Chicago, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Spring has sprung, and Easter is just around the corner! This year, BRACH’S®, America’s #1 Easter Jelly Bean Brand, is taking family fun to a new level with their debut egg hiding service: BRACH’S Egg Hunt Hiders! Forget the stress of planning and hiding eggs yourself; let BRACH’S make your Easter memorable by giving you and your family the chance to focus on what truly matters—togetherness and joy.
What is BRACH’S Egg Hunt Hiders?
This first-of-its-kind service allows families in the top 10 jelly bean-loving markets to enjoy a hassle-free Easter egg hunt. Thanks to a partnership with Card My Yard, BRACH’S will hide dozens of beautifully decorated eggs in your yard, filled with their iconic jelly beans and delightful seasonal treasures. The best part? Adults can now join in on the excitement without knowing where the eggs are hidden!
Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they stumble upon colorful, egg-shaped surprises. This year, you can create magical memories without the hours of prep work!
A Sweet Solution for Families
Research shows that 57% of American adults wish they could participate in egg hunts alongside their family. However, many feel held back by the logistics of hiding eggs themselves. BRACH’S Egg Hunt Hiders eliminates that dilemma, letting everyone partake in the laughter, excitement, and friendly competition!
Whether you lean toward fair and square fun or enjoy a little playful trickery, BRACH’S has you covered. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 45% of Americans prefer an honest egg hunt, while 42% are not above pulling a playful fast one!
Reserve Your Egg Hunt Today!
Starting Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. ET, residents in these targeted jelly bean regions—Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New England, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Tucson, and South Carolina—can hop on over to BrachsEggHunt.com for a chance to reserve this unique egg hiding service (while supplies last).
Each reservation will come with a festive Easter yard sign, and as an ‘eggs-tra’ treat, one fortunate household in each market will discover a special golden egg—redeemable for a year’s supply of BRACH’S Jelly Beans!
Celebrate the Easter Spirit with BRACH’S
As Kelly Peyser, Director of BRACH’S and Seasonal Marketing at Ferrara Candy Company says, “Spring celebrations are only complete with BRACH’S Jelly Beans and Easter egg hunts, so it felt natural for us to combine these traditions and make it easier for families to enjoy them together.”
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Indeed, Easter traditions like spending time with loved ones (75%), engaging in egg hunts (65%), and sharing a delicious Easter brunch or dinner (55%) are cherished by many. However, everyone can agree that prepping for these occasions can feel overwhelming, with 40% of people struggling to find time to get ready for the holiday.
With BRACH’S Egg Hunt Hiders, you can eliminate the stress and focus on what really matters—quality time and sweet celebrations with family and friends.
Join the Jelly Bean Craze!
This spring, as you prep for your Easter gatherings, make sure to scoop up BRACH’S Jelly Beans and other delightful treats at retailers nationwide. Perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to your Easter baskets, BRACH’S treats are the ultimate spring-time indulgence.
Do you have exciting plans for Easter? Share your celebrations by posting on social media and tagging @BrachsCandy. With seasonal recipes and inspiration available at Brachs.com, you’ll find all the tools you need to make this Easter the sweetest yet!
Hop, skip, and jump into an unforgettable Easter with BRACH’S! With their innovative Egg Hunt Hiders, family fun just got a whole lot more exciting!
About BRACH’S® Candy For 120 years, BRACH’S® Candy has been loved for trusted, quality sugar confections that are known for making moments sweeter. Today, BRACH’S is America’s Easter jelly bean leader and the #1 seasonal sugar candy brand5. The portfolio leads with iconic product forms, including Conversation Hearts, Easter Jelly Beans, Candy Corn and Candy Canes. Each of BRACH’S product offerings come in a variety of shapes, textures, and flavors made for all seasonal festivities. BRACH’S inspires connection and celebration with its classic candy treats and innovations, perfect for snacking, decorating, baking, gifting, and so much more. To learn more about BRACH’S, visit brachs.com, or follow along on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
About Ferrara® For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States and Brazil, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 8,400 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 30+ popular brands like Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 67 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. The company has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, China, and Thailand that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.
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About Card My Yard Founded in 2014 in Austin, Texas, Card My Yard helps neighbors celebrate neighbors with personalized yard greetings for every occasion. With over 550 locations across 46 states, our local franchise owners are deeply committed to serving their communities, spreading joy, and helping others celebrate special moments and milestones. From birthdays and graduations to school events and community celebrations, Card My Yard partners with local owners across the country to deliver joy to front yards everywhere. For more information, visit www.cardmyyard.com.
SOURCE:
1 #1 Seasonal Easter Jelly Bean Brand – Circana Market Advantage Total US MULO+C: Easter Season 8 Weeks WE 3.31.24
2 Survey conducted by Zappi on behalf of BRACH’S® in February 2025 with a sample of 2,000 U.S. adults age 18+ who celebrate Easter. The margin of error at this sample size is +/- 2.5% at the 95% confidence level. Use of words “Americans” refers to the 90% of Americans screened into this survey for celebrating Easter (nationally representative sample of n=2,000).
3 U.S. Jelly Bean Sales/Top 10 Markets – IRI Data Ending 3.31.24
4 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Brach’s® Egg Hunt Hiders Giveaway. Open to legal residents of AZ, CA, CT, IL, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, and VA who reside within one (1) of the participating zip codes as defined in the Official Rules and are 18+ or age of majority in state of residence, whichever older, as of Submission. Begins 4/3/25 at 7:00 PM ET and ends 4/10/25 at 11:59 PM ET, or when all Prizes have been awarded, whichever comes first. First 300 eligible participants who visit BrachsEggHunt.com and follow the instructions to complete a Submission form can win an Easter egg hunt hiding service, setup and delivered by participating Card My Yard franchisees on April 19, 2025. First Prizes: three hundred (300) Easter egg hunt hiding services, with up to four (4) or five (5) each eligible First Prize zip code group. Each First Prize to include the delivery and setup of one (1) Easter egg hunt hiding service, Brach’s® branded tote bag, three (3) bags of Brach’s® Jelly Beans (14.5oz and 9oz), one (1) 8oz bag of Brach’s® Springtime Soft Jellies, one (1) 36″x 48″ festive Easter yard sign and 30-120 plastic Easter eggs (pending recipient’s selected size of egg hunt participants) filled with Brach’s® Jelly Bean Treat Packs and Brach’s® Stickers and Erasers. ARV: $150 for each First Prize. Odds depend on the time of Submission relative to other Entrants. Only the first three hundred (300) eligible Submissions will receive a First Prize. Grand Prizes: ten (10) Golden Eggs representing the redemption of fifty-two (52) 14.5oz. bags of BRACH’S Classic Jelly Beans. One (1) Grand Prize Winner will be randomly selected from each of the eligible Grand Prize regions. ARV of the Grand Prize: $130. Odds depend on # of eligible Submissions. Visit BrachsEggHunt.com/Rules for list of eligible zip codes, free Submission, eligibility, and Official Rules. Message and data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Ferrara Candy Co., 404 W Harrison St., #650, Chicago, IL 60607.
5 #1 Seasonal Easter Jelly Bean Brand – Circana Market Advantage Total US MULO+C: Easter Season 8 Weeks WE 3.31.24; #1 Candy Corn Brand – CIRCANA SCAN DATA, MULO+C HWN 14 Weeks W/E 11.3.24; #1 Conversation Heart Brand – Circana Market Advantage Total US MULO+C: Valentine’s Day Season 8 Weeks WE 2.18.24; #1 Candy Cane Brand – Circana Market Advantage Total US MULO+C: Holiday Season 8 Weeks WE 12.24.23
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SOURCE Ferrara
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Currently, getting a yearly COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, regardless of their health risk.
In the video announcing the plan to remove the vaccine from the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women, Kennedy spoke alongside National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. The trio cited a lack of evidence to support vaccinating healthy children. They did not explain the reason for the change to the vaccine schedule for pregnant people, who have previously been considered at high-risk for severe COVID-19.
Similarly, in the FDA announcement made a week prior, Makary and the agency’s head of vaccines, Vinay Prasad, said that public health trends now support limiting vaccines to people at high risk of serious illness instead of a universal COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
Was this a controversial decision or a clear consensus?
Many public health experts and professional health care associations have raised concerns about Kennedy’s latest announcement, saying it contradicts studies showing that COVID-19 vaccination benefits pregnant people and children. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, considered the premier professional organization for that medical specialty, reinforced the importance of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, especially to protect infants after birth. Likewise, the American Academy of Pediatrics pointed to the data on hospitalizations of children with COVID-19 during the 2024-to-2025 respiratory virus season as evidence for the importance of vaccination.
Kennedy’s announcement on children and pregnant women comes roughly a month ahead of a planned meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of vaccine experts that offers guidance to the CDC on vaccine policy. The meeting was set to review guidance for the 2025-to-2026 COVID-19 vaccines. It’s not typical for the CDC to alter its recommendations without input from the committee.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed COVID-19 vaccines from the vaccine schedule for healthy children and pregnant people.
FDA officials Makary and Prasad also strayed from past established vaccine regulatory processes in announcing the FDA’s new stance on recommendations for healthy people under age 65. Usually, the FDA broadly approves a vaccine based on whether it is safe and effective, and decisions on who should be eligible to receive it are left to the CDC, which bases its decision on the advisory committee’s research-based guidance.
The advisory committee was expected to recommend a risk-based approach for the COVID-19 vaccine, but it was also expected to recommend allowing low-risk people to get annual COVID-19 vaccines if they want to. The CDC’s and FDA’s new policies on the vaccine will likely make it difficult for healthy people to get the vaccine.
Will low-risk people be able to get a COVID-19 shot?
Not automatically. Kennedy’s announcement does not broadly address healthy adults, but under the new FDA framework, healthy adults who wish to receive the fall COVID-19 vaccine will likely face obstacles. Health care providers can administer vaccines “off-label”, but insurance coverage is widely based on FDA recommendations. The new, narrower FDA approval will likely reduce both access to COVID-19 vaccines for the general public and insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines.
Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance providers are required to fully cover the cost of any vaccine endorsed by the CDC. Kennedy’s announcement will likely limit insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccination.
Overall, the move to focus on individual risks and benefits may overlook broader public health benefits. Communities with higher vaccination rates have fewer opportunities to spread the virus.
This is an updated version of an article originally published on May 22, 2025.Libby Richards, Professor of Nursing, Purdue University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The All-New 2026 Nissan LEAF Is Here — Sleek, Smart, and Ready to Lead
Nissan has officially lifted the curtain on the all-new 2026 LEAF, and it’s not just an update—it’s a total reinvention. The third-generation LEAF blends sleek, aerodynamic styling with SUV-like proportions, signaling a bold departure from the hatchback form that defined the nameplate for over a decade. This refreshed design marks a new chapter for one of the world’s most accessible and best-selling electric vehicles.
With nearly 700,000 global sales under its belt, the LEAF has long been a pioneer in the mass-market EV space. The 2026 model takes that foundation and builds upon it in every direction—design, technology, comfort, and capability. Whether you’re a loyal EV enthusiast or making the switch from a gas-powered car, Nissan’s newest electric offering is designed to meet you where you are and elevate your driving experience.
The all-new LEAF sports clean, sculpted body lines and a wide stance that echoes modern crossover aesthetics. Inside, the cabin is minimal yet inviting, focused on comfort, spaciousness, and wellbeing. A dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding adds a premium touch, while ambient lighting in 64 available colors helps set the perfect mood for any drive.
Performance Meets Practicality
Among the most impressive upgrades is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery offering up to 75 kWh of usable capacity—meaning more range, more freedom, and more confidence. Faster charging speeds and the inclusion of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port with Plug & Charge capability further simplify EV ownership.
Nissan’s all-new 3-in-1 powertrain—a compact, integrated system combining motor, inverter, and reducer—delivers both efficiency and power in a sleek package. It’s an engineering advancement that supports the LEAF’s mission of providing reliable, affordable electric mobility for all.
Tech-Savvy and Feature-Rich
This isn’t just a car—it’s a rolling tech hub. The 2026 LEAF offers dual 14.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Google built-in features like Google Maps. Drivers will enjoy innovative tools like the Invisible Hood View, Front Wide View, and the 3D Intelligent Around View® Monitor—making tight parking and complex driving environments far easier to navigate.
Audiophiles take note: the available Bose® Personal® Plus audio system ensures that your soundtrack is every bit as premium as your ride.
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Built to Impress, Ready for the Road
With details like flush door handles, holographic 3D tail lamps, and available 19-inch wheels, the 2026 LEAF is clearly designed to turn heads. But its mission is practical at heart: making electric driving seamless for everyday users. From its improved range to thoughtful in-cabin tech, Nissan is aiming squarely at the mainstream with this launch.
Assembly for the U.S. and Canadian markets will take place at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan, where the LEAF will be built alongside the Ariya SUV.
The 2026 Nissan LEAF arrives at U.S. dealerships this fall, with availability in other global markets to follow.
Want more 2026 Nissan LEAF details or a feature breakdown?
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
The once red-hot U.S. residential solar market is showing signs of cooling off—but don’t count it out just yet. A combination of rising interest rates, regulatory changes, and supply chain challenges have led to a notable dip in installations across the country. But while the short-term trend suggests a slowdown, industry experts remain optimistic about the long-term potential of rooftop solar.
📉 The Numbers Don’t Lie: Installations Are Down
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, residential solar installations dropped by 13% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with 1,106 megawatts (MW) installed nationwide. That’s also a 4% decline from the previous quarter. This marks a continuation of the trend that began in 2024, which saw the residential sector contract in 22 states—including a five-year low in California [^1].
Analysts at BloombergNEF predict that total U.S. solar capacity will fall by 7% between 2025 and 2027, with a projected 1% annual decline through 2035 under current policy scenarios [^2].
🧾 What’s Behind the Drop?
1. Higher Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve’s continued efforts to tame inflation have made financing solar systems more expensive for homeowners. The result? Fewer consumers are willing to commit to the upfront investment, even with long-term savings in play [^3].
2. Policy Shifts in Key States
California, long considered the leader in solar adoption, rolled back its Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 program in favor of NEM 3.0, which significantly reduces the value of solar exports back to the grid. Installations in the state fell sharply as a result [^1].
On the federal side, proposed cuts to the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—a major driver of residential adoption—have caused uncertainty in the market. According to Reuters, solar stocks plummeted following changes in a Senate tax bill that threatened to shrink or eliminate these credits [^4].
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3. Tariffs and Supply Constraints
Tariffs on Chinese and other foreign-made solar panels have led to price increases and reduced availability. Simultaneously, battery storage components are experiencing shortages, further delaying installations and complicating project timelines [^5].
🌤 The Long-Term Picture: A Resilient Future
Despite the headwinds, many in the industry see this as a short-term correction rather than a lasting decline. SEIA projects a return to 9% annual residential growth from 2025 to 2030, particularly if financing conditions improve and federal incentives remain intact [^1].
Additionally, solar panel prices remain historically low, hovering around $2.50–$2.60 per watt installed. That affordability, coupled with increasing demand for home electrification and EV charging solutions, makes rooftop solar an attractive long-term investment [^1].
In a recent industry survey, 78% of solar installers said they expect to sell as much or more in 2025 than they did in 2024 [^3]. And while the market is down in states like California, others—including Texas, Florida, and Arizona—are continuing to grow.
✅ Final Takeaway
Yes, residential solar is currently in a downturn. But it’s more of a recalibration than a collapse. Regulatory turbulence and financial pressures are squeezing the market, but the fundamentals—affordability, environmental benefits, and technological advancement—remain strong.
The future of residential solar will depend heavily on stable policy support, affordable financing, and continued innovation. If those stars align, the industry could see another boom in the latter half of the decade.
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📚 Sources
[^1]: SEIA/Wood Mackenzie. U.S. Solar Market Insight Q1 2025.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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