Latest news with #Ball
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Mega Millions winning numbers for July 18: $100 million jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot rose to $100 million for the drawing on Friday, July 18 after no one matched all the winning numbers in the drawing on Tuesday, July 15. If someone matches all six numbers on Friday, they will have the option of a one-time cash payment of $44.3 million. There have been four Mega Millions winners this year, with the most recent being the June 27 win in Virginia of a jackpot of $348 million. Before then, on April 18, an Ohio player took home a $112 million jackpot, a lucky lottery ticket holder in Illinois took home a $344 million jackpot on March 25 and another lucky person hit the Mega Millions jackpot on Jan. 17 for $113 million. Here are the winning numbers from the Mega Millions drawing on Friday, July 18, 2025. The winning numbers for Friday, July 18, are 11, 43, 54, 55, 63 with a Megaball of 3. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Any Mega Millions winners will be posted here once announced by lottery officials. To view the list of past winners, visit the Mega Millions website. To play the Mega Millions, you have to buy a ticket. You can do this at a variety of locations, including your local convenience store, gas station or even grocery store. In some states, Mega Millions tickets can be bought online. Once you have your ticket, you need to pick six numbers. Five of them will be white balls with numbers from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball ranges from 1 to 24. If you're feeling especially unlucky or don't want to go through the hassle of picking, you can ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick.' These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you. Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or 10 times. Before, players had to pay an extra dollar to add the "Megaplier.' 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 York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, 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 for full terms.
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Grafton preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Tony Ball was unable to get a winner on the board over the two day Grafton carnival but he's hoping he can do so a few days later. Ball makes the trip north again from Taree to Grafton with three horses in the float, all of which he's got a good deal of confidence about. The most interesting of Ball's brigade comes up in the feature of the day with Xtra Approval getting a good drop in weight for the Maclean Cup (1400m). The six-year-old son of Xtravagant found the 60kg at Hawkesbury last start a touch too tough but drops way down to 55kg with apprentice hoop Shae Wilkes in the saddle. 'It's a nice race for him and he gets about 5kg off some of those horses in the race,' Ball said. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'I thought he ran well at Hawkesbury the other day but just probably didn't appreciate the weight on a heavy track. 'So he now goes down to 55kg with Shae (Wilkes) utilising her claim and I'd expect him to be hard to beat.' Xtra Approval also finds his sweet spot at 1400m after running over the mile last time out. 'Getting back to 1400m probably suits him a bit too,' Ball said. 'He won a Kempsey Cup at the trip late last year and probably just found that mile a touch too far last start.' Earlier in the card will see three-year-old filly Felasuvi have her third run for the stable after starting her career off in Victoria with Leon and Troy Corstens. The daughter of Star Witness was eye catching at Coffs Harbour at her stable debut before finding a Class 1 a touch too tough at this track over the 1006m. She now steps up to 1100m in the second race on the card and goes from a good track but to a rain affected one. 'She gets a senior rider on this week with Siena not there so Matty (McGuren) goes on and that should be good for her,' Ball said. 'With the way the race looks to play out, she'll get the gun run from barrier four and get her chance. 'If she's good enough she'll win but if she's not, we'll just have to go back to the drawing board with her. 'But I'd expect her to go well and she's pulled up a treat from last Sunday so no issues with the seven day back up for her.' Thirty five minutes later will see Ball's bargain buy Where's The Fire look the break through for a win. The five-year-old gelding would be the best bred galloper going around at Grafton being by I Am Invincible and out of a Snitzel mare. 'It's not too often you get an I Am Invincible for $15,000,' Ball said. 'We got him about a year ago and he's been a handy little horse for us. 'I think he won at Grafton before I had him and he's had a few more runs at the track so he knows it well. 'With the drop in grade and Matty going on board, I reckon he'll run a good race. 'He should be nearing his top after two runs now this time in so hopefully he can break through for a win for us.' It's a capacity field for Where's The Fire's race with 16 acceptances including two emergencies for the 1100m contest. JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 1 No. 12: ARCHIE MAXIMUS Forgive his last start run at Coffs Harbour when nothing went his way. Well placed to bounce back. NEXT BEST Race 3 No. 5: LOVE RAT Never got a clear shot last start. With some luck he can bounce back. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: XTRA APPROVAL Good weight drop off his last start run at the provincials. Enjoys the drop back in trip too, QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 4 Race 5: 1, 2, 4 Race 6: 2, 6, 12 Race 7: 1, 2, 6, 10 Jockey Matthew McGuren will be popular in the Jockey Challenge with a strong book of rides. Picture: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions JOCKEY TO FOLLOW MATTHEW MCGUREN rides in all seven races on the card and has a couple winning chances. INSIDE MAIL - GRAFTON RACE 1: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m Be forgiving of the last start effort of ARCHIE MAXIMUS (12). Had some trouble at the start and on the heavy track, he couldn't get into it. Was also checked on the turn. Can bounce back here and break the maiden. JACOB'S WELL (1) comes out of three provincial maidens. First-up for the new stable and the blinkers come off. ZAINDARA (14) is the stablemate of Archie Maximus. The fact Matt McGuren is booked for that horse and the apprentice is on Zaindara is a lead. Bet: Archie Maximus to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Maclean Variety Meats (Bm58) 1100m WITH STYLE (3) has had one start for one win and it was at this track. She's now with Chris and Corey Munce and has looked good at her two trials leading into her first-up run. Tricky barrier but looks classy. MISS WATERLINE (2) ran at Eagle Farm last start. Was wide throughout and drawn out again here so will need some luck. SNOW FALCON (1) is going better than the formguide would suggest. Blinkers come off with the winkers applied. Bet: With Style to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Hooked On Seafood (Bm58) 1100m LOVE RAT (5) never got a clear shot at them last time out at Coffs Harbour in a decent race. Can position closer to the speed from barrier two and be in the finish. FULL REGALIA (9) can sprint well first-up from a spell. She's done so in the past and can do so again here. The easier race will suit WHERE'S THE FIRE (3) from Tony Ball's stable. Should be peaking third-up into his campaign. BUSH WARRIOR (12) goes into the numbers as well. Bet: Love Rat to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Maclean Hotel (Bm58) 3120m Not too often you see a 3120m race in country NSW. WILL TO EXCEL (1) isn't getting any younger as a nine-year-old but showed last start that he's in good form with a third at Mudgee. Drawn to do no work from the inside barrier. SMELTER (6) will handle the distance. Was a three length winner over 2450m at Beaudesert back in May 26. Bet: Will To Excel to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup 1400m XTRA APPROVAL (4) gets a nice weight drop off his last start run at Hawkesbury when up to 1600m. Will enjoy stepping back in trip to 1400m and he is drawn to get every chance from barrier six with Shae Wilkes on board. AFRICAN DAISY (2) is the proven horse here, given she's a last start winner at Rosehill. Has to carry the big weight but certainly has a class edge. MATTER OF HONOUR (1) has raced at Randwick his last five starts, so Grafton is certainly a change of scenery. WILD CHAP (3) is a Group 3 winner way back when. Needs to improve but finds an easier race. Bet: Xtra Approval each-way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Gm Accounting Maclean Mdn Hcp 1700m Not the easiest race to dissect given the record of some of these horses. Thought FLEE WITH MEE (2) would appreciate the easy contest. She went close a few starts back and the booking of Matt McGuren suits for this race. Awkward barrier but think she's the best horse in the race. IMMORTELLE (6) should get the run of the race and so often in these open affairs, that's the winning factor. STAR OF KONGO (12) is a 21 start maiden but is knocking on the door for that fist win. Honest on pace effort off a six week freshen up last start and should only improve off that. Bet: Flee With Me to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m MEGHAN (10) should get the run of the race from barrier four. She gets here in career best form and will appreciate the strong tempo that looks likely here. SHOWMAN (1) just missed last time out at Murwillumbah. Tricky barrier for Shae Wilkes to navigate but he's probably the best horse in this race. SPILLS (2) burnt petrol early last start and it told late. Can take a sit from a wide barrier today and turn in an improved effort. SECRET KEEPER (6) goes in the mix as well. Bet: Meghan each-way.
Mercury
4 days ago
- Sport
- Mercury
Grafton preview, best bets, inside mail for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Tony Ball was unable to get a winner on the board over the two day Grafton carnival but he's hoping he can do so a few days later. Ball makes the trip north again from Taree to Grafton with three horses in the float, all of which he's got a good deal of confidence about. The most interesting of Ball's brigade comes up in the feature of the day with Xtra Approval getting a good drop in weight for the Maclean Cup (1400m). The six-year-old son of Xtravagant found the 60kg at Hawkesbury last start a touch too tough but drops way down to 55kg with apprentice hoop Shae Wilkes in the saddle. 'It's a nice race for him and he gets about 5kg off some of those horses in the race,' Ball said. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'I thought he ran well at Hawkesbury the other day but just probably didn't appreciate the weight on a heavy track. 'So he now goes down to 55kg with Shae (Wilkes) utilising her claim and I'd expect him to be hard to beat.' Xtra Approval also finds his sweet spot at 1400m after running over the mile last time out. 'Getting back to 1400m probably suits him a bit too,' Ball said. 'He won a Kempsey Cup at the trip late last year and probably just found that mile a touch too far last start.' Earlier in the card will see three-year-old filly Felasuvi have her third run for the stable after starting her career off in Victoria with Leon and Troy Corstens. The daughter of Star Witness was eye catching at Coffs Harbour at her stable debut before finding a Class 1 a touch too tough at this track over the 1006m. She now steps up to 1100m in the second race on the card and goes from a good track but to a rain affected one. 'She gets a senior rider on this week with Siena not there so Matty (McGuren) goes on and that should be good for her,' Ball said. 'With the way the race looks to play out, she'll get the gun run from barrier four and get her chance. 'If she's good enough she'll win but if she's not, we'll just have to go back to the drawing board with her. 'But I'd expect her to go well and she's pulled up a treat from last Sunday so no issues with the seven day back up for her.' Thirty five minutes later will see Ball's bargain buy Where's The Fire look the break through for a win. The five-year-old gelding would be the best bred galloper going around at Grafton being by I Am Invincible and out of a Snitzel mare. 'It's not too often you get an I Am Invincible for $15,000,' Ball said. 'We got him about a year ago and he's been a handy little horse for us. 'I think he won at Grafton before I had him and he's had a few more runs at the track so he knows it well. 'With the drop in grade and Matty going on board, I reckon he'll run a good race. 'He should be nearing his top after two runs now this time in so hopefully he can break through for a win for us.' It's a capacity field for Where's The Fire's race with 16 acceptances including two emergencies for the 1100m contest. JETT HATTON'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 1 No. 12: ARCHIE MAXIMUS Forgive his last start run at Coffs Harbour when nothing went his way. Well placed to bounce back. NEXT BEST Race 3 No. 5: LOVE RAT Never got a clear shot last start. With some luck he can bounce back. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: XTRA APPROVAL Good weight drop off his last start run at the provincials. Enjoys the drop back in trip too, QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 4 Race 5: 1, 2, 4 Race 6: 2, 6, 12 Race 7: 1, 2, 6, 10 Jockey Matthew McGuren will be popular in the Jockey Challenge with a strong book of rides. Picture: Greg Irvine, Magic Millions JOCKEY TO FOLLOW MATTHEW MCGUREN rides in all seven races on the card and has a couple winning chances. INSIDE MAIL - GRAFTON RACE 1: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m Be forgiving of the last start effort of ARCHIE MAXIMUS (12). Had some trouble at the start and on the heavy track, he couldn't get into it. Was also checked on the turn. Can bounce back here and break the maiden. JACOB'S WELL (1) comes out of three provincial maidens. First-up for the new stable and the blinkers come off. ZAINDARA (14) is the stablemate of Archie Maximus. The fact Matt McGuren is booked for that horse and the apprentice is on Zaindara is a lead. Bet: Archie Maximus to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: Maclean Variety Meats (Bm58) 1100m WITH STYLE (3) has had one start for one win and it was at this track. She's now with Chris and Corey Munce and has looked good at her two trials leading into her first-up run. Tricky barrier but looks classy. MISS WATERLINE (2) ran at Eagle Farm last start. Was wide throughout and drawn out again here so will need some luck. SNOW FALCON (1) is going better than the formguide would suggest. Blinkers come off with the winkers applied. Bet: With Style to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: Hooked On Seafood (Bm58) 1100m LOVE RAT (5) never got a clear shot at them last time out at Coffs Harbour in a decent race. Can position closer to the speed from barrier two and be in the finish. FULL REGALIA (9) can sprint well first-up from a spell. She's done so in the past and can do so again here. The easier race will suit WHERE'S THE FIRE (3) from Tony Ball's stable. Should be peaking third-up into his campaign. BUSH WARRIOR (12) goes into the numbers as well. Bet: Love Rat to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: Maclean Hotel (Bm58) 3120m Not too often you see a 3120m race in country NSW. WILL TO EXCEL (1) isn't getting any younger as a nine-year-old but showed last start that he's in good form with a third at Mudgee. Drawn to do no work from the inside barrier. SMELTER (6) will handle the distance. Was a three length winner over 2450m at Beaudesert back in May 26. Bet: Will To Excel to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup 1400m XTRA APPROVAL (4) gets a nice weight drop off his last start run at Hawkesbury when up to 1600m. Will enjoy stepping back in trip to 1400m and he is drawn to get every chance from barrier six with Shae Wilkes on board. AFRICAN DAISY (2) is the proven horse here, given she's a last start winner at Rosehill. Has to carry the big weight but certainly has a class edge. MATTER OF HONOUR (1) has raced at Randwick his last five starts, so Grafton is certainly a change of scenery. WILD CHAP (3) is a Group 3 winner way back when. Needs to improve but finds an easier race. Bet: Xtra Approval each-way. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: Gm Accounting Maclean Mdn Hcp 1700m Not the easiest race to dissect given the record of some of these horses. Thought FLEE WITH MEE (2) would appreciate the easy contest. She went close a few starts back and the booking of Matt McGuren suits for this race. Awkward barrier but think she's the best horse in the race. IMMORTELLE (6) should get the run of the race and so often in these open affairs, that's the winning factor. STAR OF KONGO (12) is a 21 start maiden but is knocking on the door for that fist win. Honest on pace effort off a six week freshen up last start and should only improve off that. Bet: Flee With Me to win. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: Andrew Tom Builder Pty Ltd Mdn Plate 1100m MEGHAN (10) should get the run of the race from barrier four. She gets here in career best form and will appreciate the strong tempo that looks likely here. SHOWMAN (1) just missed last time out at Murwillumbah. Tricky barrier for Shae Wilkes to navigate but he's probably the best horse in this race. SPILLS (2) burnt petrol early last start and it told late. Can take a sit from a wide barrier today and turn in an improved effort. SECRET KEEPER (6) goes in the mix as well. Bet: Meghan each-way.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Mega Millions winning numbers for July 18: $100 million jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot rose to $100 million for the drawing on Friday, July 18 after no one matched all the winning numbers in the drawing on Tuesday, July 15. If someone matches all six numbers on Friday, they will have the option of a one-time cash payment of $44.3 million. There have been four Mega Millions winners this year, with the most recent being the June 27 win in Virginia of a jackpot of $348 million. Before then, on April 18, an Ohio player took home a $112 million jackpot, a lucky lottery ticket holder in Illinois took home a $344 million jackpot on March 25 and another lucky person hit the Mega Millions jackpot on Jan. 17 for $113 million. Here are the winning numbers from the Mega Millions drawing on Friday, July 18, 2025. Mega Millions winning numbers for 7/18/25 The winning numbers for Friday, July 18, will be posted here once drawn. The drawing is set for 11 p.m. ET. Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Did anyone win the Mega Millions? Any Mega Millions winners will be posted here once announced by lottery officials. To view the list of past winners, visit the Mega Millions website. How to play the Mega Millions To play the Mega Millions, you have to buy a ticket. You can do this at a variety of locations, including your local convenience store, gas station or even grocery store. In some states, Mega Millions tickets can be bought online. Once you have your ticket, you need to pick six numbers. Five of them will be white balls with numbers from 1 to 70. The gold Mega Ball ranges from 1 to 24. If you're feeling especially unlucky or don't want to go through the hassle of picking, you can ask for a "Quick Pick" or an "Easy Pick.' These options let the computer randomly generate numbers for you. Mega Millions tickets now include a built-in multiplier, which increases non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five, or 10 times. Before, players had to pay an extra dollar to add the "Megaplier.' 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 York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, 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 for full terms. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘People walk out tall': Melbourne's gay scene defies hate
'These things were almost in our past,' he said. '[But] I think over time we've seen this escalate, where people start to feel a confidence [that they can] shut down these events. And it just builds and builds and builds. And I think there's too much confidence in this far-right activity at the moment.' Ball was part of a forum recently held at The Laird alongside Victoria Police to talk to members of the community about how to stay safe on the back of more than 35 arrests since October for assault, robbery, false imprisonment and even extortion in a new form of homophobic violence in which perpetrators use apps such as TikTok to post and boast about their crimes. Loading Last month three 20-year-old men pleaded guilty to charges including kidnapping, armed robbery and assault-related offences at the County Court of Victoria, claiming their actions were a case of 'mistaken vigilantism' against men they suspected to be sex offenders. The court heard disturbing details of the trio's crimes including how they lured men into parks or quiet streets after connecting with them on dating sites including Grindr and Scruff, using fake profiles, before brutally assaulting and robbing them. In one incident, a victim aged in his 50s was falsely told that he was meeting a 15-year-old boy after first matching with one of the men who used a fake profile of a 22-year-old man. Graphic video footage of his assault, captured on a smartphone, showed the victim being set upon by the men, who accused him of sexual misconduct and being a paedophile. The man is seen screaming and pleading for his life as he is violently assaulted, choked and then beaten with a metal pole. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said there was 'absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our society' and urged any victims to come forward – even for historic incidents – when ready. 'It's crucial that the community understands that dating apps are not investigators – police are the only ones able to conduct a criminal investigation and hold perpetrators to account.' While police hunt for the Laird vandals, community leaders are demanding wider government action. Greens state member for Richmond, Gabrielle De Vietri, said the attack was part of a 'co-ordinated pattern of far-right, homophobic violence that's becoming increasingly emboldened'. She has requested the premier and minister for equality 'urgently meet with our community who deserve to be heard and to feel safe'. Commissioner Ball says the rise in hateful conduct requires a multipronged government response. He welcomed that Premier Jacinta Allan had discussed expanding the new anti-hate taskforce beyond its initial focus on antisemitism to include attacks on the queer community. He is also calling for a new, independent reporting tool to track incidents for data purposes, separate from the criminal justice system. 'We know already there are far more instances where gay men have been bashed than have been reported, and that's because people are quite afraid [to go to police],' he says. Loading Responding to The Age, Minister for Equality Vicki Ward said in a statement that, 'Any violence targeting LGBTIQA+ communities is abhorrent and unacceptable. These are not isolated incidents, and we take them very seriously.' The minister pointed to recently passed legislation. 'We've passed stronger anti-vilification laws, including specifically protecting the LGBTIQA+ community. We've banned the public display of the Nazi symbol and introduced new 'post and boast' laws to criminalise violent, hate-driven crimes being glorified online.' Back at The Laird, business continues as usual and management aren't taking a backwards step. Owner Brett Lasham's staff had the rainbow flags up over the graffiti as soon as it was spotted, and it was scrubbed off by the time patrons rocked up for their first beer as 3pm. Lasham says as a 53-year-old bloke he isn't intimidated – he even plans to print T-shirts using the vandals 'FAG' tag to wear at the bar– but he is fiercely protective of his patrons and their sense of feeling safe. 'I'd love to sit at a table with one of these people [and ask] what is it that made you want to do that?' Arcuri, who first found the vandalism, has also built up a thick skin after years of being targeted as drag performer. 'It didn't hurt me. It was just like, 'God, this is an annoying way to spend my Sunday morning' … I don't have a key to get the paint,' he said. He's learned every instance of hate is an opportunity to reframe the narrative for the gay community on their terms.
