How Mega Millions has been engineered for billion-dollar jackpots
The Multi-State Lottery Association, which coordinates the Mega Millions, has engineered the game to generate huge sums.
Lottery
California man goes to work not realizing he won $1 million
He might be playing the game more often.
Mega Millions jackpot rises to $1.55 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot rose to an estimated $1.55 billion, the largest in the game's history, after there were no winning tickets in Friday's drawing. The next drawing will take place Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Mega Millions jackpot jumps to an estimated $1.55 billion
There has not been a Mega Millions jackpot winner since April 18.
Expert's advice on playing Mega Millions
A massive $1.25 billion Mega Millions jackpot is up for grabs on Friday night. Mark Glickman, senior lecturer on statistics at Harvard University, joined CBS News to discuss the odds of winning and to share some expert advice.
Mega Millions jackpot soars to $1.1 billion
The estimated jackpot for Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $1.1 billion.
Mega Millions jackpot leaps to estimated $1.25 billion
The pot of gold soared after no winning tickets were sold for Tuesday night's estimated $1.1 billion grand prize.
Mega Millions jackpot hits $1 billion mark
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are approximately one in 302.58 million.
Mega Millions estimated jackpot nears $1 billion, at $910 million
There have been no Mega Millions jackpot winners since April 18.
Mega Millions jackpot grows to an estimated $820 million
The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are about one in 302.58 million.
One winning ticket sold for $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot
The winning Powerball ticket was purchased in Los Angeles. The grand prize was the third largest in the game's history since it started in 1992.
$1 billion Powerball winner in California
A convenience store in downtown Los Angeles sold a $1.08 billion Powerball ticket. The winning numbers announced Wednesday night were 7, 10, 11, 13, 24 with the Powerball number also being 24. Several people across the country won $1 million and $2 million prizes.
Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots climb
The top prize in Wednesday night's Powerball drawing is $1 billion, the third-largest jackpot in Powerball history -- and the Mega Millions jackpot is now worth about $720 million. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has more.
Mega Millions jackpot jumps to $720 million after no winners Tuesday
There has been no Mega Millions jackpot winner since April 18.
Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion
The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday's drawing has hit an estimated $1 billion. Tuesday's MegaMillions jackpot has also risen to $640 million.
Why does the Powerball jackpot increase over time?
After Monday's drawing ended without a winner, the Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $1 billion, the third-largest prize in the game's history.
Powerball jackpot at $1 billion after no $922 million top prize winners
It would be the third-largest jackpot in the game's history and seventh-highest in U.S. lottery history.
$875 million jackpot has many feeling lucky
The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing has hit an estimated $875 million, the third-largest Powerball jackpot in the game's history. Christina Ruffini has more.
Here's what to do if you win the lottery
In the wildly unlikely event you happen to win the lottery, there are some things you should know. Jennifer Streaks, senior personal finance reporter with Insider, has some tips for what to do if you've got the winning ticket.
Powerball jackpot climbs to $875 million
The last time somebody won the Powerball jackpot was back on April 19, when a ticket purchased in Ohio matched all six numbers to bring home a $252.6 million prize.
Iowa woman who lost home in tornado wins $2 million lottery
Tammy Gordy said the rebuilding of her home has been on hold, but these winnings will get the project going again and allow for some upgrades.
Retired handyman wins New York's largest-ever Mega Millions prize
Johnnie Taylor's win is millions of dollars more than the state's last record-setting prize in 2019.
Kentucky man wins $1 million lottery scratch card while getting fuel
Michael Schlemmer had just $40 in his pocket when he "coasted" into a gas station and bought a scratch-off card while filling his tank.
Father and son sentenced to prison for $20 million lottery scam
Authorities said Ali Jaafar and Yousef Jaafar cost the government around $6 million in tax losses over the course of the decade-long scheme.
Woman who was once homeless wins $5 million in lottery scratch-off
She plans on buying a house and investing the rest of her money.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
Exclusive
ICE agent who shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, officials say
Jonathan Ross, who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, suffered internal bleeding after the incident, two officials said, though it's not clear how extensive the bleeding was.
Senate GOP kills war powers effort to limit Trump on Venezuela, with Vance breaking tie
Two Republicans switched their votes after pressure from the White House.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
House passes 2-bill funding package ahead of shutdown deadline
The Senate now has two funding packages on its plate ahead of its weeklong recess.
Iranian mom searched morgue, sifting through hundreds of bodies, to find her daughter
Rubina Aminian's mother forced her way into a morgue in search of her daughter, who her family says was shot in the head at close range.
Court upholds Prop 50, allowing California to use its redrawn congressional maps
A panel for the U.S. Central District Court of California ruled Democrats can proceed in using their redrawn congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump admin. cuts grants for mental health, addiction treatment programs
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, lost around $1.9 billion in federal grants, which were abruptly terminated on Tuesday, a source said.
"Fundamental" differences remain over Greenland's future, Denmark says after U.S. meeting
After the meeting, Denmark's foreign minister said they're eager to work with the U.S. while respecting the "red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark."
U.S.
More U.S.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Why Chicago's "death gap" has existed on the West Side for decades
The life expectancy for residents of The Loop is 87.3 years, according to numbers from the Chicago Department of Public Health. For West Garfield Park, it is 66.6 years.
Astronauts head home early after medical issue
Crew 11 is expected to splash down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
Verizon customers report phone service outages across U.S.
A Verizon spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the company is aware of "an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers."
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
Politics
More Politics
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
Changing Defense Department's name could cost up to $125 million, CBO estimates
The Trump administration's push to change the Defense Department's name to the Department of War could cost nine figures, according to a new estimate by Congress' budget watchdog.
Court upholds Prop 50, allowing California to use its redrawn congressional maps
A panel for the U.S. Central District Court of California ruled Democrats can proceed in using their redrawn congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Trump admin. cuts grants for mental health, addiction treatment programs
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, lost around $1.9 billion in federal grants, which were abruptly terminated on Tuesday, a source said.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
World
More World
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
U.S. says it's moving into next phase of Gaza peace plan, warns Hamas
Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
Trump told Iranians help is coming, so what might it look like?
Experts tell CBS News what sort of options President Trump has to respond to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters.
After a bloody crackdown, Iran vows to teach protest backers a lesson
Iran's rulers want the world to know they've weathered a storm, and they're threatening a harsh "lesson" for anyone deemed to have supported protests.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Timothy Busfield makes court appearance in child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
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.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Science
More Science
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
More Crime
Timothy Busfield makes court appearance in child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Indicted Virginia coach still missing
The search continues in Virginia for a high school football coach charged with possessing child sexual assault material and using a computer to solicit a minor. CBS News breaking news correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Au pair testifies in man's murder trial
A trial is underway in northern Virginia for a man accused of plotting his wife's murder with help from his affair partner - the family's au pair. The former au pair was the first witness called to testify against Brendan Banfield. Jericka Duncan reports on the case.
Doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia
The case has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians.
Man plotted murder to "get rid of" his wife after affair, au pair testifies
Brendan Banfield is charged with murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfields' home in northern Virginia.
Space
More Space
Astronauts head home early after medical issue
Crew 11 is expected to splash down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Judge weighs law banning masks for ICE agents
Legal representation for the state of California and the federal government were in court on Wednesday over the Golden State's new law that bans federal agents from wearing face coverings during operations. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos reports.
Next steps in Iran after Trump says killing stopped
President Trump says his administration has been notified that the killings and executions of anti-government protesters in Iran have stopped. CBS News Middle East reporter Courtney Kealy has more.
Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire
It's a long winter in Chicago when the Bears are bad, but walk into any bar in the city, especially after last week's comeback win over the Packers, and the winter is gone. Tony Dokoupil has details.
Chicago mayor on life expectancy disparities
In an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses what's driving disparities between different areas of the city, and what officials are doing to address them.