Think Coffee Launches its Coffee-Break-At-Home Program

May 18, 2021

NEW YORK, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Think Coffee just launched its Coffee-Break-At-Home program, which is perfect for keeping spirits high and staff caffeinated while they work remotely or in the hybrid work environment.

As Dennis Crowley, founder of Foursquare, put it: “In a time when our whole team was away from the office, we partnered with Think Coffee so we could reach out to the team and show we were thinking of them. It helped us bring a little bit of NYC to our employees’ homes all across the country, and it felt like a nice way to say we appreciate all the work they were doing from home.”

For the cold brew lover, Think Coffee — which has been serving great tasting cold brew in its cafes for more than a decade — is now delivering that same smooth, cafe-quality cold brew in a convenient, shelf-stable boxed format. Each box fits neatly in a home refrigerator and delivers 16 servings of delicious cold brew on tap.

For the hot coffee lover, Think Coffee is shipping two bags of its whole bean or ground coffee. Each is meticulously sourced and imported by Think Coffee and roasted in Brooklyn. Every coffee supports a project at origin that improves the lives of vulnerable farmworking communities.

Every box — whether for the cold brew or hot coffee lover — is a flat price of $35, including shipping.

About Think Coffee: Think Coffee is an independent NYC coffee company with 11 locations in Manhattan that sources all of its own coffee directly from farmers and imports and roasts it in Brooklyn.

Contact: Tim Tate
(716) 299-8184
[email protected]

SOURCE Think Coffee

Vexus Fiber Announces Plans To Build New $50M Fiber Optic Broadband Network In Tyler, Tx

May 18, 2021

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New 100% Fiber Optic Network in Tyler Will Benefit From New Investment

LUBBOCK, Texas, May 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Vexus Fiber, a leading fiber service provider in Texas, announced that it is bringing its 100% fiber-to-the-home network to the city of Tyler, Tx. The network will connect over 40,000 homes and businesses in the area to Vexus’ 100% pure fiber network.

“We are thrilled to announce our expansion into Tyler,” says Jim Gleason, CEO of Vexus. “Vexus’ fiber network will provide homes and businesses with a new, competitive choice for Internet, TV and phone services. Our network is built with future-proof technology that provides a reliable, world-class Internet connection, and fosters additional growth and economic development for Tyler. Given that we are a Texas-based provider we plan to bring our Texas hospitality and customer service to go along with our robust network.”

With construction beginning in 2021, Vexus Fiber plans to have full-network completion within 24 months. Some neighborhoods and businesses in Tyler will see network availability in 2022.

This network extension is part of an ongoing construction plan financed by existing investors Pamlico Capital and Oak Hill Capital, who have agreed to invest an additional $50 million towards the expansion into Tyler, Tx. “We are extremely pleased with the progress the team at Vexus Fiber delivers. They continue to bring gigabit capacity to residents of cities in Texas and Louisiana,” added Art Roselle of Pamlico Capital.

Fiber Internet service is more reliable because it has a higher data capacity and bandwidth, is less susceptible to outside interference, and has a much lower latency than a traditional copper connection. Vexus Fiber service will deliver up to 10 Gig Internet speeds, along with all-digital TV and phone service for residential customers. Business customers will have access to data connections scalable up to 10 Gigs, TeleCloud-hosted voice solutions as well as TV channel packages tailored for all business types.

Residents and businesses that are interested in Vexus Fiber services can visit connect.vexusfiber.com to express interest and receive updates on construction. Typically, residents will receive communication via email and mail about activity in their neighborhood 30 days prior to construction.

Additionally, Vexus plans to hire local management, sales, technical and customer service professionals to support the area. For those interested in joining the Vexus Fiber team visit vexusfiber.com/jobs.

About Vexus
Vexus is a leading provider of fiber-based communications solutions for both residential and business customers across Texas and Louisiana. As a technology leader in the industry, Vexus Fiber offers an extensive range of Internet connectivity over a true fiber-to-the-premise network. Services also include a robust HD Video platform, Voice, TeleCloud-hosted services and more. For more information, please visit vexusfiber.com.

Vexus Fiber Contact: Kyle Alcorn     573-481-2732
For Inquiries email: [email protected]
Pamlico Contact: Stuart Christhilf     704-404-7150
Oak Hill Contact: Dawn Dover          917 349 5621

SOURCE Vexus Fiber

Telemundo Presents Super Bowl LVI – First Ever Spanish-Language Broadcast Network To Televise A Super Bowl In The U.S.

May 18, 2021

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Telemundo Deportes Will Present the Entire Sunday Night Football Schedule for the Next 13 Seasons

MIAMI, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Telemundo Deportes, the home of the Biggest, Best, Global sports in Spanish-language, announced today it will present exclusive Spanish-language coverage of Super Bowl LVI, live on Telemundo on February 13, 2022 from Los Angeles, CA. This will mark the first time ever that a Super Bowl will be televised on a Spanish-language broadcast network in the U.S.

Telemundo Deportes will be the Spanish-language home of Sunday Night Football for the next 13 seasons. Under the new agreement, Telemundo Deportes will continue to present the NBC Sunday Night Football package, including all Sunday night regular-season games, the NFL Kickoff game, the annual Thanksgiving prime time game, two Wild Card games, and one Divisional Playoff Game. The distribution will expand with select games shifting to broadcast television, with Telemundo Network featuring both Super Bowl LVI and the Sunday primetime Wild Card game this coming season.

“We are thrilled to partner with the NFL to be the first to showcase the Super Bowl on a Spanish-language broadcast network and to bring the entire SNF schedule to the growing U.S. Hispanic NFL audience,” said Ray Warren, President of Telemundo Deportes. “We look forward to 2022 when we’ll present fans the most powerful content in sports beginning the year with the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LVI, and wrapping it up with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the fall, creating a unique opportunity to merge the worlds of fútbol and football exclusively across all Telemundo Deportes platforms.”

In the 2021 NFL season, Universo will televise 22 NBC NFL games, beginning Thursday, September 9 at 8 p.m. ET with NFL Kickoff 2021 featuring Tom Brady and the Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. The game will be followed by the season opener of Sunday Night Football featuring the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears, live on Universo on Sunday, September 12 with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

“We are delighted to partner with Telemundo Deportes to continue enhancing game availability and the overall fan experience for the extremely passionate Latino NFL fanbase for years to come,” said Amanda Herald, NFL Vice President, Marketing Strategy. “We are especially excited to expand Telemundo broadcast coverage to Super Bowl LVI as we look to engage fans both in the host city of Los Angeles – the largest Spanish speaking region in the country – and nationwide.”

Telemundo Deportes’ game coverage throughout each NFL season will be complemented by NFL content across Telemundo Deportes platforms, including dedicated NFL segments on Zona Mixta, Titulares y Más and Telemundo Deportes digital platforms, along with highlights, features and specials.

The 2021 NFL season will be the ninth season that Telemundo Deportes will present NFL games. Last season was the first time that Sunday Night Football’s full schedule was available on Spanish-language television in the U.S. and will continue through 2033. Past coverage has included various Thursday and Sunday Night Football presentations including two Super Bowls on Universo (2015 and 2018).

Telemundo Deportes is the U.S. leading sports brand and destination for the biggest, best global sports programming in Spanish-language. Home to two of the world’s most popular sporting events: the FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Olympic Games through 2032, Telemundo Deportes delivers a comprehensive roster of live and studio programming. It presents Spanish-language coverage of Premier League, is the exclusive U.S. home of Liga MX’s Chivas de Guadalajara home matches and presents FIFA World Cup™ CONCACAF qualifying matches for most of the region, including the Mexico and USA national teams’ away matches. Telemundo Deportes also delivers Spanish-language coverage of NFL’s Sunday Night Football, Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 boxing program in Spanish, the digital sports news and entertainment commentary show Titulares y Más (TYM), and Zona Mixta on weekends, among other recognized sports properties.

SOURCE NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

The Home Depot Announces First Quarter Results

May 18, 2021

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ATLANTA, May 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today reported sales of $37.5 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase of $9.2 billion, or 32.7 percent from the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Comparable sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 increased 31.0 percent, and comparable sales in the U.S. increased 29.9 percent.

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $4.1 billion, or $3.86 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $2.2 billion, or $2.08 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2020. For the first quarter of fiscal 2021, diluted earnings per share increased 85.6 percent from the same period in the prior year.

“Fiscal 2021 is off to a strong start as we continue to build on the momentum from our strategic investments and effectively manage the unprecedented demand for home improvement projects,” said Craig Menear, chairman and CEO. “I am proud of the resilience and strength our associates have continued to demonstrate, and I would like to thank them and our supplier partners for their hard work and dedication to our customers.”

The Home Depot will conduct a conference call today at 9 a.m. ET to discuss information included in this news release and related matters. The conference call will be available in its entirety through a webcast and replay at ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations.

At the end of the first quarter, the Company operated a total of 2,298 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The Company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

###

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related recovery on our business, operations and financial results (which, among other things, may affect many of the items listed below); the demand for our products and services; net sales growth; comparable sales; effects of competition; our brand and reputation; implementation of store, interconnected retail, supply chain and technology initiatives; inventory and in-stock positions; state of the economy; state of the housing and home improvement markets; state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit; impact of tariffs; issues related to the payment methods we accept; demand for credit offerings; management of relationships with our associates, suppliers and service providers; international trade disputes, natural disasters, public health issues (including pandemics and quarantines, related shut-downs and other governmental orders, and similar restrictions, as well as subsequent re-openings), and other business interruptions that could disrupt supply or delivery of, or demand for, the Company’s products or services; continuation or suspension of share repurchases; net earnings performance; earnings per share; dividend targets; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; stock-based compensation expense; commodity price inflation and deflation; the ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation, including compliance with related settlements; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; the impact of regulatory changes, including changes to tax laws and regulations; store openings and closures; guidance for fiscal 2021 and beyond; financial outlook; and the impact of acquired companies, including HD Supply Holdings, Inc., on our organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of those acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control, dependent on the actions of third parties, or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 31, 2021 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
*in millions, except per share data*	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		% Change
Net sales	$	37,500	$	28,260	32.7	%
Cost of sales	24,758		18,635		32.9
Gross profit	12,742		9,625		32.4
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	6,374		5,829		9.3
Depreciation and amortization	587		520		12.9
Total operating expenses	6,961		6,349		9.6
Operating income	5,781		3,276		76.5
Interest and other (income) expense:
Interest and investment income	(6)		(17)		(64.7)
Interest expense	339		324		4.6
Interest and other, net	333		307		8.5
Earnings before provision for income taxes	5,448		2,969		83.5
Provision for income taxes	1,303		724		80.0
Net earnings	$	4,145	$	2,245	84.6	%

Basic weighted average common shares	1,071		1,073		(0.2)	%
Basic earnings per share	$	3.87	$	2.09	85.2

Diluted weighted average common shares	1,075		1,077		(0.2)	%
Diluted earnings per share	$	3.86	$	2.08	85.6

	Three Months Ended
Selected Sales Data ⁽¹⁾	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		% Change
Customer transactions (in millions)	447.2		374.8		19.3	%
Average ticket	$	82.37	$	74.70	10.3
Sales per retail square foot	$	605.60	$	466.58	29.8
———— (1) Selected Sales Data does not include results for the legacy Interline Brands business or results for HD Supply Holdings, Inc.

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

*in millions*	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020		January 31, 2021
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,648	$	8,696	$	7,895
Receivables, net	3,624		2,610		2,992
Merchandise inventories	19,178		14,989		16,627
Other current assets	1,222		982		963
Total current assets	30,672		27,277		28,477
Net property and equipment	24,673		22,697		24,705
Operating lease right-of-use assets	5,864		5,634		5,962
Goodwill	7,137		2,220		7,126
Other assets	4,221		909		4,311
Total assets	$	72,567	$	58,737	$	70,581

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	14,494	$	10,056	$	11,606
Accrued salaries and related expenses	2,167		1,974		2,463
Current installments of long-term debt	1,164		4,200		1,416
Current operating lease liabilities	803		853		828
Other current liabilities	9,130		6,265		6,853
Total current liabilities	27,758		23,348		23,166
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	34,697		31,622		35,822
Long-term operating lease liabilities	5,279		5,075		5,356
Other liabilities	3,085		2,182		2,938
Total liabilities	70,819		62,227		67,282
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	1,748		(3,490)		3,299
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	72,567	$	58,737	$	70,581

THE HOME DEPOT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
*in millions*	May 2, 2021		May 3, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$	4,145	$	2,245
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	703		607
Stock-based compensation expense	146		88
Changes in working capital	1,301		2,834
Changes in deferred income taxes	(87)		(68)
Other operating activities	102		31
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,310		5,737

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(524)		(586)
Other investing activities	(4)		8
Net cash used in investing activities	(528)		(578)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of short-term debt, net	—		(974)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of discounts and premiums	—		4,960
Repayments of long-term debt	(1,390)		(27)
Repurchases of common stock	(3,788)		(791)
Proceeds from sales of common stock	13		18
Cash dividends	(1,775)		(1,611)
Other financing activities	(130)		(125)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(7,070)		1,450
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(1,288)		6,609
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	41		(46)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,895		2,133
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	6,648	$	8,696

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

Acura Scores Fourth Consecutive Victory at Mid-Ohio

May 18, 2021

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Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque won today's Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio, Acura's fourth consecutive win in IMSA sports car competition at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a streak that began in 2018.

LEXINGTON, Ohio, May 16, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura continued its winning streak Sunday at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as Wayne Taylor Racing’s Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor scored the fourth consecutive win for the Acura ARX-05 prototype in the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio, Presented by the TLX Type S.

The stage was set for a thrilling finish when race officials called for a full-course caution with just over an hour remaining in the two-hour, 40-minute contest, following a multi-car GT class incident that left one car stalled just off the Mid-Ohio circuit. As racing prepared to resume with 45 minutes remaining, the six leading prototypes made what they hoped would be a final stop for fuel and tires, all at the very limit of their fuel range.

When the green flag waved for the final time, it was the #31 Cadillac of Felipe Nasr in the lead, but the second-running Taylor made a decisive pass for the lead in his Acura, and would hold off Nasr for the rest of the way, taking the win by a margin of 1.7 seconds.

The similar Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 of Olivier Pla and Dane Cameron ran as high as second at the mid-point of today’s race, but ultimately was one of several prototypes having to make a late stop for a “splash” of fuel, finishing fifth.

Acura NSX GT3 Evo
In the production-based GTD category, Jeff Kingsley and two-time defending class champion Mario Farnbacher produced a fifth-place finish in the first IMSA appearance for their Compass Racing team as an Acura team. Also making their 2021 IMSA debut the Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo finished eighth in the hands of Marc Miller and Till Bechtolscheimer; while John Potter and Andy Lally combined to finish ninth in their Magnus with Archangel NSX.

Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Race Results

1^st overall – #10 Ricky Taylor & Filipe Albuquerque, Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
5^th overall – #60 Olivier Pla & Dane Cameron, Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
5^th GTD – #76 Mario Farnbacher & Jeff Kingsley, Compass Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo
8^th GTD – #66 Mark Miller & Till Bechtolscheimer, Gradient Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo
9^th GTD – #44 Andy Lally & John Potter, Magnus with Archangel Acura NSX GT3 Evo

DPi Manufacturers’ Championship (unofficial, after 3 of 10 rounds)
1. Acura           1,094
2. Cadillac        1,090
3. Mazda          1.017

Quotes
Ricky Taylor (#10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05) race winner, second win of 2021; fourth consecutive win for Acura at Mid-Ohio: “For Acura first of all, four in a row here at Mid-Ohio is just fantastic. Everybody’s here from Acura today, it’s great to keep the streak going for them. The fuel economy of this Acura was just outstanding today, and all credit to the team, really. In the closing laps, I was only pushing as hard as they told me I could. They had all the [fuel] numbers in their heads, and I was just trusting them. Filipe gave me the car in awesome condition and a good position [following his stints behind the wheel], and that played a big role as well. Happy we keep our [championship] points lead, and can’t wait to go on to the next one.”

Filipe Albuquerque (#10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05) race winner, second win of 2021: “Unbelievable race, this is all about IMSA. It was an amazing show for everyone. Two hours and 40 minutes of craziness. I fought hard during my stint and then it continued like this until the very last corner. It was an amazing strategy with the fuel, because everyone was tight. We were saying ‘Ricky you need to save fuel and hold position.’ We were asking everything from him, and he pulled it off. Thank you so much to everyone at the Konica Minolta and Acura. We’re trying new things with the limited experience we have with the car, and we’re pulling it off. It’s unbelievable. We can see how tough the championship will be because I was fighting with guys who ended up last and we won the race. That shows how much [things can change] during the race. It feels even better to be winning.”

Mario Farnbacher (#76 Compass Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo) finished fifth in GTD: “First of all, Jeff [Kingsley, starting driver] made a great start in what was a very difficult weekend for him, as he really had no previous experience with the NSX. So for him, it was jumping into the deep end of a new environment. But he improved all weekend and was a big part of the good result we achieved today. When I got in the car, right away it was pretty good. We lost a bit of paste in the second half of our stints, and that’s something we need to continue to work to make better.

Jon Ikeda (Acura Brand Officer) on today’s fourth consecutive win for Acura at Mid-Ohio: “Amazing. Amazing day, and an amazing race. This is why we’re racing sports cars in IMSA, it’s the most incredible racing I’ve ever seen. This is so good for Acura, and everyone from HPD [Honda Performance Development]. I can’t say enough about Wayne Taylor Racing, Filipe [Albuquerque] and especially Ricky [Taylor]. And the fact that I got to watch all of it with [race grand marshal] Helio Castroneves in the house, it was just an incredible race all round.”

Fast Facts

Acura is undefeated in four consecutive races at Mid-Ohio since returning to prototype competition in 2018. Prior to today’s win, Helio Castroneves and Ricky Taylor won for Acura Team Penske in 2018 and 2020; teammates Dane Cameron and Juan Pablo Montoya won for Acura in 2019.
The new Acura TLX Type S made its public debut in the Acura Fan Zone Display area. Building on a lineage of driver-focused refinement, the all-new TLX Type S is the most powerful Acura sedan ever. The TLX Type S features a dual-scroll turbo V-6 engine that delivers 355 horsepower, sent to all four wheels via rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive for blistering acceleration and confident handling.
American Honda operates a dozen corporate, manufacturing and R&D facilities in central Ohio, all within a short drive of Mid-Ohio and employing more than 10,000 associates.

Next
The Motor City of Detroit is the next stop in the 2021 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, for the Detroit Grand Prix, Presented by Lear. One of two 100- minute “sprint races” on the IMSA calendar, the race takes place Saturday, June 12 on the tight and bumpy Belle Isle Park temporary street circuit, with live television coverage on the NBC Sports network.

Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio are available on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd), Twitter (www.twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD). Additional features and long-form videos can be found on the Honda Racing/HPD YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV).

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1511236/Ricky_Taylor_and_Filipe_Albuquerque.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura Motorsports

(Español) Campaña Promueve la Navegación Segura Entre Familias Latinas

May 17, 2021

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Understood Study Reveals Academic, Emotional And Financial Realities And Implications Of Remote Learning

May 17, 2021

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In April 2021, Understood’s “Pandemic Learning Impact Study” surveyed a total of 1,500 parents of both neurotypical children and children who learn and think differently across the U.S. to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted children academically and emotionally. The report found that children who have learning and thinking differences, like ADHD, or specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, are experiencing considerably more challenges than typical children.

NEW YORK, May 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Understood, a social impact organization and the only lifelong guide for those who learn and think differently, unveiled a study today with insights on how the shift to remote learning and the pandemic has affected children and families academically, emotionally and financially.

Understood’s “Pandemic Learning Impact Study,” which surveyed 1,500 parents, found that those with children who have learning and thinking differences, like ADHD, or specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, are experiencing considerably more challenges than children without learning and thinking differences.

“As we look to the next normal while still in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we need to understand the full impact remote learning had on our nation’s children, especially those with learning and thinking differences,” said Fred Poses, CEO of Understood. “Our study findings validate that those with learning and thinking differences are especially vulnerable at this time and that our mission to help these kids thrive is more important than ever today and moving forward.”

Academic Repercussions

The study unveiled that in the remote learning environment, nearly three-quarters (72%) of parents have become aware or noticed their children have a learning and thinking difference. And an astounding 59% of parents of those with learning and thinking differences say their children are a year behind because of the pandemic and may never catch up, while only 16% of typical parents — those whose children have not exhibited signs or have not been diagnosed with a learning difference — believe their children are behind in their studies.

In addition, 44% of parents of children with learning and thinking differences say their child’s legal right to access an equitable education has been abandoned since the move to remote learning.

Emotional Consequences

Children with learning and thinking differences have been particularly impacted emotionally by the pandemic’s schooling changes, which has driven high levels of concern and anxiety at home.

Almost half of all parents (48%) have noticed behavioral changes in their children since the start of the pandemic and an equal percentage (48%) of those with learning and thinking differences report suffering high to extreme levels of school-based anxiety since the pandemic, more than double the rate among typical children. The study also found:

Children with learning and thinking differences are also about three times as likely to have experienced depression related to schooling changes.
The stress related to distance learning has been much higher for those with learning and thinking differences versus those without (65% vs. 44%), resulting in emotional distress (61% vs. 36%), physical symptoms (57% vs. 30%), avoidance of attending classes (47% vs. 23%) and more.

Financial Implications

Additionally, 43% of all parents say they are facing a financial burden because of their children’s remote learning.

However, when comparing the two parental groups, almost twice as many (56% vs. 30%) parents of children with learning and thinking differences say providing their child with the academic supports they need has put a major financial burden on their family.

77% of parents are investing a significant amount of both time and money to support their children with learning and thinking differences to keep pace academically amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Buying supplemental software and apps, hiring personal tutors, and cutting back hours at work are the most common steps that parents have taken to support their children during the pandemic.
Twice as many (49% vs. 25%) parents of children with learning and thinking differences are concerned about the “summer slide,” the loss of academic skills and knowledge during summer vacation, compared to those of typical children.
The majority (86%) of parents of children with learning and thinking differences are planning on summer academic supports compared to just half of parents of typical children.

Conducted in April 2021, Understood’s “Pandemic Learning Impact Study” leveraged quantitative data from a total of 1,500 parents of both neurotypical children and those with learning and thinking differences across the U.S. to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted children academically and emotionally. The survey polled parents of children between the ages of 5-18, with 62% identifying as White/Caucasian, 25% as Black/African American, 5% as Asian and 1% as Native-American. Twenty-five percent of the parents identified as Hispanic/Latino.

Full study results are available upon request.

About Understood
1 in 5 Americans have learning and thinking differences, such as ADHD and dyslexia. They are often misunderstood, undiagnosed, and dismissed, and these differences are viewed as a weakness. This leaves many on a journey that is stacked against them and costs society more than $500 billion. Understood is the only lifelong guide for those who learn and think differently. Today, we help more than 20 million people each year discover their potential, how to take control, find community, and stay on a positive path along each stage of life’s journey. When others join this journey, and people are broadly embraced, everyone thrives. Understood is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in New York. For more information, or to become a partner, visit u.org/media and follow us on Twitter @U nderstood Org

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1511815/3_Study_infographic.jpg

SOURCE Understood

JCP&L Encourages Customers to Arrange Payment Plans and Apply for Bill Assistance Programs to Avoid Unmanageable Balances

May 17, 2021

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MORRISTOWN, N.J., May 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Residential and business customers of Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), who are having difficulty making ends meet are encouraged to contact their utility now to enroll in payment plans or to receive referrals for bill assistance programs.

While shut-offs for nonpayment are temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, establishing an affordable payment arrangement or obtaining assistance can help keep balances manageable during this difficult time.

“We understand many customers are in a difficult financial situation because of the pandemic,” said James V. Fakult, president of JCP&L. “Customers who have lost income during this crisis may be eligible for assistance that was unavailable to them before.”

JCP&L customer service representatives are available at 800-662-3115 to assist residential customers with manageable payment arrangements and can provide customers with information on needs-based assistance programs. These programs may include forgiveness of all or part of a customer’s overdue balance, helping them to avoid a large bill that would otherwise be due when the temporary suspension on shutoffs ends.

Customers of JCP&L may be eligible for one or more of the following programs:

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP): The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can protect customers from shut off for non-payment or help with heating bills. LIHEAP grant applications will only be accepted through June 30, 2021, when the blanket moratorium on utility shut off ends. Apply today by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 800-510-3102 or visit the DCAid screening tool to see if you meet the income limits for LIHEAP.

Universal Service Fund Programs (USF): USF helps make energy bills more affordable by offering eligible customers a monthly bill credit. This credit is based on household income and energy burden. USF may also offer utility account debt forgiveness for first-time applicants. USF is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. To apply call 2-1-1 or visit the DCAid screening tool.

Lifeline: Lifeline provides funding for utility bills (electric and natural gas) for qualifying disabled persons and senior citizens. Applications must be made annually to receive the benefit. The Lifeline benefit applies only to the customer’s primary residence and must be in the customer’s or the customer’s spouse’s name. To apply call 800-792-9745 or visit the Lifeline website.

Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE): PAGE helps low- to moderate-income customers in New Jersey who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. The NJ PAGE program provides grants to those over the income limits for LIHEAP as well as those who already applied for LIHEAP but require additional assistance. To apply call 732-982-8710 or visit the NJPowerOn website.

Comfort Partners Programs: The Comfort Partners Program is a free energy savings and education program for income eligible customers. The program helps customers save energy and money by reducing their electric bills by installing energy conservation measures in the home and by educating family members on their energy and conservation choices. Participation is prioritized based on the customer’s energy consumption. There are household income requirements and other program qualifications. To apply call 800-915-8309 or visit the Comfort Partners webpage.

2-1-1 Helpline: This nationwide resource and information helpline identifies locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. For more information dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the 211 website.

Additional program information is available at JCP-L.com/assistance.

JCP&L also has established a customer service team dedicated to assisting business and commercial customers. This team can provide helpful information on available assistance programs and offer payment arrangements if needed. To explore these programs, please contact your utility company and ask to speak with a member of the Small Business Team. JCP&L’s customer service number is 800-962-0383.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

(Español) Campaña Promueve el Uso de Chalecos Salvavidas Entre Familias Latinas

May 17, 2021

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Toyota Harnesses Power of Mobility to Scale Up COVID-19 Vaccinations to Homebound in 13 States

May 17, 2021

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TMNA is providing several national and local nonprofit organizations with more than 50 vehicles and grant funding. Photo provided by LAFD Foundation.

PLANO, Texas, May 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In rural and urban communities across the country, homebound Americans are struggling to access COVID-19 vaccination sites. Across the nation, this mobility challenge affects an estimated 4 million people. If people can’t access vaccine sites due to limited transit options, then help is needed to bring the vaccine to them or provide the necessary transportation.

To support vaccine accessibility, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is providing several national and local nonprofit organizations with more than 50 vehicles and grant funding. The vehicles support efforts in 13 states, with grant funding assisting various multicultural organizations throughout the country.

A group of non-profit and municipal agencies focused on supporting older adults will receive funding for vehicles to assist with rides to vaccine appointments. In addition, the Los Angeles City Fire Department will dispatch teams for home visits in a fleet of Toyota vehicles and to support pop-up clinics, and UnidosUS will deploy its Toyota fleet as part of the Esperanza Hope for All vaccine education campaign.

“Through mobility we can improve access to vaccines and enable organizations to reach hundreds of thousands of people across the country,” said Chris Reynolds, chief administration officer, TMNA. “By collaborating with AARP, UnidosUS and a host of additional community partners, we’re able to extend resources to organizations that have an intricate knowledge of the communities’ specific needs, coming together to make the strongest impact.”

Collaborating with AARP to Support Local Transportation Needs

Building on a 10-year collaboration, Toyota worked with AARP to identify local organizations across nine states focused on providing essential services in underserved communities. The support from Toyota and AARP will help these local organizations increase vaccine awareness, education and access, including rides to vaccine appointments and other essential trips.

“AARP has helped older Americans navigate the health and economic challenges of the pandemic, and through this collaboration, we’re better able to help people in rural and underserved communities get to and from vaccination appointments,” said Kyle Rakow, Vice President and National Director at AARP Driver Safety.

Increasing Education Outreach to Multicultural Communities

Rides are just one part of the equation. Understanding needs and informing communities are also vital tools. $1 million in grant funds from Toyota will support bilingual education and outreach, including with UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. UnidosUS, is receiving vehicles and grant funding for the mobile tour of its Esperanza Hope for All campaign. This builds on Toyota grants to LULAC for Vacunate Hoy!; Hispanic Federation for COVID-19 VIDA (Vaccination Immunization Dosage Awareness); and additional organizations.

“We are proud to count on the support of Toyota to advance the mission of the UnidosUS Esperanza Hope for All campaign and deliver critical information about the COVID-19 vaccines directly into Latino neighborhoods,” said Rita Carreón, Vice President of Health. “By way of the mobile tour, we are helping to combat misinformation and build trust in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines in hard to reach communities. More importantly, we are ensuring that in-language and in-culture information is coming from trusted members of the community in an environment where they’re comfortable.”

The UnidosUS mobile educational tour, which runs every weekend from April 16 through May 23rd, delivers information about the COVID-19 vaccines directly into Hispanic neighborhoods across the country, including to areas where health resources are difficult to access.

Building on Prior Efforts

These new efforts build upon prior Toyota USA Foundation grants to promote e-learning, bridge the digital divide and bolster food assistance.

Additionally, based on requests from local municipalities in Kentucky and Texas, Toyota dispatched its employees to help optimize work and reduce wait times at local vaccination sites by applying Toyota Production System (TPS) principles. Toyota employees also developed more than 500,000 protective face shields for healthcare professionals.

To learn more about Toyota’s complete COVID-19 response efforts, click the following link: https://pressroom.toyota.com/topic/covid-19-information/

Toyota vehicles will assist the following organizations in 13 states

Alabama

The Legacy Center – Huntsville

Arizona

UnidosUS Mobile Tour – Phoenix
UnidosUS Mobile Tour – Yuma

California

Los Angeles City Fire Department – Los Angeles
St. Barnabas Senior Services – Los Angeles
UnidosUS Mobile Tour –Coachella Valley
UnidosUS Mobile Tour – Fresno
UnidosUS Affiliate La Maestra, San Diego

Indiana

Carver Community Organization – Evansville

Iowa

Aging Services – Cedar Rapids

Kentucky

ITNBluegrass – Lexington

Maryland

Us Helping Us – Baltimore

Michigan

Community Action Network – Ann Arbor

Mississippi

Alliance Charitable Foundation – Holly Springs

Missouri

Southside Wellness Center Inc. – St. Louis

Tennessee

Southwest Tennessee Development District – Jackson

Texas

Community Housing Resource Center – San Antonio
Feonix Mobility Rising – Dallas/Fort Worth
Harris County Area Agency on Aging – Houston
Meals on Wheels Collin County – Dallas/Fort Worth
Texas Health Resources – Dallas/Fort Worth
UnidosUS Mobile Tour – Dallas/Fort Worth
UnidosUS Mobile Tour – El Paso
UnidosUS Mobile Tour – Houston
UnidosUS Mobile Tour – Rio Grande Valley

West Virginia

Putnam County Aging, Inc. – Buffalo

About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Contact:
Victor Vanov
[email protected]
469.292.1318

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America