Mega millions jackpot surpasses $500 million as excitement builds
Woman counting US dollars. Pile of cash money background. Female person counts hundreds usd winning the lottery, proceeds from bargain. New banknotes in hands.

Mega Millions jackpot surpasses $500 million as excitement builds

TRENTON, NJ — The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an estimated $514 million after no tickets matched all six numbers in Tuesday’s drawing.

The multi-state lottery, which spans 47 U.S. jurisdictions, now boasts its largest prize since September, when a Texas player won an $800 million jackpot. The next drawing is scheduled for Friday at 11 p.m.

In New Jersey, a ticket sold at a 7-Eleven in Lyndhurst, Bergen County, matched four numbers and the Mega Ball, earning its owner $10,000 in Tuesday’s drawing.

This year has seen several high-profile Mega Millions wins, including a $1.13 billion jackpot claimed in March by a New Jersey player and a $560 million prize won in Illinois in June.

Tickets for Friday’s drawing cost $2, with an optional $1 Megaplier that can boost non-jackpot winnings by up to five times. Sales for Friday’s drawing will close at 10:45 p.m.

Local News Report

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News