Latest news with #SouthCarolina-based
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
World Acceptance: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — World Acceptance Corp. (WRLD) on Thursday reported net income of $1.3 million in its fiscal first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Greenville, South Carolina-based company said it had profit of 25 cents. The subprime consumer lender posted revenue of $132.5 million in the period. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights ( using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on WRLD at 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
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Newsweek
Teddy Bear Wrapped in 'Human Skin' Discovered: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Law enforcement is investigating a teddy bear found outside a California gas station encased in what looks like human skin. The item, described by witnesses as grotesque and alarming, was found at a bus stop near the entrance of the ARCO/AMPM station on Bear Valley Road in Victorville, and reported to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBCSD). SBCSD Public Information Officer Mara Rodriguez told the press: "A coroner investigator has taken possession of the object, and the investigation is continuing." South Carolina-based artist Robert Kelly—who goes by the name DarkSeedCreations and sells toys wrapped in a skin-like exterior on Etsy—has claimed responsibility for the bear saying: "Yes I made the bear in the news video." He added that he was not involved in leaving the bear at the bus stop. SBCSD and DarkSeedCreations have been contacted via email for comment. Police tape in Washington DC, on Monday July 7, 2025. This police tape was not at the scene of the teddy bear prank. Police tape in Washington DC, on Monday July 7, 2025. This police tape was not at the scene of the teddy bear prank. Aaron Schwartz/Sipa via AP Images The Context The bear is being investigated by a coroner, but the artist has said his bears are made from latex that looks like human skin. It is unclear at the time of publication if this investigation is ongoing, or if there will be a separate investigation into the person who left the bear at the bus stop. What To Know The bear was discovered on July 13 and then reported to police, who cordoned off the area where it was found. DarkSeedCreations wrote on Facebook to say he had sold a bear to someone in the Victorville area last week, but "did not have any knowledge of the buyers['] intentions." His Facebook page shows a number of disturbing creations, ranging from fake skulls to large creatures covered in what appears to be fake human skin. These works also appear on his Etsy site. Comments under his posts about the prank include "The break you are waiting for" and "At least you're gonna get more business from the article lol." What People Are Saying DarkSeedCreations on Facebook: "Yes I made the bear in the news video. Yes that's my etsy shop screenshotted on [the] news articles. Yes I did ship that bear to an etsy customer in Victorville CA last week. Yes you can still order one too. No I did not have any knowledge of the buyers intentions nor was I involved in a prank on the other side of the nation from me." What Happens Next It is unclear at this time whether the investigation into the teddy bear is ongoing. More than 20 people have this type of teddy bear from DarkSeedCreation's Etsy site in their Etsy baskets.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Human skin teddy bear sparks police probe: Artist later claims the horror toy
A bizarre and unsettling discovery outside a Victorville gas station, California on Sunday afternoon sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a police and coroner investigation, until a horror artist stepped forward to set the record straight. The object in question: a teddy bear , but not the cuddly kind. Witnesses described the bear as covered in a leathery, skin-like material, with stitched-on features resembling a human face, prompting immediate concern and the closure of the gas station for nearly two hours. Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded to the ARCO/AMPM on Bear Valley Road around 12:30 p.m. on July 13, 2025, after a caller reported finding what appeared to be human remains. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Crime scene tape surrounded the storefront as a coroner investigator collected the bear for further examination. Photos and videos from the scene quickly spread online, fueling speculation and alarm about the bear's origins. However, the mystery took a turn later that day when the creator of the bear, Robert Kelly of Dark Seed Creations , commented on social media to claim responsibility. Kelly, a South Carolina-based artist specializing in horror effects and haunted attractions, confirmed that the bear was a custom-made art piece crafted from latex and shipped to a customer in Victorville earlier in the week. Live Events 'So this is my teddy bear. I made this and sent it to a customer there earlier in the week. No way this is real lol. This is an item we make for order,' Kelly wrote, sharing photos of similar horror-themed bears he sells online. Kelly told reporters he was surprised by the attention: 'I guess I'd probably be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying it a little bit. You know, I'm an independent artist, so a little attention is sometimes good regardless of not being able to condone whatever. I mean, I don't know if the guy broke any laws or it was just a prank, but it looks like he definitely got some people riled up'. Listings for similar 'human skin teddy bears' can be found online for around $165, and while the bear's appearance is shockingly realistic, it is made entirely of synthetic materials. There is no evidence of actual human remains. As of Sunday evening, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department had not released an official update confirming the artist's claim, and the investigation remains ongoing. The incident, however, appears to be an elaborate prank or art project rather than a crime scene.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Community Bankshares, Inc. Revolutionizes Access to Capital and Speeds Up Loan Closures for Rural and Small Businesses
$185 million successfully closed in Q2 for 37 government-guaranteed loans across 20 states, demonstrating Community Bankshares, Inc.'s impact of speed, scale, and community-driven solutions LAGRANGE, Ga., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At a time when business owners across the country are fighting against red tape and delays, Community Bankshares, Inc. is delivering where others stall – closing complex government-guaranteed loans in as little as 30 to 45 days. In the first half of 2025, the Georgia-based financial institution closed 57 SBA and USDA loans totaling $256,038,702, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-moving mission-driven lenders in the nation. Community Bankshares is the holding company of Community Bank & Trust, Phoenix Lender Services, and Thomas Financial Group. In Q2 2025 alone, the company closed: 25 SBA loans via Phoenix's SBA team totaling $48,765,200 in 15 states. 10 USDA loans via Phoenix's USDA team totaling $111,376,215 in 5 states. 2 USDA loans via Thomas Financial Group's team totaling $24,715,000 in 2 states. "We're not just providing capital, we're providing it quickly,' said Chris Hurn, President & CEO of Community Bankshares and Phoenix Lender Services. 'Closing a government-guaranteed loan in 30 to 45 days isn't just rare, it's transformative. It means our clients can grow, hire, and build when it matters most.' These record-setting Q2 results build on a powerful Q1, bringing Phoenix's year-to-date total SBA loans closed to 41 loans for $70.6 million, and Phoenix's total USDA loans closed to 14 loans for $160.7 million. As of Q3 of the federal government's fiscal year FY25 (October 1, 2024 through June 1, 2025), Community Bank & Trust (sister company of both Phoenix and Thomas Financial Group) ranks as the #36 Most Active SBA Lender in the Nation with 86 SBA loan approvals totaling $146,051,200. Even more impressively, CB&T remains the #1 SBA lender headquartered in Georgia, with nearly twice the production of the second place, in-state lender. 'Phoenix Lender Services and Thomas Financial Group have built a reputation on doing what others say can't be done – fast closings, rural deals, food supply chain projects, and many more, all done with precision,' said Jeremy Gilpin, Chairman of Community Bankshares, Inc. and President and CEO of Community Bank & Trust. 'We're not just financing businesses, we're building futures.' Closing loans across 20 states and 1 U.S. territory year-to-date, Community Bankshares, Inc. is fueling growth in industries ranging from construction and energy to healthcare, franchising, and logistics. Recent highlights include: USDA Commercial – Agriculture Scientific: A South Carolina-based Sustainable Agriculture Project creating high-tech jobs, boosting food security, reducing dependence on imported produce, and reducing carbon emissions. SBA 7(a) – Comprehensive Therapy Children's Center: SBA 7(a) loan enabled a successful ownership transition for this trusted pediatric therapy clinic in Canton, Georgia, ensuring continued care for children with developmental and neurological needs. Bridge Lending – Hospitality Project: Closed Over $34 Million in Bridge Loans for USDA B&I loan takeouts in under 40 days. 'Community Bank and Trust's professionalism and support during the loan process was beyond perfect,' said Tammy Knoop, Owner of Bel-Mar Lanes. 'Their kindness and easy mannered approach is a gift.' 'Thomas Financial Group was instrumental in our acquisition of The National Exchange Hotel and the Holbrooke Hotel—not just because they understood the nuances of hospitality lending, but because they delivered when time was critical. Under a tight deadline, they demonstrated incredible speed, efficiency, and unwavering commitment. Their ability to move decisively while maintaining a personal, solutions-oriented approach sets them apart. In a world where delays can derail opportunity, their partnership made all the difference,' said James Gould, Principal at Horizon Hotel Group. About Community Bankshares, Bankshares, Inc. is transforming access to capital for small businesses and rural America. Through its subsidiaries – Phoenix Lender Services; Thomas Financial Group; and Community Bank & Trust – the company delivers customized SBA, USDA, and commercial lending services nationwide. Our mission is rooted in empowering local economies, preserving family-run businesses, and supporting job creation through bold, fast, and impactful lending. About Phoenix Lender ServicesPhoenix Lender Services is a nationwide leader in government-guaranteed lending operations, offering full-service loan origination, underwriting, servicing, and regulatory support. PHX specializes in SBA and USDA loans and acts as a trusted Lender Service Provider (LSP) for banks and credit unions across the country. About Thomas Financial GroupThomas Financial Group is a high-performance USDA and commercial loan originator, offering sophisticated financing solutions for complex business, hotel, infrastructure, and development projects, particularly in rural or underserved areas. About Community Bank & TrustBased in LaGrange, GA, Community Bank & Trust provides personalized financial services to individuals and businesses across the Southeast and nationwide. As the top-producing SBA lender headquartered in Georgia, CB&T is committed to expanding access to capital and economic opportunity in communities of all sizes. MEDIA CONTACT:Abigail DavisonUproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc. 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
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Two dogs with ‘unshakable' bond need a home — together. Meet the ‘perfect pair'
Two dogs with an 'unshakable' bond need a new home — together. 'We're looking for a forever foster home — a sanctuary where Bentley and Mimi can rest, play, and be loved for the rest of their days,' a South Carolina-based animal rescue wrote July 1 on Facebook. 'You'll have full support from the rescue, including covering medical expenses. What we need from you is simply love, patience, and a safe place for them to land.' Bentley and Mimi are waiting for a fresh start in a foster home that can provide hospice care. The 9-year-old French bulldogs live in Winterville, North Carolina, a roughly 85-mile drive southeast from Raleigh. Black Tie Boston Rescue, which helps Boston terriers and other breeds, said the two dogs ended up in its care in early May. They had lived in a home with another Frenchie when their family moved, turning their lives 'upside down.' 'Their younger brother — healthy and carefree — was adopted quickly into a new, loving home,' Megan Davis, director and foster coordinator for the rescue, told McClatchy News via email. 'But Mimi and Bentley, the bonded seniors of the bunch, stayed behind. Not because they aren't amazing (because they absolutely are). Not because they're not friendly, sweet, or easy to love (they are all of those things). But because they came with something their brother didn't: time-earned medical needs and a love so deep that they must stay together.' Mimi is described as a 'beautiful spirit with a soulful gaze from her one precious eye.' The charming pup receives medication and injections to help her manage Addison's disease, a hormone-related condition. Bentley, who enjoys taking walks and chewing on bones, 'recently had a mast cell tumor removed from his face. We fear cancer may still be looming, but he continues to show up every day with a wiggle in his walk and love in his heart,' the rescue wrote in its social media post and email. Davis said the two dogs often are found playing and cuddling together, making them the 'perfect pair.' As of July 3, Bentley and Mimi were still waiting to get a second chance in foster care. 'These two are a bonded pair, full of life, love, and loyalty,' rescuers wrote. 'Due to their age and medical needs, we don't want to see them adopted and lost to us — we want to keep them close and ensure they always have the care they need.' The rescue is based in Little River, near Myrtle Beach. Details about the animal organization's foster program can be found at
