**Rite Aid Announces Closure of Nearly 70 Stores Amid Second Bankruptcy**

PORTLAND, Ore. - Rite Aid, a well-known pharmacy chain, is preparing to shut down almost 70 stores throughout the United States, a move that marks a significant attempt to manage its financial woes. This decision comes along with Rite Aid's recent filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a financial crisis the company has faced before.

This latest bankruptcy, which was filed last Monday, follows a previous filing in 2023 that saw the chain reduce its footprint from over 2,300 stores to approximately 1,200. Despite these efforts, continued financial difficulties have necessitated further downsizing. According to court documents released last week, the initial plan was to close 47 stores; however, this number was revised to 68 additional stores in updated documents released on Friday.

The closures will affect several states, including a notable 21 stores in California, eight in Washington, and 12 in Oregon. Although the company has stated that it intends to keep stores open for the next few months, it will not be replenishing inventory, leading to the likelihood of increasingly bare shelves.

As the specific dates and broader impacts of these closures remain unknown, customers and employees alike are left to await further updates from Rite Aid's management.