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Covid-19 has changed the funeral business forever

Brian Myers
During the pandemic, I spent many nights embalming one person after the other–some of them close friends- ’til dawn.
His business, Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services, in Columbia, S.C. was booming. But Mr. Myers, 45 years old, admitted that the additional work was characterized by exhaustion and sorrow.
“I definitely had mixed emotions,” Mr. Myers stated.
Covid-19 has claimed the lives of more than 1 million Americans. Each day, hundreds of people are still dying from the disease. The death toll has led to a surge of funeral homes and challenges that have caused the industry to become more agile and responsive. Many funeral directors have added virtual events and outdoor gatherings to their services. Others had trouble keeping their traumatized or burned-out staff.

“Our profession has been very slow to change,” he said.

Randy Earl
77, a veteran funeral director who was also the former president of National Funeral Directors Association. “Covid taught us that adapting and learning is key. We didn’t always think this way.

40% of the association’s 20,000 members reported higher profits in the last year due to the pandemic. Every member reported that they had served a family whose loved ones died from Covid-19. Market-research firm Marketdata estimates that revenues in the funeral industry increased by almost 8% to $21.7 billion in 2021.

Service Corp. International
The company, which has nearly 2,000 funeral homes and cemeteries across the U.S. and Canada said that its revenue of $4.1 Billion in 2021 was almost 30% more than in 2019. The company informed investors in May that Covid-19 could boost business in the future because of the indirect effects of the pandemic on mortality.

Carole Jones Banks, co-owner of a funeral home located in Alabama, claims that higher casket prices and more efficient services have impacted earnings.
Frank J. Banks

During the pandemic, not all funeral homes made higher profits. Earnings were affected by Covid-19 restrictions, which resulted in higher costs and fewer services.

Carole Jones Banks,
Banks Memorial Funeral Home & Cremations in Alabama co-owner, said that suppliers had raised the prices of caskets and that services were cut back. This was a problem that weighed on the bottom line. She also stated that customers stopped asking for limousines. This had resulted in significant revenue for her company.

“I have limousines that haven’t moved at all for 2 1/2 years,” Mrs. Banks 57 said.
She said that Banks Memorial increased its offerings due to the pandemic. The company constructed an outdoor pavilion and began live-streaming funeral services via Facebook. Mrs. Banks stated that customers have taken to the more diverse options, including simpler services that aren’t offered in churches or chapels.
She said, “People don’t come in Sunday best anymore. They come comfortable.”

Hari Close
Baltimore funeral home owner, Dr. Close, said that the pandemic has forced people to see his business as part of the healthcare system. Dr. Close explained that some funeral homes assisted in the storage of bodies when hospitals and morgues were overwhelmed by the deceased. Close said that he knew of many funeral houses that donated their protective gear to hospitals in times when it was not available.
Dr. Close stated, “Doctors are the front line.” “We are the last line.”

Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services, Columbia, S.C., grew in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Brian Myers was able to purchase a funeral home with a crematory because of the extra revenue he received from the pandemic.

Some people were concerned that Covid-19 might spread from the bodies of those who died during the pandemic. Experts in public-health have stated that there is little chance of a deceased person spreading Covid-19, but that embalmers and autopsies could pose a greater risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone handling remains infected by Covid-19 wear protective gear and adhere to certain biosafety protocols.
Some embalmers described how, in the first few months after the pandemic, they would take off all their clothes and isolate themselves from their families for several months to stop the spread of the virus.

Dr. Close, the chairman of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association said he has been urging the approximately 2,000 members to be prepared for the next health crisis. He stated that he meets regularly with his employees at Hari P. Close Funeral Service to keep them informed about health trends. He said that they had discussed monkeypox and the symptoms that they should be aware of on their bodies.
Dr. Close, 61 said that the pandemic had affected his mental health and has accelerated his plans for retirement after more than 30 years of service in the business. He said, “I gave everything during this pandemic and now it is time to save some time for me.”
Dr. Close stated that he lost his family and friends, including fellow morticians to Covid-19. He said that at least 220 NFDMA members, which are predominantly Black, died from Covid-19. According to the CDC, Black Americans in America are 1.7 times more likely than whites to die from Covid-19.
Dr. Close, a Black doctor, said that “I spoke at many funerals.” “Who comforts those who comfort?”

While he struggles with the personal toll of the pandemics, Mr. Myers claims that his growing business keeps him busy.

Myers Mortuary’s owner, Mr. Myers, said that he took a week-long break last fall due to burnout. He said, “There were so many people who lost their lives who I personally knew.” “I had to take some time out.”
While he struggles with the personal toll of the pandemics, Mr. Myers said that he is kept busy by his expanding business. He was able to purchase a funeral home with a closed crematory in 2021 thanks to the extra revenue he received during the Covid-19 public health crisis. He said that the wait time for Columbia cremations grew from a few weeks to six weeks during the height of the pandemic.
Mr. Myers stated, “I had been thinking about getting my cremation unit,” “When Covid happened, it was clear to me that I had to get one immediately.”
He stated that he plans to purchase additional cremation equipment within the next three-years and is looking into opening more locations.
Mr. Myers stated that the pandemic was a terrible tragedy but it helped him. It allowed us all to do this.”
Write to Dominique Mosbergen at [email protected]

 

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Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News after Dominion settlement for defamation

In this articleFOXAFollow stocks you likeCREATE A FREE ACCOUNTTucker Carlson, the right-wing prime-time host at Fox News, is leaving immediately. The cable network announced this Monday. This announcement came just days after Fox News parent company settled Dominion Voting Systems defamation suit for $787.5 Million. CNBC reported that the settlement did not require the company’s hosts to discuss the lawsuit or apologize for it. FOX News Media announced in a Monday statement that it and Tucker Carlson had agreed to part ways. “We thank him both for his work as a network host and, before that, as a contributing contributor. “There will not be a send-off for Carlson as his last show aired on Friday. Carlson had said he would return Monday when he signed off on Friday. Carlson’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight” has been one of Fox’s most popular programs for years. The company would not comment beyond the press release or whether Carlson had been taken off the air as a result of the Dominion defamation lawsuit. Fox News did make a statement in Carlson’s name. The Fox Corp. Class A share price fell about 3% on Sunday. Carlson’s emails and texts were also included in the evidence that was released before the settlement. Carlson was also among the hosts deposed by Dominion and included in the evidence. Other hosts deposed were Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and former host Lou Dobbs. “It’s unbelievably insulting to me.” Court documents show that Carlson stated in a text message sent in the weeks following the election: “Our viewers are good people, and they believe it.” Dominion pointed out the drop in Fox’s viewership after election night when the network called Arizona Biden. Carlson and his co-hosts expressed “the danger to them personally” behind the scenes. Carlson wrote to his producer in a message on November 5, “We worked hard to build what you have.” These f —-ers destroy our credibility. It enrages my.” Carlson was one of the witnesses who would have testified if the lawsuit went to trial. Abby Grossberg was also on that list of witnesses. She was a former Fox Producer who worked for Bartiromo, Carlson, and Bartiromo. Grossberg claimed she was forced to give misleading testimony in the Dominion lawsuit. Fox said Grossberg’s “unmeritorious claims” were “filled with false allegations about Fox and its employees”. “Grossberg’s attorneys stated in court documents that she was terminated by Fox as a result of retaliation. She has filed lawsuits against Fox in New York and Delaware, accusing the network of discrimination.Grossberg cheered Carlson’s departure in a statement Monday, saying, “This is a step towards accountability for the election lies and baseless conspiracy theories spread by Fox News, something I witnessed firsthand at the network, as well as for the abuse and harassment I endured while Head of Booking and Senior Producer for Tucker Carlson Tonight. I think this is fantastic for America! It’s a win for cable news viewers, not just Fox. “Carlson replaced Bill O’Reilly’s prime-time slot on Fox after O’Reilly quit the network in 2017 amid controversy. O’Reilly was accused of sexual harassment in the past by former Fox employees. He has denied these allegations. While the Dominion suit was unlikely to have an impact on Fox’s business it was not clear what effect it would have on its programming or hosts. Shortly after Smartmatic, a voting technology company, sued Fox in 2021 for defamation, Dobbs weekday show on Fox Business was cancelled. Dobbs was named as a defendant by Smartmatic in their ongoing lawsuit. The trial is not scheduled to begin until 2025. Fox had said that the show was already being cancelled before the lawsuit. Disclosure: NBCUniversal owns CNBC.

 

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Rupee Gains One Paisa to 82.16 US Dollar

The dollar index fell by 0.04 percent to 108.80. (File)Mumbai: The rupee gained 1 paisa to 82.16 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, tracking a weak greenback against major currencies and positive sentiment in the domestic equities market.Forex traders said downward movement of crude oil prices also supported the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened strong at 82.11 against the dollar and hit the lowest level of 82.17 before trading at 82.16, registering a rise of 1 paisa over its previous close.On Thursday, the rupee closed at 82.17 against the US currency.Participants were also cautious due to expectations of further interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve and other central banks.

“Upside expectations were abandoned as soon USDINR turned under 82.2. As long as 81.97 is held, expect a bounce today. However, 82.4 seems far away. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 109.93 or 0.18 percent to 59.742.28. The broader NSE Nifty gained 21.95 points, or 0.12 percent, to 17,646.40. According to exchange data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), who are net sellers on the capital market today sold shares worth Rs 1,169.32 million.

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Sensex and Nifty markets rise in early trade on buying Reliance Industries

The BSE Sensex climbed 134 to 59 766 in early trading. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 134 to 59,766.37 points in early trading. The NSE Nifty gained 36.4 points, to 17,660.85. HCL Technologies was the largest gainer among the Sensex companies, climbing nearly 2% in early deals.

HCL Technologies posted a 10.85 percent increase in consolidated profit to Rs 3,983 billion for the fourth quarter 2022-23. Kotak Mahindra Bank was among the other winners. The Q4 results have been mixed, with IT disappointing, and banking showing early signs of continued strength. This trend is likely not to change. There can be a slight pullback in IT after the sharp correction following the Infosys result.

“HCL Tech’s results have not disappointed. Some IT midcaps could beat market expectations.” The Sensex rose 64.55 points (0.11%) to settle at 59.632.35 on the Thursday. The Nifty rose by 5.70 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 17,624.45. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.09 percent to USD 81.03 a barrel. According to exchange data, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), sold equities valued at Rs 1,169.32 crore.

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DeSantis and his allies intensify their Disney battle as more Republicans criticize him

Ron DeSantis answers a question at a press conference held Monday, April 17th, 2023, at the headquarters of Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly Reedy Creek Improvement District), which a newly appointed board has renamed. Orlando Sentinel Ron DeSantis, his allies and the Republican presidential hopeful are intensifying their fight against Walt Disney Co. despite the criticism from his rivals for his long-running battle with the entertainment giant.

DeSantis has ripped Disney this week repeatedly over its recent moves to thwart his efforts to seize control of the company’s Orlando parks and property. DeSantis, who hasn’t announced his presidential plans, is considered the top Republican candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. He was promoting a new book that calls Disney a “Magic Kingdom of Woke Corporatism”. “Meanwhile his handpicked Disney World’s Special Tax District board of supervisors increased the pressure on Disney.

The officials took action on Wednesday to regain control of the property they claim Disney wrongfully took away before they took over. “People have suggested that we create a state-run park or try to build more amusement parks. Someone suggested another state prison. Who knows?” DeSantis said.It is the latest chapter of a grim story that began over a year ago, when Disney opposed the controversial Republican Florida law limiting discussion in classrooms about sexual orientation or gender identification. Disney’s stance on the legislation, dubbed by critics “Don’t Say Gay”, sparked an intense feud.

The Republican governor of Florida and the GOP-controlled legislature targeted a special tax district which has allowed Disney to govern itself for decades. DeSantis, who is willing to use his political influence to engage in cultural battles, has become a rising star within the GOP. His transition to the national scene, in apparent anticipation for a presidential announcement has sparked some criticism from his fellow Republicans. Trump, a former DeSantis supporter who is now regularly attacking the governor, wrote on Tuesday that the Governor is being “absolutely ruined by Disney”. “Republican ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie questioned DeSantis this week about his political skills, referencing the Disney row.

Chris Christie said in an interview with Semafor that “that’s not the person I want to sit across from” President Xi Jinping or Russian President Vladimir Putin and trying to resolve what is happening in Ukraine if you cannot see around a blind corner [Disney CEO] Bob Iger has created for you.” Chris Sununu, who spoke on CNN Monday, said that the battle “confuses the entire Republican message,” Politico reports. These Republicans are either running or considered potential candidates for president. They could be DeSantis’ rivals. DeSantis’ press secretary Bryan Griffin responded to the recent GOP criticism by referring to a statement released on Tuesday accusing Disney of passing a “legally defective, 11th-hour agreement” to preserve its special privileges.

Griffin’s statement was a response Christie’s criticism. It said: “That’s an effort to subvert will of the people in Florida, and Governor DeSantis won’t stand for that.” The Reedy Creek Improvement District is a local government entity established in 1967. It gave Disney regulatory control of public services and functions in a 25,000-acre region encompassing its Florida resorts and parks. Disney paid Reedy Creek millions of dollars in taxes to fund these services. This was on top of the local tax obligations.

Florida Republicans passed legislation weeks after Disney denounced this classroom bill. DeSantis then signed the bill. The move raised concerns that Florida taxpayers living in the two counties around Reedy Creek would be hit with a large tax bill if Florida removed Disney’s self governing status. In a February special session, the state legislature scrapped the plan and replaced it with a proposal that allowed DeSantis the power to appoint the five board members.

But last month, the newly chosen board of the governing board — now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District – said that their predecessors had stripped many of their rights on their way out. “The bottom line is Disney committed a caper that would have made Scrooge McDuck proud to try and evade Florida laws,” said David Thompson, identified as trial counsel for the board. David Thompson, identified by the board as trial counsel, said that its efforts were illegal and would not stand.

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Media outlets and top pro leagues join forces to combat problematic sports betting ads

Kansas City Star The coalition is led by Jonathan Nabavi, NFL vice president of government affairs and public policy. It aims to regulate the sports-betting advertisements that flood television, internet, and print media. The coalition said that as sports betting becomes legal across the country, it is important to set guidelines for how the industry should be promoted to consumers. “Each coalition member feels a sense of responsibility to ensure that sports betting advertising is not just targeted at the right audience, but is also carefully crafted and delivered.

“The coalition describes themselves as voluntary and stated that it will work to ensure that sports-betting advertisements only target adults of legal betting ages, do not promote excessive or irresponsible gaming habits, remain in good taste and aren’t misleading. David Highhill is the general manager of sports wagering for the NFL. He said that legalized sports betting gives fans a new way to interact with their favorite sports.

“But we must not only support problem-gambling prevention, but also be mindful of the way sports betting is advertised and presented to consumers. This coalition will greatly help in this cause. The National Council on Problem Gambling commended the coalition, and promised to collaborate with it in order to “better minimize problem gambling-related harm.” 

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