PETROLHEADS and car industry boffins gathered at this year’s Paris Motor Show to showcase the newest models and cutting-edge concepts – with no shortage of attention-grabbing displays.
The famous show, which runs through to Sunday, comes as European carmakers face challenges on the path to electrification.
Iconic manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Stellantis have issued profit warnings in recent times, with weak customer demand for EVs their main source of concern coupled with fierce competition abroad – especially from China.
Perhaps the biggest threat to the current status quo is the ever-growing car brand BYD, with the Chinese EV maker making huge strides across Europe.
In Paris, they showed off the Yangwang U8 – a plug-in hybrid SUV that can “swim” for up to 30 minutes, park sideways, and turn in place like a tank.
Equipped with four electric motors, one for each wheel, it even boasts a roof-mounted drone to help the driver see further ahead.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for European brands though, as Stellantis’ very own Peugeot drew attention with its Hypersquare steering wheel, which resembles a video game controller.
Set to debut in 2026, this quirky design is aimed at younger drivers and featured in the Peugeot Inception concept car.
Meanwhile, Peugeot’s French rivals Renault showcased their retro-inspired R4, a small electric SUV designed to rival Chinese budget models.
They also presented the new-and-improved Twizy – which this time is a two-seater electric runabout called the Duo.
It has twice the range and speed of Citroen’s Ami and will hit showrooms in May from £10,000.
Stellantis also introduced the Citroen C4 and C4X, which offers hybrid, electric, and combustion engine options – and even features clever pothole-proof tech.
Another stand out set of wheels from China was Xpeng’s all-electric P7+, which is curiously powered by a chip named after British computing icon Alan Turing – signalling a future of AI-powered mobility.
For a further look at the Paris Motor Show, Sun Motors’ supremo Rob Gill revealed his top ten cars from the event.
This comes as Elon Musk unveiled Tesla’s driverless robot bus EV – with fans spotting an eerie similarity to an iconic kids’ show.
The brand’s new Robovan can carry up to 20 people at a time and transport goods.
Elsewhere, a wacky inventor has dug a 15ft trench with a network of tunnels under his drive to store his iconic DeLorean.
The crazy compound is more than worthy of Back to the Future’s Doc Brown and has been dubbed the “biggest DIY project” in the UK.
Alpine A110 R Ultime
Alpine’s Formula 1 efforts might be a steaming mess in 2024, but their business in the car industry couldn’t be more exciting.
The upcoming Renault 5-inspired Alpine A290 could be the hot hatchback of all hot hatchbacks for the EV era, while newly unveiled A110 R Ultime gives the loveable lightweight sports cars plenty of supercar oomph.
The R Ultime will cost the equivalent of around £222,000, and comes with 345bhp and a 0-60mph acceleration of just 3.6 seconds.
Unfortunately, only 110 examples will be made.
Renault Twingo
Renault’s Twingo is making a comeback as an affordable EV, expected to cost under £17,000. It takes inspiration from both the 1990s model and the new Renault 5, with retro details like round headlights and hidden rear handles.
Leapmotor B10
Little-known Chinese brand Leapmotor showed off their B10, a C-segment SUV competing with the likes of the Mini Aceman. It will feature a customisable digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems.
Citroen Ami
Citroen’s updated Ami quadricycle now sports a refreshed look, with design elements inspired by the iconic 2CV and Oli concept. The drivetrain remains unchanged, featuring a 5.5kWh battery with a range of 46 miles, and miniscule 8bhp output.
AN island has been described as paradise – with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and towns like something from a fairytale.
Gotland is off the coast of Stockholm, between Sweden and Latvia.
It’s not one to visit in winter – many stores close and temperatures drop as low as 2C.
But visit in the summer and you can see why it has been dubbed a paradise island by Visit Sweden.
The main town is on the east coast, with Visby feeling like you’re gone back in time.
Also compared to a fairytale town, the quaint shops and buildings are painted in bright colours.
One of the most popular foodie spots is Lilla Bjers with small plates that have been called “once-in-a-lifetime dining” with it all farm to table.
For something more laidback, there is the also-popular Surfers, a Chinese restaurant.
There is a huge Viking history too, with burial grounds, museums and even a reconstructed Viking village.
You can stay the night at Stavgard, with longhouses you can rent to ‘glamp’ in
Another popular attraction are sea stacks, also called raukar, which are limestone monoliths scattered along the coast.
While there, make sure to fine the island’s own Blue Lagoon, with waters that are bright turquoise in the summer.
Otherwise if you are outdoorsy, there are lots of flat cycle paths, hiking trails and even shallow beaches to swim in.
You will have to time it right, with temperatures between 20C and 25C in the summer.
Fancy staying? Some of the popular hotels include Clarion Hotel Wisby or the Hotel St Clemens, with rooms inside historical buildings.
There are also budget options such as Best Westerns and and Scandic Visby.
There are two ways to get to Gotland.
One is by ferry, taking around three hours when departing from either Nynäshamn or Oskershamn.
Or you can fly to Visby Airport on the island, with flights from both Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Brits can travel from the UK to Stockholm for £14.99 with Ryanair from London Stansted, or to Gothenburg from £15.21.
The Sun’s Associate Bizarre Editor Howell Davies went on one – here’s his review.
My trip on one of Hurtigruten’s ships, the 590-capacity MS Nordnorge, was in order to see the Northern Lights.
The cruise allowed me to cover plenty of ground, from Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim — frequently referred to as the Notre Dame of Norway for its stained-glass rose window — to the dramatic, snow-topped mountains in Finnsnes.
During my October visit the sun still rises, although hanging low in the sky especially as I headed farther north to the charming city of Tromsø.
The colourful houses of Norway, with window frames dusted with snow, make for beautiful Christmas card scenes and nothing made me feel more festive than watching them go by as I sipped from a hot mug of cocoa.
I’m still not a fan of the cold — but with this cruise, I was glad I took the plunge.
Here’s an island in Denmark that has been dubbed “sunshine island”.
Want to stay in the UK? Here are the British islands where you are most likely to see the Northern Lights.
THE PREMIER League has rolled into what stands to be a thrilling day of action today.
Manchester City hope to be top of the table after the first match of the day when they travel to struggling Wolves, although it could only be briefly.
Then later, Liverpool host Chelsea in huge conclusion to the day with all eyes on top spot.
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THIS Morning’s Dr Scott Miller has opened up about culture and workplace environment behind-the-scenes of the ITV show after he reunited with Holly Willoughby.
Scott also directly addressed “bullying” on the set of This Morning while speaking exclusively to The Sun.
Alongside fronting Channel 4’s Vet on the Hill, TV vet Scott is a regular fixture on ITV’s This Morning.
Speaking about what goes on behind the scenes of the popular daytime show, Scott told The Sun: “I’ve experienced support and kindness from the entire team, top to bottom.”
“The production team are friends and they are really good at what they do. And then, you know, everyone on camera, the sort of This Morning family, we’re all great mates.
“So it’s not my experience at all,” he added in response to the allegations against This Morning being a “toxic workplace” with “bullying” behind the scenes.
The accusations came to light last year when a “large number” of current and former ITV employees have made claims against the show.
However, Scott has made it clear that has not been his experience working on the show. He also revealed that he has remained friends with Holly following her exit from This Morning last year.
“And, you know, certainly it was great to be at the NTAs and although we didn’t win, we got to see Holly and she came and said hi and we got photos and, you know, she’s a great, a great lady,” he gushed.
Scott and Holly enjoying their public reunion at the 2024 National Television Awards as he was there representing This Morning.
The TV vet’s comments come just weeks after he found himself being rushed to hospital due to a serious back injury.
In a previous interview with The Sun, Scott revealed the dramatic details.
“I had two slipped discs. I actually went into This Morning and I reached to get some sunglasses, very, very macho, into the back of the car,” he said.
“And then I literally took five steps and I couldn’t get past the front door, really. Had to get rolled on in a wheelchair onto the set to do my item because I said that I definitely wanted to do it.
“But by the time I got home, I couldn’t stand. I couldn’t stand or sit,” Scott explained.
He continued: “So I had to crawl in and out of my car and then in the end it just was so bad.
By Joshua Rom
When Holly Willoughby finally announced her departure from This Morning in October 2023 it felt almost like a crescendo. After her feud with Phillip Schofield, dealing with the revelation about his workplace relationship, months of speculation, a lacklustre return to the daytime show and a horrendous kidnap plot it seemed like her own departure was almost a relief.
She made her return to TV on Dancing On Ice, a show that first shot her to superstardom that she knew inside and out. This was combined with a long-standing colleague from her days in children’s TV to serve as her co-host in the form of Stephen Mulhern. It was a safe and steady bet for the star that placed emphasis on the continuity of her career despite unprecedented challenges.
She was previously announced as one of the hosts for a new jungle challenge show for Netflix called Bear Hunt. The streamer reportedly spent £1million on a ‘ring of steel’ security detail made up of ex-special forces and former military guns to protect her against drug gangs and kidnappers. We are still yet to see this show but with contestants such as Mel B, Shirley Ballas and Steph McGovern it is sure to be a must-watch.
But You Bet! feels like a proper homecoming for the star as she returns to ITV with her first new format since she left This Morning. Her partnership with Stephen Mulhern will continue and the new show could cement them as the new golden hosting couple of the most popular commercial broadcaster. Huge names like Olly Murs and Harry Redknapp will only bolster their star power and viewers will surely love the on-screen reunion with her former colleague and BFF Alison Hammond. Plus, you cannot go wrong with a beloved TV game show format from the 90s. The BBC can attest to this with the success of Gladiators.
On paper, this news has all the qualities for a major success and maybe it will be the show to usher in a new era for Holly Willoughby.
“I went to A&E and then was admitted to hospital for five days. And, yeah, so two MRIs later and lots of medication.
“Thankfully, I didn’t need surgery. Now it’s sort of, you know, exercise and to sort of get myself right. But, yeah, it was a big wake up call.”
RENTING in the US is getting cheaper or more expensive, depending on where you live.
That’s according to new research which has found the US rental market is experiencing a regional divide.
Realtor.com’s September Rental Report found rents in the Midwest are rising while southerner rents are declining.
Rents grew fastest in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Minneapolis, while the fastest declines occurred in Nashville, Dallas, and Austin, Texas.
Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale said housing supply and demand was one of the most influential factors on rental affordability.
“The balance between housing supply and demand is a key factor shaping regional rent patterns,” Hale said.
“In markets across the South, increased multi-family inventory is easing competition among renters and driving down prices.
“On the other hand, in the Midwest, where demand has still outpaced supply, we continue to see rising rents.
“Nationally, the relative stability in rent prices should translate into slower shelter inflation in the months ahead, easing one of the biggest recent drivers of price increases.”
While rents are dropping in many parts of the country, eight of the 10 midwestern markets saw year-on-year rent increases in September.
Cincinnati grew the fastest at 3.4%.
This was followed by St. Louis (2.6%) and Minneapolis (1.9%) also ranked among the top 10 fastest growing markets.
Only Chicago (-2.6%) and Detroit (-0.3%) experienced rent declines.
According to the new research, southern metros dominated the list of markets with the largest annual rent drops.
Eight of the top 10 metros with the steepest declines were in the south.
Nashville, Tennessee, saw the sharpest decline (-4.8%).
Other Southern cities on the list include Dallas; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta; Miami; and San Antonio.
The rapid growth of new multi-family housing in these areas is cooling the market, providing much-needed relief for renters.
The new research comes after The U.S. Sun revealed projections from economists that housing costs would drop in three months due to the Federal Reserve’s move to slash rates.
The new projections come after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point last month, a move that will affect millions of Americans and marked the first time the central bank has cut rates since 2020.
The rate cut is designed to regulate inflation, which economists say will stimulate the economy and make things more affordable for consumers.
Housing experts said that while the rate cuts will take some time to work their way into the economy, the rate-cutting cycle will likely put downward pressure on the cost of living.
Housing experts said a federal rate cutting cycle will bring down the cost of construction and encourage more development which in turn increases the supply of houses.
FEEDING, sleeping, changing and generally keeping them safe – there is so much to think about with a new baby.
And all parents will make some mistakes along the way.
Lesley Bland, midwife at My Expert Midwife, said: “Most of us know the basics of what to do with a newborn.
“We support their heads, keep them warm, and change their wet and dirty nappies as often as needed.
“And we tend to know what we shouldn’t do with them.
“But are you aware that there are lots of things you should never do?”
Here, Lesley and eight other experts, all speaking at The Baby Show, which returns to Olympia London from October 25 to 27, reveal the most common mistakes parents make, the consequences – and how to avoid them.
As a new parent, it can be easy to compare yourself to others.
But Lucy Shrimpton, sleep and wellbeing expert at The Baby Show and founder of The Sleep Nanny, urges mums and dads to avoid doing so as much as possible.
“One thing I believe you should never do with a new baby is feel pressured to follow anyone else’s routine or timetable,” she said.
“It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your baby’s sleep, feeding, or development with others, or to think you should be doing things a certain way because someone else says so.
“But every baby is different, and the most important thing you can do is to tune into your baby’s cues and trust your own instincts.
“There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to parenting, and what works for someone else might not be the best thing for you or your baby.
“Trust your connection, create your own rhythm, and let go of the pressure to fit into a standard that doesn’t feel right for you.”
She also wants to remind parents that it’s “perfectly OK” to ask for help when you feel stuck.
“You’re not expected to have all the answers, and the right experts can provide the tailored support you need when things feel uncertain,” Lucy added.
“Your intuition is powerful, and with the right guidance, you can find what works best for you and your baby.”
Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed agrees. She said: “Never compare your baby with others.
“I learnt this the hard way, but truly every single baby is unique when it comes to eating, feeding, sleeping and their entire personality.
“Your friend’s baby is not your baby so they are bound to be very different.”
As winter draws closer, resist the urge to wrap your little one up in blankets, Pip Davies, aka Midwife Pip, said.
“It can be tempting to make sure your new baby is super warm and cosy, but actually being too hot is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so following safe sleep guidelines on layers and dressing baby is really important,” she added.
Lesley said: “Never place them in a cot or bed with soft toys, bumpers, loose blankets or anything else that could become a suffocating hazard.”
The same goes for when you’re out and about.
“Don’t over dress babies in a baby carrier,” Vern Hill, babywearing expert, founder of Carifit and dad-of-two, said.
“Always take one layer off as you and the carrier combined count as a layer.
“So strip them down before you pop them in for a carrier walk or nap.
“The golden rule for babywearing at Carifit is that we feed them, layer them, and then we get moving.
“Often, a hot or hungry baby will be far less settled in their carrier so this tip can be a game changer.”
Lesley added: “Never overheat your baby.
“Do not place them in full sun, avoid placing them near heaters and radiators, and think about how many layers you have them dressed in and how many blankets you put over them at night.
“As a rule, there should be no hats or coats on indoors, and babies only need one layer in addition to what you are wearing to feel comfortable.
“For example, if you have a t-shirt on, place your baby in a t-shirt and a long-sleeved babygrow, or if you have a t-shirt and a sweater on, put baby in a t-shirt, a long sleeved babygrow and a single layer blanket (a folded blanket counts as two layers).”
One of the most common misconceptions, according to parenting expert Rachel FitzD, is that newborns should be left to “exercise their lungs”.
“Never leave your new baby to cry,” the author of Your Baby Skin to Skin said.
“Babies cannot meet their own needs in any way at all and so are totally dependent on their carers for everything, 24/7.
“Your nan may tell you that babies need to ‘exercise their lungs’ or that, by always picking them up the minute they start to whimper, you are creating bad habits and a clingy child, but this isn’t true.
“Babies are unable to learn how to self-soothe or tell the difference between night or day for many months and so leaving them to cry simply increases their stress … and yours.”
IF you've got a baby coming very soon, here's our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival...
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.
Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.
Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.
Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.
Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.
Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.
Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.
Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.
Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.
By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.
Most people know not to smoke around babies.
But did you know that you shouldn’t even hold a newborn after a cigarette?
That’s according to Lesley. She said: “Never handle them if you have been smoking.
“Even if you have been smoking outside and then come inside, you will have smoke on your clothes and body.
“Before handling a baby, you should wash your hands and change your clothes.
“Even second-hand smoke is associated with an increased risk of SIDS.”
Cow’s milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around six months.
“But avoid offering it as a main drink until they are at least 12 months old,” nutritionist Charlotte said.
“This doesn’t offer the appropriate nutrition for your baby in their first year of life.”
And when you do introduce it, choose only pasteurised whole milk and semi-skimmed milk.
“Skimmed and one per cent milk should not be given as a main drink to children under five because they do not contain enough calories,” the NHS says.
When feeding, you should never add anything to a baby’s bottle, Charlotte added.
“Anything else can be a choking hazard and/or isn’t recommended for young babies.”
You’ve almost certainly heard someone refer to their baby as a “bad sleeper”.
Whether they take a long time to fall asleep or wake up constantly throughout the night, the phrase is incredibly common.
But it shouldn’t be, Heidi Skudder, founder of Positively Parenthood, said.
“Never label your baby a ‘bad sleeper’,” she said.
“So many parents are told that they were also a ‘bad sleeper’ when they were young, but there is no such thing as a bad sleeper, just multiple reasons as to why a baby doesn’t sleep.
“Focus on addressing the root cause of your baby’s sleep issues as well as focusing on establishing positive sleep habits and your baby will soon go from a ‘bad’ to ‘great’ sleeper.”
Whether it’s in the bath or on the sofa with the dog, Lesley and Rachel implored parents never to leave their newborns alone.
“After the constant companionship of being in the womb for nine months, the transition to being in the big wide world takes time and expecting a newborn to be able to tolerate being alone day or night is expecting too much,” Rachel said.
“A good sling in the daytime and a next-to-me crib or Moses basket by your bed overnight means that your baby gets the constant closeness that is absolutely essential in the early weeks and months whilst you get on with your life.”
Did you know that your baby’s gut health is super important for their overall development?
Lucy Upton
Lesley added: “Never leave a baby unattended in the bath – even in a bath seat or bath support.
“They should also never be left unattended with animals – even the most family-oriented dog can turn on a baby.
“They can be triggered by noises, smells, or being poked and prodded.”
We hear a lot about looking after our gut health in adulthood.
“But don’t overlook your newborn’s gut health,” Lucy Upton, The Children’s Dietitian, said.
“Did you know that your baby’s gut health is super important for their overall development?
“A healthy gut microbiome helps support their immune system and even plays a role in brain development!
“Plus, a less-than-ideal community of gut bacteria can increase the risk of allergies and asthma, and more later on.
“How you feed your baby can affect their community of gut bugs, with breast milk , for example, containing things like its own community of bacteria and food for your baby’s gut friends.
“You can consider introducing probiotics to your little one from birth, but the key is to choose one that’s clinically tested, with good scientific backing for your baby’s gut and overall health, but that’s also easy to administer in drop form for example.”
NSPCC – Offers support for parents, from helping to get babies to sleep, bonding with your baby, managing family life, dealing with bullying and even parental mental health.
Action For Children – Offers a parenting programme “to help parents and children bond, learn, or overcome difficulties”.
Family Lives – Call free on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life.
New parents are often exhausted, and it can be easy to drift off at any moment.
But Danielle Facey, The Breastfeeding Mentor, wants you to take extra care not to fall asleep when nursing.
She said: “Never fall asleep nursing on an unsafe surface.
“First, it’s crucial to be mindful of the strong effects of oxytocin and prolactin.
“These hormones, released during nursing, can make new mothers feel extremely sleepy, so it’s important to avoid the risk of accidentally falling asleep while breastfeeding.
“Finding a comfortable but safe position for you and your baby is key to preventing any potential hazards.
“The Lullaby Trust has advice and research on practising safe bedsharing and cosleeping.”
Danielle also wants to remind mums that breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.
“It is a myth that breastfeeding should be excruciatingly painful,” she said.
“If it is, you need support.
“If you experience any pain while breastfeeding, it’s essential not to push through it.
“Pain is typically a sign of an underlying issue, and it’s always best to seek advice from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who specialises in breastfeeding support.
“They can provide you with expert guidance, which is often more effective than consulting your GP on breastfeeding issues.”
And finally, you really can never love your kids too much, according to Vern.
He said: “Never feel like you can spoil them – you can’t.
“Hold them, kiss them, cuddle them, wear them in your baby carrier as much as you’d like.
“Research shows that it will calm them and calm you, as carried young babies are designed to be ‘attached’ to their primary caregivers so you can’t spoil them with contact and no you won’t make a rod for your own back.”
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby under the age of 12 months where no cause is found.
Around 89 per cent of deaths happen when the tot is under six months old.
It is relatively rare, with 182 babies dying from SIDS in the UK in 2021.
While doctors don’t know exactly what triggers it, there are ways to significantly reduce the chances of SIDS occurring:
These things are especially important for babies who were born prematurely or of a low birth weight, as they are typically at higher risk of SIDS.
Source: The Lullaby Trust
A LUCKY lotto winner has revealed how he scooped a $2million jackpot at the Mega Multiplier Lottery after making a “popular choice”.
Michael Buckner, 58, from South Carolina decided to buy a $20 ticket for an instant lotto game instead of trying his luck at a casino – and it paid off big time.
He revealed how he was caught in a dilemma while choosing between playing a game at a nearby casino or easy lotto tickets, hoping to get an instant prize.
“I was trying to decide between going to the casino or buying instant tickets and ended up deciding to buy instant tickets,” the lucky man said.
He described how he felt it was all unreal the moment he scooped the jackpot.
“When I scratched off the $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier game and saw I won $2 million, I didn’t think it was real,” he added.
“I called my girlfriend to tell her what I won, but she didn’t believe it either. It still hasn’t fully sunk in!”
Buckner then visited the Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize.
Instead of getting small but regular payments, he decided to get about $1.3million in full as a one-time payment, according to Michigan Lottery Connect.
“Michael made a winning decision when he spent $20 to buy a $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier instant game ticket,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli.
“Instant games are a popular choice with players throughout Michigan and helped the Lottery post a contribution of more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund in the 2024 fiscal year for the sixth consecutive year.”
Buckner now plans to share the money with his family and save the rest for his retirement.
It comes after a lucky lottery player was left shocked when he won a multi-million dollar jackpot after trying for over three decades.
Kevin Connor of Leicester, Massachusetts — just west of Worcester — won the $2.64 million Megabucks jackpot on Saturday, August 24.
However, the person responsible for the win is his wife, CBS News reported.
This is because she is a major inspiration for all the lottery tickets he has bought in the more than 30 years he has played.
“He plays a combination that consists of his wife’s old landline number from when they first started dating, as well as his wife’s favorite number,” lottery officials told the outlet.
Connor purchased the ticket as part of his usual lottery routine after playing golf at the Hillcrest Country Club.
The winning numbers were: 5, 6, 8, 9, 24, 32.
Connor told lottery officials he was in Maine with the family for the weekend when he realized he had won big.
After the draw, he checked the lottery app and his life changed when Connor beat the odds of one in 7,059,052 to win the top prize.
However, he had a tough decision to make before he could take the cash home to his wife.
Winners of large lottery prizes have to decide if they want to take home a lesser lump sum after taxes or the full amount.
Those who choose the latter will accept their cash in a series of annual payments where taxes are deducted each year.
Connor took the most popular option of taking home the lump-sum prize of $1.8 million before tax.
Around “90% of all lottery winners take the lump sum distribution,” Lottery lawyer Andrew Stoltmann previously told The U.S. Sun.
Last week, a lottery player in Michigan who won a $4 million jackpot chose to sacrifice over $1 million to immediately receive the cash.
Meanwhile, a raft of lottery players in the same state have been urged to check their tickets as almost 30 prizes go unclaimed.
The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.
Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.
Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.
Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.
Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.
Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
DUA Lipa was joined by pop royalty Cher as she took to the stage for a belting performance at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The Levitating hitmaker donned a strapless leather dress with thigh-high side splits and chain detail as she took to the stage in Ohio.
Dua, 29, finished off her sexy stage look with fishnet stockings and long black boots.
She was joined by house band Roots as she kicked off the event with Cher’s 1998 track Believe – before the pop queen herself joined her to continue the tune.
Cher, 78, showed off her age-defying look in an edgy black PVC corset top with long sleeve detailing.
She pulled on shorts, fishnet stockings and trousers with open detailing on the thighs to complete her very modern look.
The If I Could turn Back Time singer styled her dark hair into neat waves before wowing the Cleveland crowds.
The pair held hands as they completed the iconic chorus.
Later in the night, they were seen posing with American actress Zendaya, 28.
The Greatest Showman star donned a daring gold halterneck dress with an x-shaped design across her chest.
The exposed panels across her body showed off her toned abs while a slit in the skirt offered another racy detail.
The screen star styled her locks poker-straight flowing down her back and finished off her outfit choice with gold point-toe heels.
Later in the night, the Euphoria actress was the one to induct Cher into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
She told how the star “does it all, and really, really f**king well,” before she added: “Where do I even begin?
“Cher is not one person. Her name is just as legendary as her legacy,” she said.
“Her voice is so singular that any song she sings becomes a Cher song.
“She’s navigated a multitude of musical genres, defined new ones and reinvented others.”
Cher then gave her own speech and told the adoring crowds: “The one thing I have never done, is I never give up.”
Previously, Mamma Mia 2 star Cher slammed her absence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She vented to American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson, 42, about her omission, despite scoring a number one hit in the past seven decades.
Cher previously told the Breakaway hitmaker: “I’m not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
“You know what, I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me a million dollars. I’m not kidding you.”
She then added: “I’m never going to change my mind,” – yet appears to have been proven wrong.
FLORENCE Welch has fascinated the world with her vocals and poetic storytelling since almost two decades.
From overcoming personal challenges to collaborating with global icons such as Taylor Swift, her journey is as captivating as her music.
Florence Leontine Mary Welch is an English musician, singer and songwriter.
She was born on August 28, 1986, in Camberwell, London.
Her father, Nick Welch, was an advertising executive, while her mother, Evelyn Welch, was an academic with a passion for Renaissance history.
Florence’s grandmother Cybil Welch recognised her early singing talent and her passion for music and encouraged Florence often to perform at weddings and funerals.
However, her early years were not without challenges.
Florence struggled with dyslexia and dyspraxia, which made school life difficult.
Music became her refuge, offering her an escape from the struggles that haunted her childhood.
She attended Thomas’s London Day School and Alleyn’s School in South East London.
Florence then enrolled at Camberwell College of Arts before dropping out to focus on her musical career.
In 2006, Florence formed Florence and the Machine with her friend and collaborator Isabella Summers.
The band quickly gained attention with their blend of indie and rock.
On July 6, 2009, their debut album Lungs was released.
It was a success, with peaking at number one in the UK and number two in Ireland.
In 2011, Florence and the Machine saw significant success with their second studio album Ceremonials, which was released on 31 October 2011.
The album debuted at number one in the UK and number six in the US.
In December 2011, she paid tribute to Amy Winehouse at the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul concert in New York City, where she performed Amy’s Back to Black.
The band’s hit Spectrum was remixed by Calvin Harris, becoming their first UK number-one single in July 2012.
Florence also collaborated with the DJ on Sweet Nothing, which topped the UK charts and was nominated for a Grammy.
She also performed with the Rolling Stones at the O2 Arena in London to sing their song Gimme Shelter.
In June 2015, Florence and the Machine released their third album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, which topped charts globally and earned three Grammy nominations.
That same year, they headlined Glastonbury Festival for the first time, filling in for Foo Fighters after Dave Grohl’s injury.
In 2016, she collaborated with Lady Gaga on the track Hey Girl, featured on Gaga’s Joanne album.
In 2017, she contributed the song To Be Human to the Wonder Woman soundtrack and made an appearance in Terrence Malick’s film Song to Song.
Florence and the Machine released their fourth album High as Hope in 2018 and Florence performed with Mick Jagger during the Rolling Stones’ No Filter Tour.
She also published her first book, Useless Magic: Lyrics and Poetry in July 2018, which featured her lyrics and artwork.
In 2021, Florence announced her involvement in a musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby, contributing music and lyrics alongside producer Thomas Bartlett.
The musical premiered on 5 June 2024 at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In 2022, Florence and the Machine released their fifth studio album Dance Fever.
Hints of the album surfaced in early 2022 when fans began receiving tarot cards marked with King and Chapter 1.
The lead single, King, along with a music video directed by Autumn de Wilde, was released on 23 February.
Following this, the second single, Heaven Is Here, was released on 7 March, with another de Wilde-directed video.
On 9 March, Florence officially revealed the album’s title, Dance Fever, describing it as “a fairytale in 14 songs.”
Shortly after the third single My Love premiered, accompanied by a music video and the announcement of the album’s release date—13 May 2022.
In 2023 the band released a compilation album, called Under Heaven Over Hell.
The 39-track long collection gathers tracks from all five studio albums.
Florence also collaborated with Taylor Swift on the song Florida!!! on Taylor’s album The Tortured Poets Department.
The two artists later performed the song during Taylor’s Eras Tour, with performances in London on August 20, 2024 and Miami on October 18 and 19, 2024.
