Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation is kicking off the month of September with the third annual #BeKind21 campaign, which calls on participants to do good deeds for 21 straight days.
With hundreds of partners and nearly five million people already pledging to "integrate kindness" into their lives, the foundation's goal this year also includes combating trauma caused by COVID-19 and social unrest, Maya Smith, executive director of the Born This Way Foundation, told Cheddar.
"Kindness can do everything from brighten someone's day to save someone's life, so the more of us that can think about how to include kindness in our everyday lives, the better off we'll all be," she said.
For those looking for ideas, the foundation will provide tips, Smith continued, saying there is no such thing as a small act of kindness.
The #BeKind21 challenge also aims to draw attention to mental health, as September is also recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
"These are uncertain and unprecedented times, so make sure you know the resources that support you, the people who you can talk to," Smith noted.
Spearheaded by a group of Channel Kindness reporters, — a Born This Way Foundation digital platform — the foundation is capping off the #BeKind21 campaign with a book release that includes a collection of goodwill stories. According to Smith, those personal stories aim to inspire people as the stresses of today become increasingly challenging.
"As you know [at Cheddar], telling the good stories, telling the stories of kindness and hope that keep you going, really matters," she said. "We wanted to present and offer a platform for young people to tell the stories of kindness in their communities and share their own brave voices."
Ann Mukherjee, the chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America, joined Cheddar News to talk about Absolut Vodka’s decade-long partnership with the music festival Coachella. Perno Ricard's vodka brand has built the virtual world Absolutland in the Decentraland metaverse for users to explore. "We actually have a vending machine where you can actually purchase the cocktails that will be delivered right to your home," she said. The brand will also be featuring festival headliner Swedish House Mafia.
The tax deadline in the U.S. is on April 18 this year, and some filers may still not be able to complete their return by then. Cheddar has partnered with Jackson Hewitt to let you know what you can do should you blow the deadline.
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Americans racked up the most monthly consumer debt in over a decade in February. According to a report from the Fed, consumer debt rose by nearly $42 billion, an annual increase of roughly 11%, far outpacing expectations. Rebecca Walser, President of Walser Wealth Management. Rebecca, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to break down this data, and discuss how this could impact the consumer moving forward.
The Dallas Cowboys have joined forces with cryptocurrency platform Blockchain.com as the NFL loosens restrictions on teams making such deals. The partnership won't open the door for crypto use at AT&T stadium but will provide for some exclusive fan experiences.
Catching you up on what you need to know on Apr 14, 2022, with the U.S. sending $800M to Ukraine, updates on the subway shooting in Brooklyn, Gov. Abbott putting a pause on his southern border truck inspections, migrants being bused from Texas to Washington, DC, the travel mask mandate extending until May 3, and more.
