South-Carolina

So close: South Carolina Mega Millions players barely miss jackpot, now over $600 million

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

Press Room

So close: South Carolina Mega Millions players barely miss jackpot, now over 0 million

Although no one won the half a billion dollar jackpot, two South Carolina players did become millionaires, willing $1 and $2 million. The next drawing of the Mega Millions will be on Friday.

No one could claim the $500 million jackpot in Mega Millions Tuesday night’s drawing but two players from South Carolina walked away with seven-figure jackpots by matching five numbers in the draw.

Two new millionaires were crowned in South Carolina as both of them matched the five white balls but missed the golden Mega Ball. One of the players won $2 million as they paid an extra $1 for the Megaplier while the other player netted $1 million.

Since no grand prize winners were had on Tuesday, the Mega Millions jackpot has now increased to an estimated $627 million for the drawing on Friday, making it the ninth-largest in the game’s history.

Friday will be the ninth time the Mega Millions drawing jackpot has surpassed $600 million since the game began in 2002. The cash option for Friday’s drawing will be an estimated $309.1 million.

The drawing on Tuesday had a total of 1,202,189 winning tickets sold across the county, with 30 of them matching four white balls in addition to the Mega Ball, winning players $10,000 each. Ten of those netted players $20,000 as they purchased the Megaplier.

What were the winning numbers on Tuesday’s Mega Millions?

The winning numbers drawn on Tuesday night were 16, 18, 21, 54, 65 with a Mega Ball of 05 and a Megaplier of 2x.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

What are the biggest-ever Mega Millions drawings?

The 10 largest Mega Millions drawings have all happened during the last 12 years, starting when three winning tickets were sold in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland for a $656 million jackpot.

Here is a list of the top 10 Mega Millions jackpots in history:

$1.602 billion on August 8, 2023, saw one winning ticket in Florida.
$1.537 billion on October 23, 2018, with one winning ticket in South Carolina.
$1.348 billion on January 13, 2023, had one winning ticket in Maine.
$1.337 billion on July 29, 2022, had one winner in Illinois
$1.128 billion on March 26, 2024, with one winner in New Jersey
$1.050 billion on January 22, 2021, saw one winner in Michigan
$656 million on March 30, 2020, had three winners in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland
$648 million on December 17, 2013, had two winners in California and Georgia
$627 million on August 30, 2024
$552 million on June 4, 2024, with one winner in Illinois

How do I play the Mega Millions?

In order to buy a ticket, you’ll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store − and in a handful of states, you can purchase tickets online.

To play, you will need to pick six numbers. Five numbers will be white balls ranging from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball is one number between 1 and 25.

If you believe the odds are against you, ask for a ”Quick Pick” or an ”Easy Pick,” the computer will randomly generate the numbers for you.

Players can add the ”Megaplier” for $1, which can increase non-grand prize winnings by two, three, four or five times. The Megaplier is drawn before the Mega Millions numbers on Tuesday and Friday.

There are 15 Megapiler balls in all:

2X, five balls
3X, six balls
4X, three balls
5X, one ball

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for June 2, 2026

Published

2 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 results for June 2, 2026

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 2 drawing

15-26-43-48-60, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 8-7-6, FB: 6

Evening: 3-8-3, FB: 6

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 2-8-6-6, FB: 6

Evening: 7-1-4-4, FB: 6

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 06

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from June 2 drawing

01-04-05-07-34

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.

Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South-Carolina

South Carolina store owner found not guilty of murder in fatal shooting of Black teen

Published

13 hours ago

June 2, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina store owner found not guilty of murder in fatal shooting of Black teen

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Chikei Rick Chow has been found not guilty by a South Carolina jury on murder charges in the shooting death of a Black 14-year-old in Columbia.

Chow was charged in the May 28, 2023, shooting death of Cyrus Carmack-Belton outside Chow’s Shell gas station on Parklane Road.

Carmack-Belton ran from the store while being chased by Chow and his son, according to prosecutors.

Authorities said the pair pursued the teen after accusing him of stealing four bottles of water from the store.

Chow shot Carmack-Belton once in the back after his son claimed the teen had a gun. He was arrested the following day.

In November 2025, a judge denied Rick Chow immunity under South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground law and also denied bond, ruling the 60-year-old store owner was a danger to the community and a flight risk.

The ruling came after prosecutors presented surveillance video and photos in court showing Carmack-Belton running from the store. Authorities said the allegation of theft was not supported by surveillance video.

Chow has served three years in prison.

The unanimous decision came Monday evening after eight hours of deliberation.

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South-Carolina

Anderson County voters to weigh in on Statehouse races. Who’s on ballot?

Published

23 hours ago

June 2, 2026

Press Room

Anderson County voters to weigh in on Statehouse races. Who’s on ballot?

Voters in Anderson County will decide four contested South Carolina House primary races this June as incumbents face challengers on issues ranging from taxes and government spending to immigration, education, and public safety.

For the 2026 primaries, there are four contested races in Anderson County.

Candidate filing for the 2026 election cycle closed in March, officially setting the stage for the June primaries and November general election.

Polls opened for early voting on May 26, and election day will be on Tuesday, June 9. For residents looking to find where to vote, scvotes.org lists precinct locations.

State House District 6

April Cromer

Age: 49

Family: Cromer has a husband, Brent Cromer, and two children

Experience: She has been the incumbent since being elected on Nov.14, 2022. Outside of that, she’s an internal operations auditor for her family’s business, Cromer Food Services.

Top issue: She said the state government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and argued lawmakers should focus on reducing inefficiencies before considering any tax increases.

“As a businesswoman who has helped run a company of more than 100 employees, I know that throwing money at broken systems never works. Rather than raising your taxes, yet again, increase our state budget, I’ll work to bring down costs and make our government more efficient by slashing wasteful spending,” Cromer said.

Kyle White

Age: 41

Family: Kyle is married to his wife, Ashlea, and they have a daughter and a son.

Experience: White is currently an attorney. He works at the White, Davis, and White Law Firm in Anderson.

Top issue: White said he supports conservative policies focused on gun rights, lower taxes, stricter immigration enforcement, and support for law enforcement, veterans, and small businesses. He also pledged to improve infrastructure and public education, expand school choice, protect natural resources and property rights, and push for government reform and accountability in Columbia.

“I will hold all branches accountable to ensure they work for us, not themselves or any special interest group. I am not a politician, and I have spent most of my career holding the government accountable in our courts, and I will take that experience to Columbia,” White said.

District 8

Sherry Hodges

Age: 70

Family: Sherry is married to Scott Hodges, and the pair has several children and grandchildren.

Experience: Hodges serves as vice-chair of the Anderson County Foster Care Review Board and an executive committee member of the Anderson County Republican Party. She served as chair of the Coalition Against the Anderson County Sales Tax Referendum.

Top issue: Hodges presents a platform focused on limited government, lower taxes, fiscal restraint, and redirecting state spending toward infrastructure, roads, and core services while opposing what she describes as wasteful government spending and tax increases.

She also emphasizes positions on a range of social and constitutional issues, including abortion, education and parental rights, gun rights, election integrity, immigration enforcement, and medical freedom, while advocating for stronger support for families, law enforcement, and small businesses.

Don Chapman

Age: 60

Family: Chapman is married to his wife, Amy.

Experience: Chapman is the incumbent in District 8 and was sworn in on Nov. 14, 2022. Chapman owns anarchitectural firm, Chapman Design Group, based in Anderson. He was formerly on the Anderson City Council from 2008 to 2021.

Top issue: Chapman points to efforts to strengthen public safety, secure the border, support education and school funding, protect life, and pass laws to safeguard children and expand parental and constitutional rights.

“Serving my hometown of Anderson County has been the honor of my life, and I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I remain committed to fighting for our conservative values and the families of District 8,” Chapman said.

Patrick Orr

Age: 53

Family: Orr has one daughter

Experience: Orr served in the U.S. Navy and currently works as the vice president of information security in Anderson.

Top issue: Orr has cited his commitment to budget transparency, ending state income taxes on active-duty military, and judicial accountability.

“My background has reinforced the importance of transparency, discipline, and practical decision-making. I believe South Carolina deserves leaders who understand real-world challenges, respect taxpayers, and focus on solutions that work. I am running to bring experience, accountability, and steady leadership to the State House,” Orr said.

District 10

Thomas Beach

Age: 51

Family: Beach is married to Glair DaSilva, and they have three children.

Experience: Beach is the incumbent and is a former U.S. Army Ranger. He is currently a licensed realtor. He was elected on Nov. 8, 2022.

Top issue: Beach listed his goals as limiting government power, enforcing immigration laws, protecting taxpayer dollars, and opposing corporate subsidies and government waste, while emphasizing transparency and fiscal accountability. He also highlighted his support for stricter immigration enforcement, pro-life legislation, child protection policies, and Second Amendment rights, including the passage of Constitutional Carry in South Carolina.

“I am a principled constitutional conservative. I have and will continue to base all of my legislative activity on the enumerated rights laid out in the Declaration and the Constitution,” Beach said.

Stewart Watson

Age: 48

Family: N/A

Experience: Watson is a former professor at Mississippi State and Miami University Ohio. He’s now the owner of Antonio Pasta and Pizzeria in Powdersville.

Top issue: Watson said he’s looking to bring transparency, fight for abortion legislation, improve road infrastructure, and fight against undocumented immigration.

“I was raised to prioritize kindness, integrity, and being present for others when it matters most. It is now my desire to bring those same principles to Columbia by representing every resident of this district with dedication and honor,” Watson said.

District 11

Craig Gagnon

Age: 65

Family: He has two children, Leah Gagnon Crumley and Anna Gagnon Smith.

Experience: Gagnon was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2012. He operates the Abbeville Chiropractic Center.

Top issues: He’s highlighted improving S.C. roads, increasing state education funding, and boosting the economy through job creation.

“I believe our area is very special and our workers can compete with any workers anywhere. We deserve the chance to show it. I have and will continue to work to help our district grow through bringing more economic opportunity here,” Gagnon said.