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Energy prices could fall sharply if Iran agrees to deal, energy secretary says

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Energy prices could fall sharply if Iran agrees to deal, energy secretary says

Energy markets could see a sharp reversal if tensions ease in the Middle East, as officials say a diplomatic breakthrough could quickly restore critical oil flows.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright joined FOX Business’ Lauren Simonetti on “Varney & Co.” to discuss how a potential agreement with Iran could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize prices after weeks of disruption.

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U.S. Energy Secretary

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaking during a panel.  (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Wright indicated that energy markets are closely tied to developments in the region, emphasizing how quickly conditions could shift if a deal is reached.

A STATE-BY-STATE LOOK AT GAS PRICES AS IRAN CONFLICT PUSHES OIL HIGHER

“They would go down quite a bit. If we see a pathway to have the Strait of Hormuz open soon and energy flowing again, you’d see energy prices drop pretty significantly,” Wright said.

The comments come as global markets react to constrained movement through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, where even temporary disruptions have pushed fuel costs higher for consumers.

Wright suggested the path forward depends on whether Iran is willing to de-escalate and negotiate.

KEVIN O’LEARY FORECASTS GLOBAL POWER SHIFT IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS IRAN CONFLICT RATTLES OIL MARKETS

“That could happen if a peace agreement is reached… If Iran thinks enough is enough, and they’re willing to make a deal… Then there’ll be a deal,” Wright said.

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For now, officials say short-term market volatility is expected as the situation continues to develop.

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DoorDash introduces emergency fuel relief for drivers as gas prices soar

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DoorDash introduces emergency fuel relief for drivers as gas prices soar

DoorDash is rolling out an emergency relief program to help delivery drivers cope with rising gas prices as the Iran war drives fuel costs higher.

The program, effective immediately through April 26, 2026, combines cash-back incentives with weekly payments to help reduce fuel costs for active Dashers.

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At the center of the initiative is a 10% cash back offer on gas purchases for Dashers using the DoorDash Crimson Visa debit card. The company is also introducing weekly relief payments for Dashers who drive at least 125 miles while making deliveries, with payouts ranging from $5 to $15 depending on mileage.

Dashers who reach 125 miles earn $5 (about $1.00 per gallon in savings), those who hit 200 miles earn $10 (about $1.25 per gallon), and those who drive 250 miles earn $15 (about $1.50 per gallon).

TRUMP PROMISED LOWER COSTS; THE IRAN CONFLICT NOW THREATENS THAT PLEDGE

A driver is seen delivering an order for DoorDash in New York City.

DoorDash rolled out an emergency relief plan for delivery drivers facing high gas prices. (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Drivers who qualify for both benefits could see total savings between $1.40 and $1.90 per gallon, depending on how much they drive.

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“Rising gas prices have a real impact on Dashers, especially those who are delivering the most,” said Cody Aughney, vice president of dasher and logistics at DoorDash. “This program is about giving Dashers real savings at the pump.”

The move is part of DoorDash’s broader effort to support its driver network as fuel prices remain a key concern for gig workers who rely on their vehicles for income.

The effort comes as gas prices rise sharply nationwide.

A STATE-BY-STATE LOOK AT GAS PRICES AS IRAN CONFLICT PUSHES OIL HIGHER

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Customers fill their cars at a gas station in Los Angeles.

People fuel vehicles at a gas station in Los Angeles, on Nov. 15, 2021. (Zeng Hui/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The national average is now $3.95 per gallon, up $1.02 from a month ago, according to AAA.

Prices are climbing across nearly every region, with some states already well above the national average. On the West Coast, drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.79 per gallon in California and $5.27 in Washington.

Along the East Coast, gas prices are nearing—or in some cases surpassing—$3.70 per gallon, including $3.86 in New York and $3.80 in Maine.

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Meanwhile, in the Midwest, Illinois stands out with prices at $4.16 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. Prices are generally lower across the South, though still on the rise, with Texas at $3.62 and Florida at $3.93.

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Form 8K SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc For: 23 March

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Form 8K SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc For: 23 March

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BTS Stages Triumphant Comeback with ‘Arirang’ Album and Seoul Concert, Shattering Sales and Streaming Records

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Beyonce has won the most Grammys of anyone in history, but can she finally take home the top prize that has eluded her?

SEOUL, South Korea — After nearly four years of hiatus driven by mandatory military service, K-pop supergroup BTS made a blockbuster return in March 2026 with their fifth Korean-language studio album “Arirang” and a free, open-air comeback concert in central Seoul, drawing massive crowds, record-breaking sales and streams, and widespread acclaim as one of the most successful music events of the year.

BTS
BTS

The album, released March 20, 2026, via Big Hit Music under HYBE, marks BTS’s first full-group project since 2022’s “Proof” anthology and their first studio LP in six years. Featuring 14 tracks—including lead single “Swim” and collaborations with producers like Diplo, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Mike WiLL Made-It and Ryan Tedder—the record blends introspective themes rooted in Korean identity with the group’s signature high-energy sound. Members RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook contributed significantly to songwriting and production, reflecting personal growth during their service period.

Commercial performance exceeded even high expectations. “Arirang” sold 3.98 million copies on its first day according to Hanteo Chart data, surpassing BTS’s previous first-day high from “Map of the Soul: 7” (3.38 million first-week sales) and achieving double-million status in hours. Pre-orders topped 4.06 million globally across more than 100 countries, with cumulative projections pointing to 6 million or more. The album claimed No. 1 on iTunes in over 80 countries and dominated charts worldwide upon release.

Streaming numbers were equally explosive. On Spotify, “Arirang” amassed 110 million global streams in its first day, claiming the platform’s most-streamed album of 2026 so far and the most-streamed K-pop album in Spotify history. Every track from the album occupied the top 14 spots on Spotify’s Global chart, with BTS surpassing 1 billion total streams in 2026 alone, making them the first K-pop act to hit that milestone this year. Lead single “Swim” quickly topped Melon’s TOP 100 in South Korea within an hour of release, while all album tracks entered the top 50.

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The comeback culminated in the “BTS The Comeback Live: ARIRANG” concert on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, drawing an estimated 104,000 to 260,000 fans—described by organizers and media as potentially the largest public concert in South Korean history. The hourlong, Netflix-livestreamed event to 190 countries featured high-energy performances heavy on new material, emotional reunions and modified choreography to accommodate RM’s ankle injury from rehearsal. A drone show lit the Seoul sky with the members’ faces, and the city raised its terror alert level but reported no incidents amid orderly crowds.

Analysts hailed the event as a cultural and economic triumph. IBK Investment & Securities projected the “ARIRANG” world tour—set to launch April 9 in Goyang with 82 stadium shows across 34 cities through 2027—could generate at least 2.9 trillion Korean won (about $1.93 billion), potentially rivaling Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” record of $2.2 billion. The comeback is expected to boost Korea’s overall K-pop industry, which faced a 19% album sales drop in 2024 amid the group’s absence.

The return comes after all seven members completed military service, with the last discharges in 2025 paving the way for full-group activities. Solo successes during the hiatus—chart-topping projects from each member—fueled anticipation, but the full reunion delivered unmatched impact. Critics praised “Arirang” for artistic maturity while retaining commercial appeal, with The New York Times calling it a “raucous test of creative mettle” and a beacon of Korean soft power.

Fans, known as ARMY, mobilized globally, booking hotels in Seoul months in advance and driving viral social media buzz. The concert’s emotional weight was palpable, with members expressing gratitude for fan support during their break. “This is BTS 2.0 is only just beginning,” j-hope said onstage, encapsulating the fresh chapter.

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Challenges included RM’s injury and the evolving K-pop landscape, where groups like Stray Kids and NewJeans filled the void, but BTS’s dominance proved undiminished. Netflix’s partnership extends to a two-part documentary “BTS: The Return” premiering March 27, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses, plus U.S. fan events like the March 23 Spotify showcase in New York.

As the world tour approaches, with screenings of early shows planned for global theaters, BTS’s 2026 resurgence has already rewritten records. From physical sales to digital dominance, the comeback reaffirms their status as global superstars, turning a long-awaited reunion into an industry-defining moment.

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Fatal LaGuardia runway collision raises concerns over airport safety

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Fatal LaGuardia runway collision raises concerns over airport safety

Runway incursions remain a threat to the safety of air travel as jets face risks from collisions with other aircraft as well as vehicles on the tarmac.

An incident occurred at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900, operated by the airline’s regional partner Jazz Aviation as Flight 4686, collided with a fire truck while it was landing. The jet carried 72 passengers and four crew members and arrived in New York from Montreal.

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The collision killed both the pilot and first officers, according to Jazz and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, while dozens of injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent a team of experts to investigate the incident.

The tragic accident comes as the public has in recent years become more aware of runway incursions at the nation’s airports, which occur when an aircraft, vehicle or person is incorrectly present in an area designated for the landing and take off of an aircraft.

HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS CANCELED, DELAYED AT LAGUARDIA AIRPORT AFTER AIR CANADA RUNWAY COLLISION

An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 airplane sitting on a runway at LaGuardia Airport after a collision.

The collision at LaGuardia between a jetliner and fire truck has renewed concerns over runway incursions at airports. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed that there were 97 runway incursions reported in January of this year – a slight decline from the 133 reported in the same month last year, as well as the 118 incursions in January 2024 and the 123 incursions that were recorded in January 2023.

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Of the incursions reported this January, 17 were classified as operational incidents while 56 were attributed to pilot deviation, 22 to deviations by vehicles or pedestrians, and two others were classified as “other” in the FAA’s data. 

AMERICAN AIRLINES JET CANCELS TAKEOFF AFTER LAX RUNWAY INCURSION

united airlines plane on tarmac during cloudy day with city background seen

Public awareness of runway incursions has risen in recent years. (Robert Alexander)

Boyd Group International President Mike Boyd told FOX Business that “this incident, as tragic as it is, is an indication of the complexity of running an airport, not so much an indication that we have a sloppy system. It’s just a system that does occasionally fail because ‘I didn’t hear the message.’”

“We’re highly, highly dependent upon humans here. We’re dependent upon the people in the cockpit, we’re dependent upon not just technology but the people in the towers, and sometimes things can fall through,” he said.

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FAA ROLLING OUT NEW TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE RISK OF RUNWAY ACCIDENTS

Passengers stranded at LaGuardia

The LaGuardia collision caused the cancellation of hundreds of flights. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Boyd said the LaGuardia collision and a 2024 incident in Japan when two aircraft collided on the runway show that while such incidents are relatively rare, there are also ways safety systems can be improved to prevent them from becoming a recurring issue.

He added that while there have been instances in which traffic control systems haven’t been as safe as they needed to be at a given moment, it has generally been safe and effective. 

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Boyd also said that “we just have to work to make sure we have fewer runway incursions, particularly now that we have the benefit of a lot more scrutiny of when these things happen. We didn’t have that before. We do now – that’s a good thing.”

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Kylie Jenner Shines on 2026 Oscars Red Carpet in Bold Schiaparelli Gown

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Beyonce has won the most Grammys of anyone in history, but can she finally take home the top prize that has eluded her?

Kylie Jenner turned heads at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, stepping out in a striking red Schiaparelli gown to support boyfriend Timothée Chalamet, while her Vanity Fair cover story revealed plans for more children and sparked discussions about her evolving personal and professional life.

The 28-year-old entrepreneur and reality star arrived at the Dolby Theatre in a custom cherry-red bodycon dress featuring a halter neck and dramatic keyhole cutout at the chest, accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz diamond jewelry. Jenner shared the look first on Instagram, posting a video that quickly went viral and drew praise from family members. Sister Khloé Kardashian commented, “My heart skipped a beat,” while mother Kris Jenner responded with a string of red heart emojis. Friend Stassie Karanikolaou added, “OMG YES.”

Television personality Kylie Jenner poses inside Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Fashion Show mall on April 22, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jenner attended the Oscars to cheer for Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor in “Marty Supreme,” though he did not win. The couple made their way back to seats together during commercial breaks and later posed at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, marking a rare joint public appearance on the carpet. They were spotted chatting with Elle Fanning and boyfriend Gus Wenner, fueling “double date” speculation among fans.

The high-profile night followed Jenner’s Spring 2026 Vanity Fair cover, shot by Mert Alas and styled by Paul Sinclaire. The image showed her lighting a cigarette in a mix of Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, Balenciaga and David Webb pieces. In the accompanying interview published March 11, Jenner opened up about her priorities in her late 20s: focusing on herself, businesses, work and time with children Stormi Webster, 8, and Aire Webster, 4, whom she shares with ex Travis Scott.

“I want to focus on just me, my businesses, my work, traveling with my kids, enjoying my kids,” she said. When asked about expanding her family, she affirmed, “I do want to have more kids,” hinting at future possibilities amid her three-year relationship with Chalamet. She blushed recalling Chalamet’s onstage shout-out to her at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, calling it “of course” fun.

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The Vanity Fair cover drew mixed reactions. Some fans criticized her darkened skin tone, accusing an “ethnicity change” and sparking backlash over beauty standards. Others defended the artistic choice, while the cigarette pose prompted health discussions. Editor-in-Chief Mark Guiducci’s decision to feature Jenner was seen by some as a bid to boost interest in awards season coverage, with one outlet joking the magazine “came begging” to her ahead of the Oscars because “no one cares anymore.”

Jenner’s awards circuit presence extended earlier in the year. She supported Chalamet at the 2026 BAFTAs in London on Feb. 22, opting for a bejeweled black Mugler gown from Tab Vintage and skipping the red carpet before reuniting inside. She also missed the Actor Awards on March 1, where Chalamet attended solo with his mother.

Beyond red carpets, Jenner ventured into music with a surprise feature on Yeat’s track “Let King Tonka Talk,” released in March 2026. Her brief “King Kylie” verse generated buzz and divided opinions—some called it peak crossover, others an instant skip—highlighting her expanding cultural footprint.

Out and about in Los Angeles earlier in the month, Jenner was photographed March 3 in casual outings, maintaining a low-key vibe amid her busy schedule. Kylie Cosmetics continues as a cornerstone of her empire, with recent product drops like the Dewy Balm promoted on social media.

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The couple’s relationship, public since 2023, remains a focal point. Speculation about engagement swirled post-Oscars, though no announcements emerged. Chalamet’s supportive gestures and Jenner’s presence at events underscore their bond, even as minor moments—like a perceived cool interaction with his sister Pauline during an Oscars break—sparked online chatter about family dynamics.

As Jenner balances motherhood, business and Hollywood adjacency, her 2026 trajectory shows confidence in personal choices. From bold fashion statements to candid family talks, she navigates scrutiny while embracing growth. With more kids on the horizon and continued spotlight, Jenner’s next chapter promises further evolution.

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Is King Khalid International Airport Open? Airport Remains Open But Faces Ongoing Flight Cancellations

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King Khalid International Airport

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Saudi Arabia’s main aviation gateway serving the capital, continues to operate normally as of March 23, 2026, despite widespread regional disruptions stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran that has roiled Gulf airspace and travel patterns since late February.

King Khalid International Airport
King Khalid International Airport

Airport authorities and multiple travel advisories confirm the facility remains fully open and operational 24/7, with terminals, runways, check-in, security and baggage services functioning without interruption. The official airport website (kkia.sa) urges passengers to verify flight status via its WhatsApp helpline at 920020090 or airline channels, emphasizing that while the physical infrastructure is unaffected, schedules face significant volatility due to airspace restrictions, security assessments and airline adjustments.

The conflict’s ripple effects have led to patchy operations rather than outright closure. Early March saw major cancellations, with reports from Semafor on March 6 noting most flights grounded one night amid threats and restrictions. Saudi airspace has stayed open as a relative safe corridor compared to neighbors, positioning Riyadh as a key exit and transit point for stranded Gulf travelers. Al Arabiya English highlighted Riyadh’s role in accommodating rerouted passengers, with emergency coordination activated by March 12 to handle influxes from disrupted routes.

Recent updates reinforce this status. As of mid-March, sources including The Traveler and Travel and Tour World described the airport as “open and fully operational” even as commercial flights remain curtailed. Public advisories from March 17-23 point to reduced schedules, late-notice cancellations and extended delays, particularly on international routes to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, India and parts of Europe. Airlines like Saudia extended suspensions to select destinations through mid-March, while carriers such as Air France, KLM, Cathay Pacific and LOT Polish Airlines canceled or limited services to Riyadh amid broader Gulf suspensions.

Flight tracking data from platforms like Flightradar24 and FlightAware show activity persisting, albeit at lower volumes than typical for the season. Weather remains clear—scattered clouds, around 84°F (29°C) with light winds—as reported in real-time conditions, posing no additional operational hurdles. No blanket shutdowns or closures appear in official channels or recent news, contrasting with temporary halts elsewhere in the region.

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The disruptions trace to heightened risks from missile and drone threats, prompting advisories from bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) urging caution in Saudi airspace. Travelers face challenges planning departures or connections, with some stranded for days. Airport staff have worked through backlogs, and Saudi authorities have prioritized logistical support for affected passengers.

Amid the turbulence, positive developments highlight resilience. On March 23, King Khalid International Airport received global acclaim at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in London, named “World’s Most Improved Airport” among over 560 evaluated worldwide. It also earned “Best Airport” in the 30-40 million passengers category, ranked 14th overall on the best airports list, and placed second for “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East.” The awards, announced during the Passenger Terminal Expo, recognize operational enhancements and service improvements under Riyadh Airports Company management.

The recognition coincides with a major infrastructure overhaul completed earlier in 2026. A February terminal reallocation project—the largest in the airport’s history—reassigned airlines across Terminals 1-5, boosting annual capacity from 42 million passengers in 2025 to a projected 56 million by year-end, a more than 33% increase. The transition, executed over 10 days in mid-February, aimed to streamline operations and support Riyadh’s ambition as a global hub.

Travelers are advised to check status repeatedly due to the fluid situation. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued alerts in mid-March urging American citizens to depart via commercial means amid potential threats, while noting major airports like King Khalid remain accessible despite airspace fluctuations.

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As the conflict enters its fourth week, King Khalid’s ability to stay open has provided a vital lifeline for regional mobility. While full normalcy remains elusive—with many carriers operating limited or exceptional flights—the absence of closure underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic positioning in a volatile landscape. Passengers should monitor airline apps, the airport’s official channels and tools like FlightAware for real-time updates before heading to the facility.

The airport’s dual story of disruption and achievement illustrates the broader challenges facing Gulf aviation in 2026: balancing security imperatives with ambitious growth goals. For now, King Khalid International Airport stands ready, its gates open even as the skies above remain unpredictable.

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Dollar Tree secures $500 million term loan, ends revolving credit facility

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Dollar Tree secures $500 million term loan, ends revolving credit facility

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This Time, the Hype Around Self-Driving Cars Feels Real

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This Time, the Hype Around Self-Driving Cars Feels Real

This Time, the Hype Around Self-Driving Cars Feels Real

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Scott Nicol and the Leadership Playbook for Schools

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Scott Nicol and the Leadership Playbook for Schools

Leading a School District Like a Modern Organization

Public education rarely gets discussed in the same way as business leadership. Yet running a school district involves strategy, budgeting, operations, and community management. Few people understand this better than Dr. Scott V. Nicol, superintendent of Ellington Public Schools in Connecticut.

Nicol’s approach blends data, civic engagement, and practical leadership. Under his watch, the district has navigated pandemic disruptions, pushed for policy reforms, and launched community initiatives designed to strengthen trust and civil discourse.

“It is the role of the Superintendent to interact with all stakeholders wishing to learn more about the school district,” Nicol said during a community forum in Ellington. “Our goal is always to partner for the betterment of all Ellington students.”

His leadership story shows how modern school systems increasingly operate like complex organizations—balancing performance, accountability, and community expectations.

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Scott Nicol’s Leadership Philosophy in Education

Scott Nicol often talks about the idea of the “Ellington Family.” In public messages to the community, he frames education as a shared effort between schools, families, and local organizations.

“Our family celebrates progress,” Nicol wrote in one community letter. “Valuing the perspective and experiences of all, even when we are uncomfortable and might not fully understand.”

His leadership philosophy centers on two key ideas:

  • Open dialogue
  • Shared responsibility

He believes schools should foster both academic learning and civic understanding. That philosophy shaped one of his most visible initiatives.

The Seeds of Civility Initiative

In 2019, Nicol helped launch Seeds of Civility, a community initiative designed to encourage respectful dialogue.

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The program outlines seven guiding principles:

  1. Listen, observe, and reflect
  2. Assume good intentions
  3. Allow emotional reactions
  4. Speak one’s truth
  5. Communicate face to face
  6. Find similarities and value differences
  7. Debate issues while respecting people

The concept gained recognition beyond the town. In 2024, Ellington Public Schools received the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service Civility Award from the University of Hartford.

The award recognized efforts to promote respectful civic discussion during a time when public discourse often becomes polarized.

For Nicol, the initiative is less about theory and more about everyday interactions.

“Educators must create the conditions for respectful dialogue,” he explained. “Students should exercise free speech while balancing that responsibility with active listening.”

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Navigating the Pandemic and Student Learning

Like most school leaders, Nicol faced major operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many districts struggled with learning loss and shifting policies.

Ellington took a different path.

District leaders prioritized in-person learning in fall 2020, even when many schools relied heavily on hybrid models.

They also invested in:

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  • Remote learning infrastructure
  • Student intervention programs
  • Better conferencing technology
  • Data systems that gave teachers real-time performance insights

The strategy produced an unusual result.

According to state data, Ellington was the only district in Connecticut to increase overall student growth in grades 3–8 and SAT scores in both English language arts and mathematics compared with pre-pandemic levels.

Local leaders described the outcome as a community effort.

“We were hopeful this strategy would pay dividends for our students,” said Board of Education Chair Jennifer Dzen when the results were released.

Managing Budgets and Public Accountability

Superintendents also function as financial managers. Nicol regularly engages in budget discussions at both local and state levels.

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In 2024, he testified before the Connecticut Appropriations Committee about changes to the state’s Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula, which determines funding for school districts.

He warned lawmakers that sudden funding shifts can make planning difficult for local governments.

“Significant changes to ECS grant amounts in such a short period are problematic for municipalities and school districts to reasonably forecast budgets,” Nicol said in his testimony.

His recommendation was simple: phase in funding adjustments more gradually.

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The approach reflects a broader leadership theme—predictability matters when managing public systems.

Health, Nutrition, and Student Well-Being

Nicol has also supported initiatives related to student health.

Ellington school leaders raised concerns about chemicals and ultra-processed foods in the National School Lunch Program, asking federal officials to review regulations and subsidies tied to school meals.

Locally, the district promotes a wellness initiative called Ellington Unplugged, which encourages cooking meals from scratch and reducing reliance on processed foods.

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District leaders say the effort aims to improve both physical health and academic performance.

Building Community Partnerships

Another part of Nicol’s leadership style involves engaging with community groups.

At a public forum held at the Longview Fellowship Center, he answered questions from residents on issues ranging from teacher recruitment to technology use in early grades.

About 100 people attended the event.

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The session was moderated by Brent Walder, a local church leader who emphasized collaboration between faith organizations and the school system.

Nicol welcomed the approach.

“Organizations in Ellington can be positive partners with the school district,” he said during the discussion.

Safety and Operational Leadership

Operational leadership also includes security decisions.

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Ellington Public Schools employs armed School Security Officers, including retired law enforcement officials.

In 2024 the district hired retiring Vernon Police Chief John Kelley as a school security officer. The move reflected the district’s broader focus on safety planning and collaboration with local government.

Town officials described the partnership between municipal leaders and the school district as a key factor behind Ellington’s strong operational record

A Superintendent’s Long-Term Focus

Education leadership rarely follows a simple playbook. School systems operate at the intersection of policy, community expectations, and student outcomes.

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Nicol’s approach focuses on steady systems rather than quick fixes.

He often reminds the community that progress requires patience and cooperation.

“The Ellington Family will not be divided,” he wrote in one message to residents. “We will continue to come together by keeping the lines of communication open.”

For Nicol, leadership starts with conversation—and the belief that communities work best when people stay at the table.

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Newcastle’s Sapphire HR buys Manchester firm after Northern Powerhouse funding

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The company which aims to remove the burden of HR services has had its second round of funding from the Smaller Loans fund

Pictured from left to right: Joe Vera-Sanso, Executive, Corporate Finance at Clive Owen LLP, Sophie Ayre, Corporate Associate Solicitor at Swinburne Maddison LLP, Craig Malarkey, Partner at Swinburne Maddison LLP, Michael Dobson, Founder and Managing Director at Sapphire HR and Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers.

Pictured from left to right: Joe Vera-Sanso, Executive, Corporate Finance at Clive Owen LLP, Sophie Ayre, Corporate Associate Solicitor at Swinburne Maddison LLP, Craig Malarkey, Partner at Swinburne Maddison LLP, Michael Dobson, Founder and Managing Director at Sapphire HR and Susan Snowdon, Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers.(Image: NEL Fund Managers)

A North East HR firm has acquired a company in Manchester after securing a second round of investment from a Northern Powerhouse fund. Newcastle-based Sapphire HR has received a six-figure sum from the NPIF – NEL Smaller Loans fund, which managed by NEL Fund Managers as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

The sum has led to the deal for Sapphire to buy Manchester-based Heads HR Limited, as well as refining its marketing strategy in a bid to accelerate expansion. Sapphire HR, which provides HR solutions designed to alleviate the stress of HR management for small business owners, received its first round of investment in 2024.

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Since then, the business has recruited two new HR advisers and significantly grown its client base. It is now looking to accelerate its next phase of growth in the education sector and to develop specialist teams within primary care, social care, the NHS and education.

Michael Dobson, founder and managing director at Sapphire HR, said: “I’m delighted to have worked with the teams at NEL Fund Managers, Clive Owen and Swinburne Maddison on this funding round. The unfailing support and guidance throughout the process have been invaluable, enabling us to realise our growth ambitions, and expand by acquiring another specialist team to provide HR services to the education sector and schools across the country from this team’s base in Manchester.

“The team at Heads HR have built a loyal client base over the last 10+ years and we look forward to working closely with the team over the coming months as the business moves forward with this exciting new chapter. This acquisition positions us to capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead as we continue to strengthen as a business and deliver HR solutions to a UK-wide client-base.”

Susan Snowdon, NEL investment executive, said: “As a previous investee, I was delighted to work with Michael and the team again and continue our strategic partnership. With this new investment, the business is well positioned to drive sustainable revenue growth, and I wish them all the best.”

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The company was introduced to NEL Fund Managers by Michael Cantwell, corporate finance partner at Clive Owen LLP, who oversaw the transaction alongside Craig Malarkey, partner at Swinburne Maddison LLP. They were supported by Joe Vera-Sanso, corporate finance executive, and Sophie Ayre, corporate associate solicitor.

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, which is operated by British Business Bank, covers the entire North and provides loans from £25,000 to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank said: “Having initially supported Sapphire HR at the end of 2024, we’re proud to see NEL providing further funding to this ambitious business through NPIF II. NPIF II is committed to backing businesses throughout their growth journey, allowing them to pursue new opportunities. It’s investments like this that can help to broaden a business’s reach, unlock new markets, create high-quality jobs and, ultimately, build a stronger Northern economy.”

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