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
Is Trump's $1.7+ billion "anti-weaponization fund" legal? Experts weigh in.
The new fund to provide payouts to those who say the legal system was "weaponized" against them raised immediate questions about its legality, implementation and enforcement.
Live
Iran mulls latest U.S. proposal as Trump says war is in "final stages"
Iran says it's considering the latest U.S. peace offer, as President Trump says he's willing to wait "a couple of days" for a response.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
DNC releases long-awaited autopsy on 2024 election
The Democratic National Committee released a long-awaited autopsy on the 2024 election that party chair Ken Martin has kept under wraps for months.
Tennessee stops execution after failing to find vein for lethal drugs
Tennessee called off the planned execution of Tony Carruthers on Thursday, his attorney said.
House bill would ban use of federal money for DOJ's "anti-weaponization" fund
GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi introduced a bill to ban the use of federal money for paying out claims under the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization" fund.
Feeding Our Future fraud ringleader Aimee Bock sentenced to 41+ years
Aimee Bock, the convicted ringleader of the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minnesota, was sentenced to more than 40 years in prison on Thursday.
Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
Colbert hosts "The Late Show" one last time tonight as franchise ends
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert is marking the end of an iconic late-night franchise on CBS.
U.S.
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NASCAR star Kyle Busch dies at 41 after a severe illness, his family says
Kyle Busch's family earlier Thursday announced he had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
Epstein island trespasser says he was hog-tied, thrown into "dungeon"
Little St. James in the Virgin Islands has attracted seekers lured by tales of Jeffrey Epstein's private island.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Zelenskyy confirmed his most famous quote. I got pushback for reporting it.
Whether Zelenskyy had in fact uttered the line "I need ammunition — not a ride" was disputed by the Biden administration when I reported it. Now, the Ukrainian leader has confirmed he said it.
House bill would ban use of federal money for DOJ's "anti-weaponization" fund
GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi introduced a bill to ban the use of federal money for paying out claims under the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization" fund.
MoneyWatch
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Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Consumers are still spending, but cracks are starting to show
Shoppers continue to open their pocketbooks, boosting retailers like Walmart, even as inflation jumps to its highest level in three years.
Summer air travel could be rough. Here's how travelers can prepare.
A new report finds that on-time flight arrivals are at their worst level since 2014, with fuel costs and weather adding to summer travel risks.
Record 274 climbers scale Nepal's side of Mount Everest in single day
A record 274 climbers scaled the Nepal side of Mount Everest in a single day, officials said. They took advantage of clear weather.
World Cup expected to generate more in sports bets than the Super Bowl
Americans are expected to wager more than $3 billion amid the expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S.
Politics
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Zelenskyy confirmed his most famous quote. I got pushback for reporting it.
Whether Zelenskyy had in fact uttered the line "I need ammunition — not a ride" was disputed by the Biden administration when I reported it. Now, the Ukrainian leader has confirmed he said it.
House bill would ban use of federal money for DOJ's "anti-weaponization" fund
GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi introduced a bill to ban the use of federal money for paying out claims under the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization" fund.
7th and 8th judges rebuff Justice Dept.'s attempts to get voter rolls from states
The Justice Department has sued 30 states and Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain access to their complete voter registration lists.
Congress delays reconciliation votes amid GOP opposition to new DOJ fund
The House and Senate will both leave Washington for their Memorial Day recess without voting on a reconciliation package to fund federal immigration agencies.
Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
HealthWatch
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U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Is "fibermaxxing" good for your health?
Health and fitness influencers are pushing people to consume more fiber. Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life founder and CEO, joins with her take.
Vanessa Trump announces cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump announced on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is working with her doctors on a treatment plan.
Noah Wyle's push to help healthcare workers
Noah Wyle, who stars in HBO's "The Pitt," joins "CBS Mornings" with Dr. Elisabeth Potter to discuss their push to improve mental health and quality of life for healthcare workers.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
World
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Epstein island trespasser says he was hog-tied, thrown into "dungeon"
Little St. James in the Virgin Islands has attracted seekers lured by tales of Jeffrey Epstein's private island.
U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Divers killed in Maldives cave may have taken wrong tunnel: "No way out"
Finnish divers found the Italians in a corridor with a dead end inside the cave complex, Italy's la Repubblica daily reported.
Ukraine ups security as Russia holds nuclear strike drills with Belarus
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Record 274 climbers scale Nepal's side of Mount Everest in single day
A record 274 climbers scaled the Nepal side of Mount Everest in a single day, officials said. They took advantage of clear weather.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
All 24 "Survivor 50" castaways discuss season
Throughout the airing of "Survivor 50," castaways joined "CBS Mornings" to discuss their time on the show. In this marathon, relive the twists and turns and hear from all 24 contestants about what it was like to be a part of the 50th season.
"Survivor 50" finalists discuss strategy, how they planned to win
Aubry won the record $2 million prize for earning 8-of-11 votes in Wednesday night's finale of "Survivor 50."
"Survivor 50" players on game strategies
"Survivor" host Jeff Probst joins Gayle King and the top five contestants from "Survivor 50" after the jury crowned a winner in the legendary game.
Survivor 50 winner describes show experience
(Warning: spoiler alert!) The "Survivor 50" final five contestants join Gayle King to discuss the season finale.
"Survivor 50" winner crowned
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Technology
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Technology
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins 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.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
Science
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Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
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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.
Crime
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Epstein island trespasser says he was hog-tied, thrown into "dungeon"
Little St. James in the Virgin Islands has attracted seekers lured by tales of Jeffrey Epstein's private island.
Tennessee stops execution after failing to find vein for lethal drugs
Tennessee called off the planned execution of Tony Carruthers on Thursday, his attorney said.
Charges dismissed for ex-official at school where 6-year-old shot teacher
A judge has dismissed all charges against a former school administrator accused of ignoring warnings about a 6-year-old with a gun.
Arrest made in Connecticut 40 years after woman's murder in Virginia
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TikTok star charged in alleged murder plot
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Space
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SpaceX ready to launch more powerful Super Heavy-Starship
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SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
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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.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
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The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Where a potential peace deal with Iran stands
Iranian state media said its leadership is reviewing the U.S.'s latest peace proposal, nearly three months into a war that has had global consequences. President Trump said he is willing to give Iran a "couple of days" to respond to the proposal. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more.
Plane diverts to Canada over Ebola
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Lawmakers react to "anti-weaponization fund"
A growing number of lawmakers are speaking out against the Justice Department's $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization fund." CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
CBS News Radio flashback: Obama wins presidency
Major Garrett introduces CBS News Radio's coverage of the election of the first Black president of the U.S., Barack Obama.
Democratic, GOP strategists on 2024 autopsy
After a long delay and series of reversals, the Democratic National Committee has released its autopsy report of the 2024 presidential election. Political strategists Jim McLaughlin and Amanda Litman join to react to the findings.