The United States is currently experiencing lottery fever as the Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1.6 billion, ranking as the fourth-largest in the game’s history and the fifth-largest in U.S. lottery history. With no grand prize winner confirmed for the December 22 drawing, the massive prize continues to draw significant public interest.
The December 22 Drawing Results
The winning numbers for the Monday, December 22 drawing were 03-18-36-41-54 with a Powerball of 07 and a Power Play of 2X. While lottery officials have not confirmed a jackpot winner for this specific draw, several secondary prizes were available, ranging from $4 to $1 million. If no one matched all six numbers, the jackpot will roll over to the next drawing on Wednesday, December 24.
Payout Options and the “Tax Man”
Should a lucky winner emerge, they will face a monumental choice between two payout methods:
- Annuity Option: A total of approximately $1.6 billion paid out over 30 years, with annual payments increasing by 5% each year.
- Lump-Sum Option: An immediate cash payment estimated at $735.3 million.
Regardless of the choice, the winnings are subject to a 24% federal withholding, and the winner will likely fall into the top 37% marginal tax bracket for their 2025 returns.
State taxes also play a major role in the final take-home amount. Eight states—California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming—do not tax lottery winnings, allowing winners there to keep the largest portion of their prize. For example, a lump-sum winner in California would take home approximately $463.3 million after federal taxes, whereas a winner in New York would see that amount drop to roughly $383.1 million due to state levies.
Playing the Odds
The odds of matching all six numbers are a staggering 1 in 292.2 million. To play, participants select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. Tickets cost $2, with an optional $1 “Power Play” that can multiply non-jackpot winnings.
Comprehensive News Roundup: Other Stories Shaping the Week
While the lottery dominates conversations, several other major stories are unfolding across the globe:
Politics and Global Affairs
- Tensions in Moscow: A car bomb has reportedly killed a Russian general in Moscow.
- U.S.-Venezuela Relations: Former President Trump has warned President Maduro of Venezuela against playing “tough” as the U.S. intensifies its pressure campaign.
- Greenland Diplomacy: Trump’s appointment of a special envoy to Greenland has sparked fresh tensions with Denmark. Additionally, reports indicate he plans to build a new Navy “battleship” as part of a “Golden Fleet”.
U.S. Economic and Social News
- Job Losses in Nebraska: A small Nebraska town faces an uncertain future as 3,200 workers are set to lose their jobs.
- Bourbon Industry Shift: Jim Beam has announced it will close its Kentucky distillery for one year due to a “cloudy future” for the industry.
- Charitable Trends: A recent AP-NORC poll found that most U.S. adults are not making year-end charitable contributions this year.
Sports and Entertainment
- Chiefs on the Move: The Kansas City Chiefs have announced they will relocate across the Kansas-Missouri border, leaving many Missouri fans heartbroken.
- NFL Suspension: Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended for two games following an altercation with a fan in Detroit.
- Health and Farewells: Iconic singer Barry Manilow is set to undergo surgery for early-stage lung cancer. In a loss for the music world, singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for “Driving Home for Christmas,” has died at age 74.
Science and Technology
- Launch Failure: Japan’s new flagship H3 rocket failed to place a geolocation satellite into orbit.
- San Francisco Chaos: Waymo autonomous vehicles reportedly blocked roads and caused disruptions during a power outage in San Francisco.
Oddities from Around the World
- Drunken Raccoon: A raccoon in Virginia went on a “drunken rampage” in a liquor store before passing out on the bathroom floor.
- Whale Encounter: In Chilean Patagonia, a humpback whale briefly swallowed a kayaker, an event captured entirely on camera.
Health and Lifestyle
- Medical Advice: Doctors are advising against the trend of “mouth taping” at night and suggesting that people aim to “belly laugh” at least two to five days a week for better health.
- Weight Loss News: U.S. regulators have officially approved a Wegovy pill for weight loss management.
