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Early Clues Point to a Bigger 2027 Social Security COLA, with Caution
9 days ago•Source: The Motley Fool
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Mega Millions climbs to $232 million as May 12 numbers are drawn
The Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $232 million for the May 12 drawing (cash value $103.8 million). The winning numbers are 17, 32, 35, 40, and 47, with Mega Ball 17. The next drawing is Friday, May 15. There have been two jackpot winners in 2026 so far.
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Mega Millions resets to $50M after consecutive jackpot wins
USA TODAY reports Mega Millions’ jackpot is set at $50 million for Friday’s drawing (with a $22.6 million cash option) after back-to-back wins in Illinois and Ohio, following Illinois’ $536 million prize on March 10 and an Ohio win on St. Patrick’s Day. The Friday winning numbers were 11, 20, 51, 55, 63 with Mega Ball 4. Players can take a lump-sum payout or annual payments that rise 5% each year; the next drawing is Tuesday, March 24 at 11 p.m. ET. Mega Millions is played in 45 states plus DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Dairy Queen Celebrates Spring With Free Cone Day on March 19
Dairy Queen will give away a free small vanilla soft-serve cone at participating locations on March 19, with no purchase required and one per person; the offer excludes delivery and mobile orders. Fans can also sign up for the DQ Rewards loyalty program via the DQ App or DairyQueen.com for a chance to win free cones for a year.
Carrying a Stranger's Baby for $75K: The Hidden Dangers of Surrogacy
A 31-year-old Arizona mother explains she carried a stranger’s baby for up to $75,000, calling surrogacy life‑changing but warning of a dark side when oversight is lax. She describes the need for rigorous screening, contracts, and medical support, and cautions about unsafe, agency‑less arrangements that can leave surrogates exposed to legal and emotional risks. The piece underscores that legitimate surrogacy is costly and demanding—not a quick payday—often involving IVF, comprehensive checks, and careful boundaries with intended parents.
Lawsuit Over $12.8M Lottery Ticket Bought by Circle K Manager After Drawing
A Circle K store manager in Scottsdale is suing to determine who owns a $12.8 million Arizona lottery prize after allegedly purchasing the winning, unclaimed ticket from another employee the day after the drawing; the ticket remains at Circle K’s corporate offices as the company seeks a court ruling on ownership ahead of a May 23, 2026 claim deadline.
Powerball climbs to $102M ahead of Saturday drawing
Powerball’s Feb. 7 drawing has a $102 million jackpot (cash option $46.8 million). The winning numbers drawn were 42-36-25-51-58 with Powerball 6, and a North Carolina player previously won a $209 million jackpot in January. The article also explains Powerball basics, how prizes are won, and notes online ticket options (e.g., Jackpocket) where allowed.
Powerball MLK Day draw yields $193 million jackpot
Powerball’s Jan. 19, 2026 draw produced numbers 05-55-34-28-37 with Powerball 17; the jackpot stands at $193 million (cash value $87.9 million) after no ticket matched all six numbers on Saturday. The record $1.8 billion Christmas Eve jackpot winner in Arkansas remains unclaimed with a June 22, 2026 deadline. Draws occur Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; tickets cost $2 (Power Play available). Online ticketing is available in some states via Jackpocket.
2026 Social Security Payment Schedule and Key Changes
In 2026, Social Security beneficiaries will receive their monthly payments on Wednesdays, with the schedule based on their birth dates, similar to 2025. The year will also see a cost-of-living adjustment, Medicare increases, and potential tax relief, supporting around 74 million Americans relying on these benefits.
Key Social Security Updates and Payment Schedules for 2026
The article explains the Social Security benefit payment schedule for 2026, detailing how payment dates are determined by birth dates and providing specific dates for each month, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Social Security Payment Schedule for January
Social Security payments for January 2026 are scheduled based on beneficiaries' start date and birth date, with specific dates for SSA and SSI recipients, and guidance provided for reporting missing payments.
2025 American Innovation $1 Coin Reverse Proof Set Launches December 30
The U.S. Mint will start accepting orders on December 30, 2025, for the American Innovation $1 Coin Reverse Proof Set, celebrating innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, and Texas, priced at $32.25 with a limit of two sets per household, featuring four coins with a distinctive frosted and mirror finish encased in a clear plastic lens.