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U.S. Lottery Winners Claim Multiple Major Jackpots Wednesday

PUBLISHED Jan 22, 2026, 6:49 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 86%

Right 14%

Sources: 7

Little Rock, Arkansas — Lottery officials confirmed multiple major drawings this week, with winners claiming prizes across several states. Arkansas announced the anonymous claimant of the Dec. 24 $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot took a one-time cash payout of $834.9 million before tax; the ticket was sold in Cabot. Powerball reported a North Carolina ticket won an estimated $209 million in the Jan. 21 drawing. Minnesota and Mississippi reported mid-tier prizes, including $50,000 Powerball tickets and two Match 5 wins totaling about $146,000. Officials released detailed winning numbers, prize-claim rules, and retailer commissions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Shahbaz A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Dec. 24 — $1.8 billion Powerball ticket sold at Murphy USA in Cabot, Arkansas (winning drawing).
Jan. 18 — Mississippi Match 5 jackpot of $92,308.62 claimed at Circle K in Moss Point.
Jan. 18 — A $50,000 Powerball prize was claimed from a ticket sold at Ramey's in Columbia, Mississippi.
Jan. 21 — Powerball officials reported a ticket sold in North Carolina won an estimated $209 million in the drawing.
Late Jan. — Arkansas winner claimed the Dec. 24 jackpot, opted for a $834.9 million lump-sum, and the selling retailer received a $50,000 commission.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 86%, Right 14%

Who Benefited

Retailers that sold winning tickets received statutory commissions; state scholarship and education funds gained increased revenue from elevated ticket sales; claimants and their legal and financial advisors obtained large payouts and consulting fees associated with prize management.

Who Impacted

Other ticket purchasers experienced unchanged long odds and relative financial loss; states and administrators absorbed operational costs for prize processing and tax withholding compliance.