Sales of unapologetically ugly Crocs soar due to Covid
(CNN) — Crocs’ bittersweet moment has arrived in the midst of a global pandemic. The foam clog, derided by many for being “ugly,” expects 2020 to be a record sales year.
On Monday, Crocs raised its fourth-quarter (ended Dec. 31) outlook and full-year outlook for 2021, now forecasting fourth quarterly year-over-year revenue to have increased about 55% to between $407 and $410 million, up from its previous estimate of a 20% to 30% increase.
The company expects sales to have increased over 12% in 2020, to a record $1.38 billion, up from its previous forecast of about 5% to 7% growth. It also anticipates sales growth of 20% to 25% in 2021. Crocs has not yet released the date of its fourth-quarter results.
Investors cheered the news, lifting Crocs shares up over 12% to $74.91 on the Nasdaq.
“Amidst a global pandemic in 2020, we will deliver the strongest revenue in Crocs’ history,” Crocs CEO Andrew Rees said in a statement. “Our brand momentum is exceptional, and we anticipate another record year in 2021.”
[Speaking at the annual ICR investor conference on Monday, Rees said consumers’ overwhelming need for comfort in a turbulent year helped drive strong sales of its iconic shoe.
“We definitely benefited from consumer casualization,” said Rees, adding that the clogs are also easy to clean and sanitize, thereby enhancing their pandemic-time appeal. Looking ahead, he said value and comfort will continue to be important for shoppers.
More younger consumers also gravitated to the brand during the pandemic, said Rees.
“They were younger, predominantly female consumers. This was a big driver of growth in North America. As the year progressed, it broadened to new younger male consumers,” he said.
A couple of quirky collaborations, too, likely helped sell millennial and TikTok-loving Gen Z’ers on the clogs. In 2020, Crocs teamed up with a number of artists and brands, including Post Malone, Justin Bieber and fast-food chain KFC on special edition collections. Its glow-in-the-dark collaboration with Latin trap artist Bad Bunny quickly sold out after its September launch.
via: https://www.kmov.com/sales-of-unapologetically-ugly-crocs-soar-due-to-covid/article_43a63af6-514e-5078-813c-09b9e53f4361.html
Photo Credit: Anatoliy Tesouro/Shutterstock
Missouri asks some unemployment recipients to give money back – or face consequences
ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) — Unemployment insurance has been a lifeline for so many people during the pandemic, helping struggling people just to make ends meet. News 4 Investigates has uncovered disturbing data that shows the state of Missouri is asking thousands of people to pay the money back or face consequences. That’s because officials say they incorrectly paid thousands of people, to the tune of tens of millions of your tax dollars.
“I feel like at this point, as a single mom, I have been given the short end of the stick,” Jenna Rieker said.
Rieker, of Bridgeton, is one of the many Missourians to receive the notice. In March of 2020, she was furloughed from her customer service job, exactly one year to the day after she had received an award for her hard work.
“To be told I wasn’t working, it was a lot,” she said.
Rieker applied for unemployment in March, was accepted and started getting payments – money she and her son couldn’t live without.
“My car, taking my baby to doctor’s appointments, my house, electric, water, sewer gas, everything,” she said.
In August, the payments suddenly stopped. She assumed the benefits had just run out. Then, just before Christmas, she received letters from the state of Missouri, entitled Overpayment Determinations. The letters informed her she had to pay back the unemployment funds. The letters stated there was an unintentional error or omission on her part, though she had no idea what.
“I filled out the paperwork and I sent it in. I don’t know where I erred, but if I did err, why didn’t you contact me or call me?” she said.
Unable to get answers from the state and thinking she was entitled to the funds she’d been receiving for months, she was simply stunned.
“Are you going to come and take the clothes off my child’s back? Because that’s what I used to buy with some of the money, are you going to come take the dirty diapers out of the trash can, because I had to buy diapers and wipes, I used the money for that,” she said.
“If the state overpaid someone, that’s on the state, not on the individual,” said State Senator Brian Williams, who represents Jenna’s district. “I was raised by a single mom, so I know how difficult it is to survive, let alone, have the state make an error and have the individual be held accountable is unfair.”
To figure out if this was a bigger problem, News 4 Investigates requested and then analyzed raw data. According to the state, over 11,300 people were incorrectly paid from the federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation fund since the start of the pandemic. The total loss, according to the data, is more than $44 million dollars. About half of states reported to the federal government. Missouri lost more money to overpayments than Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and New York. The Show Me state saw the second highest losses in overpayments, only to the state of Washington.
Senator Williams said he wants more answers from the Missouri Department of Labor and over a period of weeks, News 4 requested an on-camera interviews with state officials. Instead, a spokesperson for the Department of Labor sent a statement saying: “If the individual disagrees with DES’s decision regarding an overpayment or believes it is incorrect, they may file an appeal with the Division’s Appeals Tribunal.”
They told us they could not comment on Jenna’s case specifically. After our inquiries, officials called her to tell her she wouldn’t have to pay back the money.
“I can’t even believe you guys were able to help me, I am grateful and I am really happy,” said Rieker.
But she still doesn’t understand exactly what happened.
“They obviously need to get some more employees so they can answer the phone and make some phone calls and explain people what’s going on,” she said.
That $44 million is just for one recent federal program. The state says there is no report that shows all the money lost, but from our research it’s many millions more than that, just for the past year. We aren’t talking about people committing fraud or scamming the system, these are mistakes or errors.
The state declined to do an on-camera interview but after we pressed for more answers, the state said in a statement: “The Division is obligated, per federal guidance, to ensure that those receiving benefit payments are entitled to those payments and to collect overpayments when we discover fraud, errors, or omissions that were made by claimants resulting in them receiving funds to which they were not entitled.”
How To Get Help
Following News 4’s story, hundreds of Missourians reached out to us for help. Here’s what you can do.
If an appeal has not already been filed in this case, you can find more information about how to do that by clicking here.
Contact your state and federal elected representatives. Some have already committed to providing assistance and they are considering measures that would waive what is owed. You can look up your representative here.
If you are being told to pay back money, we want to hear from you. Email the Lauren Trager at [email protected]
via: https://www.kmov.com/news/missouri-asks-some-unemployment-recipients-to-give-money-back—or-face-consequences-news/article_f7349106-5450-11eb-8e5f-275401911f86.html?block_id=990844
Photo Credit: kmov.com
Officials investigating after manatee found in Florida with ‘TRUMP’ carved into its back
(Meredith) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the harassment of a manatee in Florida that was found with the word “TRUMP” carved into its back.
The animal was discovered Sunday in the Homosassa River and federal authorities were notified.
It’s unclear if the animal is receiving treatment.
Craig Cavanna, senior federal wildlife officer and current investigating officer, told the Citrus County Chronicle he cannot comment on an active investigation. However, he added that harassment of a manatee is a Class A federal criminal offense and is punishable by a $50,000 fine and/or up to a year in federal prison.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking anyone with any information to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
via: https://www.kmov.com/news/officials-investigating-after-manatee-found-in-florida-with-trump-carved-into-its-back/article_c70b3c3d-6457-58d8-9d9a-50c488637ee1.html?block_id=985911
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Florida nurse used $420K in COVID-19 aid on personal expenses
A South Florida nurse is charged with using over $400,000 in illegally obtained coronavirus relief funds for his own personal expenses, federal prosecutors said.
Giraldo Caraballo, 55, of Miami, received a Paycheck Protection Program loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan after allegedly submitting false information about his company, Professional Skills Inc., according to a criminal complaint.
Investigators said Caraballo falsely claimed he had 28 workers with an average monthly payroll of $168,000.
The nurse was charged with engaging in transactions in unlawful proceeds and making false statements to a financial institution.
The Paycheck Protection Program, known as the PPP, has been a major component of the federal coronavirus aid that delivers forgivable loans to small businesses struggling from the pandemic.
via: https://nypost.com/2021/01/11/florida-nurse-used-420k-in-covid-19-aid-on-personal-expenses/
Photo Credit: Christopher Sadowski/nypost
Woman arrested in Capitol siege claims she didn’t know she was on building’s grounds
A Connecticut woman charged in the US Capitol riot didn’t even know she was on the iconic building’s grounds at the time, her attorney claims.
Victoria Bergeson, 40, of Groton, is facing charges of violating curfew and unlawful entry in Wednesday’s violent unrest in Washington, DC, where she was taken into custody along with her boyfriend as rioters tried to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential election victory, the Connecticut Post reported.
“People assume she’s part of that crazed mob,” Bergeson’s attorney, Sam Bogash, told the outlet Saturday. “She was never even close to the building.”
Bergeson was arrested with her boyfriend, 40-year-old Maurico Mendez, at about 7:15 p.m. — or more than hour after a 6 p.m curfew imposed by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, an arrest log shows.
Officers issued three warnings for Bergeson and five other women to “disperse and go inside” prior to the bust. Mendez, meanwhile, was taken into custody at the same time and location, along with eight other men, according to the report.
“I think this has to go to trial,” Bogash said. “For her to be convicted, the government would have to prove that she was knowingly on Capitol grounds when she shouldn’t have been. I don’t think they can prove she knew she was on Capitol grounds.”
Prior to her arrest, Bogash said Bergeson was with 18 other people at the Peace Monument, a 44-foot marble and granite statue on Capitol ground completed in 1878 that commemorates naval deaths during the Civil War, according its website.
Cars go around it,” Bogash said. “I don’t think half the people in DC know that’s Capitol grounds. They thought they were standing on a traffic circle 100 feet from the lawn that leads up to the Capitol building, but it was Capitol grounds.”
As of early Monday, at least 90 people have been arrested on charges ranging from misdemeanor curfew violations to felony assaults on police officers in Wednesday’s Capitol siege.
Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died from injuries he sustained as he fought off rioters, while four others died during the dramatic siege, some of which was livestreamed or shared on social media.
Bergeson faces up to 180 days in jail if convicted of unlawful entry, online records show. Wednesday marked her first arrest, according to Bogash.
Bergeson has also been banned from entering the nation’s capital ahead of her next court date on June 10, which Bogash called “a little extreme,” the Connecticut Post reported.
“Bergeson and Mendez, who were arraigned Thursday, have both pleaded not guilty, the Hartford Courant reported.
The couple had nothing to say when reporters knocked on their door Friday after they returned back to Connecticut, WTNH reported.
via: https://nypost.com/2021/01/11/woman-arrested-in-capitol-siege-claims-she-didnt-know-she-was-on-buildings-grounds/
Photo Credit: nypost.com
DC rioter Richard Barnett who lounged in Pelosi’s office says he was ‘pushed’ in
The rioter who was slapped with federal charges after sitting at a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the siege of the US Capitol claimed on video that he was “pushed” inside her quarters.
“They started it! I came to peacefully protest! They Maced me,” Richard Barnett tells YouTuber Brandon Buckingham.
“I didn’t break in — I got pushed in,” Barnett adds as he holds an envelope with Pelosi’s letterhead. “I paid a quarter for this. I’m not a thief! It had my blood on it.”
Barnett, who goes by the nickname Bigo, also says he left the speaker a note.
“It’s on her desk right now and, Nancy, when you get back to work, you can read it,” he continues. “I’m gonna tell you what it says … it says, ‘Nancy, Bigo was here, you b—!’”
The 60-year-old has been charged with federal counts including violent entry, theft of public property, disorderly conduct and entering and remaining on restricted grounds.
“The shocking images of Mr. Barnett with his boots up on a desk in the Speaker of the House’s office on Wednesday was repulsive,’’ acting US Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement Friday.
via: https://nypost.com/2021/01/11/rioter-who-lounged-in-pelosis-office-says-he-was-pushed-in/
Photo Credit: AP
Mom sends daughter, 3, to daycare ALONE with a Lyft driver, wrapped in urine-soaked blanket
A Manchester, New Hampshire, mom has been arrested after sending her toddler daughter to daycare in alone with a Lyft driver, The Sun reports.
Police who went to the home of Stephanie Goddu, 34, after learning of the Lyft driver taking her toddler to daycare without her, found that the incoherent woman’s baby lay in a blanket soaked with urine.
Goddu has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, as well as resisting arrest in the wake of the incident with her toddler and the Lyft driver.
When cops came to arrest Goddu on Friday, she initially barricaded herself in her home.
Police launched an investigation on Wednesday [January 6] after they were notified that Goddu’s two young children had not been picked up from day care.
When local authorities questioned the day care staffers about the mom who sent her toddler to them through a Lyft driver, they said they couldn’t reach Goddu and also informed authorities that she had a three-month-old baby.
And so investigators went to Goddu’s home to investigate.
They found that the mom who used the Lyft driver’s services to send her toddler child to day care was “incoherent and disorientated.” Goddu had difficulty answering questions.
The police found her baby in a carrier seat, “covered in urine,” Patch reports.
[Heather Hamel, a spokesperson for Southern NH Services, said:] “The baby was found to be strapped to an infant carrier seat and was wearing extremely warm clothing and a blanket.”
Hamel continued: “The carrier was not more than 6 feet away from a heater and there was concern that the child could overheat.”
Shortly after this home visit, the local cops learned about the mom sending her toddler to day care with the Lyft driver on January 4.
Fortunately, the Lyft driver did deliver the mom’s toddler to daycare safely.
NBC Boston reports that after learning of this incident, the police issued a warrant for Goddu’s arrest.
Goddu is being charged with child endangerment because of the infant’s condition and the toddler’s unsupervised ride to day care, police said.
It remains unclear who has assumed custody of the mom’s children, including the toddler sent to day care with the Lyft driver.
No word yet either on whether Goddu will face serious jail time or what caused her to become so disoriented.
In her mugshot, Goddu looks glassy eyed, disheveled and exhausted.
Boston.com reports it is also uncertain whether the mom who sent her toddler to day care with a Lyft driver has a lawyer yet.
Police issued a warrant Thursday for Goddu on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. It wasn’t known if Goddu had a lawyer.
via: https://knewz.com/mom-toddler-daycare-alone-lyft-driver/?utm_source=nypost
Photo Credit:
Pelosi ties Capitol rioters’ actions to ‘whiteness’
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused the Trump supporters who rioted in the Capitol this week of choosing “their whiteness over democracy.”
The California Democrat used an online video meeting with her hometown San Francisco constituents to criticize the overwhelmingly white mob that attacked Congress on Wednesday as it met to formally finalize Joe Biden’s presidential victory.
“It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi has set the House on course to potentially voting on a new impeachment of Trump as early as this coming week, a move that has overwhelming support from Democrats. She shed no new light Saturday on whether she’s made a final decision on that or other details.
“The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed,” Pelosi said.
via: https://www.pix11.com/news/national-news/pelosi-ties-capitol-rioters-actions-to-whiteness
Photo Credit: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
R. Kelly shares song ‘Shut Up’ from prison on 54th birthday
R&B star R. Kelly is currently behind bars awaiting trial on sex crime charges related to six women and girls.
Prison walls, however, were not enough to stop the Chicago-based artist from taking to social media on his 54th birthday, Jan. 8, to share a track written to address those who have confronted the artist about his alleged abuse of young women.
Attached to a photo of the crooner holding several championship belts, Kelly, born Robert Kelly, uploaded one verse from his 2011 song, “Shut Up,” to Instagram Friday, speaking of a “tsunami of rumors” ruining his career.
Lyrics the songwriter posted include, “After 22 years of a blessed career/ Had me lying in my hospital bed crying mad tears/ But just as I have many people hatin me, Had so many people loving me/ And let’s not forget the hood around the world covering me/ And to everybody that be calling me, Telling what they’ve been sayin about me/ Bringin me all of this negative s–t, ya’ll the ones I ain’t f–king with.”
The chorus simply reads, “Can I get a witness for all of this, When people all up in your business, tell em shut up, tell em shut up, tell em shut up! I’m talking to you!”
Kelly captioned the clip, “Thank you God, for My Life! ? ?”
This was Kelly’s first post in exactly a year, as he shared concert footage to Instagram on his 53rd birthday.
Kelly’s sex trafficking and racketeering case in Brooklyn is scheduled to go to trial in early April.
via: https://pagesix.com/2021/01/09/r-kelly-shares-song-shut-up-from-prison-on-54th-birthday/?_ga=2.157393080.348547160.1610168580-593493795.1608856676
Photo Credit: AP
Capitol rioter bragged about dangling from Senate chamber — then begged forgiveness from America
The rioter caught on camera dangling from the Senate chamber during the US Capitol riot is a marketing guy from Idaho who bragged about the breach — then later begged forgiveness, according to a report Friday.
Josiah Colt, 34, of Boise — who was captured in a dramatic photo dropping to the chamber floor from the visitors gallery by his arm — first posted a video boasting, “I’m all over the news now” and calling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a “treasonous bitch.”
“I just got in the Capitol building,” he bragged, after sitting in Pelosi’s chair and defiantly raising a fist. “I hopped down into the chamber.”
But Colt, who has since been identified as a person of interest by cops in connection with the breach, quickly backtracked — apologizing and admitting he “brought shame upon myself.”
“[I] sincerely apologize to the American people,” Colt told the East Idaho News. “I recognize my actions that have brought shame upon myself, my family, my friends, and my beautiful country.”
He added, “In the moment, I thought I was doing the right thing. I realize now that my actions were inappropriate and I beg for forgiveness from America and my home state of Idaho.”
He said he’s seeking legal advice, according to the paper.
Colt, who has worked in digital marketing, is reportedly CEO of the FunnelCraft.co digital media firm. In 2012, he was arrested in Ada County for obstructing police and was sentenced to two months in jail.
via: https://nypost.com/2021/01/08/capitol-rioter-bragged-about-dangling-from-senate-chamber/
Photo Credit: nypost.com