Mega Millions and other jackpots: How consumers are being played
The record $1.6 billion prize is no accident, with lottery officials tweaking the odds to increase huge payouts
Mega Millions
Mega Millions jackpot tops $1.6 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot has grow to the largest in history ahead of Tuesday night's drawing. Lead director of Mega Millions, Gordon Medenica, joins CBSN with more on the odds and where the money goes.
$1.6B Mega Millions jackpot breaks records
Millions of Americans are dreaming about winning Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot, now the largest in world history. The prize is about $1.6 billion. It's not the only lottery creating a buzz this week. Mark Strassmann reports.
Mega Millions jackpot soars to $1.6B
Tuesday night's Mega Millions lottery drawing for an estimated $1.6 billion will be the biggest jackpot in U.S. history. The prize grew to a billion on Friday, but no one matched all of the numbers: 15, 23, 53, 65, 70 and Mega Ball 7. That means you still have a shot. Dana Jacobson reports.
Powerball jackpot nears half a billion dollars
The lottery is in uncharted territory. The estimated $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot is the largest lottery prize in U.S. history. Carter Evans reports.
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $1.6 billion after no one wins latest drawing
The jackpot has been growing since July, when a group of California office workers won $543 million
Mega Millions winning numbers for $1 billion jackpot
The $1 billion jackpot is the second-largest in history
Mega Millions jackpot swells to record $1 billion
Lotto fever is in full swing after no tickets matched Tuesday night's winning numbers; next drawing will be Friday, Oct. 19, at 11 p.m. ET
Mega Millions is now $1B
The Mega Millions jackpot on Friday jumped to $1 billion. Attorney Richard Roth joined CBSN to discuss some of the important tips for future winners.
Mega Millions jackpot hits $1B
Someone could become an instant billionaire by hitting the Mega Millions jackpot. The lottery hit a record high of $1 billion, the second-largest jackpot in U.S. history. Dana Jacobson reports.
Mega Millions madness puts Americans' love for dreaming big on display
Millions trying to strike it rich in tonight's Mega Millions jackpot, but some don't necessarily play to win
Lottery.com CEO on Mega Millions, Powerball fever
Lottery players will have a chance at winning an estimated $970 million jackpot in Friday night's Mega Millions drawing. Tony DiMatteo, CEO of Lottery.com, joins CBSN to discuss how his company allows customers to buy tickets and redeem winnings online.
Mega Millions jackpot grows to $970 million
Time is running out to buy Mega Millions tickets before Friday's historic drawing. The pot is up to $970 million. That's a $548 million cash payout. It's the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever and the second largest lottery in history. Dana Jacobson reports.
Powerball jackpot rises to $430M
Another huge lottery jackpot is getting even bigger. No tickets matched all the numbers in Wednesday night's Powerball drawing. That means Saturday's jackpot will be $430 million.
Powerball winning numbers announced for $378M jackpot
The Powerball winning numbers selected Wednesday are 3, 57, 64, 68 and 69 and the Powerball is 15
What to do if you win the lottery
As the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots swell to record-breaking heights, many Americans are buying tickets to try their luck. Jason Kurland, also known as "The Lottery Lawyer," joins CBSN to talk about the best steps to take if you win.
Mega Millions jackpot leaps to record $868 million
No ticket had all 6 winning numbers in Tuesday night's drawing for what was a $667 million top prize; those numbers were 3, 45, 49, 61, 69 with a Mega Ball of 9
Winning numbers for Mega Millions lottery
The winning numbers for the record $667 million Mega Million game were drawn on night of October 16, 2018.
Mega Millions winning numbers announced for $667M jackpot
Lotto officials say Tuesday's prize is the third-biggest in U.S. history with estimated cash value of $380 million – if you're lucky to match all six numbers
Your $1 billion lottery odds: 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000
Lottery players are more likely to date a millionaire – or even become a millionaire through savings – than win combined jackpot
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots at combined $999 million
Tuesday night's Mega Millions grand prize is $654 million and Wednesday night's Powerball jackpot is $345 million
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to estimated $654 million
The next drawing will be Tuesday
Mega Millions winning numbers announced for $548M jackpot
The winning numbers drawn are 4, 24, 46, 61, 70 and the Mega Ball number is 7
Mega Millions' third-biggest jackpot ever up for grabs: $548M
Lottery officials say Tuesday's $470 million prize, sixth-largest in Mega Millions' history, came with a $265.3 million cash payout option -- but no ticket matched all six numbers
Mega Millions winning numbers announced for $420 million jackpot
The winning numbers drawn for Friday's Mega Millions jackpot are 27, 28, 32, 41 and 69 and the Mega Ball number is 12
Trump and Zelenskyy say they're nearly in agreement on Ukraine peace plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded "strong security guarantees" from the U.S. after Sunday's meeting with President Trump in Florida.
Exclusive
What went through Bondi Beach hero's mind as he tackled a gunman?
Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al Ahmed tells CBS News in an exclusive interview why he sprang into action, risking his own life to save people he'd never met.
D.C. pipe bomb suspect told authorities "something just snapped," DOJ says
Brian Cole told investigators he believed that the 2020 election had been tampered with and he felt "someone needs to speak up," the DOJ alleges in court documents.
China launches 2 days of live-fire military drills around Taiwan
China launched live-fire drills around Taiwan on Monday that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation."
U.S. slashes pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid funding by billions
The U.S. announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid as the Trump administration continues to slash U.S. foreign assistance and warns United Nations agencies to "adapt, shrink or die" in a time of new financial realities.
Bank of America CEO warns market "will punish people" without independent Fed
Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan stated last week that, as President Trump seeks a new chair of the Federal Reserve, maintaining the banking system's independence is paramount.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
1 dead after 2 helicopters crash in southern N.J.
One person was killed and another was critically injured after a helicopter collision
Train accident in southern Mexico leaves at least 13 dead and dozens injured
Officials said a train accident in southern Mexico killed at least 13 people and injured dozens, halting traffic along a rail line connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S.
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Winter storm could become bomb cyclone over Great Lakes and Northeast
A powerful winter storm system could become a "bomb cyclone" over the Great Lakes and Northeast regions this week.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 28, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, CBS News correspondents Major Garrett, Robert Costa, Jan Crawford, Jennifer Jacobs and Scott MacFarlane join Margaret Brennan.
Mine in South Korean to offer U.S. new source of a critical war metal
China dominates the supply of critical minerals such as tungsten, but a U.S. push for alternative sources has found one, deep inside a South Korean mountain.
"Hail and farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2025
"Sunday Morning" looks back at some of the newsworthy men and women who passed away this year – from musicians and storytellers, to activists and statesmen – who touched us with their creativity and humanity.
Luke Burbank on making realistic New Year's resolutions
Forget about hitting the gym, or signing up for a foreign language app. Luke Burbank resolves to do far better with his New Year's resolutions in 2026 by committing to goals he can actually keep … probably.
MoneyWatch
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Bank of America CEO warns market "will punish people" without independent Fed
Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan stated last week that, as President Trump seeks a new chair of the Federal Reserve, maintaining the banking system's independence is paramount.
Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
5 money moves to make in 2026, according to financial experts
As many Americans head into 2026 with mounting money worries, reviewing your finances now could help put you on firmer footing next year.
Politics
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D.C. pipe bomb suspect told authorities "something just snapped," DOJ says
Brian Cole told investigators he believed that the 2020 election had been tampered with and he felt "someone needs to speak up," the DOJ alleges in court documents.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
U.S. slashes pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid funding by billions
The U.S. announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid as the Trump administration continues to slash U.S. foreign assistance and warns United Nations agencies to "adapt, shrink or die" in a time of new financial realities.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 28, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, CBS News correspondents Major Garrett, Robert Costa, Jan Crawford, Jennifer Jacobs and Scott MacFarlane join Margaret Brennan.
Trump and Zelenskyy say they're nearly in agreement on Ukraine peace plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded "strong security guarantees" from the U.S. after Sunday's meeting with President Trump in Florida.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
World
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Heavyweight boxing champ Anthony Joshua injured in Nigeria car crash
British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a highway crash in Nigeria that reportedly killed two other people.
Exclusive
What went through Bondi Beach hero's mind as he tackled a gunman?
Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al Ahmed tells CBS News in an exclusive interview why he sprang into action, risking his own life to save people he'd never met.
Body found in search for Spanish soccer coach and children in Indonesia
The family holiday in the park area turned tragic for Valencia CF Women's B coach Fernando Martín, 44, when the boat carrying him, his family, four crew members and a local guide sank.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
U.S. slashes pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid funding by billions
The U.S. announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid as the Trump administration continues to slash U.S. foreign assistance and warns United Nations agencies to "adapt, shrink or die" in a time of new financial realities.
Entertainment
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French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
Brigitte Bardot dies at 91
Actress Brigitte Bardot has died at the age of 91. Elizabeth Palmer looks back on her life.
MetroCard art: Swiping beauty from the mundane
On December 31, New York City will officially retire the transit system's MetroCard, that ubiquitous piece of plastic used to gain entrance onto subways and buses. But there is beauty in using MetroCards as the raw materials for art, as Thomas McKean has found in his collages and miniature sculptures depicting portraits of city life. Serena Altschul reports.
2025: The year's top books
"Sunday Morning" checks out the bestselling fiction and non-fiction of the past year.
2025: The year's top movies
"Sunday Morning" checks out the highest-grossing films of the past year.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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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.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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D.C. pipe bomb suspect told authorities "something just snapped," DOJ says
Brian Cole told investigators he believed that the 2020 election had been tampered with and he felt "someone needs to speak up," the DOJ alleges in court documents.
Knife attack in Suriname kills at least 9 people, police say
The attack took place in Richelieu in the Commewijne district about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Paramaribo.
Man says wife was killed by pipe coming through car windshield
Todd Kendhammer said his wife Barbara was killed in a freak accident, but a Wisconsin jury didn't believe him. Can his new attorneys upend the case with what they say is critical new evidence?
Man charged with fatal shooting of woman during backyard target practice
The victim was sitting with her family under a covered porch several blocks away when she was hit by a bullet, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Dad uses cellphone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cellphone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Brigitte Bardot dies at 91
French actress Brigitte Bardot died at age 91, her foundation said on Sunday. Here's a look back at the film icon and animal rights activist's career.
New details on D.C. pipe bomb probe
New court filings from the Justice Department reveal more details about what Brian Cole, the man accused of placing two pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021, allegedly told investigators. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Trump, Zelenskyy signal peace talk progress
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Sunday at Mar-a-Lago to work towards a peace plan between Russia and Ukraine. After the meeting, Mr. Trump said he thinks they are "closer than ever before" to an agreement, but the Donbas region remains a sticking point. Willie James Inman has the latest.
Navigating holiday gift returns
More than 70% of retailers are charging for at least one type of gift return this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Jo Ling Kent has tips for maximizing this year's gift returns.
Extended: Bondi Beach hero Ahmed al Ahmed
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Ahmed al Ahmed described the moment he tackled one of the gunmen who opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, saving countless lives. He talked about his injuries, why he did it, why he would do it again, and what message he has for people after his heroic actions.