Local Man Wins $209M Powerball, Chooses Anonymity

0:00A man from Halifax County just hit the jackpot in a big way, snagging $209 million from a power ball drawing back in January. Richard Key Jr. turned a simple $2 ticket into the second largest prize ever claimed in North Carolina history. He picked up that winning ticket at West Tenth Mart right there on West Tenth Street in Rono Grapids, his hometown. Folks are buzzing about how one quick stop changed everything for this local guy. Under North Carolina law, winners of 50 million or more can stay anonymous for up to 90 days after claiming and Key chose that option to keep. Things low key amid the spotlight. He opted for a lump sum payment of 95.3 million and after federal and state taxes kicked in, he's walking away with 68.6 million in his pocket. Stories like this remind us how a single play can rewrite your whole future. Key's proof that fortune favors the bold every now and then. From your city, powered by AI, this is Durham News Today. I'm Corey with the story.