InstagramSarah Jayne Dunn has hit back after being mum-shamed over her racy pics[/caption]
InstagramSarah 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.”
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!).”
InstagramShe shares son Stanley, nine, with her husband Jonathan Smith[/caption]
InstagramSarah has been making six figures on OnlyFans[/caption]
instagramShe 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!”
Lime PicturesThe former soap star played the role of Mandy Richardson from 1996 to 2001[/caption]
GettySarah famously left Hollyoaks after she was issued an ultimatum by furious soap bosses[/caption]
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on 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
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on 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
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on 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.
GettyPittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is ruing a massive injury blow[/caption]
GettyDonald 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.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Upway launches huge sale with up to 60% off e-bikes – but you’ll have to be quick
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.
UpwayUpway offers the largest selection of e-bikes available online[/caption]
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.
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.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on 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.
AFPCars wait in line at the crossing point between the self-proclaimed republic of Transnistria and Moldova[/caption]
EPAMoldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean speaks during a press conference[/caption]
ReutersRussian troops have been based in Transnistria since 1992[/caption]
EPARussian servicemen walking along at an area in the Kursk region, Russia[/caption]
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.
“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.
AFPA billboard reading “Russia in our hearts” sits on the side of a road in the town of Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria[/caption]
EPARussian servicemen riding atop a self-propelled gun at an area in the Kursk region, Russia[/caption]
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’s slow fall into bankruptcy has left it struggling to stay afloat while axing hundreds of locations in the processGETTY
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on 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.
GettyMajor changes are underway at the Social Security Administration[/caption]
GettyFour 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 prioritizeSocial Security Fairness Actpaymentsover 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.
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.
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:
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on 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.
GettyIt’s believed the AI-powered vehicles are starting to show an increased display of intelligence[/caption]
GettyDrivers taxis have been found to take on strange, human-like behaviors on the road – including impatience[/caption]
GettyWaymo 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.
