Powerball has announced that a winning ticket for yesterday’s record $2.04 billion jackpot was sold in the state of California. Originally announced to be $1.9 billion, by the time all sales were counted the final total came in over $2 billion, with a cash value of $997.6 million. The winning numbers were 10 33 41 47 56 and Powerball 10.  Locally, a $50,000 ticket was sold at the Check Cash Depot at 8476 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring.  Additional details courtesy of the Maryland Lottery:  “Although Monday night’s Powerball drawing was delayed until Tuesday morning, it delivered a record-shattering jackpot on a winning ticket sold in California, along with nine prizes of at least $50,000 on tickets sold in Maryland, including a $1 million second-tier win in Catonsville.

The estimated annuity value of the jackpot stood at $1.9 billion on Monday, but when all sales were finalized, the total had grown to $2.04 billion with a cash value of $997.6 million. It was the largest single jackpot prize in lottery history, surpassing a $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016 that was shared by winners in California, Florida and Tennessee. The drawing was delayed while one of the jurisdictions that participates in Powerball worked to finalize its sales results. Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game is operated under strict protocols that require all 48 of those lotteries to finish processing their sales results and report their data before the drawings can take place. The Maryland Lottery was not the source of the delay. Videos of the Powerball and Double Play drawings are available at powerball.com and Powerball’s YouTube channel.

In Maryland, the drawing produced a $1 million second-tier win on a ticket sold Nov. 7 at One Mile Liquor, located at 6600 Baltimore National Pike in Catonsville. That ticket matched the first five numbers that were drawn, but missed out on winning the jackpot because it did not match the Powerball number. The ticket sold at One Mile Liquor was one of 22 across the nation that won $1 million prizes. Another Maryland Lottery player won a third-tier prize of $50,000 that was doubled to $100,000 because the lucky winner added the Power Play option to the ticket, which was sold Nov. 6 at Smallwood Village Exxon located at 2010 St. Thomas Drive in Waldorf.

Seven other Maryland Lottery players won $50,000 third-tier prizes in the drawing:

• $50,000: sold Nov. 7 at 260 BP, 2975 West Chesapeake Beach Road, Dunkirk
• $50,000: sold Nov. 7 at White Plains Wine & Spirts, 4425 Crain Highway, White Plains
• $50,000: sold Nov. 5 at 7-Eleven #15036, 309 East Smallwood Drive, Waldorf
• $50,000: sold Nov. 6 at Weis Market #180, 9400 Scott Moore Way, Perry Hall
• $50,000: sold Nov. 5 at Maryland House, I-95, Aberdeen
• $50,000: sold Nov. 7 at Wawa #555, 668 South Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury
• $50,000: sold Nov. 7 at Check Cash Depot #004, 8476 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring

Powerball has nine prize tiers ranging from $4 to the jackpot. A total of 229,153 winning tickets were sold in Maryland for the Nov. 7 drawing. The historic Powerball jackpot roll began in early August, and the Nov. 7 drawing was the 41^st since the jackpot was last hit for $206.9 million in Pennsylvania on Aug. 3.”

Per the Maryland State Police: The crew of a Maryland State Police helicopter responded to a remote mountainous area yesterday to conduct an aerial rescue of an injured hiker. Yesterday at 2:30 p.m., the crew of Maryland State Police helicopter Trooper 3, based in Frederick, Maryland, responded to Sugarloaf Mountain to assist in the rescue of a hiker.  The hiker had experienced a medical emergency near the summit of the mountain and faced an almost hour time for evacuation by ground.

Based on information received from multiple 911 calls, it was determined that an aerial hoist rescue would be the fastest and most efficient means of extracting the patient from the mountain. While Trooper 3 was launching, crews were able to reach the patient on the ground and confirmed the aerial extraction would be required.

Trooper 3’s pilots maneuvered the Augusta Westland 139 into position 84 feet above the rescuers and patient.  A rescue device and a trooper/rescue technician were lowered from the AW-139 to the first responders below.

The patient was packaged in a rescue device and an aerial hoist was successfully executed from an altitude of 104 feet.  The patient was accompanied during the hoist extraction by an MSP rescue technician, who continued care during the evolution.  While providing care in the air, Trooper 3’s crew transported the injured hiker to a local hospital.

The rescue was an overwhelming success due to the successful coordination of first responders from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, Frederick County Department of Fire/Rescue Services, Carroll Manor Volunteer Fire Department and the advanced life support providers/rescuers from the Montgomery County Fire Department.  The rescue also highlights the capabilities of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.  Ten AW-139 helicopters based out of seven sections across the state provide medevac, search and rescue, aerial law enforcement, and homeland security services and are prepared to assist in even the most challenging missions.

Orange wooden and plastic seating from RFK Stadium’s lower bow, as well as stadium turnstiles, are currently being sold online by Events DC, which has just announced the Farewell RFK Stadium project.  Prices range from $349-$599. RFK Stadium opened in 1961 and was the home to the Washington Redskins (1961-1996), the Washington Senators (1962–1971), D.C. United (1996–2017), and the Washington Nationals (2005-2007). Demolition of RFK stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.  Full details below per Events DC:

Washington, DC (November 3, 2022) – Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, today announced the kickoff of Farewell RFK Stadium, a project to celebrate and honor the legacy of DC’s most iconic sports and concert venue, while also sharing timely updates regarding ongoing demolition activities.

“We are saying farewell to the RFK Stadium, but we remain committed to fulfilling Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “As the Sports Capital says farewell to this stadium and we cherish the memories we shared in it, this is a new opportunity to do as Robert Kennedy did — dream things that never were and ask why not.”

“The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium holds special memories for many of us in the community. We watched DC’s football team win division championships. We saw baseball return to the nation’s capital here. We also saw our favorite bands like the Grateful Dead and Traffic, among others,” said Events DC Board Chairman Max Brown. “This stadium is woven into the fabric of Washington, DC’s past and present. We must and will celebrate and remember all of this during our Farewell RFK Stadium campaign: The Stands Rocked. The Fans Roared. The Legacy Remains.”

“This landmark named after my father means so much to this region,” said Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland. “I am excited to be a part of this project that will celebrate his legacy, as well as all of the elements that made this stadium memorable to us all.”

To launch the campaign, an initial selection of orange wooden and plastic seating from RFK Stadium’s lower bowl is now available for public purchase beginning today. Stadium seats can be ordered here, with pick-up available in-person only on the RFK Campus on December 16-18. Seats from the initial sale will be prepared and ready for the upcoming holiday gifting season for approximately $350 to $500. For more information on stadium seats, visit here: www.stadiumseatdepot.com.

Additional seats, including wooden burgundy and gold seats from the stadium’s upper bowl and other commemorative merchandise will be available in 2023. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of stadium seats and memorabilia will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington and St. Coletta of Greater Washington.

“The Farewell RFK Stadium campaign will include elements of public participation that sparks nostalgia, reminds us of memorable moments that happened here and include all of the organizations and partners that fans love,” said Events DC Interim President and CEO Samuel Thomas. “There will be something for everyone and we welcome the participation from the greater Washington, DC community in sharing their own RFK Stadium stories with us.”

Events DC is in the process of formally convening a diverse group of key stakeholders from RFK Stadium’s lifespan and surrounding neighborhood that will guide the planning of public celebratory events through the end of 2023.

For more information on seat sales, demolition updates including a live webcam, commemorative merchandise and more, visit www.FarewellRFK.com and on social media at @FarewellRFK on Twitter and @FarewellRFKStadium on Instagram.

Live! Casinos and Hotels announced its has purchased 4,000 tickets for tonight’s Powerball drawing, 2,407 of which were purchased by Maryland Live! Casino, located at 7002 Arundel Mills Cir Ste 7777 in Hanover, MD.  If the company happens to have the winning numbers, it plans to split the winning ticket among all of its 4,000+ active employees at its three locations (Arundel Mills, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia). Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is the second highest in history and now stands at an estimated $1.2 billion with a cash option of $596.7 million.

Top 10 Powerball Jackpots
1. $1.586 Billion – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN
2. $1.2 Billion (est.) – Nov. 2, 2022
3. $768.4 Million – March 27, 2019 – WI
4. $758.7 Million – Aug. 23, 2017 – MA
5. $731.1 Million – Jan. 20, 2021 – MD
6. $699.8 Million – Oct. 4, 2021 – CA
7. $687.8 Million – Oct. 27, 2018 – IA, NY
8. $632.6 Million – Jan. 5, 2022 – CA, WI
9. $590.5 Million – May 18, 2013 – FL
10. $587.5 Million – Nov. 28, 2012 – AZ, MO

Per Live!: “With over $1.2 billion still at stake, Live! Casinos & Hotels are doubling down on more than 4,000 Team Members companywide, as the General Managers at Live! properties in Maryland, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh go “all in” on another round of Powerball Lottery ticket purchases. If any of the properties hit the jackpot, the payout will be evenly divided among all active Live! Team Members companywide.”

The new Wawa at 9100 Riggs Rd in Adelphi, MD is scheduled to open on November 10. The location, which features a 5,619 square foot food and beverage store and a gas station,  will be located on the Southwest corner of Adelphi Rd and Riggs Rd, just across Adelphi Rd from the existing 7-Eleven and Popeyes. Wawa also opened a location at 2200 Pulaski Highway in Edgewood, MD last month.

As for MoCo’s first Wawa, construction on the Gaithersburg location is ongoing (photos below). The convenience store/gas station will be taking over the site of the old Becraft Antiques location on 355, across from Gaithersburg High School at 405 S Frederick Ave.  We first let you know the news of Wawa’s first planned MoCo location in May of 2019.  Since then, the first MoCo Royal Farms was announced, constructed, and opened in Gaithersburg and the first MoCo Sheetz location was announced.

After nobody matched all six numbers in last night’s $1 billion Powerball drawing, the jackpot has now increased to $1.2 billion, with a cash out value estimated to be $596 million. The winning numbers from Halloween night were 13 19 36 39 59 and Powerball: 13. The next drawing will take place on Wednesday, November 2 at 10:59pm.  Yesterday it was announced that a $1 million winning ticket was sold for last Saturday’s Powerball drawing in Prince George’s County. According to FOX5, the ticket was purchased at the Giant grocery store located at 15520 Annapolis Road in Bowie. Per Powerball:

The Powerball® jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.2 billion ($596.7 million cash) for the next drawing on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The jackpot rolled after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Monday night – white balls 13, 19, 36, 39, 59 and red Powerball 13. If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, it will be the second-largest jackpot in Powerball history, only behind the world record $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot, and fourth-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history.

Despite there being no jackpot winner in last Monday’s drawing, more than 5.4 million tickets won cash prizes totaling $59.5 million in the Halloween night drawing. Big winners include 10 tickets (CA-2, FL, IN, MI, NY, OH-2, TX-2) that matched all five white balls to win a $1 million prize. Three tickets (FL, NY, OK) matched all five white balls and increased the $1 million prize to $2 million by including the Power Play® option for an additional $1 per play. There were also 134 tickets nationwide that won a $50,000 prize, and another 23 tickets that won a $150,000 prize.

Wednesday’s jackpot has grown to be Powerball’s largest prize in more than six years. The Powerball jackpot was last hit on August 3 in Pennsylvania. Since then, there have been 38 Powerball drawings in a row without a grand prize winner.

Powerball tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Powerball drawings are also live streamed online at Powerball.com.

The XFL today revealed the names and logos for the eight teams that will be competing in the 2023 season, which kicks off on February 18, 2023. The Washington DC team, which will play its home games at Audi Field, will continue to be known as the D.C. Defenders. The Defenders went 3-2 during the XFL’s 2020 season, which ended prematurely in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The XFL was then purchased by Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson in August 2020 after the league went bankrupt.  The Defenders will be coached this season by Reggie Barlow and the XFL draft takes place in November.  Additional information courtesy of the XFL:

The DC Defenders are an unmatched defensive force overlooking the most guarded capital in the world. They don't give up ground, they take it. #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/WdhtGFvGbB

— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) October 31, 2022

Taking the field for the XFL:

• Arlington Renegades
• D.C. Defenders
• Houston Roughnecks
• Orlando Guardians
• San Antonio Brahmas
• Seattle Sea Dragons
• St. Louis Battlehawks
• Vegas Vipers

“We could not be more excited to unveil our new team identities. Countless hours of creative sessions and collaboration went into bringing these team brands to life. Each team’s identity represents the fabric of their local community while also embodying the XFL’s vision and ethos: they are authentic, dynamic, modern, and unapologetically bold,” said Dany Garcia, Chairwoman and Owner. “We can’t wait to see our XFL fans representing their favorite XFL teams this upcoming season.”

“Every one of these logos has a unique energy, intensity, and electricity that each team and their fans will bring on game day. Now is the time for our fans to get behind a team – THEIR team – and wear these logos and represent their city with pride,” Owner Dwayne Johnson added. “From the start, Dany, Gerry, and I have wanted to deliver our fans nothing but the best, and it is motivating to see our creative vision come to life. We have our cities, our team identities, and our rockstar coaches. Now we get to fill our rosters with hungry and deserving players that will wear their uniforms with XFL pride.”

Russ Brandon, President of the XFL, added, “The team names and logos are the results of the diligent work and tireless collaboration between the league marketing team, ownership and our creative partners. This is the moment where our brand comes to life and our shared vision becomes reality for our cities and fans everywhere. We couldn’t be more excited by what we have built, and there is more on the horizon.”

As previously announced, the XFL selected Arlington, Texas and Choctaw Stadium as its new football operations Hub. The Hub will consist of a centralized performance facility and multiple practice venues for preseason and in-week training for the League’s eight teams. This hybrid Hub model provides players access to full-time, on-site support from coaches and athletic training staff, while still developing team affinity and community relations within their local markets.

Earlier this month, the XFL finalized all eight teams’ coaching and football operations staff. As the 2023 season approaches, the coaching staff will continue to actively scout potential players in preparation for the XFL Draft in November. The XFL will kick off on February 18, 2023 in partnership with its exclusive broadcast partner, The Walt Disney Company and ESPN. Season ticket deposits are available online for all teams at XFL.com/tickets. Digital assets for the XFL can be found here: XFL.photoshelter.com/galleries For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Per the Smithsonian:

Staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Luke, an African lion who was humanely euthanized Oct. 19. He was 17 years old. The median life expectancy for African lions in human care is 17 years.

Animal care staff had been treating Luke for occasional discomfort and lameness in his right forelimb since 2016 when keepers observed that Luke was not bearing full weight on his leg and was showing signs of significant discomfort. Veterinarians anesthetized Luke and examined his leg, shoulder, neck and spine. A CT scan revealed an intervertebral compressive disc lesion on Luke’s spine. However, staff elected not to perform surgery due to significant complications that could arise related to post-surgical care. Over the years, the veterinary team administered various treatments for Luke’s spinal disease: steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, other oral pain medications, and deep-tissue laser therapy, electroacupuncture and dry-needle acupuncture on the affected areas.

Luke was trained to voluntarily participate in awake health exams, including routine weigh-ins and blood draws. On Oct. 14, keepers noted that Luke had lost 8 kilograms, or 17.6 pounds, and he was experiencing repeated episodes of lack of appetite. An awake blood draw performed that day did not reveal any areas of concern. Early this week, keepers noted that Luke had a decreased appetite and appeared dehydrated; additionally, his hind limbs seemed to have generalized loss of muscle mass. During an exploratory exam Oct. 19 to identify the cause of his weight loss and lack of appetite, Zoo veterinarians found several cystic masses throughout his liver. They also found moderate-to-severe progression of his spinal condition—several of his cervical vertebra had fused. Given these findings, Luke’s overall long-term quality of life was considered poor, and the animal care team decided to humanely euthanize him. A final pathology report will provide more information in the coming weeks.

Born at a private reserve in South Africa in 2005, Luke arrived at the Zoo in October 2006 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP scientists determine which animals to breed by considering their genetic makeup, nutritional and social needs, temperament and overall health. At that time, Luke was the most genetically valuable lion in the North American population because his genes were not represented in U.S. zoos. Together with his mates, Naba and Shera, Luke sired 13 surviving cubs from four litters. The cubs—born in 2010 and 2014—were transported to North American zoos for breeding and research. Zoo visitors can see Shera and her offspring Amahle, Shaka and Jumbe on exhibit or on the Zoo’s Lion Cam.

“Luke was truly the ‘king’ of the Great Cats exhibit,” said Craig Saffoe, curator of Great Cats, Kids’ Farm, Claws & Paws Pathway and Andean bears. “He was gentle with his mates, Naba and Shera, and an extremely patient and protective father to all 13 of the cubs he sired. Luke has left a lasting legacy, not only in the cubs he contributed to his species’ survival, but also in the millions of visitors who were able to gain a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for African lions because of who he was as the patriarch of his pride.”

Observing his behavior gave the Great Cats team valuable insight into lion breeding and cub rearing behaviors. His contributions to his species’ survival helped add to scientists’ knowledge about African lion reproductive physiology.

The formation of prides makes lions unique among the great cats, many of which are solitary animals. Hunting, disease and habitat loss have contributed to a decline in the population of African lions, which are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. During the past decade, lion populations have declined by about 30%. Currently, an estimated 20,000 lions remain in the wild.

Lil’ Cakes & Creamery will open its newest location at 3272 Bennett Creek Avenue, Unit A, this Saturday, October 22 in the Village Square at Urbana– joining the likes of Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and the brand new Big Greek Cafe. The grand opening will be held from 1-4pm and feature, face painting, free cupcakes & ice cream, raffles, and a moon bounce.

From @lil_cakesandcreamery on Instagram: “It’s Grand Opening time!!! Lil’ Cakes & Creamery Urbana will open this Saturday 10-22-22!!! Please come join us for a fun filled day and celebrate with us!! We will be open all day but the activities and raffles will be from 1-4PM! Help us spread the word and come on in for some delicious cupcakes and ice-cream!!! Chance to win a 32’’ TV, cupcakes, and so much more!!”

The original Lil’ Cakes location opened at 488 N Frederick Ave in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center in October 2019 and its White Marsh location opened in 2021. A second MoCo location at 844 Rockville Pike, the former site of Sam’s Cafe & Market (Hookah), is scheduled to open later this year. The dessert spot offers a rotating selection of cupcakes and ice cream, as well as macarons, pupcakes, cookies, cookie sandwiches, pushpops, and milkshakes. Visit their website at www.lilcakesandcreamery.com.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj1krLOjLn3/