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
Exclusive
Bessent on Trump's crypto earnings: "I don't think there's an appearance problem"
In an exclusive interview, the treasury secretary also addressed the struggles facing the U.S. economy and the new tax-deferred Trump Accounts.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much the president paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
Live
U.S.-Iran talks pause for ayatollah's funeral after claims of progress
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will pause for a week for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader, but Trump, and mediators, say there's been progress.
McConnell still hospitalized after EMS responded to his home last month
A spokesperson said the Kentucky Republican "continues to improve."
Former CDC official: RFK Jr.'s response to measles "not based on science"
Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned in protest from the health agency, said the spread of misinformation impacted lives.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
Celeb planners on how MSG could become Taylor Swift's perfect wedding venue
Two elite event designers shared their thoughts on how Taylor Swift's team might transform Madison Square Garden.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
U.S.
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Exclusive
Bessent on Trump's crypto earnings: "I don't think there's an appearance problem"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touched on the recent disclosure of President Trump's crypto earnings, the latest developments with the tax-deferred Trump Accounts, and the struggles facing the U.S. economy.
McConnell still hospitalized after EMS responded to his home last month
A spokesperson said the Kentucky Republican "continues to improve."
This week on "Sunday Morning" (July 5)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Spotify removes streams of No. 1 song after suspicious Kalshi bets
Spotify said the streams tied to Malcolm Todd's "Earrings" were not from genuine listeners after suspicious betting activity emerged on Kalshi.
Kennedy Center selling $25,000 ticket package to watch D.C. July 4th fireworks
The Washington, D.C., fireworks show, which is sponsored by the Trump-backed organization Freedom 250, is not slated to begin until 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Bessent on Trump's crypto earnings: "I don't think there's an appearance problem"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touched on the recent disclosure of President Trump's crypto earnings, the latest developments with the tax-deferred Trump Accounts, and the struggles facing the U.S. economy.
Spotify removes streams of No. 1 song after suspicious Kalshi bets
Spotify said the streams tied to Malcolm Todd's "Earrings" were not from genuine listeners after suspicious betting activity emerged on Kalshi.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much President Trump paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
StubHub accused of failing to deliver pricey World Cup tickets
Ticket reseller StubHub abruptly canceled customers' tickets to World Cup matches, costing them thousands of dollars, a lawsuit alleges.
Employers added 57,000 jobs in June, far below forecasts
June's payroll gains were much lower than the 100,000 new hires that economists had predicted.
Politics
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Trump says U.S. keeping current support levels for NATO would be "ridiculous"
President Trump says it would be "ridiculous" for the United States to continue its "one sided" relationship with NATO. His remarks came less than a week before a NATO summit in Turkey.
Former CDC official: RFK Jr.'s response to measles "not based on science"
Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned in protest from the health agency, said the spread of misinformation impacted lives.
McConnell still hospitalized after EMS responded to his home last month
A spokesperson said the Kentucky Republican "continues to improve."
Kennedy Center selling $25,000 ticket package to watch D.C. July 4th fireworks
The Washington, D.C., fireworks show, which is sponsored by the Trump-backed organization Freedom 250, is not slated to begin until 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
HealthWatch
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Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
World
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Trump says U.S. keeping current support levels for NATO would be "ridiculous"
President Trump says it would be "ridiculous" for the United States to continue its "one sided" relationship with NATO. His remarks came less than a week before a NATO summit in Turkey.
Man who sold land for Kushner-backed Albania resort facing criminal probe
A man who sold land for a controversial, Jared Kushner-backed luxury development in Albania is suspected of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Security guard rescued from rubble 8 days after Venezuela earthquakes
Hernan Gil was brought out on a stretcher as elated rescuers cheered and hugged each other. He was loaded into a waiting ambulance and driven away.
Catholic Church excommunicates 6 bishops from ultra-conservative society
The Vatican says bishops from the ultra-conservative Catholic SSPX society were automatically excommunicated after ignoring Pope Leo's plea for unity.
"Once-in-a-generation" expedition launched to survey 2 legendary shipwrecks
Researchers will travel to the bottom of the North Atlantic to survey two legendary shipwrecks, once tied to a pair of iconic 19th-century polar explorers.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Swift-Kelce wedding festivities kick off
Wedding celebrations are getting underway at Madison Square Garden as pop superstar Taylor Swift and Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce prepare to celebrate their wedding. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more.
Sources: Swift-Kelce rehearsal dinner underway
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's rehearsal dinner is underway at Madison Square Garden, according to two law enforcement officials directly familiar with the security planning. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce announce donations
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced Thursday that they donated $26 million to 20 charities, hours before people began arriving at Madison Square Garden for a 100-person rehearsal dinner. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $26 million ahead of wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated to 20 local and national charities ahead of their wedding Friday.
StubHub accused of failing to deliver pricey World Cup tickets
Ticket reseller StubHub abruptly canceled customers' tickets to World Cup matches, costing them thousands of dollars, a lawsuit alleges.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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Science
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Crime
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Crime
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Man charged over Reflecting Pool vandalism
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on Thursday on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up roughly two feet of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, amid the algae blooms and political mudslinging around the president's $16 million renovation. Nicole Sganga reports.
Daredevil couple facing charges
The two daredevils who climbed the spire of the Empire State Building in New York on Wednesday are facing a litany of criminal charges. According to prosecutors, the man told police he just wanted to "do something special" for his engagement. But now, Angela Nikolau says police have taken her ring as evidence. Tom Hanson reports.
Friend on the Empire State Building climbers
The couple that scaled the Empire State Building made a court appearance on Thursday, facing charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and base jumping. Anna Martinez, one of their close friends, joins CBS News to discuss.
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
Space
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NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Latest Galleries
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
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Summer music highlights of 2026
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Exclusive interview: Scott Bessent
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks with CBS News' Kelly O'Grady about stock donations for Trump accounts, the war in Iran, President Trump's $1.4 billion in crypto earnings and more.
Almost 1 year after Camp Mystic tragedy
Saturday marks one year since the catastrophic flooding that swept through Camp Mystic in Texas. Raging river water flooded the camp for young girls, killing 25 campers, two counselors and the camp's executive director. CBS News' Jason Allen reports.
Legal questions in trans athletes case
This week, the Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson answers some constitutional questions about the case.
Job growth slowed in June, falling short of expectations
Hiring in the U.S. slowed in June, falling short of expectations, according to the Labor Department. CBS News producer Emily Pandise has more.