free website hit counter USA Update – Page 1072 – Netvamo

USA Update

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Reeva Steenkamp’s mum warns Oscar Pistorius’ new girlfriend he ‘still has anger issues’ – 11yrs after he murdered model

THE mother of the victim of Blade Runner killer Oscar Pistorius warned his new girlfriend last night: “He still has a problem with anger.”

Olympic and Paralympic sprint legend Pistorius, 38, was caged for nine years for shooting lover Reeva Steenkamp dead at his South African home in 2013.

Reeva Steenkamp's mother at Oscar Pistorius' parole hearing.
Reuters
Reeva Steenkamp’s mother June (pictured) has warned Oscar Pistorius’ new girlfriend[/caption]
Oscar Pistorius leaving his trial.
Peter Jordan - The Sun
Oscar Pistorius has reportedly found a new love while on parole[/caption]
Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp at the SA Sports Awards.
Getty
The disgraced runner shot her girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp dead in 2013[/caption]
Rita Greyling, Oscar Pistorius's new girlfriend, at a restaurant.
Rita Geyling/Instagram
Convicted killer Pistorius’ new girlfriend is reportedly 33-year-old Rita Greyling[/caption]

But he is now free and reported to be dating 33-year-old Rita Greyling – a blonde lookalike of his tragic victim Reeva.

Reeva’s mother, June, 78, warned the disgraced star’s new love yesterday: “I don’t understand how she doesn’t see a red flag about him because he has not lost his temper problem.

“He was supposed to be under anger management when he was in jail and at one stage I stopped him coming out because I was annoyed that he wasn’t having treatment.

“He was angry – and he still has a problem with anger.

“He’s still a danger to women. Reeva only knew him for three months and she was dead and he’s never confessed.”

June and husband Barry, from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, said they had convinced parole chiefs to block the killer’s release twice over fears he still posed a threat.

The double amputee – who wowed the world of athletics by running on prosthetic blades after his legs were amputated in his childhood – murdered Reeva in his bathroom.

The former track superstar claimed he woke in the early hours thinking a burglar was breaking in, unaware his girlfriend Reeva was in the loo.

He blasted a volley of lethal “dum dum” bullets through the door with a pistol, killing the model and trained lawyer instantly.

But Reeva’s family have always claimed she was killed deliberately in a fit of temper after the beauty fled to the toilet in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013.

And Pistorius’ court conviction for culpable homicide was later upgraded to murder.

The disgraced athlete was finally granted parole in January while still insisting he killed Reeva by mistake.

Her mum June – who founded the Reeva Steenkamp Foundation Against The Abuse of Women and Children – added: “It’s not painful for me that he’s with this young woman – I’m just worried about her.

“Our foundation is about the abuse of women and children and it’s out of control in this country.”

Pistorius now lives with his millionaire uncle in a fortified mansion in Pretoria and is reported to have fallen for attractive Rita, a family friend from Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga.

Sources close to the couple have confirmed they are in a romantic relationship though details are being kept strictly private.

New love Rita’s family also made headlines when in 2022 her brother Ghini was involved in a devastating incident at Henbase Lodge, Morgenzon.

Willem Kruger, 29, drowned during a party and police in December 2023 said that his death had been shifted from accidental to a murder inquiry.

Reeva Steenkamp's parents arrive at the Pretoria High Court for Oscar Pistorius' sentencing hearing.
AFP
Reeva Steenkamp’s father Barry (L) and mother June (C) arrive at the Pretoria High Court on 13 June 2016[/caption]
Woman holding a dachshund.
Rita Geyling/Instagram
Greyling, a blonde lookalike of his tragic victim Reeva, is Pistorius’ family friend[/caption]
Rita Greyling, Oscar Pistorius's new girlfriend, giving a thumbs up while signing a document.
Rita Geyling/Instagram
New girlfriend Rita Greyling is a business management consultant[/caption]

Friends said that the tragedies surrounding both families brought the couple closer together.

A source close to Pistorius said: “He is trying to rebuild his life in a low-key way and avoids bars and restaurants and the general public and is flying under the radar.

“He is slowly trying to reintegrate into society but that is being done through families that his family have been close to for decades.”

Pistorius lives in a cottage on the grounds of his multi-millionaire uncle Arnold’s secure mansion and volunteers at a Dutch Reform Church nearby.

He will remain free on parole till 2029 and is subject to checks from the Department of Corrections at any time of day to check his residence test for alcohol and drugs.

He is not allowed out of the immediate area without informing the local police force and is not allowed a firearm or any contact with Reeva’s mum or sister.

Read More »

Lowe’s apologizes after shopper gets ‘worst customer service imaginable’ and vows it’s only Home Depot now

A LOWE’S shopper has raged at the store and vowed to visit a rival retailer instead after the recent visit.

This customer claimed they experienced “the worst customer service” when they went to the home improvement chain.

Getty
A Lowe’s shopper fumed about their recent in-store visit[/caption]

The shopper (@southpaw_1989) said they ran into issues when they tried to purchase a washing machine.

“@Lowes you without a doubt have the worst customer service imaginable,” they wrote in a X post.

This shopper was furious and explained they had visited Lowe’s for years but this was the final straw.

“We have spent thousands of dollars in Lowe’s over the years,” they added.

“Trying to buy a simple washing machine was a nightmare today.

“Endless runaround and not even an apology.”

The shopper ended their rant by confirming they would take their business elsewhere.

“Guess we will go to @HomeDepot now,” they added.

The chain responded to the shopper’s complaint with an apology and asked them to reach out.

“@Lowes why? So I can get blown off again by your terrible customer service. I asked for a manager multiple times and never got one.

“I’m good. I’ll just shop elsewhere.”

LOWE BLOW

This Lowe’s shopper has not been the only person to rush to X and complain about their in-store experience.

One first-time buyer vowed to never return to the chain after their visit, The U.S. Sun has previously reported.

The shopper slammed Lowe’s for its returns policy after he claimed it took nearly an hour to get his money back.

“First time shopping @Lowes today, what an awful experience,” the Lowe’s customer, G. Voss, wrote in a post to X.

“45 minute round-trip to return product missing items in box only to be treated so Rudely and accusatory.”

Voss claimed he called the Lowe’s employee out on their questions and tone, only to be given the response that it was “policy” to do so.

“She stated it’s policy. Awful service!” he fumed.

“At that point, I gave a piece of my mind left and won’t return…” he added.

Read More »

Anonymous ‘raffle’ lottery winner has final chance to claim $1m mystery ticket – and slip was bought at grocery store

AN ANONYMOUS “raffle” lottery winner has their final chance to claim a $1 million mystery ticket – and the winning slip was bought in a grocery store.

Minnesota Lottery revealed the winning slip was bought at Coborn’s Grocery Store, Delano.

Google maps
The anonymous ‘raffle’ lottery winner bought the ticket in Coborn’s[/caption]
Getty
The ‘raffle’ lottery winner has their final chance to claim a $1 million mystery ticket (stock image)[/caption]

The ticket was bought before the January 1 draw.

The lucky gambler will be able to take home a whopping $1 million ticket – if they claim it in time.

To claim your prize, you must speak during business hours to the Roseville headquarters office.

Enter your numbers into the Minnesota Lottery website to see if you could be the big winner.

The retailer’s name is registered under ‘Coborn’s 2028’.

In a similar tale, MEGA Millions players have been urged to double-check their tickets as a $3 million prize has not yet been claimed.

CT Lottery revealed the winning slip was bought at the Cumberland Farms gas station, 1978 West Street in Southington.

The ticket was bought before the November 8 draw.

The lucky gambler will be able to take home a whopping $3 million ticket – if they claim it in time.

GAME TIME

Mega Millions cost $2 per ticket and players can pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers.

Each player can choose five different numbers from one to 70, which are the white balls.

Then, they can pick one number from one to 25, the gold Mega Ball.

However, players may also select Easy Pick/Quick Pick.

You win the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in the drawing.

CLAIM YOUR PRIZE

Officials urge winners to sign the back of their ticket using an ink pen.

This will identify you as the Owner of that ticket for all legal purposes related to prize payment.

Once signed, ownership of a ticket cannot be changed or transferred.

Next, those looking to send in their form and ticket must include specific documents.

Lottery officials also need to see your signature signed on the back of your actual winning ticket as no copies will be accepted.

In addition to the completed claim form, you’ll need a copy of a valid ID and proof of Social Security number.

Valid Id’s include:

  • State-Issued Driver’s License
  • Voter’s Registration Identification Card
  • State-Issued Identification Card
  • Military Identification Card
  • Passport
  • Alien Registration Receipt Card

Just note that your Social Security number must be on a computer-generated document with your name and all nine digits displayed, like a Social Security card, pay stub or tax forms.

Keep in mind there are inherent risks involved in playing the lottery, and you should only buy a ticket if you can afford to do so.

Plus, if you or someone you know has signs of gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?

Players who win big on lottery tickets typically have a choice to make: lump sum or annuity?

The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.

Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.

Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.

Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.

Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.

Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.

Read More »

Crackers, paper hats (but not Charles) and what they all wear – experts lift lid on royals’ Christmas Day

King Charles III recording his Christmas address.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 7: In this image released on December 23, 2023, King Charles III poses during the recording of his Christmas message at Buckingham Palace on December 7, 2023 in London, England. His Majesty The King’s Christmas message will be broadcast on Christmas Day, Monday 25th December 2023. The message was filmed in the Centre Room at Buckingham Palace, located in the East Wing, opens onto the Buckingham Palace balcony and overlooks The Victoria Memorial and The Mall, where crowds gathered to celebrate The Coronation in May. (Photo by Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool /Getty Images)

THE Royal Family will ‘pull crackers and wear hats’ at their Christmas lunch – although the King is likely to hold back, according to an expert.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Majesty Magazine Editor-in-Chief Ingrid Seward, said: “They will all pull crackers and wear paper hats.

“Although The Queen never did and I presume Charles probably won’t.”

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attending a Christmas Day service.
The Royals enjoy following the tradition of pulling Christmas crackers and wearing hats – although Charles won’t partake.
Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte at a Christmas service.
The younger Royals will be welcome to sit with the adults around the table.

Ingrid joined British photographer Arthur Edwards MBE to speak to Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson on this week’s episode of The Sun’s Royal Exclusive.

They discussed the schedule and traditions followed by the family on Christmas Day – from what they will wear to how the dinner table seating will be arranged.

Matt revealed: “This week, William attended a Christmas event where he met with some family members of a regiment down on Salisbury Plain.

“He gave out some presents and it was really good fun.”

Matt said the Prince went from table to table, bringing ‘lots of Christmas joy’.

Although the Prince apparently ‘let slip’ that: “On Christmas day, there will be 45 family members around the Sandringham Christmas table.”

Matt asked the Royal experts if they had any further insights into how the Royals will spend the festive period.

Arthur explained that the festivities will begin early, with the family honouring the Norwegian tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve.

The guests will arrive at Sandringham on Christmas day, where Ingrid said the family will ‘wear their smart clothes from church’.

Ingrid also revealed that in previous years, the Queen had avoided chaos amongst so many guests by using an ornate seating plan: “They’d have their names on a beautiful leather board, which would allow you to slide the names in and out.”

She expected Camilla, who is a ‘great hostess’, would know exactly how to do it.

Although, of course, Arthur says: “The King will sit wherever he wants and that will be the head of the table.”

Ingrid then confirmed the younger members of the family will join the adults for lunch.

She recalled: “In the Queen’s day, anyone that couldn’t hold a knife and fork (i.e. the children) had to have lunch upstairs in the nursery.

“So there was an age limit, but I think they’ve probably changed that.”

Princess Catherine receiving flowers from a young girl after a Christmas service.
In previous years, younger Royals were expected to eat their Christmas lunch upstairs in the nursery.
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children arriving at a Christmas Day church service.
The seating plan was previously well-arranged by the Queen.
The King and Queen, along with other members of the Royal Family, attending a Christmas Day service.
Camilla is a ‘great hostess’.

After the meal has been finished, members of the family may leave to attend their own personal appointments.

Arthur recalled: “For many years, our Queen Camilla would leave after lunch and visit her family in Wiltshire.”

Camilla is not the only person to do so, as Ingrid mentioned: “Diana would also leave after lunch – not always, but sometimes.”

Kate Middleton's affectionate nickname for father-in-law King Charles

HE may be the King of England to us regular folk, but Charles is just 'grandpa' to his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton.

Princess Kate appeared to have used the moniker for her father-in-law during a meeting at the G7 summit in 2021, according to a lip reader.

Upon arriving, the duchess greeted her father-in-law, and a lip reader told CornwallLive that she said: “Hello Grandpa, how are you?”

King Charles is grandfather to Kate and William’s three adorable kids – Princes George and Louis and cheeky Princess Charlotte – so the name is only fitting.

His Majesty reportedly has a couple of affectionate names for Kate, including “beloved daughter-in-law” and “darling daughter-in-law.”

Read More »

Mike McCarthy update as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones faces major decision on head coach’s future

MIKE McCarthy has been tipped to continue as Dallas Cowboys coach despite a season to forget.

The head coach is out of contract at the AT&T Stadium after the 2024 season.

AP
Mike McCarthy’s future as Dallas Cowboys coach is up in the air[/caption]
Getty
Dallas lost their last game to the Cincinnati Bengals which saw them fall to 5-8[/caption]

And Dallas has fallen to 5-8 this year with their playoff hopes all but over.

Owner Jerry Jones resisted calls to fire McCarthy after a string of heavy home losses earlier in the season.

He made a bold statement a few weeks ago when he declared that McCarthy could yet be awarded a contract extension.

McCarthy is a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers and led the Cowboys to 12-5 wins in the last three seasons.

But Dallas has won just one playoff game in that time – leading to calls for a change.

A new report from The Athletic’s Dianni Russini claims the “feeling around the league” is that McCarthy will be back in 2025.

It comes after Dallas Cowboys icon Troy Aikman publicly backed McCarthy to continue in his current role.

The former quarterback turned ESPN broadcaster won three Super Bowls in his career with Dallas.

And he said on 105.3 The Fan, via The Athletic, “As we stand and talk right now, I expect Mike McCarthy to be back in 2025.

“Short of Bill Belichick, I don’t know who you’re going to bring in that has a better resume.

“I just feel that for a team that I really do not think is that far away.

“I like the way this team is playing right now, even without their franchise quarterback.”

He added, “I sense that it’s a team that really believes in Mike McCarthy.

“I feel the locker room wants him back. I think he’s a really good football coach.

“I believe Jerry Jones thinks he’s a really good football coach, too.”

'Match made in heaven'

By Sunni Upal, Deputy U.S. Sports Editor

Deion Sanders becoming head coach of the Dallas Cowboys is a match made in heaven.

It’s been 30 years now since the Cowboys last won a Super Bowl and something has to change.

This is “America’s Team,” but it has become a laughing stock and needs someone to restore them to their past glory.

That candidate who takes over from Mike McCarthy at head coach must have some magic and inspiration.

Step forward, Deion Sanders.

Sanders, 57, is one of the best players to have ever stepped on the field and was on Dallas’ team the last time they won a Super Bowl.

He is quite literally ‘Prime Time’ and that spark is exactly what the Cowboys need.

As for Deion, now is the perfect time for him to move on as well.

He has taken the Buffaloes to new heights both in terms of results and popularity.

His son, Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, is also in his senior year in college.

Sanders could probably land a head coaching job on a legitimate national championship contender if he wants to stay in college.

But a chance to coach the Dallas Cowboys may not come calling again.

Quarterback Dak Prescott has also previously shown support for McCarthy.

“I don’t think that’s crazy at all,” Jones said of a potential contract extension for McCarthy during a radio appearance last month.

“This is a Super Bowl-winning coach.

“Mike McCarthy has been there and done that. He has great ideas.

“We got a lot of football left.”

Read More »