US Park Ranger Furloughed During Shutdown Wins Lottery

A park ranger furloughed during the partial federal government shutdown has claimed a $29.5 million lottery jackpot.


The New Jersey Lottery on Wednesday announced Judith Smith had purchased the winning Dec. 17 Pick-6 ticket days before the shutdown closed the Fort Wadsworth recreation area in Staten Island, New York.


The Bayonne, New Jersey, resident and her two children put the ticket in a safe place while seeking legal and financial advice before claiming the jackpot.


The Pick-6 jackpot is the state's largest since May 2004.


The government shutdown ended last month.