71°F
weather icon Clear

Iowa Powerball winner donates $500K to veterans group

DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa woman who shared a nearly $700 million Powerball lottery jackpot has donated $500,000 to a veterans group.

Lerynne West announced on the Ellen DeGeneres Show broadcast Wednesday that she gave the money to the Travis Mills Foundation. The Maine-based organization offers programs for disabled veterans.

Before announcing her gift, West recounted buying the winning ticket at a convenience store in the small Iowa community of Redfield, then leaving it on the floor of her sister’s pickup. After submitting her ticket to officials, she promised to use her winnings to help others.

West says it’s important “that we never forget the sacrifices our soldiers and families make for our country.”

Robert Bailey of New York City bought the other winning ticket.

MOST READ
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Is Dictionary.com’s word of the year even a word?

Teachers have banned it. Influencers and child psychologists have tried to make sense of it. Dictionary.com’s word of the year isn’t even really a word.

How Americans feel about changing the clocks, according to new poll

Yes, you’ll get a shot at an extra hour’s sleep. But even with that, it might be one of the most dreaded weekends on the American calendar: the end of daylight saving time.

Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba pick up the pieces after Melissa’s destruction

Emergency relief flights began landing at Jamaica’s main international airport, which reopened late Wednesday, as crews distributed water, food and other basic supplies.

Trump says US will resume testing nuclear weapons for first time in 30 years

“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis,” he said in a post on Truth Social. “That process will begin immediately.”

What shutdown? Trump isn’t canceling travel, golf or his ballroom

In shutdowns past — including during Trump’s first term — presidents normally scaled back their schedules. The White House often sought to appear sympathetic to Americans affected by disruptions to health care, veterans benefits and other key services.

What does a Federal Reserve rate cut mean for your finances?

The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts affect what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

MORE STORIES