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
Live
Trump says U.S. prepared to hit Iran "anytime we want" after "very heavy attack"
The U.S. military was looking into Iran's allegations that people at a wedding party were killed in the American strikes, a spokesman said.
House rejects GOP effort to ban Supreme Court expansion in Constitution
A GOP-proposed constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court to nine justices failed in the House, coming up well short of the two-thirds majority needed.
First on CBS
Dark money in Texas Senate race spurs Talarico complaint to FEC against Paxton
James Talarico's Senate campaign is accusing Ken Paxton and his campaign treasurer of "illegally spending" $1 million that was routed to a Paxton-aligned super PAC.
Minneapolis police responding to shooting that injured several, including 2 officers
Dozens of police squads are on the scene of a shooting that injured several people, including two police officers, near the Minneapolis Convention Center late Wednesday afternoon.
Here are the military officials who've been fired or resigned under Hegseth
At least 20 generals, admirals and civilian defense leaders have been fired or have departed their jobs since Pete Hegseth became defense secretary at the beginning of the second Trump administration.
Plane carrying Mullin makes emergency landing after engine failure
"The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single engine landing feel routine. No panic, just straight professionalism," Mullin said on X.
Lindsay Clancy jury still deadlocked, ends day without verdict
The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, which signaled Wednesday for a second straight day it is deadlocked, left without a verdict and will resume deliberations on Thursday.
Clippers, Leonard penalized by NBA for alleged violation of salary cap rules
The Clippers will forfeit five future first-round draft picks, while Leonard must pay the league $700,000.
$1 gold Trump coins are on sale, but they'll cost you more than $1 apiece
The U.S. Mint said the President Donald J. Trump $1 coin can be bought in packages of 25 for $61 or 100 coins for $154.50.
U.S.
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Uber to shed 10% of workers as it moves to cut costs and streamline
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber is removing organizational layers and taking other steps to boost its efficiency.
First on CBS
Dark money in Texas Senate race spurs Talarico complaint to FEC against Paxton
James Talarico's Senate campaign is accusing Ken Paxton and his campaign treasurer of "illegally spending" $1 million that was routed to a Paxton-aligned super PAC.
People turning to BNPL loans to pay for rent, food and other necessities
More consumers are taking out "buy now, pay later" loans to make ends meet, a sign of the U.S. affordability crisis, according to consumer advocates.
House rejects GOP effort to ban Supreme Court expansion in Constitution
A GOP-proposed constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court to nine justices failed in the House, coming up well short of the two-thirds majority needed.
Clancy trial highlights need to rethink postpartum care: "The duty is on the system"
Lindsay Clancy's case is resonating with moms across the U.S. — bringing into focus the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the lack of resources for many women.
MoneyWatch
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Uber to shed 10% of workers as it moves to cut costs and streamline
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber is removing organizational layers and taking other steps to boost its efficiency.
People turning to BNPL loans to pay for rent, food and other necessities
More consumers are taking out "buy now, pay later" loans to make ends meet, a sign of the U.S. affordability crisis, according to consumer advocates.
Meta says AI glasses fix stops users from secretly recording others
Meta upgrades its AI glasses' privacy features to block device users from filming people without their consent.
"We are the best," Chinese EV maker says ahead of push into North America
A trade deal with Canada is about to give Chinese EV makers already grabbing major market share elsewhere a foothold just over the Detroit River.
$1 gold Trump coins are on sale, but they'll cost you more than $1 apiece
The U.S. Mint said the President Donald J. Trump $1 coin can be bought in packages of 25 for $61 or 100 coins for $154.50.
Politics
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First on CBS
Dark money in Texas Senate race spurs Talarico complaint to FEC against Paxton
James Talarico's Senate campaign is accusing Ken Paxton and his campaign treasurer of "illegally spending" $1 million that was routed to a Paxton-aligned super PAC.
House rejects GOP effort to ban Supreme Court expansion in Constitution
A GOP-proposed constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court to nine justices failed in the House, coming up well short of the two-thirds majority needed.
Family blames suicide of 20-year-old Haitian immigrant on ICE crackdown
A 20-year-old Haitian native died by suicide in Ohio this week, his family says, a death his father said was driven in part by feelings of despair and humiliation after ICE fitted him with an ankle monitor.
Plane carrying Mullin makes emergency landing after engine failure
"The United States Coast Guard pilots made the single engine landing feel routine. No panic, just straight professionalism," Mullin said on X.
USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after more than 9 months at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has docked in eastern Thailand after its grueling deployment in the Middle East.
HealthWatch
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Clancy trial highlights need to rethink postpartum care: "The duty is on the system"
Lindsay Clancy's case is resonating with moms across the U.S. — bringing into focus the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the lack of resources for many women.
What's true and false about infertility? We asked a fertility specialist.
Dr. Temeka Zore, a double board-certified OB-GYN and fertility specialist, joined "Healthful" for a deep dive on all things fertility, from endometriosis to PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) to egg freezing.
The market forces quietly adding thousands to patient bills
The true cost of "vertical integration": Patients directed to a higher-priced location for procedures. Or forced to buy from their insurer's wholly owned pharmacy, which may not stock the drug prescribed or provide it at the lowest price.
Trump inks deal with 9 pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs
The White House said the agreements will reduce costs to treat Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease and other illnesses.
Man with sinus infection symptoms diagnosed with heart condition
Marc Gaudisosi thought his symptoms were caused by a sinus infection. Then an urgent care told him to go to the hospital.
World
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"We are the best," Chinese EV maker says ahead of push into North America
A trade deal with Canada is about to give Chinese EV makers already grabbing major market share elsewhere a foothold just over the Detroit River.
USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after more than 9 months at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has docked in eastern Thailand after its grueling deployment in the Middle East.
Live
Trump says U.S. prepared to hit Iran "anytime we want" after "very heavy attack"
The U.S. military was looking into Iran's allegations that people at a wedding party were killed in the American strikes, a spokesman said.
Spain's leader says Russia and Israel fueled immigration "disinformation"
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says "networks linked both to Russia and to Israel" helped spread rumors about immigration "to attack Europe and divide it."
U.K. man accused of drugging, abusing wife with other men goes on trial
The case has drawn parallels to that of Gisèle Pelicot, who publicly testified against her ex-husband in a 2024 mass rape trial.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Adria Arjona talks career, "Onslaught" role
Adria Arjona sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss her new movie, "Onslaught," and working with Michael B. Jordan on "The Thomas Crown Affair."
Artists sue AI-generated music company
Jason Isbell, Guy Forsyth and other musicians filed a class action lawsuit against Suno, claiming the AI platform used their music to train its model without permission. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Danielle Brooks on "If I Go Will They Miss Me"
Danielle Brooks sits down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about her new movie, "If I Go Will They Miss Me," and how being a mother and wife helped her in portraying the role.
Lionel Richie hospitalized after weekend show
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
John Galliano's Met Gala exhibit canceled
John Galliano's exhibit for the 2027 Met Gala has been canceled after weeks of backlash over his past antisemitic and racist comments. CBS News fashion contributor Lauren Sherman reports.
Technology
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Uber to shed 10% of workers as it moves to cut costs and streamline
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said Uber is removing organizational layers and taking other steps to boost its efficiency.
OpenAI confirms "critical" risks of Astra model
OpenAI confirmed that its unreleased Astra model has reached a critical cyber capability threshold, which could pose cybersecurity risks. Tim Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
China's high tech EVs exported to Canada
Advanced, relatively cheap Chinese electric vehicles will soon arrive in Canada. CBS News' Anna Coren visited an EV production facility to learn about the expanding international market.
Meta says AI glasses fix stops users from secretly recording others
Meta upgrades its AI glasses' privacy features to block device users from filming people without their consent.
Science
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Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Crime
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Crime
Judge gives "dynamite instruction" to Clancy jury
For the second day in a row, the jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial reported that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Caroline Polisi have the details.
Alleged leader of Penn State drug ring on bail
The former Penn State student accused of leading a cocaine trafficking ring at the university was granted bail on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Lana Zak has the details.
No verdict on Day 5 of Clancy deliberations
The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial wrapped deliberations on Wednesday without reaching a verdict after telling the judge for a second time they're deadlocked. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Caroline Polisi have the latest.
Jury still deadlocked in Lindsay Clancy trial
Jurors are still deadlocked as they try to decide the fate of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts woman accused of murdering her three children. Clancy has admitted to killing the kids, but has pleaded not guilty, arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Jessica Levinson have more.
Woman arrested outside Lindsay Clancy trial
A woman was arrested Tuesday for allegedly filming jurors as they left the courthouse where Lindsay Clancy's trial is being held. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Jessica Levinson have more.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Suozzi calls on Democrats to reject DSA
As progressive and moderate Democrats debate the party's path forward, Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York is calling on fellow Democrats to reject the Democratic Socialists of America. Suozzi joins "The Takeout" to discuss his piece in The Free Press, a Paramount publication.
Hinojosa on facing Abbott in Texas governor race
The nationwide political debate over data centers has made its way into the Texas governor's race. Gov. Greg Abbott recently paused approvals for new data centers, but his Democratic opponent, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, says she's skeptical he'll stick to it. Hinojosa joins "The Takeout" to discuss her campaign.
Trump downplays potential for Iran peace deal
President Trump on Wednesday downplayed the importance of a peace deal with Tehran while calling on Iranian citizens to take over their government. CBS News' Weijia Jiang and Samantha Vinograd have the latest.
OpenAI confirms "critical" risks of Astra model
OpenAI confirmed that its unreleased Astra model has reached a critical cyber capability threshold, which could pose cybersecurity risks. Tim Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
Judge gives "dynamite instruction" to Clancy jury
For the second day in a row, the jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial reported that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Caroline Polisi have the details.