Latest news with #AHT
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ashford Agrees to Sell Houston Property to Deleverage Portfolio
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. AHT has taken another step in its strategic plan to deleverage and optimize its portfolio. The Dallas, TX-based REIT announced a definitive agreement to sell the 242-room Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake in Houston, TX, for $27 million. The transaction, subject to closing conditions, is expected to be completed in June 2025. The sale represents an attractive exit for Ashford, yielding a capitalization rate of 3.2% on net operating income (NOI) or 23.6X Hotel EBITDA after adjustments for anticipated capital expenditures for the 12 months ended April 30, 2025. Excluding capital expenditure adjustments, the sale price represents a 5% cap rate on NOI or 15.2X Hotel EBITDA for the 12 months ended April 30, 2025. This sale will deleverage its Morgan Stanley 17 Pool loan and also result in significant capital expenditure savings going forward. As Ashford moves closer to addressing its strategic financing challenges and realizes gains from its repositioning efforts, it demonstrates a clear focus on creating value for shareholders. The company's assets in the market are well-positioned to capitalize on favorable market conditions while achieving its financial and operational objectives. AHT is expected to grow in the near term as it continues to execute its GRO AHT initiative to drive outsized EBITDA growth and improve shareholder value. However, the softening of hotel industry fundamentals amid macroeconomic uncertainty and an elevated interest rate environment pose concerns for Ashford. Over the past three months, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have declined 21.8%, wider than the industry's fall of 5.4%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Some better-ranked stocks from the REIT sector are VICI Properties VICI and W.P. Carey WPC, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VICI Properties' 2025 FFO per share has been raised marginally over the past month to $2.34. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for W.P. Carey's current-year FFO per share has moved northward by 1% in the past month to $4.88. Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents FFO, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc (AHT) : Free Stock Analysis Report W.P. Carey Inc. (WPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report VICI Properties Inc. (VICI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
She is the mom whose story broke America's heart in 1997...what's she's done since is inspiring
She was the American mom whose world was turned upside down when her beloved baby boy died in the care of a British au pair in 1997. Deborah Eappen was thrown into the global spotlight after the tragic death of her eight-month-old son, Matthew, while in the care of nanny Louise Woodward at their home in Newton, Massachusetts, igniting a firestorm of debate and heartbreak. The trial that followed was harrowing, but out of this profound loss, Deborah has emerged as a figure of resilience and inspiration and she has dedicated herself to deeply personal and poignant work. In the wake of Matthew's passing, Deborah, alongside her husband Sunil channeled their grief into action. The two doctors established the Matthew Eappen Foundation - a testament to their enduring love for the boy they fondly called Matty and a commitment to making a difference for other children. With Deborah serving as the foundation's president and Sunil and Matthew's older brother Brendan as board members, the family has worked tirelessly to support initiatives focused on preventing child abuse and advocating for children's well-being. Through the foundation, Deborah found a powerful outlet for her grief - and a way to honor Matthew's memory. And this week the foundation did just that at the Boston Marathon. A familiar face at the event, Deborah has run the grueling 26.2 miles eight times, using each race as both a tribute and fundraising effort. Louise Woodward was aged 19 when she was found guilty of the murder of eight-month-old Matthew Eappen while working as an au pair for his parents. She is pictured during her trial in 1997 Even though Deborah wasn't running this year, the Matthew Eappen Foundation continued its tradition, with three supporters Vivian Tong, Bridget Stuart and Renee Potera taking on the challenge of the race to further the foundation's mission. The foundation's web page shares that Deborah now works as a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist in Boston. It says: 'Debbie is dedicated to educating medical professionals about the prevalence of child abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) in all socio-economic groups. 'She has spoken at the American Academy of Ophthalmology midyear forum to enhance educational materials on SBS/AHT. 'She has shared her experiences at numerous conferences including the International Conference on SBS/AHT. She also interviews with general media to prevent abuse through public education. 'Debbie recognizes the impact of SBS/AHT on the entire family, including siblings. She has testified at legislative hearings on child protection. She identifies with victim rights issues and has spoken at the victim rights conference in Boston. She has encouraged organ donation in homicide victims. 'She has spoken to medical examiners, legislators, college students, medical grand rounds attendees, and victim's families.' The foundation's site also tells how Matthew's brother Brendan graduated in 2016 from Harvard College where he studied Psychology and Global Health and Health Policy. It says he 'loves teaching and learning, and he strives to extend care to the most vulnerable people through his work and everyday encounters'. And Matthew's father Sunil has also continued to dedicate himself to the health industry. He has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Vermont Health Network since 2022. Woodward was hired by the Eappens in November 1996 and just ten weeks after starting the job, Matthew died on February 9, 1997. Woodward was said to have been cautioned by the parents for staying out late within two months of taking on her role. The couple reportedly drew up a list of expectations which they presented to her in January 1997 to ensure 'the safety and well-being' of Matthew and his brother. Each year, October 30 marks a difficult anniversary for Deborah as it is the day Woodward was found guilty of second-degree murder in Matthew's death - a verdict that brought international attention to the dangers of Abusive Head Trauma. In a Facebook post on the anniversary last year she reflected on the 27th anniversary of the verdict and remembered Matthew calling him a 'butterball' baby. She wrote he was 'always smiling and giggling, easily comforted by his parents and his two-and-a-half-year-old brother, Brendan.' She described his 'chocolate eyes, silky black hair, and a knowing smile,' and recalled his favorite toy, a caterpillar that played 'You Are My Sunshine.' She also recounted the tragic events of February 1997, when Matthew was rushed to Boston Children's Hospital, comatose and in need of emergency brain surgery for a large hemorrhage. Doctors discovered a 2½-inch skull fracture, a healing wrist fracture, and extensive retinal bleeding. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the brain swelling and damage were too much to survive. Five days later, following the recommendation of the hospital ethics committee, Matthew died in his parents' arms. The subsequent trial of Woodward became one of the most high-profile court cases of the decade, broadcast live on television and sparking heated debate on both sides of the Atlantic. The prosecution alleged that Woodward, who was 19 at the time, had violently shaken Matthew, causing fatal head injuries - a form of abuse known as 'Shaken Baby Syndrome'. Woodward denied harming him and her defense team argued that Matthew's injuries could have been caused by a pre-existing medical condition or an earlier accident. The case polarized public opinion. In the US, many viewed Woodward as a cold and reckless caregiver who betrayed the family's trust. In the UK, a wave of sympathy grew for Woodward who was far from home, depicted by some as a scapegoat for a tragic accident. After intense deliberation, Woodward was convicted of second-degree murder and faced a potential life sentence. But just days later, Judge Hiller Zobel stunned the world by reducing the conviction to involuntary manslaughter, citing concerns about 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' evidence and lack of proof of intent. Woodward's sentence was set to time served, and she was released after 279 days in jail, returning to Britain a free woman. The decision sparked outrage among some in the American public and left the Eappen family devastated, feeling that justice for Matthew had not been fully served. Woodward now lives back in England and has a daughter. She is married and is known as Louise Elkes after taking her husband's name. In 2022 she was pictured on the school run. At that time Woodward was teaching dance classes. After her manslaughter conviction, Woodward described it as 'a conviction I don't deserve', and said she held out hope that 'in time the truth will come out' and she would be cleared of any wrongdoing. In a later interview, Woodward admitted to 'lightly shaking' the unresponsive baby. The case remains a source of debate to this day, with some medical experts continuing to dispute the science of 'Shaken Baby Syndrome' and advocacy groups calling for greater safeguards for children in care.
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hair and beauty contest reaches Channel Islands for first time
Hair and beauty students from the Channel Islands have taken part in a national competition for the first Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) regional competition held its first contest across the islands with students showcasing their skills at Highlands College in St Saviour, Jersey, on from Jersey and Guernsey took part in eight categories for hairdressing, nail art and make-up with the winners of each section moving onto a national final in Blackpool on 12 Kulon, head of hair and beauty at Highlands College, said it was a "ground-breaking" moment to be part of the competition for the first time. 'Skills, passion and talent' Mr Kulon said there were 60 students from Jersey and 20 from Guernsey entered in the regional added the atmosphere was great and the standard produced by the students was "absolutely unbelievable"."I do believe it is a kind of ground-breaking thing because for the first time ever, we've got the right to access the UK national stage," Mr Kulon said."That means a lot for our students because that means they can compete with their colleagues on the national stage and showcase their skills, passion and talent on a bigger stage." The winners included Phoebe Palmeri in the first year blow wave category, Sara Correia for 14-16 evening style and Naomi Stangroom for fantasy Sousa won the commercial nail art tortoiseshell category while Shannell De Silva won the feminine cut and finish categories contested were editorial style make-up Vogue category which was won by Vicky Wagner, feminine fashion blow wave - won by Emma Jarvis - and a team event to create an image based on the theme of Moulin Rouge, which the duo of Lexie Dickson and Georgie Marsh Shannell and Emma are from Guernsey while the other category winners are from Jersey.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester aldermen allocate funds for mobile crisis unit, transitional housing
Mar. 6—Manchester aldermen voted this week to allocate additional funds to go toward a mobile crisis unit and additional transitional housing, part of ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness and substance abuse in the state's largest city. Aldermen approved two major initiatives Tuesday night — transferring $201,000 in opioid abatement funds to Hope for NH Recovery for a mobile crisis unit and case manager, and allocating $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust fund to create up to 30 transitional housing beds. "We are making real progress addressing homelessness and reducing drug overdoses, so now is not the time to take our eye off the ball," Mayor Jay Ruais said. "I've always said, we must address this in a comprehensive fashion, and these three initiatives do that with a focus on law enforcement, addressing the underlying drivers while providing for affordable housing." Ruais said Manchester currently has 230 transitional beds, creating a "major barrier" in moving individuals from shelters into stable housing. "Expanding capacity is important to breaking this cycle," Ruais said. The St. Anne's Parish building at 231 Merrimack St. has the potential to house up to 30 individuals in 16 rooms, increasing transitional housing capacity by 13%, Ruais said. "For $250,000, this proposal will create more than three times as many beds, while lowering rents to an amount not to exceed $750.75 per month — delivering significantly greater impact at a lower cost per resident," he said. Ruais said the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created "precisely to support initiatives like this, projects that expand housing opportunities" for those in need. "The administration manual for the fund specifically states 'AHT funds can be used for projects that provide temporary or permanent housing to low or moderate-income households as that term is defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development,'" Ruais said. Affordable housing in Manchester is currently defined as costing between $1,200 to $1,800 per month depending on unit size. "This initiative allows us to provide stable, affordable housing while keeping costs sustainable for both tenants and the city," Ruais said. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund currently holds nearly $1.15 million, with additional revenue expected from spring parcel auctions. "This ensures that funding this initiative will not compromise future projects, making now the ideal time for investment," Ruais said. "This model is about strategic placement, not just housing availability. We will identify individuals ready for stable living arrangements, ensuring they have the best chance for long-term success." Residents will sign 18 — to 24-month leases at the high barrier transitional living facility, with "rules in place," officials said. A high barrier facility is defined as a place that provides services but also has rules that must be followed to stay there. "At the end of their term, they will have had the opportunity to address underlying challenges and save up for their own place, much like what is done at Liberty House," Ruais said. "Once a resident moves on, another individual will be placed in their unit-continuing to reduce the number of people in shelters and on our streets. This is precisely the type of continuum Manchester needs."
