Good Questions: Powerball FAQ
Every Friday, Heather Brown takes a look at some of the burning questions that our viewers have sent. This week, we're looking at a few questions on this week's historic Powerball lottery jackpot of $700 million.
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Every Friday, Heather Brown takes a look at some of the burning questions that our viewers have sent. This week, we're looking at a few questions on this week's historic Powerball lottery jackpot of $700 million.
The record-breaking $700 million Powerball jackpot is the stuff of dreams, but it all boils down to math. From the huge prize to the enormous odds against winning it, Saturday night's drawing is a numbers game that gives players good reason to brush up on their algebra, maybe as they stand in line to buy a ticket.
The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $500 million as more people across the country buy a chance at the biggest prize in nearly a year. Officials with the Multi-State Lottery Association raised the jackpot estimate from $450 million due to strong sales before Wednesday night's drawing.
Lottery officials say there was no grand prize winner in the first Powerball drawing of the year that also offers one of the biggest prizes in the game's history.
Minnesota's lottery is primed to pull the plug on ticket sales over the Internet.
It's going to get a lot harder to win the Powerball lottery, as the odds of winning the jackpot will increase to 1 in nearly 300 million. Previously, the odds were about 1 in 175 million.
Officials with the Minnesota State Lottery said Wednesday they are changing their policy on information for winning lottery tickets after as many as six prizes this year have gone unclaimed.
A Des Moines man has claimed his $1 million Powerball prize with a taped-back-together ticket. Iowa Lottery officials say Pete Kemp showed up Monday to claim his prize. Five numbers on his repaired ticket matched five numbers drawn Saturday night: 24, 29, 38, 48 and 52.
Minnesota has a new millionaire, but he or she hasn't claimed the money yet. The lottery says their winning Powerball ticket is worthless after Thursday night
Tickets in North Carolina, Puerto Rico and Texas have matched all six numbers to split a $564.1 million Powerball jackpot, lottery officials said Thursday. Sue Dooley, senior drawing manager and production coordinator for the Multi-State Lottery Association, said the Puerto Rico ticket was the first Powerball jackpot winner ever sold outside the continental United States.
Lottery officials say no jackpot winner was selected in the latest $380 million Powerball drawing.
outh Dakota Lottery officials say a Powerball ticket worth $1 million has been sold in Mitchell. Officials say the ticket holder matched all five white ball numbers but missed the Powerball on Saturday's drawing. The winning numbers are 6, 10, 51, 54, 57, and the Powerball is 12.
We all feel like we hit the jackpot with Sunday's weather, but somebody in Minnesota did more than that. They literally hit the jackpot. A winning ticket for Saturday night's Hot Lotto drawing came from somewhere in Anoka County.
>Instant-play lottery games won't be available on the Internet or Minnesota gas pumps as of November if legislation ready for final votes prevails.
Wednesday's Powerball drawing carries an estimated $400 million jackpot. If no one matches all the numbers, the prize potential will grow before the next drawing on Saturday. Here are five things you should know about Powerball payouts and your odds of winning.
State lawmakers expressed concern Wednesday with the Minnesota Lottery's gradual push into Internet and other electronic ticket sales, saying they were worried about how far the virtual gambling could go.
The Powerball jackpot will be a big talker yet again this week as nobody won the jackpot over the weekend, and the next winner will have a big prize. Officials said the jackpot for Wednesday's drawing will like exceed $400 million after nobody won the big prize in Saturday night's drawing.
The joke had always been that 45-year-old Paul White's long-term financial plan was the lottery, and on Thursday it paid off in full as the Ham Lake man won the Powerball jackpot. During a Thursday press conference White was handed the $149.4 million check.
Minnesota lottery officials announced Thursday morning that the winning ticket in Wednesday night's massive Powerball jackpot was sold in Anoka County. Minnesota had a single winning ticket for the $448 million jackpot, with two others sold in New Jersey.
The Minnesota Lottery will set a new sales record for the sixth consecutive year. According to the Lottery's Executive Director Ed Van Petten, last year's record amount of $520 million will easily be passed. "Sales for the current fiscal year were already ahead of last years by the end of May," Van Petten said. "When we close out the fiscal year on June 30, we will be well ahead of last year's total sales."
Minnesota State Lottery players won nearly $3.9 million in prizes during the 6 ½-week run up to Saturday night's Powerball jackpot drawing. The run ended with a single $590.5 million winning ticket sold in Florida. But two tickets sold in Minnesota for the drawing are worth $10,000.
One single ticket in Florida has beaten them all by matching the numbers drawn for the highest Powerball jackpot in history.The winner numbers are 10, 13, 14, 22, 52 and the Powerball is 11.
Saturday's Powerball jackpot is a record $600 million. And Kjirsten Johnson from Forest Lake asked: What happens if a winner doesn't claim it? By law, if someone wins, but doesn't claim their prize, the money goes into the state's General Fund -- the main bank account for state government.
The Powerball jackpot for Saturday's drawing has jumped to $600 million, according to the multi-state lottery's website, a new record for the Powerball franchise. The top prize now has an estimated cash value of $376 million.
So what would you do with $475 million? It seems like more money than anyone could spend, but that large sum of money could become a reality for somebody by late Saturday night. There were no winning tickets sold in Wednesday night's drawing for the Powerball jackpot, which at the time was for about $360 million.
Derek Shelton took full advantage of the unexpected time off he had earlier this year after being fired early in his sixth season as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The weather will turn cooler in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, with an even colder weekend ahead.
Marcus Johansson scored at 3:38 of overtime with the goal off its moorings and the Minnesota Wild overcame a last-second tying goal to beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Call it fluky or coincidental, or just unlucky, Minnesota Gophers' top weapon Mara Braun is coming off consecutive breaks in the same bone in the same foot in back-to-back seasons.
Voters at Marcy Arts Elementary School in Minneapolis found more than ballot boxes on Election Day — they also found cookies, cocoa and a crowd of parent volunteers raising money for classrooms and school programs.
Voters at Marcy Arts Elementary School in Minneapolis found more than ballot boxes on Election Day — they also found cookies, cocoa and a crowd of parent volunteers raising money for classrooms and school programs.
Brooklyn Park police say the officer who fired his weapon when he encountered Vance Boelter at state Rep. Melissa Hortman's home did so in accordance with department policy.
Minnesotans are heading to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in local elections across the state. From mayoral and city council races to school board seats and special elections, voters have some big decisions.
Minnesota state Rep. Kaohly Her is projected to win the St. Paul mayoral election, unseating two-term incumbent Melvin Carter.
A seasonal celebration beginning in Minneapolis later this month aims to turn the town into "America's Winter City," organizers said.
A Minnesota Lottery player won $1 million after a Powerball drawing in late October, state lottery officials said.
Minnesotans are heading to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in local elections across the state. From mayoral and city council races to school board seats and special elections, voters have some big decisions.
The DFL is projected to keep control of the Minnesota Senate after two seats were up for election Tuesday.
Minnesota's health insurance marketplace, known as MNsure, is now open for 2026 enrollment, officials said on Monday.
A Minnesota man whom authorities arrested in Iowa after naming him as a suspect in a double homicide is charged with murder.
At 108, he was the oldest living Merchant Marine in the world.
A woman was found dead after a mobile home fire in western Wisconsin last week.
Minnesota was one of 25 states that sued the Trump administration in the fight for food assistance, as more than 440,000 residents rely on the program.
Some people were treated to an astral spectacle late Wednesday night, as a "fireball meteor" flashed across the night sky in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' sweeping plan for overhauling the state's aging prison system is moving forward with bipartisan support despite complaints from Republican lawmakers that their concerns were not being addressed.
When you think of college roommates, you likely think of a couple of young adults making their way through school and fun. But there's a Twin Cities residence that's completely rethinking the concept of co-ed living, and it's turned into a life-giving project.
Activists joined the families of Mariah Samuels and Allison Lussier in front of the Hennepin County Government Center Thursday afternoon. They say Minneapolis police and others didn't do enough to keep their loved ones safe.
A Lakeville family has turned their driveway into a small, free food pantry. It's a place where anyone can stop by and grab fresh produce and staples with no questions asked.
At Lock and Dam Eatery, the restaurant will soon be serving a different kind of meal, meant to ease the burden of hunger.
"We're keeping it alive. We're speaking it with each other, and we're encouraging more families to come together," said Dakota language teacher Nichole Subola.
Many important Minnesota races are being decided, plus more of the day's top stories.
Minnesota state Rep. Kaohly Her is projected to win the St. Paul mayoral election, unseating two-term incumbent Melvin Carter.
Incumbent Melvin Carter is facing a challenge from DFL State Rep. Kaohly Her and others.
WCCO is tracking key races across the state as voters decide on the vision for their cities, schools and representatives.
A legislative audit found "widespread financial mismanagement" at the top of Minnesota's state government.
Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are facing sticker shock as the enrollment period for health insurance on the state marketplace opened Nov 1.
Minnesota was one of 25 states that sued the Trump administration in the fight for food assistance, as more than 440,000 residents rely on the program.
Minnesota manufactured home park residents and lawmakers are speaking out against what they say are skyrocketing rents and unsafe living conditions.
More than 800 Minnesota-based Target employees will lose their jobs amid a massive restructuring effort by the mega retailer, according to documents filed to the state's employment department.
Minnesota's food shelves are set to get a funding boost amid surging demand stemming from the ongoing government shutdown.
Brooklyn Park police say the officer who fired his weapon when he encountered Vance Boelter at state Rep. Melissa Hortman's home did so in accordance with department policy.
A federal agent from Minnesota has pleaded guilty to transporting child sexual abuse material, according to court records filed late last month.
A former Minneapolis elementary school teacher pleaded guilty Monday to several charges involving child sexual abuse material.
Lyndon Wiggins was found guilty Monday of the 2019 kidnapping and killing of realtor Monique Baugh after a weekslong retrial.
A Minnesota man whom authorities arrested in Iowa after naming him as a suspect in a double homicide is charged with murder.
One of the earliest surprises in parenthood can be learning the sex of your baby. There are tests to determine gender, but can your belly reveal the sex of your baby?
Minnesota's health insurance marketplace, known as MNsure, is now open for 2026 enrollment, officials said on Monday.
While some in the Trump administration say food benefits could restart as soon as this Wednesday, the uncertainty is stressful for Minnesotans who rely on them and food shelves in the state.
Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are facing sticker shock as the enrollment period for health insurance on the state marketplace opened Nov 1.
The vision of a content creator from Minnesota has been gradually deteriorating since she was 6 years old. At 27, she's learning to live differently and independently.
A seasonal celebration beginning in Minneapolis later this month aims to turn the town into "America's Winter City," organizers said.
"Wicked" star Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive.
Diane Ladd, the actor known for her Oscar-nominated roles in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Wild at Heart," and "Rambling Rose" has died.
Morgan Wallen, the country music megastar who in 2021 was caught on video using a racial slur, will open his next tour at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
There were some major celebrity sightings in Minneapolis this week. The A-list stars aren't here to further their careers, they're here to help.
Derek Shelton took full advantage of the unexpected time off he had earlier this year after being fired early in his sixth season as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Marcus Johansson scored at 3:38 of overtime with the goal off its moorings and the Minnesota Wild overcame a last-second tying goal to beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Call it fluky or coincidental, or just unlucky, Minnesota Gophers' top weapon Mara Braun is coming off consecutive breaks in the same bone in the same foot in back-to-back seasons.
Obed Vargas scored early in the first half and late in the second to help the Seattle Sounders beat Minnesota United 4-2, forcing a deciding match in the best-of-three first-round series for the MLS Cup.
Newcomers Cade Tyson scored 30 points and Jaylen Crocker-Johnson had a double-double, giving new coach Niko Medved a victory in his Minnesota debut, 87-60 over Gardner-Webb.
Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are facing sticker shock as the enrollment period for health insurance on the state marketplace opened Nov 1.
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota employers will expand paid family leave to nearly every employee.
Currently, 24% of Minnesotans have access to paid family and medical leave. On Jan. 1, a new Minnesota law mandates that employers provide paid family leave to nearly every employee. This would include full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.
Forty-two million people will lose benefits nationwide, including more than 440,000 Minnesotans, on Saturday.
Forty-two million people will lose benefits nationwide, including more than 440,000 Minnesotans, on Nov. 1.
At one time, country schools were common in Minnesota. Over the decades, many were torn down as bigger schools were built — not in Otter Tail County.
Ramsey Park is so large some people call it "The Little Yellowstone of Minnesota." And it was actually a state park at one point. But in 1957, Redwood Falls acquired the land for $1 and then made a few changes.
In this edition of Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to one of the last limestone kilns in the state.
Earlier this month, many students went back to school after summer vacation, but in the town of McGregor, Minnesota it's always the first day of school.
In the United States, there are 13 different towns named Long Beach. The one in Minnesota is the smallest, but it's found a colorful way to stand out.
One of the earliest surprises in parenthood can be learning the sex of your baby. There are tests to determine gender, but can your belly reveal the sex of your baby?
It's a holiday enjoyed by many, but understood by few.
Anyone who has taken a walk lately may have noticed people wearing weighted vests.
Fall is known for its hues, but this season isn't typical; seeing marigolds and petunias is peculiar.
From eating lutefisk to cheering for the Vikings, Nordic culture is embedded in Minnesota.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO photojournalist Art Phillips shares some personal family photos taken by his father, Arthur Phillips Sr., in Vietnam during his time in service.
The weather will turn cooler in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, with an even colder weekend ahead.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Wednesday will turn cooler, with breezy winds.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says wind will pick up overnight as cooler air moves in.
Wednesday will feel cooler in the Twin Cities with highs in the mid 50s, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Wednesday will turn cooler, with breezy winds.
Many important Minnesota races are being decided, plus more of the day's top stories.
Minnesota state Rep. Kaohly Her is projected to win the St. Paul mayoral election, unseating two-term incumbent Melvin Carter.
Incumbent Melvin Carter is facing a challenge from DFL State Rep. Kaohly Her and others.
WCCO is tracking key races across the state as voters decide on the vision for their cities, schools and representatives.