has no vaccine or treatment
The virus behind the latest Ebola outbreak is the Bundibugyo virus, which is less common and there is no vaccine or treatment.
U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
World
More World
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
First on CBS
Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say
There is concern among some in the Justice Department that the pending charges against him are weak, sources said.
Who's who in Cuba's leadership? Here are the names to know.
President Trump has been openly mulling a takeover of Cuba similar to the operation that toppled Venezuela's Nicolás Madoro. What it would mean for the regime's leaders remains to be seen. Here are some of the figures to watch.
Iran stages mass weddings for couples ready for "self-sacrifice" in war
Iranian state media showed wedding ceremonies in Tehran for dozens of couples said to have volunteered for "self-sacrifice" in the war with the U.S.
Man gets death sentence for killing teen TikTok star in Pakistan
Sana Yousaf's murder in June drew nationwide condemnation and reignited debate over women's safety.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Beanie Feldstein on takeaways from kids' book
Actor Beanie Feldstein talks about the theme of her debut children's book, which focuses on the power of friendship. She also discusses becoming a parent soon and starring in a new film with Robert De Niro.
2-time "Survivor" contestant on 50th season
Rob Cesternino, a 2-time "Survivor" castaway, talks about the upcoming "Survivor 50" finale, who he think will make the final three and who is his favorite to win the game.
Hayden Panettiere opens up in new memoir
Golden Globe-nominated actor Hayden Panettiere shares her story and opens up about life in the spotlight as a young actor, postpartum depression and her healing journey.
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
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.
Musk says he'll appeal OpenAI lawsuit dismissal
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
California jury dismissed all charges, finding that Musk missed the three-year statute of limitations to file suit.
Science
More Science
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
San Diego imam describes victims of shooting
Imam Taha Hassan of the Islamic Center of San Diego tells CBS News about the beloved security guard and members of his mosque who died "sacrificed their lives for the entire community" during Monday's shooting.
FBI: Islamic Center shooters radicalized online
Investigators gave an update Tuesday on Monday's deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego. CBS News' Lana Zak and Anna Schecter have the latest.
Mangione supporters should not have been given press passes, mayor says
Luigi Mangione supporters have loudly made their feelings known outside every court appearance, but several are now in court with official press passes.
San Diego officials give update on mosque shooting
Officials in San Diego took questions Tuesday about Monday's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, giving new details on some of the heroic actions taken by the three victims to draw the shooters away from the children who were present at the mosque. Following the news conference, CBS News national correspondent Lana Zak provided additional reporting.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on mosque shooting
Mayor Todd Gloria joins CBS News to discuss Monday's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that killed three people.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Trump showdown with Massie comes to a head
For weeks, President Trump has been on a crusade to impose party discipline by devoting his energy and millions upon millions in GOP dollars to defeating wayward Republicans. The biggest contest of Mr. Trump's purity passion play comes on Tuesday night: Rep. Thomas Massie's primary race against Ed Gallrein in Kentucky. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett has more.
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
San Diego imam describes victims of shooting
Imam Taha Hassan of the Islamic Center of San Diego tells CBS News about the beloved security guard and members of his mosque who died "sacrificed their lives for the entire community" during Monday's shooting.
NTSB holds hearing on deadly UPS plane crash
The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday questioned UPS, Boeing and other aviation officials about maintenance and possible safety failures related to the deadly 2025 UPS plane crash in Kentucky. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
FBI: Islamic Center shooters radicalized online
Investigators gave an update Tuesday on Monday's deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego. CBS News' Lana Zak and Anna Schecter have the latest.