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
Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says
A U.S. crew member who went missing when an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over a remote area of Iran has been rescued by U.S. forces.
Live
Trump demands Iran reopen Strait of Hormuz as missing U.S. crew member rescued
A senior Iranian military official rejected President Trump's ultimatum, calling it "a helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action."
Despite toilet trouble, Artemis II crew reflects on wonder of deep space experience
Amid ongoing toilet trouble, the Artemis II astronauts reflected on the wonder of sailing through deep space to the moon.
Family of Iran military leader Soleimani has U.S. residence visas revoked
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were granted U.S. asylum in 2019, but the government is now moving to strip them of their green cards.
First on CBS
White House is expected to shake up more leadership roles at DOJ, sources say
The changes were likely to affect Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the No. 3 official at the Justice Department and Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
Ousted Army chief of staff says soldiers deserve "courageous leaders" in email
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to step down and take immediate retirement, CBS News exclusively reported earlier this week.
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
Trump gives Iran 48-hour deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz or "Hell will reign down"
The war shows no signs of slowing as Iran responds to airstrikes with attacks across the region.
Driver charged with DWI after vehicle crashes into crowd at Louisiana parade
Officials said the incident does not appear to be an intentional act based on a preliminary investigation.
U.S.
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See which stores are open and closed for Easter 2026
Some major retailers and other stores will close their doors on Easter, so it's best to plan ahead. Here's what to know.
Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says
A U.S. crew member who went missing when an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over a remote area of Iran has been rescued by U.S. forces.
Robbery reveals sinister plot to kill a man with a root beer float
When Harold Allen died suddenly in his home in Freetown, Indiana, no one suspected anything out of the ordinary. Nine months later, a burglary at his home would lead to a murder investigation and an unusual weapon.
Would Michigan investigators be able to prove murder in a case without a body?
After Dee Warner, a Michigan businesswoman and mother, disappeared from her home, her family believed she has been murdered and suspected her husband Dale Warner. But without physical evidence, they knew it would be hard to prove.
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
MoneyWatch
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See which stores are open and closed for Easter 2026
Some major retailers and other stores will close their doors on Easter, so it's best to plan ahead. Here's what to know.
Sauté pans sold at Costco recalled after metal caps "forcefully eject"
One consumer reported sustaining bruising and burn injuries.
Chicago Fed's Goolsbee says he sees inflation as risk to 2026 rate cuts
Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said mounting inflation risks "complicates the picture" on interest rates.
3 ways the Iran war is hitting Americans' pocketbooks
U.S. consumers are starting to feel the financial impact of the Iran war. Here's how the conflict is seeping into the economy.
3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS are recalled
The eye drops — sold under multiple brands — have been recalled over concerns about sterility, according to the FDA.
Politics
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Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says
A U.S. crew member who went missing when an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over a remote area of Iran has been rescued by U.S. forces.
Family of Iran military leader Soleimani has U.S. residence visas revoked
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were granted U.S. asylum in 2019, but the government is now moving to strip them of their green cards.
Ousted Army chief of staff says soldiers deserve "courageous leaders" in email
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to step down and take immediate retirement, CBS News exclusively reported earlier this week.
First on CBS
White House is expected to shake up more leadership roles at DOJ, sources say
The changes were likely to affect Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, the No. 3 official at the Justice Department and Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
Trump gives Iran 48-hour deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz or "Hell will reign down"
The war shows no signs of slowing as Iran responds to airstrikes with attacks across the region.
HealthWatch
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Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
He thought he was in good health — until fainting during a bike ride
John Cantrell was enjoying his retirement until an unexpected condition forced him to choose between two kinds of heart surgery.
HHS announces national program to study effect of microplastics on humans
The Environmental Protection Agency also added microplastics to its contaminant candidate list for the first time.
FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss pill
The FDA approved a new GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
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Family of Iran military leader Soleimani has U.S. residence visas revoked
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were granted U.S. asylum in 2019, but the government is now moving to strip them of their green cards.
2 men and teen held in U.K. custody over Jewish charity ambulance attack
All men were charged Friday with arson and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
Deadly strikes in Ukraine and Russia kill 10, injure dozens
The attacks came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Dutch police probe explosion outside a pro-Israel Christian center
The incident comes after a string of similar nighttime attacks across Europe that have heightened concerns over antisemitism.
One dead, dozens injured in crush during rally at Peru soccer stadium
Videos broadcast by local television stations showed a large crowd of fans in the south stands amidst an explosion of fireworks.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
4/4: Saturday Morning
The search continues for a missing American service member after Iran shot down an F-15E fighter jet on Friday. Meanwhile, the Artemis II passed its halfway point to the moon.
Kenan Thompson on his career and parenthood
Kenan Thompson sits down with Kelly O'Grady to reflect on his career and parenthood while discussing his new children's book "Unfunny Bunny."
Drayton Farley performs "It's Called Doubt"
Alabama native Drayton Farley was working at a local auto plant and making bedroom recordings just a few years ago. Now he's being compared to Americana greats like Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell. His new album, "A Heavy Duty Heart," is out now. Here's Drayton Farley performing "It's Called Doubt."
Drayton Farley performs "The Luckier Ones"
Alabama native Drayton Farley was working at a local auto plant and making bedroom recordings just a few years ago. Now he's being compared to Americana greats like Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell. His new album, "A Heavy Duty Heart," is out now. Here's Drayton Farley performing "The Luckier Ones."
Drayton Farley performs "I Need Your Love"
Alabama native Drayton Farley was working at a local auto plant and making bedroom recordings just a few years ago. Now he's being compared to Americana greats like Tyler Childers and Jason Isbell. His new album, "A Heavy Duty Heart," is out now. Here's Drayton Farley performing "I Need Your Love."
Technology
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The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
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.
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Science
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Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
How do astronauts use the bathroom?
The science and technology behind using the restroom in space continues to evolve. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave looks at the out-of-this-world facilities available to the Artemis II crew.
Crime
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Robbery reveals sinister plot to kill a man with a root beer float
When Harold Allen died suddenly in his home in Freetown, Indiana, no one suspected anything out of the ordinary. Nine months later, a burglary at his home would lead to a murder investigation and an unusual weapon.
Would Michigan investigators be able to prove murder in a case without a body?
After Dee Warner, a Michigan businesswoman and mother, disappeared from her home, her family believed she has been murdered and suspected her husband Dale Warner. But without physical evidence, they knew it would be hard to prove.
Man arrested at retirement home for wife's murder decades earlier
Janice Randle was found dead in her bed in 1992, but police couldn't make an arrest in the case until new information emerged.
From 1996: FBI arrests suspected Unabomber
On April 3, 1996, the FBI arrested Theodore Kaczynski in the Unabomber case, ending one of the longest and most intense manhunts in U.S. history. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
More on Pam Bondi's firing
President Trump's firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi is raising questions about their dynamic in the months prior. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
Space
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Despite toilet trouble, Artemis II crew reflects on wonder of deep space experience
Amid ongoing toilet trouble, the Artemis II astronauts reflected on the wonder of sailing through deep space to the moon.
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
The Artemis II astronauts continued their long coast to the moon, capturing stunning photos along the way.
NASA shares first photos of Earth taken by Artemis II
The photo shows the entire planet, as well as the Northern and Southern lights.
Artemis II crew clears Earth orbit, heads for the moon
The engine firing provided a slingshot-like boost to the Orion capsule, speeding it to 24,500 mph, the velocity needed to break free of Earth's gravitational clasp for a trek to the moon.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Root Beer Float Murder
A burglar caught red-handed leads police to a killer and a poisoned root beer float. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports.
The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
When a woman disappears, her children are certain she's been murdered. But without a body, they know it will be hard to get justice. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Crew member from downed jet rescued from Iran
The second U.S. crew member from the downed F-15E in Iran was rescued by special forces, according to multiple U.S. officials and President Trump. Carissa Lawson anchors this Special Report.
Artemis II astronauts speak on their moon mission
The Artemis II astronauts spoke with CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann from space as they flew closer to the moon.
100 years of the Harlem Globetrotters
For 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been sharing the game of basketball around the world. Jericka Duncan caught up with them after a century of tricks and laughs.