LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — The Powerball jackpot has reached a staggering $1.4 billion, making it the third largest in the game’s history, with the drawing set to take place tonight at 10 p.m. 

As anticipation builds, players across Lafayette are flocking to local stores to purchase tickets, hoping to become the next big winner. The jackpot also ranks as the sixth largest across Powerball and Mega Millions, adding to the excitement.

“I’ll buy this store and I’ll move to an island,” said Bradley Broussard, a hopeful player. “I take all my siblings and all my kids. I’ll take everybody with me.”

Agnes Willson, another player, expressed her plans to help others if she wins.

“If I win, I’ll give some money to charity and help friends and I’ll go back to Africa,” Willson said.

Broussard, who doesn’t often play, feels optimistic about his chances.

“This might be the gusto right here. I hope we can win,” he said.

Willson, originally from Liberia, has been living in the area for 21 years and feels drawn to her chosen store for luck.

“I left all the other stores, and I came back, and something just pushed me to come here,” she explained.

Lupe Angelle, a regular player, shared his motivation for participating.

“I play to win. I can’t work. So, I got to catch what I can,” Angelle said.

First-time player Anita Stutes is also trying her luck due to the high jackpot.

“Well because Powerball is so high right now, and chances are somebody has to win, why not me?” Stutes remarked.

As the clock ticks down to the drawing, hopeful players like these are dreaming of how a win could change their lives. The excitement is palpable, and by tonight, one or more lucky individuals could see their dreams come true.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLFY. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLFY staff before being published.

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