Mega jackpot rises to $970 million

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to $970 million. Officials raised the estimated jackpot Thursday for the second time due to strong sales ahead of Friday’s drawing.

Putin: ISIS taking hostages

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Islamic State militants in Syria have recently seized some 700 people as hostages and are carrying out executions. Also, Putin hailed new missiles in Russia’s military arsenals but emphasized Thursday that the country would only use its nuclear weapons in response to an incoming missile attack.

Trump not making inroads with Jewish voters: survey

JERUSALEM — President Donald Trump’s pro-Israel positions have not garnered him support from American Jewish voters, according to a new survey. The poll found that 74 percent of Jews planned to vote for Democratic candidates in November’s midterm elections, a number corresponding with past elections.

MoviePass operations probed

NEW YORK — The company that runs the beleaguered MoviePass discount service for movie tickets is being investigated by the New York attorney general on allegations it misled investors. Parent company Helios and Matheson of New York said in a statement that it is aware of the investigation but that it believes “our public disclosures have been complete, timely and truthful and we have not misled investors.”

Restaurant settles in Berman crash

TORRINGTON, Conn. — A Connecticut restaurant accused of serving alcohol to Katherine Berman, the wife of ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman, before she was killed in a car crash has settled a lawsuit filed by the family of an 87-yearold man who also died in the wreck. The settlement involving The Market Place Kitchen and Bar in Woodbury and the family of Edward Bertulis was disclosed Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Willis sells ranch for $5.5 million

HAILEY, Idaho — Bruce Willis has sold his 20-acre ranch in central Idaho for $5.5 million. KTVB-TV reported it’s far below the original asking price of $15 million when the home was put up for sale in 2011.