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Tony Bennett – The Legendary Singer Who Captivated Generations

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Tony Bennett – The Legendary Singer Who Captivated Generations

Tony Bennett, the legendary singer who mesmerized the youth in the 1950s and toured with Lady Gaga in 2014 and 2015, passed away at the age of 96. According to a statement from his publicist given to ABC News, Tony Bennett breathed his last at his home in New York City on Friday morning.

In 2021, Tony Bennett revealed that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, a condition he battled with courage and grace.

The world mourned the loss of Tony Bennett on Friday, paying tribute to the iconic artist. Among those who expressed their condolences was Billy Joel, who referred to Bennett as “one of the most significant interpreters of American popular song from the mid-20th century to the end.” Elton John also shared his grief, saying, “I am devastated to hear about Tony’s passing. Without a doubt, he was the finest singer, performer, and artist you ever saw. He was incomparable. My love and condolences to Susan, Danny, and the family.”

The Defining Moments in Tony Bennett’s Career

Tony Dominick Benedetto, who was born in Queens, New York, had a talent for singing jazzy songs, great American songbook standards, and pop favorites. After participating in World War II, he received a significant break when Bob Hope invited him on tour in 1949. In the 1950s, he produced a number of successful movies under the Columbia Records label, including “Because of You,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Rags to Riches,” and “Stranger in Paradise.”

Bennett’s defining song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” was published in 1962. He received two Grammy Awards for it, including Record of the Year, despite the fact that it only peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

With the onset of the British invasion, Bennett’s film hits declined, and by the end of the 1970s, his marriage ended in failure, with no manager, no record label, and struggles with substance abuse and IRS troubles. In despair, he turned to his children for support. Taking charge as his manager, his son Danny orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in music history. Danny spearheaded Tony’s re-entry into pop culture, featuring him on late-night talk shows, “The Simpsons,” and MTV, including a stylish video for his 1993 hit “Steppin’ Out with My Baby.”

The 1994 album “Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged,” which featured Elvis Costello and k.d. lang, was one of the highlights of this revival.

Subsequently, Bennett collaborated with UK’s Glastonbury Festival, mentored contestants on “American Idol,” starred in hit films like “Analyze This,” and maintained his poise while singing with stars like Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, Bono, George Michael, and Billy Joel in his star-studded duet albums.

His duet with Amy Winehouse, the popular jazz standard “Body and Soul,” was released in March 2011 and reached number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bennett first collaborated with Lady Gaga on their 2011 album “Duets II,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Their close friendship grew, and eventually, their 2014 duet album “Cheek to Cheek,” which debuted at number one, won a Grammy Award and gave birth to a successful tour. Bennett’s most recent Grammy win in 2022 was for his duet album “Love for Sale” with Lady Gaga, named Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Aside from winning twenty Grammy and two Emmy Awards, Bennett’s accolades include Canada’s Centennial Honor, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award, Grammy and ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Awards, and an eight-foot-tall statue in front of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco honoring his likeness.

Bennett’s experiences during World War II, including attending a desegregation rally, inspired him to become a lifelong advocate for peace and humanity. He was nicknamed “Tony Beneficent” for his numerous charity performances.

He was also a respected painter, with his works displayed in galleries worldwide, including the Smithsonian Institution. He and his wife Susan co-founded Exploring the Arts, along with a public performing arts high school, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, in Queens, New York.

Bennett performed at the inauguration of former President Bill Clinton in 1993 and former President Barack Obama’s second inaugural celebration in 2013.

What Famous Personalities Had to Say About Tony Bennett

Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a statement, “We loved Tony Bennett and admired his talent and his deep commitment to humanity and the broader principles of equality and fairness.”

Obama tweeted, “Tony Bennett was a distinguished songwriter and entertainer who enchanted generations of fans. Michelle and I will always be grateful that he lent his presence to my inauguration ceremony.”

Tony Bennett’s Family

The four children Tony Bennett had with his first wife Susan, boys Danny and Dae, and daughters Joanna and Antonia, all survive him.

Tony Bennett’s timeless music and indomitable spirit have left an enduring mark on the world, making him an icon cherished by generations. As we bid farewell to this musical legend, his songs will continue to echo in the hearts of fans for generations to come.

Record-Breaking Powerball Lottery: $1.08 Billion Powerball Winner in Los Angeles

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Record-Breaking Powerball Lottery: $1.08 Billion Powerball Winner in Los Angeles

Record-Breaking Powerball Lottery: $1.08 Billion Powerball Winner in Los Angeles

In a convenience store in Los Angeles, a winning ticket for Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing worth a staggering $1.08 billion was sold. However, the winning ticket holder(s) have yet to collect the reward.

The winning numbers for the Powerball Jackpot were 7, 13, 10, 24, 11, and the Powerball number was 24.

The Powerball winner will have the choice to either receive an annual payout of the $1.08 billion over 29 years or he/she has the option of lump-sum payment of $558.1 million before taxes.

Wednesday’s lottery was the sixth largest lottery in the history of US lotteries and the third largest Powerball jackpot. This is just behind the world-record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California last year and the $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2016.

According to the California Lottery, the winning ticket for Wednesday’s drawing was sold at the Las Palmaitas Mini Market in Los Angeles. The convenience store will receive nearly $1 million as a bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Neighbors of Herrera, who works at the store, found out that the store had sold the winning ticket when they arrived for work on Thursday morning, accompanied by journalists.

Herrera mentioned that three of his customers bought a significant portion of the tickets, and he hopes the Powerball winner is one of his regular customers. He was eager to check the two tickets he purchased himself.

Herrera was thankful to God that someone won the lotto and that he too would get some chunk of it.

Initially, Herrera was identified as the owner of the store; however, a lottery spokesperson clarified later that he was an employee.

How The Powerball Winner Can Claim The Lottery

In California, Powerball winners have one year to claim their prizes. After their claims are validated, the Powerball winners have 60 days to choose how they want to receive their payments.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, outside his service center in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, business owner Joe Chaheyad smiles while keeping the giant check with his sons, Joe Jr., left, and Daniel Chaheyad. Powerball officials presented a “million-dollar bonus check” to the retailer that sold the winning ticket, which won the record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot.

New Google AI Tool Could Transform the News Industry

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New Google AI Tool Could Transform the News Industry

Google is testing a new AI tool called Genesis that can write news articles. The tool was pitched to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal’s owner, News Corp as a way to “steer the publishing industry away from the pitfalls of generative AI.”

Google is in the preliminary stages of developing an AI tool that will provide journalists with assistance in generating headlines and different writing styles. The company emphasized that the technology is not meant to replace journalists, but rather to augment their work.

The New Google AI Tool is still under development, but it has the potential to automate some tasks for journalists, such as generating headlines or suggesting different writing styles. It could also help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of news reporting.

However, some journalists have expressed concerns that the New Google AI Tool could lead to job losses in the news industry. They argue that the tool could be used to produce low-quality content that is not fact-checked.

It is still too early to say what the impact of the New Google AI Tool will be on the news industry. However, it is clear that the tool has the potential to transform the way news is produced.

Here are a few more key takeaways from the article on New Google AI Tool:

  1. The New Google AI Tool is still in the early stages of development.

The tool is not intended to replace journalists, but to assist them with their work.

Some journalists have expressed concerns that the tool could lead to job losses.

The tool has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of news reporting.

It is still too early to say what the impact of the tool will be on the news industry.

I hope this summary is helpful.

Powerball Drawing: The Anticipation of a $1 Billion Jackpot

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Powerball Drawing: The Anticipation of a $1 Billion Jackpot

Introduction to Powerball Drawing

The Powerball drawing this week is creating a wave of excitement across the country, with the jackpot exceeding $1 billion. As a result, millions of people are waiting up at convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations, expecting for a huge breakthrough.

How is the Latest Powerball Jackpot Accumulated?

For the drawing on Wednesday, this new jackpot will be the seventh-largest in American history and the third-largest for Powerball drawing. If a single player matches all five numbers and the drawn Powerball drawing number, they have the option to choose between a $1 billion prize paid over 29 years with an annual salary increase or a lump sum payment of $516.8 million before taxes. The last Powerball jackpot was won on April 19th for a top prize of approximately $253 million. Since then, none of the subsequent 38 drawings have produced a grand prize winner.

What Can You Buy with $1 Billion?

Almost anything you desire. However, it is essential to remember that you may never be able to spend it all, as financial advisor Shane Fletcher cautioned in Kansas City, Missouri. He stated that it is crucial to be aware that big jackpots also come with hefty bills. It is just not that you have to pay huge taxes, also you will have to cough out huge sums for high-end luxury homes, vehicles, and other material things. He mentioned that the notion that lottery winners can spend a significant amount of money every day is a misconception that has left more than one lottery winner regretting their winnings.

If you are the winner, what should you do?

The first thing to do is to safely place the winning ticket in a place you would feel it is safe. Then, you should begin by assembling your “team,” advised Fletcher. You can consider involving your dearest and most reliable family members like your spouse, parents, or siblings, along with the guidance of professionals such as a financial advisor, lawyer, and certified public accountant. Fletcher suggested, “After the initial excitement, you know, take a deep breath and slow down.”

Mega Millions Jackpot Continues to Rise

While the $1 billion Powerball drawing jackpot attracts the attention of many, the competitive Mega Millions lottery jackpot is also reaching new heights.

Why Are Lottery Jackpots So Large These Days?

Games are designed that way. These enormous jackpots owe their credit to mathematics and greater odds. Mega Millions followed suit, changing the odds of winning from 1 in 258.9 million to 1 in 302.6 million. Since those changes, the largest lottery jackpots in the U.S. have emerged.

What Are the Biggest Jackpots Ever Won in America?

The biggest one was a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, which was hit on November 8, 2022, with the winning ticket sold in California. The next largest jackpot was also a Powerball drawing prize, which reached $1.586 billion on January 13, 2016. However, that prize was split among three winning tickets sold in California, Florida, and Tennessee. The last big Jackpot won was of $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022, in Illinois.

As lottery advertisements state: “Play Responsibly.”

Purchasing multiple tickets only slightly increases your chances of winning. Experts have cautioned that the odds are so long that it is not advisable to spend a significant amount of money on additional tickets. If buying one ticket gives you a 1 in 292.2 million chance of winning the jackpot, spending $10 for five number combinations only reduces your odds to 1 in 58.4 million. The same holds true if you spend $100. So, you could spend a lot of money on tickets and still have an almost negligible chance of winning the jackpot.

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Calling It Quits After Seven Years of Marriage

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Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Calling It Quits After Seven Years of Marriage

After seven years of marriage, Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have revealed their tough choice to part ways. The couple, who has always been adored by fans and confirmed their relationship status through numerous public displays of affection, has now expressed the need to respectfully honor their privacy as they enter this new phase of their lives.

The couple had a joint announcement, which read, “We have taken the difficult choice to get a divorce. As a couple who love each other very much and care profoundly about one another, we ask for the utmost respect for our privacy at this time, while we traverse this new chapter in our lives.”

In addition to the joint statement, a source revealed to an outlet, “Sofia and Joe have been spending some time apart and creating distance to contemplate their future.”

Meanwhile, another source informed ET that “Sofia and Joe are living separate lives.”

She had an event at her house in Los Angeles at the end of June to mark the launch and Joe wasn’t present. She still had a framed picture of them kissing in a room of her house.”

Speculation about the state of Vergara and Manganiello’s relationship began earlier this month when Vergara posted on Instagram for his birthday with the caption, “Feliz Cumpleaños Sofia!!!” (Happy Birthday Sofia!!!).

Adding to the buzz surrounding their marriage troubles is the fact that Vergara took a vacation to Italy without Manganiello for her birthday.

Later on, Joe acquired Vergara’s phone number from his Modern Family co-star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and flew her out to New Orleans for a date. After six months of being together, they got engaged. On November 22, 2015, Vergara and Manganiello officially became husband and wife.

The following year, Manganiello opened up about his relationship with the Modern Family actress and revealed more details.

“She was it for me. People say, ‘Marriage and relationships are work.’ But it’s not. Life is hard. Having somebody to help you deal with it is the biggest thing.”

It’s always unpleasant to learn of the end of a famous romance, and the news of Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello splitting ways is no exception. Their love story had captured the hearts of many, and their fans had hoped that their marriage would last. However, relationships are complex, and sometimes even the most adored couples face difficulties that are challenging to overcome. We wish them both the best and hope they find happiness and fulfillment in their individual journeys.

Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Novak Djokovic in Epic Wimbledon Final

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Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Novak Djokovic in Epic Wimbledon Final

In order to make winning the Wimbledon Championship even more memorable, Carlos Alcaraz voiced his wish for another attempt against Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz had the chance to compete against Djokovic, and he won.

Carlos Alcaraz’s remarkable victory shattered Novak Djokovic’s 34-match unbeaten record at the All-England Club. Carlos Alcaraz’s exceptional skill and unwavering determination propelled him to a well-deserved victory in a thrilling match. With a nail-biting scoreline of 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, Alcaraz showcased his talent and cemented this intense encounter as a defining moment in the competition. Alcaraz’s triumph not only showcased his exceptional talent but also signaled a profound shift in the dynamics of the game. This was Alcaraz’s first Wimbledon title on Sunday in an exhilarating back-and-forth final, adding it to his previous Grand Slam victory at the French Open earlier this month.

Djokovic was denied the opportunity to win his 24th major championship of his career and a record-breaking eighth straight grass-court event triumph by the top-ranked player in the world, Alcaraz.

In contrast, the 20-year-old Spanish prodigy Alcaraz made waves as the tournament’s oldest contender, showcasing remarkable talent at such a young age.

Alcaraz, like he did when they met at the French Open last month, thus, had youth on his side. He excelled for two sets before losing his edge and drifting away. He was able to defeat Djokovic this time because to his fortitude and strokes.

Alcaraz has a maximum serve speed of 130 mph and a top forehand speed of 100 mph, making him quick and capable of hitting hard strokes. Djokovic, meanwhile, is gifted beyond measure and has extraordinary muscle memory. In a manner that Alcaraz can now only imagine, he has already been there and done that.

Alcaraz, though, is well on his way to doing great things if there was any hint that this triumph on the misty and overcast day at Centre Court, when Djokovic fell in the final for the first time since 2013, was a portent.

Alcaraz’s second Grand Slam final, Djokovic’s 35th, were both somewhat unfamiliar to him.

But Alcaraz took the third set with a 32-point, 25-second mini-masterpiece of a game. Alcaraz broke Djokovic’s serve to make it 2-1 with a backhand passing winner. Djokovic, who faltered briefly during the point but immediately recovered, vented his annoyance by striking the net post with his racket to stop the impact. He trashed his gear and charged chair umpire Fergus Murphy of breaking the law.

The game would go on for another 24 minutes, taking the total playing duration to nearly 4 1/2 hours, but Alcaraz never gave in or shown any symptoms of weakness. And that evening, Alcaraz, not Djokovic, would be the one to accept the trophy.

Alcaraz’s triumph against the seasoned champion Novak Djokovic was a testament to his unyielding tenacity. Throughout the intense match, Carlos Alcaraz exhibited an unmatched level of resilience, refusing to succumb to the pressure and maintaining his composure even during the most challenging moments. His unwavering focus and unwavering determination propelled him to victory. The young Spaniard’s victory is an important turning point in his career and catapults him to new levels in the tennis world. Carlos Alcaraz’s future seems bright as he makes his imprint and the tennis community excitedly anticipates his next matchup with the renowned Novak Djokovic.

In a showdown for the ages, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz delivered a match filled with raw intensity, skill, and determination. Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph marked a pivotal moment in his young career, while Djokovic showcased his unwavering competitive spirit. This memorable clash will be remembered as a testament to the enduring spirit of tennis and the incredible talent of these two extraordinary players.

Zarina Hashmi: An Artistic Journey of Home, Displacement, and Identity

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Zarina Hashmi: An Artistic Journey of Home, Displacement, and Identity

Zarina Hashmi, a well-known Indian-American artist and printmaker, was recently recognized by Google with a mesmerizing doodle on her 86th birthday. The doodle, created by guest artist Tara Anand, pays tribute to Zarina’s unique style, which incorporated minimalistic and geometric shapes to depict the concepts of home, displacement, boundaries, and memory.

Recognized as a prominent figure among the vanguards of the minimalist movement, Hashmi graced the world with her presence on this very day in 1937, in the enchanting city of Aligarh, nestled within the culturally rich tapestry of Uttar Pradesh, India. Her artistic prowess and profound influence continue to resonate, establishing her as an iconic luminary within the realm of art. She grew up in a joyful environment with her four siblings, enjoying a peaceful life until the partition of India in 1947 disrupted their lives. The partition forced Zarina’s family to flee to the newly formed city of Karachi, Pakistan.

At the age of 21, Zarina embarked on a transformative journey when she married a young diplomat. This marriage opened doors to a world of exploration, enabling her to wander across continents and embrace the captivating wonders of various cultures. It proved to be a life-altering journey, granting her the precious opportunity to submerge herself completely, reveling in the vivid mosaic of multifaceted customs and viewpoints. This immersive encounter became a catalyst for personal growth, where she embraced the kaleidoscope of vibrant traditions and perspectives that adorned her path, enriching her existence in profound and meaningful ways. She explored places like Bangkok, Paris, and Japan, where she delved into the realms of printmaking, modernism, and abstract movements.

Zarina moved to New York in 1977 and quickly became an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and an ardent supporter of artists of color. She became a member of the Heresies Collective, a feminist journal that investigated the intersections of art, politics, and social justice.

Maintaining her commitment to equality and artistic education, Zarina began teaching at the New York Feminist Art Institute, providing a platform for women artists to flourish. In 1980, she co-curated a significant exhibition titled “Divergent Visions: Women Artists in the Third World,” held at A.I.R. Gallery. This groundbreaking exhibition not only showcased diverse artists but also created a space where vibrant women artists could freely express themselves.

Zarina Hashmi’s artistic style was based on woodcuts and intaglio prints, in which she effectively combined semi-abstract depictions of homes and locations she had lived in with Urdu inscriptions. Drawing inspiration from Islamic art and Sufism, Zarina infused her works with a sense of spirituality and identity. Her art captured the essence of her experiences and reflected the challenges faced by a generation affected by displacement and the search for a sense of belonging.

Her extraordinary artistic achievements propelled her work to grace the esteemed halls of renowned establishments, including the illustrious San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the revered Whitney Museum of American Art, the prestigious Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the esteemed Metropolitan Museum of Art. These distinguished institutions eagerly showcased her creations, acknowledging her profound impact on the art world and honoring her talent with the utmost reverence. Zarina’s art resonates with viewers globally, evoking nostalgia, introspection, and emotional connections.

Today’s Google Doodle serves as a testament to Zarina Hashmi’s enduring influence on the art world. Doodles are temporary alterations of Google’s logo on its search page, and they are an important way to celebrate significant events and notable public figures. The inclusion of Zarina’s doodle emphasizes the importance of recognizing and commemorating extraordinary individuals, particularly in the art community.

Zarina’s artistic legacy is characterized by her unique ability to merge traditional Indian art with modernism, creating profound and evocative pieces. Her work captures the intangible and makes it tangible, evoking deep emotions and distant spaces. Zarina Hashmi’s remarkable achievements in the realm of art have left an unforgettable impact, igniting the spirits of curators, art dealers, art enthusiasts, scholars, writers, and fellow creators. Her influential presence has become a wellspring of motivation, evoking admiration and inspiration among individuals from all corners of the artistic community. Her invaluable contributions resonate deeply, serving as a catalyst for creativity and fostering a collective appreciation for the power of artistic expression.

The concept of home remained central to Zarina Hashmi’s art, representing a constant state of settling and exploring the themes of journey, borders, and time. Her minimalist approach, infused with Islamic geometric patterns and Urdu calligraphy, expressed her longing for a place to call home.

Zarina Hashmi’s art has resonated deeply with audiences around the world, touching on universal themes of displacement, identity, and mobility. Her artworks continue to be celebrated and studied, capturing the essence of her diasporic experiences and offering insights into the collective trauma of partition. She invited viewers into cosmopolitan worlds, highlighting the limitations of language and representation while emphasizing the power of art to bridge gaps and foster understanding.

Zarina Hashmi’s art will forever serve as a poignant reminder of the losses endured and the resilience of the human spirit. Her elegance, unwavering confidence, and mastery of her art will eternally emanate a wellspring of inspiration for future generations, acting as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of courage, independence, and the profound solace and meaning discovered through artistic exploration. Zarina Hashmi’s enchanting aura and exceptional creative brilliance will stand as a guiding beacon, empowering aspiring artists to wholeheartedly embrace their individuality and fearlessly embark on their creative journeys, unraveling the limitless depths of artistic expression.

In conclusion, Zarina Hashmi’s artistic journey is a testament to her immense talent and the profound impact of her work. Through her prints, sculptures, and paper works, she explored the complex themes of home, displacement, and identity. Zarina Hashmi’s art captured the hearts and minds of viewers globally, transcending boundaries and leaving an enduring legacy in the art world. Her unique perspectives shaped by her diasporic experiences continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Powerball Jackpot Surges to $875 Million, Making History in Lottery Game

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Powerball Jackpot Surges to $875 Million, Making History in Lottery Game

Powerball Jackpot Reaches Historic Heights

The Powerball jackpot, which is one of the greatest in the game’s history, and is one of the highest bidding Powerball games in history of the lotto and it may go even higher if someone does not match the right numbers. The current game has climbed even higher and is now projected to be worth $875 million.

The Latest Drawing: No Winners Match All Six Numbers

Nobody correctly matched all six winning numbers from Wednesday’s drawing, which were 23-35-45-66-67 and Powerball 20.

Saturday’s Drawing: Third Largest Jackpot in Lottery History

The new Powerball Jackpot reward is the third-largest in the game’s history, trailing only the $2.04 billion jackpot won last year and the $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot won in 2016.

If someone matches all six numbers and wins Saturday’s drawing, they will have the opportunity to claim the reward of $875 million paid out in annual payments or pick a lump sum option of $441.9 million before taxes.

A Look at Powerball’s Previous Record-Breaking Powerball Jackpots

According to game organizers, there have been a total of 36 Powerball Jackpot drawings without a huge jackpot winner so far. The previous jackpot was won on April 19 when a ticket sold in Ohio matched the winning numbers and earned a payout of $252.6 million.

The Implications of Winning Jackpot: Life-Changing Prizes Await

Research suggests that around 60% of the revenue earned by American state lotteries goes directly to the winners, while the states keep the remaining cash after paying out the jackpot rewards and covering certain expenses like advertising. However, for big lotteries like Mega Millions or Powerball, half of the ticket money goes into the prize pool.

Powerball Jackpot’s Wide Reach: Participating States and Exclusions

Powerball is played in 45 states, omitting five states—Alabama, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada—that do not sell lottery tickets.

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