Target 360 & Liberty's $14M Fine

Heyo, reader! We hope you’re having a good Wednesday morning!

2️⃣ This Morning’s Two Reports:

• 🎯 Target Revamps Shopping with Circle 360 Membership

• 🚨 Liberty University Fined $14M for Campus Safety Violations

📊 Market Snapshot

• DOW: 🔽 1.04% (38,585.19)

• S&P 500: 🔽 1.02% (5,078.65)

• NASDAQ: 🔽 1.65% (15,939.59)

• BTC: 🔽 6.09% (64,177.30)

• ETH: 🔽 1.96% (3,561.97)

_{*Stock numbers as of market close, cryptocurrency as of 6:45pm EST yesterday.}

First Report

🎯 Target Revamps Shopping with Circle 360 Membership

Target is stepping up its game with the introduction of Target Circle 360, a strategic paid membership program launching next month to enhance consumer engagement and market share amidst cautious spending trends. Competing head-to-head with Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus, Target Circle 360 builds on the existing Circle program and credit card perks, offering members free two-day shipping, direct-to-door deliveries, and seamless same-day service for purchases over $35 through Shipt and its partners. This service, detailed by Cara Sylvester, Target’s chief guest experience officer, aims to redefine convenience by covering everything from groceries to the latest must-haves without extra fees or markups. Available from April 7 to May 18 at a special introductory price of $49 for the first year before rising to $99 annually, with ongoing benefits for Target Circle cardholders, this membership is part of Target’s growth roadmap to reignite sales, traffic, and share gains for a profitable 2024. 🛒💳

TL;DR ⏳: Target Circle 360 introduces a paid membership for $49/year, offering free shipping, same-day delivery, and other benefits, aimed at enhancing customer experience and competitive positioning.

Second Report

🚨 Liberty University Fined $14M for Campus Safety Violations

The U.S. Department of Education has imposed a record $14 million fine on Liberty University for severe breaches of the Clery Act, a landmark penalty for failing to adhere to federal campus crime-reporting laws. This decision concludes a detailed investigation that spanned years, from 2016 to 2023, uncovering that the Lynchburg, Va., Christian university systematically discouraged crime reporting, inadequately responded to sexual violence, and failed to notify the campus community of criminal threats and dangers such as gas leaks. The investigation, which involved feedback from nearly 100 individuals including students, parents, and both former and current employees, paints a troubling picture of Liberty's commitment to safety and transparency. Alongside the fine, Liberty is required to allocate $2 million towards campus safety improvements over a two-year period of federal monitoring, ending in April 2026. This action by the Education Department, highlighting the university's "serious, persistent, and systemic violations," aims to reinforce the importance of campus safety and the right of students, faculty, and staff to a secure educational environment. 🏫🛑

TL;DR ⏳: Liberty University is fined $14M for failing to report campus crimes and safety issues, the largest Clery Act penalty to date.

⚡ Quick Hits

1. 📺 Tune in tomorrow for a breakdown of Super Tuesday in the First Report! See here for live updates!

2. 💥 Explosions at Detroit vape shop propel canisters and switch blades into the air

3. ✈️ 3 children among 5 fatalities in Nashville highway plane crash

4. 🏛️ Kyrsten Sinema to retire from the Senate

5. ⚖️ Sen Menendez faces new obstruction of justice charges

6. 🪂 U.S. conducts second airdrop, rules out ground troop deployment in aid mission

7. 🚨 Haiti military mobilizes as gangs target main airport, mass prison escapes reported

8. 🚔 8 men arrested in India following vlogger's gang rape during motorcycle trip

9. 💳 Banking sector criticizes Biden administration's rule on credit card late fees

10. 🔌 Facebook and Instagram service restored after widespread disruption

Games

Fun Fact: Did you know? The longest English word that can be typed entirely with the left hand is "stewardesses." So, next time you're trying to impress someone at a party, just casually mention this fact. Who knows, it might just be the perfect icebreaker. 🎉🍹