WASHINGTON — The Powerball jackpot is nearing record territory, soaring to $1.7 billion after nobody won the grand prize on Wednesday night.

Wednesday's drawing was for an estimated $1.4 billion, or a $654.3 million cash payout. Although nobody won the grand prize, there were over a dozen million-dollar prizes for those who matched all five white balls.

The drawing also produced 117 winners of $50,000 by matching four numbers and the Powerball, plus another 36 won $100,000 by doing the same and adding the Power Play option.

There were 11 tickets that hit five numbers without the Powerball to claim $1 million each, plus four tickets matched all five white balls and increased their winnings to $2 million, by including the Power Play option.

Many Americans won at least some sort of p

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