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Operator

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to BayFirst Financial Corp. First Quarter 2026 Conference Call and Webcast. [Operator Instructions] This call is being recorded on Friday, May 1, 2026.

I would now like to turn the conference over to the Chairman of the Board, Anthony Saravanos. Please go ahead.

Anthony Saravanos

Thank you, Joanna. Good morning, and thank you for joining our call today. With me is Scott McKim, our CFO; Robin Oliver, our COO, and I would like to introduce Al Rogers as the new Chief Executive Officer and President of BayFirst National Bank. We are announcing some exciting news regarding the future of BayFirst.

First, we have raised $80 million of capital from investors through a private investment in a public equity offering. The company issued shares of convertible preferred stock in this pipe, which subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, will convert to or the exchanged for approximately 22.9 million shares of common stock at an effective purchase price of $3.50 per share.

We are announcing a rights offering for our existing shareholders to participate in this capital raise and are scheduling a special shareholder meeting on July 14. This successful capital raise reflects the trust our investors place in our institution and our long-term strategic direction. This has been a lengthy process over the past several quarters following the bank’s exit from SBA 7(a) lending.

I am extremely pleased to have Al join Robin, Scott and all the BayFirst team members to lead the company back

President Donald Trump said on Friday that the U.S. gave Spirit Airlines a final bailout proposal to aid the beleaguered carrier.

Trump said, “we’re driving a tough deal,” and that “if we could do it, we’d do it. But only if it’s a good deal. He also said an announcement would be coming soon.

The budget airline most recently sought a lifeline from the U.S. government to the tune of $500 million. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the airline is preparing to end operations after a deal could not be reached between certain bondholders and the government.

Sources later said the administration had proposed $500 million in financing in exchange for warrants equivalent to 90% of Spirit’s equity.

TED CRUZ POURS COLD WATER ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLAN TO BAIL OUT SPIRIT AIRLINES: ‘TERRIBLE IDEA’

Spirit Airlines airplanes at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

There had been disagreements inside the Trump administration over whether and how to fund the bailout, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Not all Spirit bondholders were on board with the deal, the report added.

Trump previously said he was interested in helping the airline.

“If we could get it for the right price, I’d do it to save the jobs,” he said during an event at the Oval Office last week.

Reuters contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — Rumors are swirling around a possible summer wedding for pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, with save-the-date notices reportedly circulating for a July 3 ceremony in New York City. While neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed details, multiple sources close to the couple suggest the high-profile pair is finalizing plans for an intimate yet lavish event that could captivate global attention.

The reported July 3 date aligns with Swift’s affinity for the number 13 — her lucky digit — falling on a Friday that weekend, potentially allowing a long holiday celebration. New York City offers sentimental ties for the couple, who have been spotted together in Manhattan and share connections to the entertainment and sports worlds there. Earlier speculation pointed to Swift’s Rhode Island estate or Ocean House resort for a June 13 wedding, but recent reports indicate a shift to the Big Apple for logistical or privacy reasons.

Save-the-dates have reportedly gone out to a select group of family, friends and industry insiders, though full invitations with venue specifics remain under wraps. Sources describe a guest list of around 150 to 200, balancing celebrity friends, NFL teammates, music collaborators and close relatives. Security and privacy will be paramount, given Swift’s massive fame and past experiences with public scrutiny.

The couple’s relationship has been a fairy tale narrative since they went public in 2023. Kelce’s podcast shoutout led to Swift attending a Chiefs game, sparking a romance that blended music, football and pop culture. Their engagement, reportedly in August 2025 during a private Kansas proposal, fueled immediate wedding speculation. Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” era and Kelce’s continued NFL success kept them in headlines while they navigated fame as a power couple.

Industry insiders note the timing makes sense. Swift wrapped major tour commitments, and Kelce’s offseason allows focus on personal milestones. A summer New York wedding avoids NFL season conflicts while capitalizing on pleasant weather for outdoor elements. Potential venues include iconic Manhattan locations or waterfront spots offering views and exclusivity.

Privacy remains a top priority. Swift has historically guarded personal moments, opting for intimate gatherings over media circuses. Kelce’s grounded personality complements her approach, with the couple often choosing low-key dates amid high-profile appearances. Any ceremony would likely feature tight security, NDAs for vendors and limited photography to control the narrative.

Friends and family have remained tight-lipped, adding to the intrigue. Swift’s inner circle includes longtime collaborators and fellow artists who might perform or attend. Kelce’s brother Jason and his wife Kylie, along with Chiefs teammates, would feature prominently. Celebrity guests could range from Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid to Patrick Mahomes and other NFL stars, creating a star-studded yet personal affair.

The economic impact of such an event would ripple through New York’s hospitality and event sectors. High-end venues, florists, caterers and security firms stand to benefit, while media coverage could boost tourism interest in potential sites. Wedding planners note that celebrity events of this scale often involve multimillion-dollar budgets covering everything from custom décor to entertainment.

Public fascination stems from the couple’s wholesome image and cultural influence. Swift’s songwriting often draws from personal experiences, raising speculation about future music inspired by married life. Kelce’s transition from athlete to broader entertainer — including “Saturday Night Live” appearances and media ventures — positions him as a supportive partner in Swift’s world. Their relationship has been praised for mutual respect and shared values amid intense scrutiny.

Skeptics question the timing amid Swift’s busy schedule and Kelce’s football commitments. Some reports suggest flexibility, with contingency plans if NFL obligations shift. Others note the couple’s preference for privacy might delay any official announcement until closer to the date or afterward. Past false rumors, including earlier Rhode Island speculation, highlight the challenge of separating fact from fan conjecture.

Legal and logistical preparations for a high-profile wedding involve teams of attorneys, planners and publicists. Prenuptial agreements, though rarely discussed publicly, are common in such unions to protect individual assets. Venue contracts, vendor NDAs and transportation logistics require meticulous coordination to maintain secrecy.

Fans have mixed reactions, with many expressing excitement and creating fan art or playlists celebrating the romance. Swifties worldwide trend hashtags and speculate on details, from potential dress designers to honeymoon destinations. The couple’s influence extends to fashion, music and sports crossovers, amplifying interest in their milestone.

Regardless of exact timing or location, Swift and Kelce’s union represents a modern celebrity romance blending talent, athleticism and genuine connection. As rumors solidify into confirmed plans, the world awaits glimpses of what promises to be one of the year’s most talked-about events. For now, the couple continues focusing on careers and each other amid the whirlwind of speculation.

It later included a clause stating the deal can be suspended if the Trump administration is deemed to have “undermined the objectives of the deal, discriminated against EU economic operators, threatened member states’ territorial integrity, foreign and defence policies, or engaged in economic coercion”.

Ford Motor Company is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a nationwide pricing push aimed at giving U.S. customers a break.

The Michigan-based automaker on Friday launched its “American Value. For American Values” campaign, offering employee pricing to all U.S. customers on most new 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles through July 6. 

Under the program, buyers can pay the same price as Ford employees — which is below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) — potentially saving them hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the vehicle, according to the company.

FORD RECALLS OVER 140,000 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER WIRING FIRE RISK

A Lincoln Navigator SUV is displayed against a desert backdrop at sunset. (Ford Motor Company)

Ford said the campaign highlights its broader commitment to American values.

“Ford has always believed that American values are more than words — they’re actions,” said Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, said in a statement. 

“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, ‘American Value. For American Values‘ is our way of giving back to the people who show up every day: American workers, small business owners, and families who place their trust in Ford.”

HOW CUTTING ONE COSTLY HABIT COULD SAVE SMALL BUSINESSES THOUSANDS ON FUEL: EXPERT

A worker assembles vehicle components on an auto production line at a Ford manufacturing plant. (Ford Motor Company)

In its announcement, Ford also highlighted its domestic footprint, noting it employs more U.S. hourly workers and assembles more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker.

“This commitment is not cyclical and not driven by short-term market conditions; it is foundational to Ford’s identity,” the company said.

Earlier this year, Ford was ranked the “most American” brand in the country in a national survey, earning top marks across political affiliations and income levels.

FORD RECALLS OVER 422,000 VEHICLES OVER WINDSHIELD WIPER ISSUE

The Ford logo is seen on the Ford Motor Company headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. (Reuters/Rebecca Cook/File Photo / Reuters)

In a statement to FOX Business at the time, Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford said the company’s standing reflects its long-standing role in shaping the U.S. economy.

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“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, I’m proud that Ford has helped strengthen this country — not just by building great vehicles, but by expanding opportunity and improving people’s lives,” Bill Ford told FOX Business in an email.

An exclusive holiday gathering just north of San Francisco reportedly turned into a stomach-churning fiscal nightmare for California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Back in December, Newsom and Google co-founder Sergey Brin attended the same “treehouse party” hosted by crypto investor Chris Larsen. It was there, according to a Bloomberg report, that Brin broke the news that he would be leaving the state in response to a proposed wealth tax.

According to the report, it was a tense, private confrontation so jarring that Newsom reportedly complained about a “lingering cold” he attributed to the interaction for months afterward.

Brin allegedly explicitly cited the Billionaire Tax Act, a 5% one-time excise tax on individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, hitting his nearly $289 billion net worth hard.

CALIFORNIANS FLEE HIGH COSTS — AND MANY COME OUT AHEAD FINANCIALLY, STUDY FINDS

Just this week, the Service Employees International Union–United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) said it has collected more than 1.55 million signatures, according to a press release, nearly double the 875,000-signature requirement, to put the one-time tax on billionaire assets on the California ballot this November.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom reportedly felt sick for months after Google co-founder Sergey Brin told him at a holiday party he was leaving the Golden State over the billionaire tax. (Getty Images)

If the measure is approved by voters, anyone who was a California resident on Jan. 1, 2026, would owe the tax, according to the proposal.

Brin effectively shielded his wealth from the retroactive reach of the proposed tax by buying properties in Nevada and Florida. He has also committed at least $45 million to a group called “Building A Better California” to fight the initiative, with his total spending to kill the tax already reaching $58 million this year.

“I fled socialism with my family in 1979 and know the devastating, oppressive society it created in the Soviet Union. I don’t want California to end up in the same place,” Brin told The New York Times this week regarding a story by the outlet that discussed his move.

Newsom has publicly opposed the billionaire tax, warning the measure would damage the economy and drive away investment. Since January, it’s estimated that more than $1 trillion in capital has left California.

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“This is my fear,” Newsom previously said in a Politico interview. “It’s just what I warned against. It’s happening.”

“The evidence is in. The impacts are very real — not just substantive economic impacts in terms of the revenue, but start-ups, the indirect impacts of … people questioning long-term commitments, medium-term commitments,” he continued. “That’s not what we need right now, at a time of so much uncertainty. Quite the contrary.”

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