A TRUSTED bank has followed the lead of Wells Fargo, permanently turning off the lights at seven branch sites before June hit – all in the same state.

The handful of US Bank branches got the axe earlier than expected amid a greater trend of bank closures spurred by the pandemic.

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US Bank shut down seven spots in the same state earlier than expected[/caption]

Banks play a central role in the US economy, but the institutions have taken a major hit in recent years.

In 2023, the country saw the greatest number of branch shutdowns since the 2008 recession due to several factors, including the rise of mobile banking as well as high inflation and interest rates.

The trend has continued into 2025, with roughly 336 bank branches closing their doors as of early May.

Included on that list was a wave of US Bank branches.

The trusted bank, with over 2,000 branches across 26 states and more than $27.5 billion in annual revenue, closed seven locations throughout April and May.

The closures came earlier than expected, with the bank announcing in February its plans to shutter the spots, all in Eastern Idaho, by June.

The round of closures took place across Malad, Montpelier, Preston, Blackfoot, Orofino, Wendell, and Mackay.

“Client’s banking preferences and behaviors are changing, including a rapid migration toward digital and mobile banking platforms, and a desire for greater simplicity,” US Bank regional communications manager Jake Holtrop told a local outlet.

“As we evolve along with our clients, we are reevaluating our physical footprint, and in some instances, consolidating branch locations in select markets.

“Although we are closing some branches, we continue to open and enhance others, as well as rapidly enhancing our digital capabilities.”

Customers of US Bank were informed of the shutdowns in early 2025, according to Holtrop.

“We understand that the closure of any branch is a disruption for our clients and our employees, and we are working to make the transition as smooth as possible for all involved,” he said.

The U.S. Sun reached out to US Bank for comment on the closures.

US Bank’s move to shutter the seven spots followed Wells Fargo, which saw 23 net branch closures in the first quarter of 2025.

BANKING BUST

Bank closures have been on the rise in recent years, with the pandemic exacerbating the worrying trend.

Even though only one bank has failed so far in 2025 – the Pulaski Savings Bank in Chicago, Illinois – the trend of bank closures has persisted.

Hundreds of bank branches have already closed down this year, with many spots expected to face the same fate.

The first quarter saw 148 net branch closures, a notable increase from the 21 during the fourth quarter of 2024, per S&P Global Market Intelligence data.

US Bancorp, the parent company of US Bank, topped the list with 50 net branch closures in the first quarter.

Wells Fargo saw the second most number of net closures, at 23 branches. 

Banks are not the only institution feeling the pressure in the modern economic landscape.

Retailers and restaurants are likewise conducting mass closures due to factors such as changing consumer behavior, rising costs, and increased competition.

For example, Dollar General and Big Lots are among the discount stores closing 291 locations in shock moves dominating shutdown in 2025.

Meanwhile, Jack In the Box, Applebee’s, and Denny’s are closing spots left and right in 2025 as restaurants struggle to stay afloat.

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Wells Fargo experienced the second most net closures in the first quarter of 2025, with 23 branches permanently shutting their doors[/caption]

STEPHEN A. SMITH couldn’t resist checking in with his future colleagues during the NBA Finals.

The ESPN analyst, 57, gatecrashed the NBA Countdown set ahead of Thursday’s Game 1 in Oklahoma City.

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Stephen A. Smith gatecrashed Shaq (left) and Kenny Smith’s broadcast on Thursday[/caption]

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The trio are set to become colleagues when Shaq and Kenny join ESPN[/caption]

Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith were on the panel as Stephen A. unexpectedly entered the shot.

The trio are set to become teammates at ESPN from next season.

Inside the NBA is moving from TNT to the sports network.

But neither Shaq or Kenny were in the mood for pleasantries as the “enemy” gatecrashed their show.

Smith was seen stroking Shaq’s head during the bizarre segment on Thursday night.

“Get your hands off me Stephen A. Smith!” the NBA legend fired back with a laugh.

“We ain’t teammates yet, get out of here,” Kenny joked.

“You are still the enemy right now.”

“Yo bring me some hot chocolate so I can spill it on this man,” added Shaq.

Fans were quick to comment on the exchange, which occurred on NBA Countdown’s pre-game show.

“He just had to make himself the center of attention. He had no reason to come to their show like that,” argued one fan on X.

“Hopefully they never have Clown A Smith on their show,” raged a second.

“Stephen A. Smith can’t help himself. He loves thinking he’s the main character.”

“SAS never fails to make me laugh,” countered a fourth.

Smith recently penned a $100million contract extension with ESPN.

The 57-year-old is a regular on First Take and recently expanded his horizons with a new SiriusXM radio show.

Shaq and Kenny are set to join ESPN from next season.

Inside the NBA has been on TNT since 1989, with host Ernie Johnson being part of it for 35 years.

The program will now be broadcast on ESPN, the network that will license the NBA for the next 10 years.

DRIVERS who skip street parking rules could soon be hit with automatic tickets under a new crackdown plan.

A proposed law aims to use cameras mounted on cleaning trucks to flag violators who don’t move their vehicles for scheduled sweepings.

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The devices would spot cars parked in violation of alternate side parking signs (stock image)[/caption]

The pilot program would launch in New York City.

Lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly introduced two bills earlier this year pushing for tech-based enforcement.

Last week, the City Council voted to support the bills through a home rule resolution, a formal request for state approval.

If passed, the program would put cameras on street sweepers in select neighborhoods.

The devices would spot cars parked in violation of alternate side parking signs, which require drivers to move for 90 minutes, twice a week.

Violators would automatically be issued fines through the mail.

Tickets will cost up to $50, with an added $25 penalty if paid late.

For the first 60 days, only warnings will be issued.

After that, full enforcement would begin.

The bills were introduced by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Robert Carroll.

They say the move will improve street cleanliness and help sanitation crews do their jobs more efficiently.

According to the City Council’s resolution, better adherence to street cleaning schedules could reduce litter and pests.

“Regular street sweepings are a vital component of New York City’s efforts to maintain street cleanliness, reduce local vermin and litter issues, and keep stormwater conveyance infrastructure working as intended,” the resolution says.

The document adds: “Camera based enforcement paired with a reasonable monetary penalty may compel better adherence to street cleaning time.”

The proposed pilot would only affect certain zones in the city.

Earlier this year, the city suspended Alternate Side Parking during major snowstorms, allowing residents to keep their cars in place under mounds of snow.

New Yorkers are always on high alert for ASP updates, with over 2.2 million cars competing for limited city spaces.

As the year progresses, expect additional updates regarding summer and fall parking suspensions.

Drivers should stay alert and follow the city’s real-time alerts.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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A NEW law coming into force next month could see select dealerships disappear – leaving drivers with fewer places to buy cars.

This is the latest attempt by lawmakers to crackdown on counterfeit license plates.

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The rule will come into effect next month[/caption]

On July 1, car dealerships in Texas will no longer be allowed to issue paper license plates.

They will instead be ordered to provide metal plates upfront before any vehicle is bought and taken away.

Lawmakers say the new bill will help tackle car theft but for many car dealers it may mean shutting down their business.

Car bosses have hinted at potential closures as garage owners work out where to store old plates.

Samuel Tijerina, Vice President of the Valle Automobile Dealers Association, said he’s secured a spare room at his dealership to keep trade-in licence plates.

He told KRGV: “Imagine a mom and pop that doesn’t have that extra space, that doesn’t have the means to invest in that.”

House Bill 718 will be rolled out next month in a bid to help remove fraudulent paper plates from the streets.

According to Police Chief Robert McGinnis, the bill with “go a long way to help safeguard the communities in the Valley.”

He said: “[The new law] makes it more difficult for the counterfeiting of those paper plates, it’s a win for law enforcement.”

Not only are those driving with fraudulent plates committing civil crimes, but some are also committing criminal crimes. 

On November 14, 2022, police officer Brandon Paul Tsai, 32, was killed while chasing a driver using a fictitious paper license plate.

Tsai spun out during the chase and crashed into a light pole. 

The identical tag used by the car he was chasing was also used on 200 other vehicles.

“Somebody gets out here and gets in a wreck and hits somebody and drives off, we have no way to track that vehicle,” said Officer Jones.

Officer Thomas Berrettini told CBS News about a time when four people in a car with fake plates crashed into a car and escaped by foot.

“The car was unregistered, fake license plate, there was nothing that led us to the house,” he said. 

The new bill has received support from both sides and from the Texas Auto Dealers Association.

“Texas Franchised Dealers are united with state officials with the goal to reduce fraudulent tags,”  Jennifer Stevens, a spokesperson for the Texas Auto Dealers Association, told CBS News in 2023.

“The TxDMV recently made a number of changes and added protections that have already helped reduce the prevalence of fraudulent tags and we hope that these efforts will be given the opportunity to be fully implemented.”

A NOTORIOUS 1,000 degree desert crater dubbed the “Gateway to Hell” is finally closing as the fiery inferno has died down to mere “faint flames”.

The infamous pit’s blaze has been raging on for 50 years without dying down – but boffins have now said the nightmare hole is closing.

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The ‘Gateway to Hell’ is dying out after 50 years[/caption]

Formed in 1971 in Turkmenistan, the Darvaza crater is said to have come from curious Soviet scientists who drilled a hole into the ground and hit a gas pocket.

The bumbling researchers then decided to set it alight, giving birth to the nightmare formation.

Located in the Karakum desert, the 230ft-wide sinkhole has become one of the former Soviet nation’s most popular tourist attractions.

About 65ft deep, the formation is known officially as the “Shining of Karakum”.

Researchers said the flames started to die down because all the flammable gas in the crater was nearly used up.

Officials said that fires are now three times smaller than their original intimidating size.

Previously visible from a distance, the fires are now only seen in the crater’s “immediate vicinity”.

Director at state-owned energy company Turkmengaz Irina Luryeva said: “Before a huge glow from the blaze was visible from several kilometres away, hence the name ‘Gateway to Hell’.

“Today only a faint source of combustion remains.”

The exact origin of the pit was covered up by Soviet officials who left behind no official record of the ordeal.

But the most commonly accepted theory is that scientists drilled into natural gas and then set it alight.

It is speculated that they ignited the crater to prevent toxic gases from escaping into the air.

Rather than petering out within a few days like the geologists predicted, it instead went on to rage for another five decades.

The crater emitted a continuous stream of fire, with bright orange and red hues, which became especially dramatic at night.

The heat from the flames were said to be intense, and the sight of the monstrous flame pit in the middle of the desert was otherworldly, contributing to its ominous nickname.

Animals reportedly fell into the hole on occasion and met a grisly end.

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The site has become a tourist attraction[/caption]

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It is theorised that it was created by Soviet scientists[/caption]

The hole’s death comes after the Turkmenistan government repeatedly raised the prospect of possibly sealing the blazing furnace, according to CNN.

In August last year, Dylan Lupine, one of the pioneers of tourism to Turkmenistan with his UK-based company Lupine Travel, said: “I would say it’s only burning at around 40% of the level I first witnessed there in 2009.”

Nobody had ever dreamt of venturing into the blazing crater, until George Kourounis’ expedition in 2013.

The fearless explorer was the first person to descend into the “Gates of Hell”, and discovered something which could help prove the existence of aliens.

Jaw-dropping images showed George rappelling down into the 1,1000 degree inferno.

The Canadian could be seen dangling above molten rocks spewing hot gases while he descends into the blazing furnace dressed in a protective silver suit.

The intention of his trip to hell and back was to gather more information about extreme environments.

George said: “The most important part of the mission and the whole thrust behind this entire expedition was to take some samples of the soil at the bottom—sand, basically—and see if there is any extremophile bacteria living at the bottom that could give us clues to basically life in these extreme environments.”

He added: “There are planets that have been discovered outside of our solar system that have a very hot, methane-rich environment kind of similar to what is in the crater.

“So, in essence, we were looking for alien life right here on Earth.”

BILL BELICHICK has been tipped to join a new NFL team.

The six-time NFL winner has been out the league since his 23-year New England Patriots reign ended 18 months ago.

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Bill Belichick has been tipped for an NFL return[/caption]

Belichick is currently in charge of UNC’s Tar Heels after agreeing a $50m five-year contract.

But PFT’s Mike Florio reckons if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come calling, the 73-year-old may move away from collegiate level.

He said: “Much of it depends on what the Bucs do (or don’t do) in 2025, and what the Tar Heels do (or don’t do) in 2025.

“Still, with Belichick’s buyout down to $1 million as of last Sunday, let’s not assume no one at the NFL level will want Belichick.

“The Bucs have the talent; if ownership decides that an excellent game-day coach could get them back to the top of the mountain, it’s not as nutty as it may seem.

“We’re not saying Todd Bowles shouldn’t keep the job.

“We’re just trying to stay ahead of the curve. And the curve could indeed bend in unexpected ways in Tampa.”

The $1m buyout mentioned means Belichick will have to pay that figure to the university to leave.

That figure was at $10m before June 1, with the clause included to ensure he did not jump back to the NFL quickly.

He appears fully committed to UNC after stepping back from his media career.

Belichick will not feature on ManningCast or be co-host of Inside the NFL.

A BELOVED coffee chain that customers have dubbed “cheaper than Starbucks” is set to open five new locations.

The company is expanding to multiple states across the US, and over 100 new locations are planned for this year alone.

Dutch Bros Coffee

The coffee chain Dutch Bros is making its biggest moves yet, as it looks to move into new territory.

Dutch Bros sells protein coffee, blended drinks, energy drinks, shakes, and muffin tops.

As of June this year, Dutch Bros has locations across 18 states in the US.

After opening its first franchise back in 2000, it has set its sights on a lofty target for the rest of the decade.

It seems to be off to a good start, as Dutch Bros finished the first quarter of 2025 with 30 new locations.

These can be found in states such as Alabama, Colorado and Texas.

By the end of 2025, Dutch Bros plans to add 160 locations around the country.

This move will see them entering five new states, including Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina. 

It’s all building to the massive expectations Dutch Bros has placed on itself, with thousands of spots to be open in the coming years.

Chief executive officer Christine Barone told USA Today: “With a strong roadmap ahead, we are focused on our bold goal of reaching 2,029 shops in 2029.

“Led by field operations teams deeply rooted in our culture and supported by a leadership team with complementary skills and firsthand knowledge of scale, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable, long-term value.”

Dutch Bros did not confirm which cities in these states the new spots will be found in.

BRO LOVE

The expansion plans might sound bold, but there is a lot of love for Dutch Bros on social media.

Some have even gone as far as to say it’s better than Starbucks, one of the leaders in the coffee world.

With a strong roadmap ahead, we are focused on our bold goal of reaching 2,029 shops in 2029.

Christine Barone, CEO of Dutch Bros

One person wrote on Facebook: “FYI…Dutch Bros is better than Starbucks AND CHEAPER. So heavenly.”

There were plenty of comments to back this up, too.

A Dutch Bros supporter said: “Yessss! Rylan and I are addicted to Dutch bros since it opened here.

“They also have a ton of sugar free options that actually taste good!

“We also have a huge collection of stickers and merch. They do fun drops every month.”

While another enthusiastic customer added: “They are awesome about sugar free options.

“And every person working there that I’ve encountered, is so friendly.”

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By the end of 2025, Dutch Bros plans to add 160 locations around the country[/caption]

DRIVERS have been advised to carry out a crucial check after windshields were shattered on a highway.

The car owners are now out of pocket by $100s due to someone else’s mistake.

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One car had its windshield damaged after a wheel became loose on another vehicle on Highway 280 (file photo)[/caption]

A number of vehicles were damaged after a tire became loose on Wednesday morning on Highway 280 in Cupertino, California, the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) said.

Fire crews responded to a car crash at around 10.34am which was caused by the loose tire, on I-280 near Foothill Expressway.

Officials said the tire broke off and became separated from a vehicle which was travelling south.

It then bounced across into the northbound lane where it hit another vehicle.

Other vehicles were also damaged while the drivers were taking action to avoid the tire.

The exact number of cars damaged has not by specified by the SCCFD.

One vehicle had its windshield cracked after it was hit by the tire.

There were no serious injuries reported, according to the SCCFD.

In light of the incident, the SCCFD has issued a list of reminders for drivers to remain safe in similar accidents.

• Maintain your vehicle. Follow manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, especially for tires, brakes, and suspension.
• Expect the unexpected. Stay alert and drive defensively.
• Leave space. Following distance gives you time to react to sudden hazards.
• Pull to the right and stop for emergency vehicles using sirens and lights — it’s the law and ignoring it delays their arrival to emergencies.
• Stay focused. When passing an accident scene, keep your eyes on the road. Distraction puts everyone at risk.

The cost of replacing your windshield can vary enormously due to a variety of factors, such as location, the extent of the damage and your model of vehicle, according to the AAA.

However, the average cost of completely replacing a windshield is between $350-$550, according to Forbes.

However, you can expect to pay a lot more if you own a luxury vehicle with rare parts.

Prices can also vary due to the state or city you are based in.

The advice is to shop around for the best deal.

Most windshield damage can be repaired if you act quickly.

However, the following signs indicate that you may need to replace your windshield as soon as possible, the AAA says.

• Cracks are deep set and larger than 3 inches in length
• You have multiple cracks on your windshield that obscure your vision
• Your windshield is more than 5 years old, and simple repair solutions aren’t as effective

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Luckily, no one was seriously injured in the accident (file photo)[/caption]

IT’S National Donut Day today.

And if you’re a fan of the sweet treat, there are some epic deals to take advantage of.

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Dunkin’ Donuts have some epic deals for customers on National Donut Day – June 6[/caption]

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Krispy Kreme will also be joining in on the donut fun with some amazing promotions[/caption]

Both Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy Kreme are using the occasion to give back to customers, with the former offering a free classic donut with any beverage purchase (at participating locations).

There’s also some limited edition Dunkin’ bits on sale – including a merch collaboration with Stoney Clover Lane – with some stores selling single donuts in bags created in partnership with the brand.

Among the other offerings available online from Friday at 10am, there’ll be an adorable double-sided donut-themed pouch for $78.

And, cashing in on the popular bag charm trend at the moment, there’ll be two bag charms – an iced coffee and a donut – available for $48 each, as well as some patches you can use to accessorize your clothes for $18 each.

But you don’t need to worry about missing out if you prefer Krispy Kreme donuts to Dunkin’.

All day on Friday they will be giving out free donuts, with no purchase necessary.

Another epic deal includes the option to buy a dozen of the Original Glazed Doughnuts for $2 when you buy any other dozen at full price.

On Saturday, the chain will begin their new promotion – called the 14 Days of Original Glazed.

As part of the deal, from June 7 to 20, members of the Krispy Kreme rewards program will be able to get a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for $9.99.

And on June 13, all customers can get 12 of the original glazed option for just 13 cents.

National Donut Day was established by The Salvation Army back in 1938, to honor their ‘Donut Lassies’ and ‘Donut Girls’ who travelled to France to serve the sweet snacks to soldiers during World War I.

“National Donut Day is a time to remember the lasting impact of a unique piece of history and to honor the heroic men and women who have served our country,” Merle Heatwole, The Salvation Army’s national commander, said in a statement.

The charity will also distribute donuts to army veterans across the U.S.

Other National Donut Day deals are active in Casey’s, where reward program members can get a donut for $1, and Graeter’s, where you can get a free donut with any coffee purchase on June 6.

SEAN “Diddy” Combs has made a bizarre complaint about how he’s being depicted by the courtroom sketch artist at his ongoing sex trafficking trial.

In court, the music mogul has worn sweaters and neutral colors and has noticeably grayer hair, a far cry from the flashy photos seen at red carpet events.

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Combs looks much different than he used to when appearing at red carpet events[/caption]

The request took place during a lunch break on Thursday before the jury had been seated.

“Soften me up a bit, you’re making me look like a koala bear,” Combs’ told court sketch artist Jane Rosenberg.

The sketch artist told Reuters that this isn’t the first time someone has complained about their courtroom sketch.

Earlier this year, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told Rosenberg he looked like a dog in his drawing.

Giuliani was in court over accusations he made against two election workers, falsely claiming they helped steal the 2020 presidential election for Joe Biden.

In 2023, Donald Trump Jr. asked Rosenberg to make him “look sexy” during a civil fraud case over his family‘s real estate business.

He used a courtroom sketch of Sam Bankman-Fried, who was convicted on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy.

The sketch went viral online and Rosenberg said the president’s son told her that it made the former entrepreneur look like a “superstar.”

“I said, ‘That’s fake,'” Rosenberg told Reuters at the time.

“It doesn’t look anything like him, doesn’t look anything like Sam Bankman-Fried … and there’s no one in the courtroom drawing that.”

Rosenberg has been documenting Combs’ trial in Manhattan federal court, which bans the use of photos and video recordings.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to five counts of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

EX TALKS

Combs’ ex-girlfriend, using the pseudonym “Jane,” took the stand on Thursday to talk about their relationship.

The woman said she fell “head over heels” for Combs after first meeting in late 2020.

“He was really charming, really nice, and I was already drawn to him pretty instantly,” Jane told jurors.

The witness said Combs pursued her and used the nicknames “Bert” and “Ernie” after the Sesame Street characters for each other’s contact names.

Jane, a single mother, said Combs flew her out for her birthday in 2021.

“I told him that my birthday was coming up, and he was super excited and said we should go on an island getaway,” she said.

Jane said that as she spent more time with Combs, he allegedly began giving her more drugs, including cocaine, ecstasy, molly, and ketamine.

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He’s been seen in court wearing neutral colors and sweaters[/caption]

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He has pleaded not guilty to all charges[/caption]