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Soap star hits back as she’s mum-shamed for ‘making sure her kids are bullied’ over racy pics

SARAH Jayne Dunn has hit back after being mum-shamed for ‘making sure her kids are bullied’ over her racy pics.

The former soap star, who played Mandy Richardson on Hollyoaks from 1996 to 2021, famously left the show after being issued an ultimatum by furious bosses.

Woman holding a makeup brush and reading a comment.
Instagram
Sarah Jayne Dunn has hit back after being mum-shamed over her racy pics[/caption]
Woman applying makeup in front of a mirror.
Instagram
Sarah posted a a get-ready-with-me video[/caption]

They ordered her to quit adult subscription site OnlyFans, where she was flogging risque shots, or be axed.

While she’s been making big money on the platform, having claimed to have taken home £700,000 in 2022, Sarah has found herself the target of cruel trolling.

Taking to Instagram to confront her latest bully, she sarcastically responded to their nasty comment.

The follower had written: “Yeah why not just make sure your kids get bullied because of your content just so you can get a little validation from people you don’t know, good idea.”

But Sarah – who shares son Stanley, nine, with her husband Jonathan Smith – made sure to clap back with humour, pretending to read a positive one in a get-ready-with-me video.

With the aforementioned jibe shown on the screen, she instead read: “Thanks for your inspiring content. Your son is really lucky to have a mom like you that loves him so much. Please show us some more of your outfits.”

Sarah then enthused: “Of course I will! What a kind, kind comment. Thank you. I will happily show you another outfit,” before proceding to talk her fans through what she had been wearing.

At the end, she concluded: “Thanks again for that really, really lovely, positive comment.”

The actress quit the Channel 4 soap for a career on OnlyFans three years ago.

Hollyoaks said it doesn’t allow cast members to be active on certain 18+ websites because of the show’s responsibility to its young audience.

Speaking about posting on OnlyFans before, Sarah said it was “about taking back control, about empowerment and confidence and having full power over my choices”.

More recently, Sarah revealed her new job after quitting the soap, and will be teaching her first ever pole class.

Sharing images of herself pole dancing, the actress penned: “I’m excited and terrified in equal measure… because very soon, I’ll be stepping into a whole new challenge- teaching my first beginners’ pole class!

“Pole has been a huge part of my life for over two years now. I first found it just after lockdown, a little before turning 41, when I was looking for something fun, but challenging.

“From the very first spin, I was hooked. What started as a way to move and push myself has become so much more- strength, confidence, and a whole new community of incredible, supportive people who lift each other up (literally!).”

Family selfie with a building in the background.
Instagram
She shares son Stanley, nine, with her husband Jonathan Smith[/caption]
Woman in pink lingerie smiling in a bedroom.
Instagram
Sarah has been making six figures on OnlyFans[/caption]
Woman in red bikini performing pole dance.
instagram
She has been posting images of herself pole dancing recently[/caption]

Sarah continued: “I’ve recently started 1:1 training with a new pole coach, and I can already feel myself improving in ways I never expected.

“Pole is as tough as it is beautiful, what looks effortless takes an insane amount of strength, control, and resilience. But that’s what I love about it. Every move mastered feels like a little victory, and there’s always a new challenge to take on.

“Now, I’m about to take the next step, sharing everything I’ve learned with others. My beginner’s classes will be for absolute newbies or anyone wanting to go back to basics!

“I’ll be teaching at the same studio where my journey began too which is exciting @PoleGymholmeschapel, and I can’t wait to help others discover just how empowering pole can be.”

Sarah showed off her toned physique in the carousel of images, as she promoted her new pole class.

She worte a sparkly leotard and had her hair in a colourful plait as she revealed her pole skills for her fans.

One person commented: “These photos are mind boggling @sarahjaynedunn they’re full of warrior woman power and I love them! You’ll be amazing. You’ve excelled at this and been so determined. All the joys!”

Someone else penned: “Wow you look incredible Sarah, I remember when you first started, amazing how far you’ve come. So pleased for you, all the best for your next chapter.”

And another added: “You will be wonderful we just know it. Our gorgeous girl who can achieve anything she puts her mind to.”

It’s not the first time that Sarah has shown off her sensational figure in a skimpy pole dancing outfit.

The star has been praised for her toned body after completely transforming her physique.

She looked ageless as she shared a series of photographs after working out and doing some intense pole dancing.

“My knees have almost recovered,” Sarah penned in the caption of her sizzling set of snaps, revealing that she suffered some pain after her intense work out sessions.

She went on to add: “If you missed my stories last month, I had the BEST workshop with @dapnelux, is was a HUGE challenge- those moves were FAST, especially tying them all together to music!”

Sarah added: “I left feeling tired but inspired to sign up for more workshops this year with this wonderful community of supportive women.

“I’ve got much further to go before I’m anywhere near as slick as Daphne (although she has been at it much longer than me!) but what an inspiration!”

One fan remarked: “You look absolutely amazing. Your body shape has changed so much. Great job.”

A second said: “I can’t believe how much your physic has changed! Looking fab!”

Sarah Jayne Dunn in a beige dress.
Lime Pictures
The former soap star played the role of Mandy Richardson from 1996 to 2001[/caption]
Sarah Jayne Dunn at an Ann Summers International Women's Day event.
Getty
Sarah famously left Hollyoaks after she was issued an ultimatum by furious soap bosses[/caption]

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Galaxy S25 Edge Struggles: Samsung’s Risky Bet Backfires

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge Falters: A Bold Vision Meets Market Resistance When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, it came with big promises and bold ambition. Marketed as a revolutionary flagship that would push the boundaries of smartphone design, it was meant to reinvigorate Samsung’s high-end lineup and usher in a new era of sleek, ... Read more

The post Galaxy S25 Edge Struggles: Samsung’s Risky Bet Backfires appeared first on AiTechtonic - Informative & Entertaining Text Media.

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MrBeast Says He’s Broke Before Wedding Despite Billions

MrBeast’s Billion-Dollar Paradox: The YouTube Mogul Who Claims He’s “Broke” Before His Wedding In the ever-evolving digital age, few content creators have achieved the global recognition and financial clout of Jimmy Donaldson, more famously known as MrBeast. From jaw-dropping giveaways and extravagant stunts to multi-million dollar business ventures, MrBeast is widely considered a trailblazer in ... Read more

The post MrBeast Says He’s Broke Before Wedding Despite Billions appeared first on AiTechtonic - Informative & Entertaining Text Media.

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Mike Tomlin suffers devastating news with Pittsburgh Steelers star to miss entire 2025 season following OTA injury

THE Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a massive injury blow which will affect their plans for the entire year.

Pittsburgh is going through OTAs ahead of mandatory mini camp in the early stages of their 2025 preparation.

Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, wearing a headset.
Getty
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is ruing a massive injury blow[/caption]
Donald Parham #89 of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Getty
Donald Parham Jr suffered a torn Achilles in OTAs[/caption]

And one of their newest arrivals this offseason has suffered a massive blow in a big setback for Mike Tomlin.

Tight end Donald Parham Jr only joined Pittsburgh in February.

But he tore his Achilles during OTAs on Tuesday.

And the injury will likely mean he can’t play during the 2025 season.

A usual rehab period for a torn Achilles is between nine and 12 months.

Parham Jr, 27, was playing for his fifth NFL team.

He went undrafted in 2019 and played for both the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins on their practice squads.

After a spell in the XFL with the Arlington Renegades, he finally got his NFL break.

Parham signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and was with the team until last summer.

He played 47 games over four seasons, scoring 11 touchdowns.

Los Angeles cut him before the 2024 season, which he spent on the Denver Broncos practice squad.

Parham was signed by the Steelers to a one-year deal in February.

He now faces an uphill battle to get his football career back after the injury blow.

Pittsburgh was in trade talks for Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.

They could be forced to pursue a deal now after the injury setback to Parham.

NFL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE

(All times ET)

Thur 4 Sept
8.20 pm – Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Fri 5 Sept
8pm – Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

Sun 7 Sept
1pm – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
1pm – Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
1pm – Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
1pm – Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots
1pm – Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
1pm – Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
1pm – New York Giants at Washington Commanders
1pm – Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
4.05 pm – Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos
4.05 pm – San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
4.25 pm – Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
4.25 pm – Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
8.20 pm – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Mon 8 Sept
8.15 pm – Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Pittsburgh is also hosting wide receiver Gabe Davis for workouts.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Davis was due to travel to the city on Wednesday.

And he’ll have a workout with the team Thursday having been made a free agent this year.

Davis previously played for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Steelers are also still waiting on an answer from free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Read More »

Upway launches huge sale with up to 60% off e-bikes – but you’ll have to be quick

Black Rad Power Bikes RadRunner electric bicycle on a paved path near the beach.

LOOKING to cut the cost of your commute? The Upway e-bike sale makes it easier than ever to speed off with savings.

The online marketplace is offering up to 60% off major bike brands like Cannondale and Specialized – but you’ll have to be quick, as the sale doesn’t run for long.

Man riding an electric bike on a grassy area with palm trees in the background.
Upway
Upway offers the largest selection of e-bikes available online[/caption]

Save up to 60% on e-bikes with code UPWAYFAN

Founded in 2021, Upway offers a wide selection of high-quality e-bikes, including new and pre-owned options.

If you’re shopping for a refurbished ride, you’ll bag an e-bike that has been thoroughly inspected and repaired by professional in-house master mechanics.

Whether you’re searching for a folding model that minimizes space and emissions, or a mountain bike that won’t break the bank, it’s well worth looking at the cycling choices on offer from Upway.

Simply add your favorite e-bike to your basket and use the code UPWAYFAN to score impressive savings.

Customers who spend $1000 or more will get $100 off their first e-bike order when they use the exclusive code.

One of the brand’s best-value options is the certified pre-owned Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ, which has been slashed by 59%.

Originally priced at $3,525, the electric bike now costs $1,449 – that means you’ll ride off with an extra $2,000 in your pocket.

The Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ is a great choice for shoppers seeking a pre-owned hybrid e-bike that’s well-equipped for everyday adventures.

It’s suitable for individuals between 5ft 7in and 6ft 6in and has traveled 1,016 miles since 2022.

The e-bike also boasts a high-capacity battery for long range, and its step-through frame and upright riding position make it a comfortable option for riders of all levels.

If you’re searching for a more budget-friendly e-bike, the Momentum Lafree E+ is worth a closer look.

Now discounted to $1,099, the Momentum Lafree E+ was sold to Upway by a business and is a solid choice for beginners and seasoned riders facing a busy city commute.

It’s suitable for individuals between 5ft 7in and 5ft 11in, and features smooth assistance to help tackle small hills with ease.

Other standout savings include the Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0 and the Aventon Sinch.2.

The Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0 is a certified pre-owned, full-suspension electric mountain bike that has been slashed by 34%, and the Aventon Sinch.2 is a certified pre-owned, portable option that is easy to carry and store.

While browsing the sale, customers can find savings on a wide selection of e-bikes, including city/hybrid, road, cargo, folding, and mountain bike models.

Free delivery is also available throughout California, and all e-bikes come with a one-year warranty.

Upway’s latest sale is set to end on June 30, 2025 – if you’re interested, you’d better shift gear.

Save up to 60% on e-bikes with code UPWAYFAN

Head to The Sun’s shopping hub for more of the latest deals and sales.

Read More »

Putin’s chilling plot to march 10,000 troops into ANOTHER European nation revealed by its PM… & it could spiral into WW3

RUSSIA reportedly plans to deploy 10,000 troops into a breakaway region of another Eastern European nation – igniting fears of Putin’s war spilling further across the continent.

Moldova’s Prime Minister has warned the Kremlin wants to march troops into Transnistria – a Moscow-friendly enclave that’s internationally recognised as part of Moldova.

Cars waiting in line at a Transnistria-Moldova border crossing.
AFP
Cars wait in line at the crossing point between the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria and Moldova[/caption]
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean speaking at a press conference.
EPA
Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean speaks during a press conference[/caption]
Vladimir Putin at a meeting.
Reuters
Russian troops have been based in Transnistria since 1992[/caption]
Russian servicemen walking in the Kursk region.
EPA
Russian servicemen walking along at an area in the Kursk region, Russia[/caption] Illustration of a map showing a potential Russian annexation of Transnistria in Moldova, with inset photos of troops and Vladimir Putin.

The small landlocked region, sandwiched between Ukraine and the rest of Moldova, has been controlled by separatists for 33 years.

Transnistria receives significant economic and military support from Moscow, and the region’s politicians have voiced their intent for it to become part of Russia.

The region’s location between the pro-Europe governments in Moldova and Ukraine make it impossible for Putin to get soldiers in at present.

While Moldova currently has an EU-friendly government, its PM has said Russia is meddling in its upcoming election this September.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean told the FT this is likely in the hope that a more pro-Kremlin government might allow for Russian troops to be sent to Transnistria.

“This is a huge effort to undermine Moldovan democracy,” he told the paper.

“They want to consolidate their military presence in the Transnistrian region.”

Russian troops have been based in Transnistria since 1992, when the Kremlin supported the region in its war of independence from Moldova.

However, the numbers have substantially wound down over the years, with there currently only being about 1,500 soldiers fighting under the Russian banner.

But only a few of these will have actually been sent by Moscow, with most being locals who signed up.

Transnistria isn’t internationally recognised as an independent state, and is not a member of the UN.

Think tank The Institute for the Study of War forecast last October that Russia might use its ties to Transnistria “to establish long-term influence over Moldovan domestic and foreign policies”.

Recean further highlighted the ominous military threats to Ukraine and NATO that could arise from extra Russian troops in the region.

Its location to Ukraine’s southwest could raise fresh headaches for Kyiv if Russia used Transnistria to open up a new front in the war.

“You can imagine with 10,000 troops, what the leverage and pressure would be on the southwestern part of Ukraine,” he said.

But Recean also noted the area’s proximity to Romania, which is a NATO country.

If Russian forces threatened or attacked Romania – or any other NATO member – then the entire alliance would be obliged to come to its aid.

NATO Article 5 sets out that an attack on one member state is an attack on all, meaning Russian attacks against a NATO country could quickly spiral into all-out war.

Transnistria's history

Transnistria is a tiny slither of land along Moldova's border with Ukraine.

The region has been controlled by Russian backed separatists for decades following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

It declared independence in 1990, which was followed by a war that saw Russia support Transnistria’s independence.

Moscow has maintained a strong military presence in the territory since 1992.

Many of Transnistria’s political leaders have long voiced their intent for the region to become a part of Russia.

But it still remains internationally recognised as part of Moldova – a country that seeks closer co-operation with the EU.

Transnistria has a population of around 465,000.

Fears of a war between the West and Russia over Transnistria have been amplified by the separatist region’s leader Vadim Krasnoselsky.

He told the Russian TASS news agency: “A war in Transnistria would mean a direct conflict between Russia and NATO.

“I don’t have the slightest doubt about it. Everything is closely intertwined here.

“Both Romania, a NATO member, and the Russian Federation have interests here.”

Recean added that the 10,000-troop figure was based on intelligence assessments.

“Currently, their forces there are almost meaningless,” he said.

“But with a higher military presence in Transnistria that a Russia-leaning government can allow for, they can consolidate.”

Moldova was part of the Soviet Union before its collapse in 1991.

In recent years, it has sought to pursue closer ties with the European Union, and became an official candidate to join the EU in 2022.

A referendum held last year committing Moldova on its path to EU membership passed by just 0.7% of the vote amid what was widely believed to be a Russian interference campaign.

Recean told the FT that Russia spent the equivalent of 1% of Moldova’s GDP on influence campaigns in 2024.

Billboard in Tiraspol, Transnistria reading "Russia in our hearts" in Russian.
AFP
A billboard reading “Russia in our hearts” sits on the side of a road in the town of Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria[/caption]
Photo of Russian servicemen on a self-propelled gun in the Kursk region.
EPA
Russian servicemen riding atop a self-propelled gun at an area in the Kursk region, Russia[/caption]

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Beloved pharmacy chain closing 111 more stores amid bankruptcy bust – and 500 locations are already shutting down

A BELOVED pharmacy chain is closing 111 more stores amid its bankruptcy bust – separate from the 500 already disappearing.

The chain has been forced to take drastic measures, and is throwing out waves of store closures.

Nearly empty shelves in a Rite Aid store.
Getty
The chain has been forced to take drastic measures, and is throwing out waves of store closures[/caption]

Rite Aid‘s slow fall into bankruptcy has left it struggling to stay afloat while axing hundreds of locations in the process.

The US Sun reported on Rite Aid being forced to sell nearly 1,000 of its stores to its biggest rivals CVS and Walgreens.

CVS agreed to take on prescription files from 625 Riet Aids in 15 states where it already had a presence.

This means that Rite Aid patients will be forced to go to CVS stores now to collect their prescriptions.

CVS has also agreed to fully purchase 64 stores in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

The list of closing Rite Aids is nearing 500 overall, and it is unknown how high that number could go.

It is currently at 474 with the new batch of 111 closures announced.

The latest closings include 39 each in the states of California and New York.

Stores in Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland are also going to be scrapped in the latest wave.

To see the full list of the 11 new stores closing, you can visit the WNEP link here.

WAVE AFTER WAVE

The US Sun recently reported on even more Rite Aid closures with a June 4 deadline.

Every month sees the closure of more locations, as the first round saw 47 go under across nine states.

The second batch encompassed 68 stores across seven states, such as in California, Virginia and Oregon.

A third wave then took out 151 more locations , brining the total number in Rite Aid‘s second bankruptcy to 361.

Full listof Rite Aid locations closed in May

California

  • 3860 Sepulveda Boulevard – Torrance
  • 5075 Olivehurst Avenue – Olivehurst
  • 211 East 17th St. – Costa Mesa
  • 1038 East Colorado Blvd. – Pasadena
  • 6150 Van Buren Blvd. – Riverside
  • 220 West East Ave. – Chico
  • 4774 West Ln. – Stockton
  • 4920 La Sierra Ave. – Riverside
  • 1331 Wilshire Blvd. – Santa Monica
  • 446 East Washington Blvd. – Los Angeles
  • 23 Peninsula Center – Rolling Hills Estates
  • 3300 East Anaheim St. – Long Beach
  • 1203 West Imola Ave. – Napa
  • 1550 Hamilton Ave. – San Jose
  • 501 South Gaffey St. – San Pedro
  • 4840 Niagara Ave. – San Diego
  • 1534 East Florence Ave. – Los Angeles
  • 32450 Clinton Keith Rd. – Wildomar
  • 720 Sutton Way – Grass Valley
  • 34420 Yucaipa Blvd. – Yucaipa
  • 2751 Del Paso Rd. – Sacramento

Connecticut

  • 180 Main St. – Cheshire
  • 113-115 Mill Plain Rd. – Danbury
  • 56 Rubber Ave. – Naugatuck

Massachusetts

  • 1031 Main St. – Clinton

New Hampshire

  • 360 Summer Street – Bristol
  • 41 Carroll Street – Pittsfield
  • 75 Portsmouth Ave., Unit 1 – Exeter
  • 19 Wilton Rd., Suite 1a – Peterborough
  • 354 Winchester St. – Keene

New Jersey

  • 75 South Main St. – Neptune
  • 403 Sicklerville Rd. – Sicklerville

New York

  • 9 Broad Street – Salamanca
  • 1070 Genesee Street – Buffalo
  • 5901 Bay Pkwy.– Brooklyn
  • 8222 18th Ave. – Brooklyn
  • 55-60 Myrtle Ave. – Ridgewood
  • 50-15 Roosevelt Ave. – Woodside
  • 60-26 Woodside Ave, – Woodside

Oregon

  • 728 South West 4th Avenue – Ontario
  • 4041 Nw Logan Road – Lincoln City
  • 2049 West Cascade Avenue – Hood River
  • 178 West Ellendale Avenue – Dallas
  • 1217 Campbell Street – Baker City
  • 44 Michigan Avenue Ne – Bandon
  • 313 South Roosevelt Drive – Seaside
  • 626 Mcclaine St – Silverton
  • 1400 West 6th St. – The Dalles
  • 514 Ne 181st Ave. – Portland
  • 2521 South Sixth St. – Klamath Falls
  • 700 S.E. 3rd St. – Bend

Pennsylvania

  • 805 Huntingdon Pike – Huntingdon Valley
  • 6 Bochicchio Boulevard – Moscow
  • 601 Delaware Avenue – Palmerton
  • 315 West Fourth Street – Quarryville
  • 2201 West Alleghenny Ave. – Philadelphia
  • 10 Newport Plaza – Newport
  • 801 Grow Avenue – Montrose
  • 2503-05 Welsh Road – Philadelphia
  • 5 Friendly Drive – Duncannon
  • 260 West Lehigh Avenue #80 – Philadelphia
  • 3145 Main Street – Morgantown
  • 205 Center Street – Tamaqua
  • 9635 William Penn Highway – Huntingdon
  • 15 West Centre Street – Mahanoy City
  • 4530 North 5th Street – Philadelphia
  • 101 East Shirley Street – Mt Union
  • 4390 Richmond Street – Philadelphia
  • 5201 Spring Road Suite 6 – Shermans Dale
  • 1365 Logan Avenue – Tyrone
  • 1212 Second Street – Cresson
  • 201 West Mahoning Street – Punxsutawney
  • 165 Butler Road – Kittanning
  • 126 W. Main Street – Grove City
  • 111 North Plaza – Apollo
  • 5214-30 Baltimore Avenue – Philadelphia
  • 1941 Derry Street – Harrisburg
  • 5400 Rising Sun Avenue – Philadelphia
  • 901 S Saint Marys Street – Saint Marys
  • 200 Resort Plaza Drive – Blairsville
  • 630 Main St. – Portage
  • 207 Route 6 West – Coudersport
  • 838 Fifth Avenue – Ford City
  • 620 E Allegheny Avenue – Emporium
  • 100 South Third Street – Conneaut Lake
  • 200 Memorial Blvd. – Connellsville
  • 59 North Main Street – Port Allegany
  • 610 Broad Street – New Bethlehem
  • 1340 Main Street – Burgettstown
  • 100 Franklin Street – Mercer
  • 1222 Brownsville Rd – Pittsburgh
  • 521 North Fraley Street – Kane
  • 3939 Butler Street – Pittsburgh
  • 1 East High Street – Union City
  • 2150 Brownsville Rd Ste120 – Pittsburgh
  • 304 Market St. – Harrisburg
  • 23 North Elm St. – Kutztown
  • 3773 Peters Mountain Rd. – Halifax
  • 1039 2nd St. – Pike Richboro
  • 843 Rostraver Rd. – Belle Vernon
  • 400 West Second St. – Berwick
  • Pittsburgh Intl Airport – Pittsburgh
  • 209 Atwood St. – Pittsburgh

Virginia

  • 115 Brunswick Square Court – Lawrenceville
  • 144 Scottsville Center – Scottsville
  • 4171 Lee Jackson Hwy, Ste 113 – Greenville
  • 200 Augusta Avenue – Grottoes

Washington

  • 35013 Snoqualmie Pkwy – Snoqualmie
  • 27000 Miller Bay Rd Ne, Kingston
  • 909 East Yelm Avenue, Yelm
  • *517 Commercial Ave., Anacortes
  • 608 W. Stanley Street, Granite Falls
  • 609 Omache Drive, Omak
  • 250 Basin St. SW – Ephrata
  • 248 Bendigo Blvd S – North Bend

Rite Aid has yet to announce exact details regarding the closure timeline.

Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder said in a news release: “As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible.

“For more than 60 years, Rite Aid has been a proud provider of pharmacy services and products to our loyal customers.

“While we have continued to face financial challenges, intensified by the rapidly evolving retail and healthcare landscapes in which we operate, we are encouraged by meaningful interest from a number of potential national and regional strategic acquirors.

“As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible.

“I will be forever grateful to our thousands of associates for their commitment to Rite Aid and its mission, and I thank our entire team – from store associates to corporate employees – for their dedication to our customers and our company.

“With their support, we have played a critical role in supporting the healthcare needs of countless Americans across the communities that we are honored to serve.”

Rite Aid store closing sale.
Rite Aid’s slow fall into bankruptcy has left it struggling to stay afloat while axing hundreds of locations in the process
GETTY

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Social Security employees warn massive delays coming as bosses make 4 changes – and millions of checks may be stopped

SOCIAL Security workers have warned that huge delays over at the SSA could soon impact Americans, potentially impacting millions of payments.

Turmoil is taking root at the federal agency as four big changes roll out, including one particularly disruptive switch-up.

Social Security Administration sign on a brick wall.
Getty
Major changes are underway at the Social Security Administration[/caption]
Medicare and Social Security cards.
Getty
Four big Social Security changes could mean delayed or stopped payments for beneficiaries[/caption]

SSA workers at processing centers typically prioritize new claims and appeals each day, but these routine tasks are now being put on the back burner.

Staff at a handful of the country’s eight processing centers were instructed late last month to prioritize Social Security Fairness Act payments over other daily tasks.

Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law on January 5, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

These two provisions reduced Social Security benefits for Americans who also received pensions from public employment not covered by Social Security. 

Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, millions of public sector workers will now receive larger Social Security checks and some may qualify for benefits for the first time – but the law also entails a greater workload for SSA staff.

While the administration originally set out to process over 3.2 million Fairness Act claims by November, new Social Security commissioner Frank Bisignano is speeding up that timeline.

He has instructed Social Security staff to focus on processing those payments, aiming to get the work done “while the weather is warm,” Bisignano told senators during his March confirmation hearing.

“Using automation, SSA has already expedited over $15.1 billion in long-delayed retroactive payments to more than 2.3 million individuals affected,” White House spokesperson Liz Huston said.

The complexity of the remaining roughly 900,000 cases requires that they be manually updated.

The SSA is now prioritizing these cases, with Bisignano targeting a July 1 completion date, several Social Security employees told USA Today.

Social Security employees have even been offered weekend overtime to complete the remaining Fairness Act claims on time.

HOW WILL YOU BE IMPACTED?

As SSA staff scramble to complete their new top priority task, the White House has said that the additional work will not impact other Social Security recipients.

“This project is very important to leadership and it’s critical the agency executes it swiftly, efficiently, and without letting anything else fall through the cracks,” said Huston.

Social Security employees, on the other hand, have warned that millions of Americans could be impacted.

WEP and GPO

The Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, federal laws that have been in place for nearly 40 years, were officially eliminated when the Social Security Fairness Act was passed.

Windfall Elimination Provision:

  • Impacts pension recipients who also work another job covered by Social Security
  • The Social Security benefit is usually reduced by around 50%, but it cannot be reduced to zero

Government Pension Offset:

  • Impacts pension recipients who also qualify for spousal Social Security benefits
  • Reduces two-thirds of the PSRS benefit, typically eliminating the entire spousal Social Security benefit

Making an address or bank account change may take much longer than usual, for example, and many beneficiaries could experience delays or even stopped benefits, Social Security employees told USA Today.

Several of the typical tasks that may be cast aside, such as switching direct deposit details or fixing issues with Medicaid billing, could mean the difference between receiving a check or not, according to the workers.

Because over 71 million Americans rely on Medicaid, any widespread disruption to these processes could affect a significant portion of beneficiaries – potentially causing delays or interruptions for millions.

Some SSA customer service workers have even been instructed to only assist callers if they need help with a Social Security Fairness Act case, new claim, or appeal, “until our workload focus is lifted.”

The administration receives roughly 400,000 calls each day, but those needing help with “non-priority” issues – such as overpayment assistance, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues – may be turned away.

SOCIAL SECURITY SWITCH-UPS

Beyond the upheaval at the SSA caused by the new Social Security Fairness Act, three other major changes are impacting Americans.

For example, mass layoffs and buyout offers are shaving down the number of Social Security staff, potentially exacerbating delay issues at the SSA.

HOW TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

Here's how to supplement your Social Security:

Given the uncertainty surrounding Social Security’s long-term future, it’s essential for workers to consider ways to supplement their retirement income.

Senior Citizens League executive director, Shannon Benton recommends starting early with savings and investing in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.

  • 401(k) Plans
    • A 401(k) is a retirement account offered through employers, where contributions are tax-deferred.
    • Many employers also match employee contributions, typically between 2% and 4% of salary, making it a valuable tool for building retirement savings.
    • Maxing out your 401(k) contributions, especially if your employer offers a match, should be a priority.
  • IRAs
    • An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) offers another avenue for retirement savings.
    • Unlike a 401(k), an IRA isn’t tied to your employer, giving you more flexibility in your investment choices.
    • Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible, and the funds grow tax-free until they are withdrawn, at which point they are taxed as income.

The agency is working to cut down its staff by roughly 7,000 jobs, or 12%, aiming for a target workforce of 50,000 employees.

Another big change pertains to identity verification procedures, with the SSA looking to reduce Social Security fraud by requiring Americans to visit a local office if unable use their online account for certain services.

This new requirement, effective April 14, could potentially cause delays or issues for those without the necessary documentation, facing language barriers, or those with mobility issues.

Technological barriers may also prove problematic for certain beneficiaries, such as those without reliable internet access, computer literacy, or the necessary technology.

The SSA has also made a handful of changes to its tech systems that have resulted in several website failures, sparking fear among the millions of Americans who rely on their Social Security benefits.

The series of changes has resulted in increased wait times for phone assistance as well as a lengthier wait to schedule an in-person appointment at a field office.

Check out these other changes underway at Social Security.

One “massive” change could impact hundreds of thousands of Americans each day – it’ll be “completed this year.”

Plus, Social Security is set to make history with the first ever payout switch in 90 years – and millions are affected.

2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

Social Security payments are handed out on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday of each month. Benefits will be paid out in 2025 on the following dates:

  • January 8, 15, and 22
  • February 12, 19, and 26
  • March 12, 19, and 26
  • April 9, 16, and 23
  • May 14, 21, and 28
  • June 11, 18, and 25
  • July 9, 16, and 23
  • August 13, 20, and 27
  • September 10, 17, and 24
  • October 8, 15, and 22
  • November 12, 19, and 26
  • December 10, 17, and 24

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Driverless taxis taking on eerie ‘human-like behaviors’ as they wreak havoc on roads – ‘impatient’ move gave it away

DRIVERLESS taxis are taking on strange, human-like behaviors on the road in what is possibly an increased display of intelligence.

The new findings have been discovered in the popular Waymo cars that operate in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles, California.

Aerial view of Waymo self-driving cars.
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It’s believed the AI-powered vehicles are starting to show an increased display of intelligence[/caption]
Waymo self-driving car on city street.
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Drivers taxis have been found to take on strange, human-like behaviors on the road – including impatience[/caption]
Interior view of a Waymo self-driving vehicle.
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Waymo prices itself on being safer than a regular, human driver thanks to its cautious approach to driving[/caption]

According to the Daily Mail, the study was first conducted by the University of San Francisco engineering Professor William Riggs and a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, after the pair noticed that a Waymo car they were traveling in crept to a rolling start at a pedestrian crossing – before the person in the road had reached the other footpath.

For the AI powered Waymo car, which prides itself on being safer than a regular, human driver thanks to its cautious approach to driving, the movement was somewhat peculiar – almost mimicking the way humans act behind the wheel in the same scenario.

In this instance, letting the foot gently off the brake and allowing the car to run at a rolling pace displays human-like impatience.

Rigg said: “From an evolutionary standpoint, you’re seeing a lot more anticipation and assertiveness from the vehicles.”

Waymo taxis – which are designed to gather information about road conditions, allowing for its algorithm to be fine-tuned – have been known to strictly follow the rules of the road, often much to the frustration of other motorists.

David Margines, the director of product management at Waymo, said human specialists who drive the cars to train them had to juggle two separate goals: to ensure that Waymo followed every traffic law, and, simultaneously, work to transport customers to a reasonable timeframe.

He said: “We imagined that it might be kind of a trade-off.

“It wasn’t that at all. Being an assertive driver means that you’re more predictable, that you blend into the environment, that you do things that you expect other humans on the road to do.”

In one of these examples, Waymo showcased its autonomous capabilities when one of its robotaxis stopped to avoid a collision with a car that swerved into its path.

However, it then honked its horn in a human-like manner – almost as if to express annoyance.

And while these behaviors demonstrate intelligence, they also raise concerns – especially in regards to mimicking poor human driving decisions.

Despite promoting safety, Waymo has been involved in 696 crashes since 2021, although the brand’s taxis have not necessarily always been at fault.

In one incident, a Waymo vehicle tragically struck and killed a small, off-leash dog – but only because the car’s tech failed to detect it.

Despite these incidents and concerns, Waymo is expanding – with the cars to soon arrive in Austin, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Miami, Florida.

Meanwhile, Tesla is planning to launch its own robotaxis in Austin, powered by its Full Self-Driving (FSD) program.

But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Tesla’s FSD software after concerns were raised on its performance.

This include a request for more information on how it works.

Tesla is aiming to produce an autonomous model aptly named the Cybercab next year, with the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, predicting millions of fully autonomous Teslas will be launched by late next year.

The NHTSA’s investigation could delay the robotaxi rollout though, especially if Tesla fails to meet its June 19 deadline for providing a response.

Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto

Both are phone mirroring apps for both operating systems that allow drivers to access contacts, make calls, and use navigation apps.

Many manufacturers allow access to both apps wirelessly, and all infotainment systems mirror your phone with a USB connection.

The idea behind phone mirroring apps designed for in-car use is to reduce distracted driving by making essential apps easier to access.

Key features of both apps are:

  • Audiobook app access
  • Podcast app access
  • Navigational access (Google or Apple maps, which have your personal information already implemented, like your home address, work address, recent searches, and more).
  • Phone apps, with contacts, favorites, recent calls, and more preprogrammed.
  • Messaging apps that can read text messages aloud and transcribe a response through the vehicle’s microphone.
  • Music apps like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music (iTunes), or others with your personal information, playlists, recent searches, and preferences built in.
  • Calendar events, your car can alert you to an upcoming event or conference.
  • Access to Google Assistant or Siri with vocal cues. 

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Diddy accused of ‘drugging and raping TV reporter on tour bus’ as she demands rapper be extradited to face ‘punishment’

A REPORTER has accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of drugging and raping her after she tried to get an interview in the midst of his sex trafficking trial.

Kathi Steininger claimed she was set to tell her dark story on the stand, but broke her anonymity after she was dismissed.

TV reporter accusing P. Diddy of rape.
Pulse24
Austrian reporter Kathi Steininger has accused Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of raping her when she tried to get an interview[/caption]
Sean "Diddy" Combs at the Billboard Music Awards.
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Combs, seen at the 2022 Billboard awards, allegedly attacked the accuser when she was just 19[/caption]

Combs, 55, is accused of hiring prostitutes as perverse entertainment for his so-called “freak offs,” which were sex parties that had a roster of high-profile guests.

He would allegedly ply attendees and sex workers with drugs before filming them in compromising positions, and use the tapes as blackmail.

At the center of the charges is his relationship with ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who broke the story wide open when she sued the mega producer in November 2023.

In that suit, she accused her ex-lover of raping and beating her, as well as forcing her to take part in the sometimes days-long freak-offs.

After the lawsuit was filed and settled out of court, dozens of alleged victims came forward with legal complaints of their own, where they described harrowing brushes with the rapper.

Now, Steininger, who is an Austrian national, has claimed in an interview that she was also targeted by the mega producer when she was just 19 years old.

In March 2000, the budding journalist scored an on-camera interview with Combs during his European tour, she told Austrian broadcaster PULS 24 on Monday.

But at some point during the chat, she claims she was separated from her cameraman and given a drink by Combs, which she believes was drugged.

The next thing she knew, the then-teenager was allegedly on the back of a tour bus being raped by the musician. She said she felt too out of it to move or cry for help.

“There was 100 percent something in it,” she said of the drink.

“I would never have gone to bed with that man.”

After the alleged attack, she said she felt too “ashamed” to tell anyone.

Steininger claimed she was going to take the stand as part of Combs’ ongoing trial, but said her story was out of the statute of limitations because she and Diddy were overseas.

After getting that news, she chose to break her anonymity and join the growing chorus of women and men urging for justice.

The accuser claimed the alleged attack left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and that she was unable to work.

Five: The number of charges against Combs. His charge sheet includes one count of racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the alleged offenses. 

Twelve: The number of jurors. Six alternates will also be selected.

Two: In March 2024, two of Combs’ homes were raided by the feds. Cops searched a property in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, that was linked to his production company. Agents also searched a property in Miami, Florida. Cops were pictured carrying boxes from the disgraced star’s Star Island mansion. In September 2024, Combs listed the Los Angeles home for $61.5 million.

1,000: The number of bottles of baby oil and lubricant seized by cops during the raids of the hip-hop star’s homes. The supplies are alleged to be linked to the star’s infamous drug-fueled freak offs.  

Eight: The number of weeks the trial is expected to last.

Eight: The number of lawyers on the prosecution team. Seven of which are women.

Seven: The number of lawyers on Combs’ defense team. Brian Steel, who represented the rapper Young Thug, is part of the defense team.

Four: The number of accusers who will take the stand. Combs’ ex-partner Cassie Ventura, who accused him of sexual abuse and assault, is the prosecution’s star witness. Combs and Ventura had an on-off relationship for over a decade. Ventura and Combs settled for $20 million a day after the lawsuit was filed.

15: Combs faces a minimum sentence of 15 years if he’s convicted on the sex trafficking charge.

10: Ten years is the maximum charge for the transportation for the purposes of prostitution.

She’s reached out to prosecutors in Austria to pursue charges, but because the alleged attack was so long ago, it’s also considered outside the statute of limitations.

However, she claims that state attorneys told her they would reexamine the case based on the results of Combs’ sex trafficking trial.

“I want some kind of punishment for what he did to me,” she said.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Combs’ lawyers for comment.

Comb’s trial has continued into its third week with explosive testimony from an ex-hotel worker who claims the rapper gave him a wad of hush money.

The security guard said he watched in horror after surveillance captured Combs beating up girlfriend Cassie as he wore nothing but a towel.

Diddy locked eyes with us as he entered the courtroom - inside the trial of the decade

By Israel S-Rodriguez, Senior News Reporter at The U.S. Sun:

The federal sex trafficking trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs began with jury selection on May 5.

Combs is standing trial at the Southern District of New York Courthouse in Lower Manhattan – an intimidating federal courthouse where the cases of Ghislaine Maxwell, Donald Trump, and Bernard Madoff, among others, were tried.

Once a powerful founder of a music and business empire, Combs has been reduced to a defendant, inmate 37452-054, stripped of his mogul status, and now standing trial on five federal charges with the full wrath of the United States government against him.

When I attended Day 3 of jury selection at the federal courthouse on May 7, the buzz around the start of the trial was palpable.

Hours before the courthouse opened its doors, more than a dozen reporters and members of the public stood in line in hopes of securing a seat in the gallery for the high-profile trial.

As you walk through the glass door entrance of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, you are met by bulletproof vest-clad court officers.

All visitors must separate their electronic devices from their personal belongings, which are passed through a metal detector.

Visitors walk through a metal detector before a court officer hands them a poker chip.

The courthouse uses a poker chip system to sort the number of electronic devices visitors are in possession of.

Electronic devices, such as Bluetooth-powered headphones, voice recorders, laptops, cellphones, and smart watches, are confiscated before you’re allowed to enter the courthouse’s main hallway.

As about a half-dozen reporters and I waited in the gallery for jury selection, we witnessed how Combs entered the courtroom shackle-free.

Combs entered with his hands pressed together, greeted his defense team before he examined the gallery, and locked eyes with reporters and potential jurors.

The 55-year-old disgraced Bad Boy Records executive was attentive and engaged with his counsel as they grilled dozens of potential jurors.

As jury selection wrapped up for the day, Combs embraced each of his female defense attorneys before he mouthed “thank you” to a handful of supporters in the gallery.

I attended trial again as opening statements got underway on May 12 and the world media waited anxiously outside the federal courthouse before the sun rose in Lower Manhattan.

A line stretched down the block from the federal courthouse as some members of the media and from the public camped out overnight to try to obtain a coveted seat inside the gallery.

At least three overflow rooms were made available for reporters and the public, who are eager to witness the prosecutions case against the music mogul.

At least half a dozen members of Combs’ family arrived at the courthouse as spectators filed in single order to enter the federal building to turn over all their electronic devices.

Combs’ trial is being held on the 26th floor in Judge Arun Subramanian’s courtroom and is expected to last for eight weeks.

We’ll bring it all to you on The U.S. Sun.

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