Trump kicks off Christmas Day with over 100 posts raging at Somalia and ‘rigged’ 2020 election

Donald Trump kicked off Christmas Day with more than 100 Truth Social posts, attacking Somali immigrants, praised his economic policies and doubled down on his claim that the 2020 election was stolen.

The president’s social media spree, which includes scores of reposts, came hours after he wished the a merry Christmas to “Radical Left Scum.”

Trump’s festive activity took aim at many of his familiar targets and continued well past midnight. Trump’s messages included reposting Stephen Miller’s conspiracy theory that Democrats want to transform the U.S. into Somalia.

“When you see the state of Somalia, that’s what they want for America,” Miller claimed in a video reshared by Trump. “Because it’s easier to rule over an empire of ashes than it is for the Democratic Party to rule over a functioning, Western, high-trust society with a strong middle class.

“That’s their model for America, to make the whole country into a version of Somalia.”

Trump also re-shared several videos and posts that contained the phrase “President Trump was right all along,” as he touted his apparent economic successes.

In a video shared by Trump, Peter Navarro, the counselor for trade, bragged that “so-called ‘experts’” had failed to understand the president’s economic vision.

Navarro alleged that Trump had slowed down inflation with his policies and even that the cost of toys had fallen, ahead of the festive season.

Despite Navarro’s claims, Trump seemed to acknowledge the issue of rising costs several weeks ago, when he floated the idea that struggling families buy their children two dolls instead of “thirty seven.”

Trump also returned to one of his favored grievances – the 2020 election.

He reshared several posts, focusing particularly on votes counted in Fulton County, Georgia. Former president Joe Biden narrowly won in the state in November 2020, taking home 49.5 percent of the vote share compared to Trump’s 49.24 percent share, according to CNN.

The current president shared several videos, including one from former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, which claimed that 315,000 votes had been counted in Fulton County to bolster Biden’s numbers.

Trump’s Christmas Day fury at 2020 continued with the president resharing a conspiracy from comedian Roseanne Barr.

Barr, a longtime Trump supporter, claimed that the global Covid-19 pandemic was a Democrat plot to force voters to use mail-in ballots so that they could rig the election.

Trump’s furious rampage on Truth Social comes as faith in him from voters continues to plunge.

A Gallup poll found that his approval rating stands at 36 percent, which is the joint-worst rating of any president since 1973 at the end of their first year in power.

Trump’s second presidency is joined at the bottom of the approval rankings by his first administration, which also had a low approval rating of 36 percent.

Two men missing after police called to beach on Christmas Day

A major search operation is underway off the coast of Devon after two men went missing in the water on Christmas Day, following reports of multiple people in difficulty amid severe weather warnings.

Emergency services were scrambled to Budleigh Salterton at approximately 10.25am after concerns were raised for individuals in the sea.

While a number of people were safely brought ashore, with two receiving paramedic checks and one taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a precaution, two men remain unaccounted for.

A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed: “Two men remain missing at this time and searches and enquiries are ongoing in efforts to locate them.”

She added that the next of kin for one man had been informed, with efforts continuing to contact the family of the second, though a local friend has been notified.

The police urged the public to avoid entering the water, stating: “A significant amount of emergency service personnel were deployed to the incident and we ask that people do not enter the water for public safety reasons – due to the current weather warnings we ask that this is the case today and for any Boxing Day swims.”

HM Coastguard confirmed their involvement, having been alerted around 10 am. Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, and coastguard search and rescue helicopters were all deployed to the scene, alongside police and ambulance services.

The incident occurred as a yellow weather warning for strong winds affected parts of the South West of England and Wales throughout Christmas Day.

The Met Office had forecast gusts of 45-55mph, potentially reaching 55-65mph on exposed coasts, with “large waves” posing an additional hazard.

This severe weather led to the cancellation of numerous planned Christmas and Boxing Day swims across Devon and Cornwall.

Anyone with information that could assist the police is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 101 or via their website, quoting log number 191 of December 25.

John Robertson: ‘The Picasso of football’ who helped Forest to glory

Former Nottingham Forest and Scotland winger John Robertson, who twice won the European Cup under Bryan Clough, has died aged 72, the Premier League club have announced.

Lanarkshire-born Robertson, who was once described by Clough as “a Picasso of our game”, signed for Forest aged 15, soon making his debut when only 17, and would become a key player as Clough’s side won the First Division league title in 1978 before back-to-back European Cup triumphs.

It was Robertson who provided the assist for Trevor Francis to score the only goal as Forest beat Malmo 1-0 in Munich and he then slotted in the winner himself as Clough’s men beat Hamburg 1-0 in Madrid the following season.

Robertson, who also won the League Cup twice with Forest, was part of Scotland’s World Cup squads in 1978 and 1982.

After a brief spell at Derby, Robertson returned to the City Ground in 1985, playing 12 times in his final season before being released.

Following his retirement, Robertson later moved into coaching as assistant to former Forest team-mate Martin O’Neill at Celtic and Aston Villa.

John Robertson was one of several players whose lives were transformed after Brian Clough took over as Nottingham Forest manager, but it was the return of Peter Taylor which had a profound impact on him.

Taylor resumed his role as Clough’s assistant 18 months into his reign in the summer of 1976, and ordered Robertson back to the team hotel ahead of the first pre-season training season before launching a verbal attack on his attitude and lifestyle.

The winger’s reaction was instant and lasting.

Robertson played a key part in Forest winning promotion that season and played all 42 league games as Forest won the title and League Cup the following campaign.

He went on to set up the winner in one European Cup final and scored in the next one while enjoying a memorable career with Scotland, and was twice voted Forest’s best player of all time.

John Neilson Robertson was born on January 20, 1953 and brought up in Uddingston, a Lanarkshire town just outside Glasgow, living in the same Viewpark area as another great Scottish winger, Jimmy Johnstone.

The youngest of three children, his father Hughie was a former miner who worked with the electricity board and his mother worked at the local Tunnock’s biscuit factory.

Robertson represented Scotland Schoolboys and signed for Forest aged 15 before making his debut when 17.

Forest were relegated from the top flight in 1972 and, although Robertson enjoyed a spell under Dave Mackay, he fell out of favour with Clough’s predecessor, Allan Brown, who tried unsuccessfully to swap him for Partick Thistle’s Ronnie Glavin.

Despite this, Robertson was bizarrely and mistakenly called up by new England boss Don Revie as he named 90 players for a get-together in 1974.

Clough jokingly branded Robertson “tramp” because of his appearance, but the winger longed for any gesture of approval he got from his boss, saying in his 2012 autobiography, Super Tramp: “When I was the recipient I could have done cartwheels. The day I stopped playing for the gaffer, it seemed there was a huge void in my life.”

Robertson won the title, two League Cups and two European Cups – setting up Trevor Francis to score the only goal against Malmo in the 1979 final after overcoming the death of his brother Hughie in a road accident days before the semi-final, an incident which precipitated his heavy smoking. He scored himself against Hamburg in the 1980 showpiece.

His form with Forest got him into Scotland’s 1978 World Cup squad before he had even made his international debut.

Robertson netted eight times in 28 appearances, scoring against New Zealand in the 1982 World Cup and netting a Wembley winner in 1981 – after which he got a lift into London on the England team bus having arranged a night out at Stringfellows with Forest and England striker Tony Woodcock.

The day he stopped playing for Clough initially came in 1983 when, with Forest contract talks slow to get going, he shocked his mentor by signing for Taylor at Derby. The deal spelled the end of Taylor and Clough’s already frosty relationship and Robertson was initially told he was not welcome at the City Ground.

The move proved a disaster.

Robertson’s mind was not fully on the job after his first child, Jessica, was born severely disabled in pre-season. With Forest back in Europe, Derby were struggling and relegated from the Second Division at the end of the season.

Clough forgave Robertson and re-signed him in 1985, with the Scot playing 12 times in his final season before being released.

At 33, he was surprised to find no offers from league clubs and he had an unhappy spell running a pub.

Life after football proved difficult initially with Robertson and first wife Sally involved in a lengthy legal battle with the NHS over the treatment of their daughter at birth.

Jessica, who had cerebral palsy, could not communicate and she died aged 13, but Robertson admitted she had made him more caring and considerate.

Robertson split with his wife and spent time sleeping on friends’ couches, but his friendship with former Forest team-mate Martin O’Neill helped him enormously.

Robertson played for O’Neill at non-league Grantham, got a job under him selling insurance, then, after a spell as Grantham manager himself, was a scout for him at Wycombe, Norwich and Leicester.

By the time the pair left for Celtic in 2000, Robertson was O’Neill’s right-hand man and he bought a house back in Uddingston.

“He was a special (coaching) partner, no question about that,” O’Neill recalled in 2024 when Robertson was featured in BBC Scotland’s Icons of Football series.

“People, for want of a better phrase, bought into John, they really did. There was something about him.”

Robertson’s final job in football was Aston Villa assistant manager from 2006 to 2010.

In August 2013, Robertson was taken to hospital having suffered a suspected heart attack while playing tennis with former Forest team-mate Liam O’Kane and had a stent inserted.

Robertson is survived by daughter Elisabeth and second wife Sharyl and their children, Andrew and Mark.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to present Strictly for the last time

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will bow out of Strictly Come Dancing tonight, more than a decade after they began co-hosting the BBC show.

The duo will make their final appearance in the Strictly Christmas Special, which airs on BBC One at 5.30pm.

Daly and Winkleman’s announcement in October was a huge upset for fans and their famous supporters, while much has been made of who might replace them on the embattled programme.

Daly, 56, began presenting the show 21 years ago alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Winkleman, 53, joined her in 2014, having hosted Strictly’s sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

In a joint statement announcing their impending departure, the pair said hosting the show had been “an absolute dream”, while not giving any specific reason for their decision.

They said they had known they were “always going to leave together” and that “now feels like the right time”.

“We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza,” they remarked.

During the semi-final on 13 December, a special compilation of their best moments aired, featuring interviews with the judges as well as former contestants.

Both were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) earlier this year by King Charles III for their services to broadcasting.

They presented the emotional Strictly final for the last time last Saturday, and were stunned as a special message was shared from Queen Camilla.

Read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, she said the pair’s “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness” had been at the core of the show’s success.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous,” the Queen said.

Daly is set to perform an Argentine tango with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec during tonight’s Christmas special, while Winkleman will feature in a parody of the beloved Christmas film Love Actually.

The segment will see her open a door to Dave Arch, the composer for the Strictly band, who will greet her holding large placards. These will read “say it’s carol singers” and “to me, you are perfect”, echoing the notorious scene from Love Actually where Andrew Lincoln’s character, Mark, declares his affection for Juliet, played by Keira Knightley.

The six celebrities competing for the coveted champion title include TV personality Scarlett Moffatt paired with Vito Coppola; All Saints singer Melanie Blatt dancing with Kai Widdrington; and EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, partnered with Luba Mushtuk.

Actor and podcaster Babatunde Aleshe will perform with Nancy Xu, Westlife’s Brian McFadden with Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gladiator Jodie Ounsley with Neil Jones.

Meanwhile, bookmakers are already sharing predictions about the contenders who might step into their shoes, with Radio 2 presenter and former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball named as the 2-1 favourite.

Other potential hosts include current It Takes Two presenter Fleur East, former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, past winner Stacey Dooley and presenter Rylan Clark.

Pope Leo condemns suffering in Gaza in first Christmas sermon

Pope Leo XIV used his inaugural Christmas Day sermon on Thursday to remember the people of Gaza, who he said have been “exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold,” asserting that the world’s numerous conflicts can only be resolved through genuine dialogue.

Leading the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar beneath the balustrade of St. Peter’s Basilica, which was adorned with festive floral garlands and clusters of red poinsettias, the pontiff delivered a poignant message.

White flowers were carefully placed at the feet of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on this day.

Recalling the incarnation of God through Jesus’s birth in a Bethlehem manger, Leo likened God’s word to “a fragile tent among us.”

He then drew a direct parallel, asking: “How then can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold; and of those so many other refugees and displaced persons on every continent, or of the makeshift shelters of thousands of homeless people in our own cities?”

The pontiff also reflected on the vulnerability of “defenseless populations, tried by so many wars,” and the plight of “young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them, and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.”

Emphasising that peace can only emerge through genuine conversation, Leo stated: “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other.”

Thousands of worshippers filled the Basilica for the Pope’s first Christmas Day Mass, many holding smartphones aloft to capture the opening procession.

Leo was later scheduled to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing – Latin for “to the City and the World” – from a loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful gathered despite a steady rain.

This Christmas season marks the conclusion of the Holy Year celebrations, which are set to close on 6 January, coinciding with the Catholic Epiphany holiday commemorating the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.

It’s about experience: Further Education teachers share what it takes

In the modern world, many of us are working longer than ever. Research based on ONS Labour Market data found that there are almost one million more workers aged 65 and above since the millennium and the state pension is set to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by the late 2030s. Subsequently, having multiple careers is becoming increasingly popular. And after decades working in a specific industry, sharing the work-based knowledge you have gained via teaching in further education is one of the most rewarding career shifts you can make.

Further Education teaching (defined as any education for people aged 16 and over who aren’t studying for a degree) allows you to switch up your working days and harness the skills and experience you have developed, all while helping shape the next generation of workers in your field.

To find out more about the role, from what it takes to the best parts of the job, we spoke to Further Education teachers who have switched from doing their day job to teaching it…

John Ryan, 51, from Weston Super Mare, worked for more than a decade on site in the construction industry, mainly in bricklaying and supervising roles, before an opportunity to become a Further Education assessor changed his path in his thirties. Travelling nationally to assess the work of new bricklayers in order to sign off their NVQs (National Vocational Qualification), the college John was associated with then started offering him some teaching work.

With no prior teaching qualifications, John completed these alongside his assessing and teaching roles with the fees picked up by the teaching college. “I liked the idea of passing on my knowledge and giving young people the skills and confidence to progress in a trade,” he says. “Teaching in Further Education felt like a natural next step because it would allow me to combine my practical background with coaching and mentoring.” There were practical draws too. “On site in the construction industry you are self-employed so you do not get holidays or sick pay. The stability of income and regular paid holidays was a big draw of Further Education teaching,” he adds.

Since his first assessing role 18 years ago, John has worked between assessing, teaching and jobs back on the construction site and now, he currently teaches bricklaying and groundwork full-time at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

John’s extensive site and supervisory experience has proved to be hugely valuable when it comes to teaching his students there. “I can explain not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind industry standards,” he explains. “Learners often respond well to hearing about real jobs, site challenges, and the professional behaviours that employers expect. It makes the lessons more relatable and credible,” he shares.

“For example, I can share stories of accidents when teaching site safety, or explain how a mistake of a few millimetres on a construction site can cost you time to rectify, which in turn will cost you money,” he says. “These hands-on, real world experiences make the theory relatable and show learners the real value of getting it right.”

Coral Aspinall, 52, who became a full-time Further Education teacher 12 years ago, agrees. “My experience allows me to put my teaching into context,” she says. Coral started out her engineering career at 16 as an apprentice in a local engineering company. Following a BSc in Engineering and Business Management, she worked for many years in the engineering industry before enrolling on a part-time PGDE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) course for teaching. She’s now the Engineering Programme Leader at the Stockport campus of the Trafford and Stockport College Group. Here, they offer qualifications such as Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations as well as engineering-focused Level 3 T Levels and Level 3 Btec Awards. They also offer Level 3 apprenticeships across engineering including Technical Support, Engineering Fitter and Maintenance Management.

“Because I’ve been an engineering apprentice myself, I understand what the student needs to be successful in terms of skills, knowledge and behaviour,” she explains. “I also have contacts in the wider engineering community and understand what an employer is looking for in an apprentice, and can also share insights in terms of how the sector is shifting and evolving to help support their progress.”

Working for an extensive period of time in a field before passing on that knowledge gives teachers maturity and empathy which can be hugely helpful for students, especially those facing complex life situations.

Beyond the practical techniques, a big part of John’s role is helping learners build confidence, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers look for. “Many of my learners have different challenges, so they value teachers who are approachable, who believe in them, and who prepare them for real opportunities in work or further study,” he says. For John, his previous work experience has allowed him to do this. “On site, I worked with people facing all sorts of pressures, from work to life issues, which taught me to be patient and supportive,” he explains.

Coral has had a similar experience. “I see my role as more than imparting knowledge; it is about preparing the young person for the next stage of their journey. The students trust me to have their best interests at heart; they come to me for advice on their next steps and how they can achieve their aspirations, and I’ll support them with both practical advice and words of encouragement.”

For Coral, teaching later in life allows her to draw from a mature perspective, and teach her students positive workplace behaviours alongside skills and knowledge. “Students thrive when they have clear unambiguous boundaries, so I’m firm around expectations in terms of timekeeping, attendance and attitude. This is particularly important to succeeding in the workplace as employers value these behaviours as much as, or even more than having specific expertise or know-how (which can generally be developed).”

If you’re looking for a fresh career option, and keen to share your skills with the next generation, Further Education teaching could be a really enriching new phase. Further Education covers a huge range of career sectors including construction, law, engineering, digital, hospitality, tourism, beauty and more. This includes BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications), T Levels, NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or City & Guilds Qualifications.

Teaching in a mixture of colleges (often General Further Education Colleges or Sixth Form Colleges) and Adult and Community Learning Centres as well as workplace and apprenticeship settings, further education teachers share their years of real world industry skills with a diverse mix of people from those straight out of school aged sixteen to those making career switches later in life.

You don’t always need an academic degree or prior teaching qualifications to start teaching in further education. You can undertake teacher training on the job, often funded by your employer, so you can start earning straight away.. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean you have to stop working in your chosen field. Further education offers hybrid opportunities – so you could teach part time alongside your other commitments. This means you could have the best of both worlds, where you are still working in your chosen industry and teaching alongside it at a time that suits your schedule. Find out if it’s the right move for you here.

If, like John and Coral, you see the appeal in sharing the knowledge and skills you’ve developed with the next generation, exploring the option of becoming a Further Education teacher can be a great next step. As John shares, the reward is always worth it: “It never gets old passing on my knowledge to people starting on their journey, knowing I have made a difference and getting a smile and thanks in return!”

Looking for a new role that’s rewarding, flexible and draws on your current career? Why not consider sharing your experience where it matters most – helping inspire the next generation of workers in the field you love? Visit Further Education to find out more

Boy, 14, arrested after death of ‘remarkable’ teenage girl

The family of a teenage girl say they are “heartbroken” after her death a month ago, as police said a boy had been arrested on suspicion of harassment.

Madison Richardson, aged 13, died in hospital after emergency services were called to an address in Manchester over a concern for welfare on 24 November.

Greater Manchester Police said a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of harassment in the days after Madison’s death, and later bailed as the force’s investigation continues.

On Christmas Eve, Madison’s family said they were “heartbroken and devastated” by the sudden loss of their daughter, who they called Maddie.

“Maddie was a bubbly, loving character, she made everything into a joke, and she lit up every room that she was in,” they said. “Maddie had a laugh that everyone will remember her for! Maddie filled every room with her presence, she was fun to be around and always made us laugh. Maddie had a real passion for art, she was so talented, and we are so unbelievably proud of her creativity.

“Maddie truly was one of a kind, she had a heart of gold and was fiercely protective of those she loved especially her siblings, who will miss her deeply.”

Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Madison’s death.

James Docherty, executive head teacher from Teenage Kicks school, said Madison was “a wonderfully creative young girl, someone who saw the world through colours, ideas, and imagination.”

Describing her passion for art, Mr Docherty said: “Whether she was sketching, painting, or transforming herself with her incredible face-painting skills, Maddie had a gift for turning ordinary moments into something magical. Her talent was remarkable.

“Maddie didn’t just make beautiful art—she made people feel special. Even when she was having a rant, you knew deep down she didn’t mean it and she was soon back at the office door asking for something. There was a gentleness in her, a kindness that flowed naturally, and it touched pupils and staff alike.

“Maddie will forever be part of our school family, and she will be carried in our memories with love, pride, and endless appreciation for the light she brought into our lives.”

Detective Inspector Andrew Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “Madison’s death is utterly heartbreaking for her friends and family, and I know that they are continuing to grieve as they face their first Christmas without her. Our thoughts remain with all of them at this time.”

He added: “We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of Madison’s death, which includes if the actions of anyone else contributed to it, and ultimately, to try and get much-needed answers for her family.”

Lucky US lottery player wins $1.8 billion jackpot on Christmas eve

A Powerball player from Arkansas won $1.87 billion on Christmas Eve in one of the biggest lottery wins in history.

The massive jackpot was the second biggest U.S. lottery prize ever, according to Powerball, and is set to make the winner richer than some of the wealthiest celebrities in the United States.

The identity of the winner remains a mystery, although Powerball revealed that the lucky Arkansan chose numbers 4, 25, 31, 52, and 59. They also chose a red Powerball 19 and a Power Play multiplier of 2.

Eight other winners matched all five white balls, with those tickets being sold in California, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Two others were purchased in New York, with the winners set to bank $1 million.

Meanwhile, 114 Powerball tickets won cash prizes of $50,000, and 31 tickets banked $100,000 jackpots.

“Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, said. “We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak – every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.”

The odds of winning a prize stand at 1 in 24.9, according to Powerball. However, the odds of winning the jackpot are a staggering 1 in 292.2 million.

The unnamed winner now faces a choice in how they wish to bank the mammoth cash win. They can have the money dished out to them in annuitized amounts over 30 years or take a cut to their winnings by taking a lump sum now.

The lump sum would be valued at $834.9 million. However, both options are before taxes.

Choosing the annuitized version would make the mystery winner richer than some of the U.S.’s biggest celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, who has a net worth of $1.2 billion, according to Forbes.

They would also be richer than Rihanna, who is worth $1.4 billion, and Taylor Swift, who reportedly has a fortune worth $1.6 billion.

Although their wealth might not stack up to Oprah Winfrey’s $3 billion estate or Michael Jordan’s reported net worth of $3.5 billion, the winner’s jackpot does slightly exceed Kim Kardashian’s $1.7 billion fortune.

The lucky Arkansan would easily be able to purchase a range of luxuries with their new winnings, including a private island.

According to Private Islands Online, buyers can purchase their own property off the coast of Florida for just $2 million.

Larger islands can cost as much as $75 million, although this would still be well within the winner’s budget, even if they took the lump sum amount.

Purchasing a house in some of the U.S’s swankiest neighborhoods would be easy too, with glamorous mansions in Beverly Hills, California, costing between $1.149 million and $175 million according to JamesEdition.

Holiday pads in the Hamptons would be well within reach, too, with Sotheby’s International Real Estate selling 12-bedroom, 15,000-square-foot homes in the prestigious New York neighborhood for $49.9 million.

This is the second biggest Powerball win ever, with the largest standing at $2.04 billion. That winning ticket was sold to Edwin Castro in California in November 2022.

Castro opted to take the lump sum, meaning that he banked a fortune worth $997.6 million, according to the California Lottery.