SACRAMENTO - Is it time to get your Powerball tickets yet?  The current estimated jackpot stands at $116 million. 

Two weeks ago, when the state joined Powerball, California immediately set a record, selling more than $8 million worth of tickets in the first three days.

A week ago, the grand prize was $80 million and the last six times that happened, it rose by the minimal increment, going from 80 to 90, then to $100 million.  But this time, it went from 80 to 95, to $116 million.

California is just one of 43 Powerball states, but the state also accounts for about 12 percent of the population.  Long-term, the jackpots will grow faster.  But the odds of someone hitting the jackpot is now greater as well.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Spelling the name "CALIFORNIA" isn't as simple as it might seem when each letter weighs as much as 13,000 pounds.

Disney donated the 10 cast concrete letters to Cal Expo last year as part of its makeover of the California Adventure theme park, but did not offer to pay for the letters to be installed in Sacramento.

PHOTOS: Huge and heavy 'CALIFORNIA' letters

Cal Expo is now seeking one or more sponsors to pick up the cost of mounting the iconic letters at the state fairgrounds, which could run as high as $100,000.

Cal Expo marketing and public relations director Michelle Prater said they have roughly 30 days to raise the money if they hope to have the letters in place for the opening of the 160th California State Fair on July 12.

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Maloof family is saying those behind the Sacramento bid to buy the Sacramento Kings have until 5 p.m. Friday to submit a written, binding offer that matches that of a Seattle group, sources say.

The Seattle contingent, led by hedge fund manager Chris Hansen and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, has offered the Maloofs $525 million for their 65 percent stake in the team.

Last week, the Sacramento investment group submitted its offer to buy the Kings and build a new arena to the NBA's relocation and finance committees. The dollar figure wasn't made public, however, it was likely more than an earlier offer that Commissioner David Stern described as not financially comparable to Seattle's.

The Sacramento group made verbal dollar commitments. The Maloofs want them in writing. If received, the family says it will consider the offer seriously if NBA owners vote against the Seattle proposal.