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Watch Out - These 5 REITs Could Be Yield Traps 2024-04-02 02:28:00+00:00 - A yield trap is a stock that presently pays a very attractive dividend yield but is likely to have to cut its dividend soon. Beginning investors often make the mistake of choosing stocks simply based on high dividend yields, but often these are yield traps at high risk for cutting the dividend. When dividends are cut, the investor receives the double whammy of a price drop and a smaller dividend. Investors can reduce the risk of buying a yield trap by focusing on two key factors — the relationship between earnings and dividends being paid (the payout ratio) and the company's history of cutting, suspending or raising the dividend. If the dividend being paid is more than the earnings being generated, a dividend cut becomes likely. Take a look at six real estate investment trusts (REITs) that are at high risk for being yield traps based on one or both of the key factors cited. Global Net Lease Inc. (NYSE:GNL) is a New York-based net-lease diversified REIT, founded in 2011. Its portfolio of over 1,296 properties covers 66.8 million square feet across 11 countries. It has a 96% lease rate with a weighted average remaining lease term of 6.8 years. Properties in the U.S. and Canada account for 80% of Global Net Lease's portfolio, and another 20% are in Europe. Global Net Lease pays a quarterly dividend of $0.35 and the annualized $1.40 dividend presently yields 19%. But the dividend was cut from $0.53 to $0.40 per share in April 2020 and again to $0.35 per share in October 2023. With forward funds from operations (FFO) of only $1.09, the payout ratio of 130% is too high to be sustainable. The FFO has also declined in five of the last six quarters, so the declining fundamentals are a huge red flag for investors. Orchid Island Capital Inc. (NYSE:ORC) is a Vero Beach, Florida-based specialty finance mortgage REIT that acquires, invests in and offers financing from U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities. Orchid pays a monthly dividend of $0.12 per share and the $1.44 annualized dividend now yields 16.64%. But over the last five years, the dividend has been cut five times. Story continues In addition, Orchid has produced negative earnings per share (EPS) in five consecutive quarters and has had four consecutive quarters of negative revenue. So Orchid is paying $1.44 in annual dividends while earning a negative $0.25 per share. Those numbers won't work for long. Orchid is at extremely high risk of having to cut dividends again, and investors should not be taken in by the high dividend rate. Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp. (NYSE:ACRE) is a New York City-based mortgage REIT that originates and invests in commercial real estate loans and other investments in the U.S. Ares was incorporated in 2011. Ares Commercial pays a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, but the dividend was cut from $0.35 to $0.33 in September and cut again to $0.25 per share in February. The $1 annualized dividend yields 13.27%, but don't count on this yield remaining that high in the future when the forward EPS is only $0.17 per share. Dynex Capital Inc. (NYSE:DX) is a Glen Allen, Virginia-based mortgage REIT that invests in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) on a leveraged basis. It has a portfolio fair value of $7.4 billion. Dynex was incorporated in 1987. Dynex Capital pays a monthly dividend of $0.13 per share. To its credit, the dividend has been stable since June 2020. However, the dividend was cut in August 2019 and May 2020. And the annualized dividend of $1.56 per share does not cover the forward EPS of negative $0.12 per share. Dynex has had four consecutive quarters of negative EPS and revenue. The 12.27% dividend yield is enticing, but this REIT is a potential yield trap and best avoided. Generation Income Properties Inc. (NASDAQ:GIPR) is a Tampa, Florida-based diversified REIT that owns 26 single-tenant properties, including retail, office and industrial net lease properties in densely populated areas. Seventy-two percent of its tenants are investment grade credit or equivalent. Generation Income is still a small company that was founded in 2015 and went public in 2021. Generation Income pays a monthly dividend of $0.039, and the annual dividend of $0.468 presently yields 12.58%. The dividend was cut from $0.54 per share to $0.39 per share in October 2022. In addition to the dividend cut, this is another REIT with four consecutive quarters of negative FFO. The annualized dividend rate of $0.47 is unsustainable with a forward FFO of negative $0.22. Although each of the preceding REITs may pay a nice dividend a time or two going forward, the potential for further dividend cuts and or declines in share price is too obvious to ignore. Investors should consider looking for better options, even if the dividend yields are smaller. Explore Opportunities Beyond REITs While publicly traded REITs offer a convenient way to invest in real estate, we believe that some of the most compelling opportunities lie in the private market. Benzinga's real estate offering screener features a curated selection of private market real estate offerings from trusted platforms with a track record of strong returns. Whether you’re an accredited or non-accredited investor, you can filter opportunities based on your investment criteria, including minimum investment, property type and target return. These offerings provide a unique chance to diversify your portfolio and tap into potential high-yield investments that are not available on public exchanges. Browse offerings Latest Private Market Offerings QOZ Fund III : Realize massive tax benefits investing in a portfolio of multifamily development projects with long-term growth potential located in designated Opportunity Zones. Golden Leaf Farming LP: Top-tier almond and pistachio farms with a target cash yield of 13.8% Discover these and other exclusive real estate investment opportunities on Benzinga's offering screener. Dive into the private market and uncover the potential for substantial returns beyond the public REIT market. "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Watch Out - These 5 REITs Could Be Yield Traps originally appeared on Benzinga.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Fitch says UnitedHealth unit hack to have no credit impact on not-for-profit hospitals 2024-04-02 02:01:00+00:00 - FILE PHOTO: The corporate logo of the UnitedHealth Group appears on the side of one of their office buildings in Santa Ana, California (Reuters) - Fitch does not anticipate any credit impact on not-for-profit hospitals in the United States from the cyberattack at UnitedHealth's tech unit Change Healthcare that caused disruption to pharmacies across the U.S., the ratings agency said on Monday. The agency said it does not see any negative rating implications tied to the hack if the care providers can return to normal operations in the near term and maintain a large-enough cash cushion. The cyberattack at Change, disclosed on Feb. 21 and initially attributed to "suspected nation-state associated cybersecurity threat actor", was later blamed on hackers who identified themselves as the "Blackcat" ransomware group. Change Healthcare is a vital lynchpin in the system for making and clearing insurance claims as it processes roughly half the medical claims in the United States. (Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)

George Soros Fund Buys $400 Million Stake In 227 US Radio Stations Going Into 2024 Election 2024-04-02 00:52:00+00:00 - Billionaire hedge fund manager George Soros has been the target of controversy recently after a recent move to become a controlling shareholder in the second-largest owner of radio stations in the U.S. This isn't the first media brand Soros has bought a substantial stake in, but it worries some people going into the 2024 election. Last year, Soros bought a substantial stake in Vice Media Group. Vice was once worth nearly $6 billion, but Soros bought a stake in the company for pennies on the dollar following its surprise bankruptcy in 2023. The deal valued Vice at roughly $350 million with Soros owning an undisclosed stake in the company. Don't Miss: Executives and founders of Uber, Facebook and Apple are bullish on this wellness app that you can co-invest in at $1.15 per share. Fortnite’s creator company greenlights partial ownership for up to 100 accredited investors in the upcoming series. Audacy, the No. 2 U.S. radio broadcaster behind iHeartMedia, recently filed for bankruptcy. The company owns 227 major radio stations in 27 states and 45 cities across the U.S. These include some of the biggest channels in New York; Memphis and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Denver; Washington D.C., Miami and Orlando, Florida; Atlanta; Baltimore, Maryland; Wichita, Kansas; Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas; Richmond, Virginia; and many major cities across California as well as several other prominent markets across the U.S. The bankruptcy plan, which would convert debt purchases into equity ownership, saw Soros purchase roughly 40% of Audacy's debt, according to The New York Post. While that isn't a true 51% controlling stake, it's likely to be one of the largest, if not the largest, stakes in the company potentially giving the Soros Fund effective control of Audacy, The Post reported in February. Trending: This startup coined “eBay for gamers” with a breathtaking track record has opened up a window to invest in its future growth. Some have voiced concerns about this purchase going into the 2024 election. Soros is a well-known political advocate for left-leaning politicians and is often one of the largest donors to such politicians in countries around the world. Soros donated over $140 million to political causes in 2021 and $170 million to the 2022 mid-term elections. Story continues This influence on the U.S. political system has caused speculation about his control over politicians and elections for many years. Some fear this acquisition could be used as a campaign tool at the local and regional levels or to influence the upcoming 2024 election. The New York Post's article details one conservative voice close to the deal describing the transaction as "scary." While there are several other entities involved in this transaction, it's unclear who will have effective control or whether there will be a noticeable impact on any of the radio stations. Soros has conducted hundreds of billions of dollars in business deals and acquisitions over the decades, with many of them to provide a return on investment (ROI) to his investors. Some brands have shown the ability to be owned by interested parties while still maintaining a semblance of journalistic integrity. Amazon.com Inc. Founder Jeff Bezos bought The Washington Post when it was in decline in 2013. After an infusion of capital and a much-needed bailout, the company has continued to thrive in recent years. Despite being owned by Bezos, The Washington Post has, on occasion, not shied away from criticizing its billionaire owner. While it's unclear what implications this will have on radio stations across the U.S. or the 2024 election, it's likely to draw continued speculation and controversy going into the election this November. Read Next: "ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now! Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article George Soros Fund Buys $400 Million Stake In 227 US Radio Stations Going Into 2024 Election originally appeared on Benzinga.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Trump's Truth Social loses $4 billion in value in one week, while revealing wider loss 2024-04-01 22:58:00+00:00 - Former President Donald Trump's fledgling media business is losing its sheen among investors a week after going public, with a sharp reversal in the company's stock price lopping $4 billion off its value. The plunge in Trump Media & Technology Group's shares, which debuted on the Nasdaq Composite Index on March 25 under the ticker "DJT" (after the former president's initials), comes as it disclosed mounting losses in a regulatory filing. The company also noted that its accountant had issued a warning that its losses "raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern." Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, whose primary asset is the Truth Social platform, tumbled $13.30, or 21%, to $48.66 on Monday. That's below its opening price last Monday of $49.90 per share, and represents a 39% plunge from the stock's high of $79.38 on March 26. Still, the stock remains higher than before a deal that took Trump's media company public last week. The shares had previously traded under the name Digital World Acquisition Corp., a shell company designed to take Truth Social public. Even after Monday's dip, the stock has surged 178% this year. Trump, who owns 57% of the newly public company, has lost $2.5 billion — at least on paper — because of the stock slide. His stake is now worth $3.8 billion, down from $6.3 billion at the stock's peak last week. To be sure, Trump Media continues to maintain a heady market capitalization for a business that's in the red and that booked just $4.1 million in revenue last year. Even after Monday's stock plunge, the business is worth $6.7 billion, making it more valuable than companies like Bausch & Lomb, Alcoa Corp. or Harley-Davidson, all of which have annual revenue in the billions. Trump Media's soaring valuation has prompted comparisons with so-called "meme" stocks like GameStop, which typically attract individual investors based on social media buzz, rather than the tried-and-true yardsticks relied on by institutional investors, such as profitability and revenue growth. Yet Truth Social has positioned itself as an alternative to more established tech giants such as Meta's Facebook, which also endured losses in its early years. "GameStop was the meme stock of a lifetime, but Trump Media has put it to shame," Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, told the Associated Press last week. Trump Media & Technology Group on Monday disclosed more details about its finances. The company booked $4.1 million in revenue last year, compared with $1.5 million in the year-earlier period. It also posted a loss of $58 million in 2023, compared with a profit of $50 million in the prior year. Additionally, it noted that its accountant flagged that the company's losses raise doubts about its ability to continue operating. Such a warning, however, reflects the company's current situation; the company could grow its user base, revenue and reverse its losses, putting it on a more stable path. Trump's stake locked up Trump stands to make billions from his majority stake in Truth Social's parent company, a windfall that comes at an opportune time for the former president given mounting financial pressures. Even so, Trump is unable to access the stock, at least for now. That's because Trump and other company executives are subject to a so-called "lock-up" provision that bars them from selling the stock for at least six months. Such provisions are common in IPOs as a way to keep insiders from dumping shares immediately after a company goes public. "Trump cannot sell his stock in the company for six months, making it difficult to translate Truth Social's value into liquid cash that can be spent on the campaign," Europa Group analysts said in a report. "That outlook could change over the coming months, particularly if Trump obtains the waiver or can find a lender willing to accept shares in Trump Media as collateral."

SIGGRAPH 2024 Returns to Its Colorado Roots for the 51st Annual Conference Held Sunday, 28 July to Thursday, 1 August 2024-04-01 22:33:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... Registration is officially open for the world's premier conference and exhibition showcasing the latest in computer graphics, set to take place at the Colorado Convention Center DENVER, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGGRAPH 2024 will soon descend upon Denver's Colorado Convention Center this summer, and this announcement marks a full circle moment. The SIGGRAPH concept came to fruition at The University of Colorado in Boulder, and 51 years later will return to the place where it all began. The SIGGRAPH community focuses on computer graphics and interactive techniques, which includes innovation and technological developments in the fields of animation, visualization, imaging, and art to name a few. This community consists of computer scientists, researchers, mathematicians, engineers, technologists, and artists who are all interested in how computer-generated images inform, inspire, and shape the world we live in. Registration for this world-renowned event opened Thursday, 28 March. Registration is open for the world's premier conference and exhibition showcasing the latest in computer graphics. While SIGGRAPH was conceptualized in Boulder more than five decades ago, the event's return to Colorado from Sunday, 28 July to Thursday, 1 August, further amplifies Colorado as a national leader in the IT industry. According to the Colorado Technology Association's Colorado Tech Industry Report, Colorado has the seventh fastest IT industry growth rate in the nation, and in the next five years, Colorado IT employment growth is predicted to grow by 12%, the third highest predicted growth rate across the U.S. "For the first time, we have the chance to go back to Colorado after a half century. It's a full circle to come back here, and I think that's really meaningful," SIGGRAPH 2024 Conference Chair Andres Burbano of the Open University of Catalonia said. "Computer graphics and interactive techniques are a constant presence in our everyday lives. Thanks to the phones in our pockets, we carry graphics with us on the go, impacting how we live, work, play, and travel, and this development reaches far beyond ourselves and our communities. It extends to how we interact with different levels of reality from the more intimate and personal to the global and public." ACM SIGGRAPH presents two annual conferences attended by tens of thousands of industry experts. For the North American event, Virtual Access is available as well, allowing attendees to tune in from around the world. SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 will be held 3–6 December in Tokyo, Japan. These are considered the world's largest, most influential conferences on computer graphics and interactive techniques. Year after year, these conferences inspire progress through education and collaboration. Participants are offered unique opportunities for education and interaction with the best and brightest in the industry. SIGGRAPH 2024 selecting Denver to host proves that the Mile High City is on the world's playing field when it comes to technology and computer graphics. The technology industry has a large impact on the Colorado economy. In 2021, the industry generated more than $76 billion in Gross State Product (GSP), accounting for 18% of the state's total economic output and accounted for 9% of Colorado's employment. Colorado proves to be setting the stage as a leader for technology in the nation. "There are also several industries in Colorado that are important for SIGGRAPH, like creative industries, electronics, technology, and information. We know that there's a lot of movement around the aerospace industry, and there are aspects of computer graphics and applications of graphics to the aerospace industry. Colorado offers us an expanded view of the idea of computer graphics and interactive techniques," Burbano added. SIGGRAPH 2024 offers a vast lineup of programs covering topics in the realms of arts and design, gaming and interactive, new technologies, production and animation, and research and education. As a contributor or an attendee, each plays an active role in building the desirable future of computer graphics and interactive techniques. There will be keynote presentations from the industry's brightest minds, an animation showcase at the Academy Award-qualifying Electronic Theater, various panels, an Educator's Forum, storytelling in the VR Theater, the Student Research Competition, and an Experience Hall full of immersive tech and the annual Art Gallery, and many more interactive opportunities. For more information and to participate in SIGGRAPH 2024, discover more about the conference and register at s2024.siggraph.org/register. About ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, and SIGGRAPH 2024 ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group within ACM that serves as an interdisciplinary community for members in research, technology, and applications in computer graphics and interactive techniques. The SIGGRAPH conference is the world's leading annual interdisciplinary educational experience showcasing the latest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH 2024, the 51st annual conference hosted by ACM SIGGRAPH, will take place live 28 July–1 August at the Colorado Convention Center, along with a Virtual Access option. SOURCE SIGGRAPH

Another high-profile cybersecurity incident, another reason to buy our stock in the industry 2024-04-01 22:13:00+00:00 - Investors received another reason to buy shares of Palo Alto Networks , according to Jim Cramer, in light of a cybersecurity incident that has impacted millions of AT & T customers. The telecommunications giant said Saturday it was investigating a leak of customer data onto the dark web, which compromised information belonging to 73 million current and former AT & T account holders. This includes sensitive info like social security numbers, home addresses and dates of birth. But bad news for AT & T can be seen as good news for Club holding Palo Alto Networks, as the data leak underscores the need for cybersecurity offerings at a time of widespread digital threats. Microsoft and UnitedHealth Group are among the companies recently involved in high-profile cyber incidents. "Buy some Palo Alto on this," Jim Cramer said Monday. "We like that [stock.]" AT & T said the incident has not had a material impact on its operations and the passcodes of the 7.6 million current account holders affected have been reset. Meanwhile, the company said it is contacting the other 65.4 million former customers who were impacted. AT & T also said it currently does not have evidence that "unauthorized access to its systems" led to the data leak, according to a press release Saturday. AT & T didn't immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on whether it had any new information regarding the data leak. PANW YTD mountain Palo Alto Networks (PANW) year-to-date performance The list of companies making headlines due to cybersecurity incidents is extensive. And the growing threat from emboldened hackers has generated business for Palo Alto Networks. UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare subsidiary was targeted by hackers in February, causing disruptions to prescription refills for patients and reimbursement payments to health-care providers from insurers. Change Healthcare, the largest health-care payment processor in the U.S., is now working with Palo Alto Networks and other cybersecurity firms to investigate what happened and protect its systems, according to UnitedHealth . Club holding Microsoft also was the target of cyber criminals earlier this year. Microsoft, which has its own cybersecurity business, disclosed in January that a Russian intelligence group tried to breach email accounts of its employees. In a note to clients that month, JPMorgan analysts said argued that cybersecurity vendors like Palo Alto Networks could benefit from the incident , suggesting the news "could drive greater levels of caution with regard to relying too heavily on Microsoft for security." AT & T's data leak is the latest sign that cybersecurity solutions are more important than ever — and that investors should consider having exposure to the industry. Palo Alto Networks is our lone cybersecurity holding, even as its formerly red-hot stock has cooled following its Feb. 20 quarterly earnings report . That's when Palo Alto Networks said it would be shifting toward a so-called "platformization" strategy, offering one unified cybersecurity platform to expedite consolidation in the sector. As part of the strategy, the company effectively would be giving away some technology for free for a period of time. While CEO Nikesh Arora argued it would help bolster Palo Alto's edge against peers, the company subsequently slashed its full-year revenue and billings guidance, sending shares tanking 28.4% in a single session, to $261.97 each. Jim argued at the time that Palo Alto's decision represented short-term pain for long-term gains, and we added to our Palo Alto Networks position on the earnings-related weakness. But after enjoying a recovery to roughly $316 on Feb. 28, the stock has drifted lower again. It fell 1.66% Monday to close the session at $279.42 per share. Jim said during the Monthly Meeting last week he's comfortable with Palo Alto's standing in the industry, particularly after his recent interview with Arora. "I do think after speaking with Nikesh that I am very tempted, when this breaks $280, to buy some Palo Alto," he said. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long PANW, MSFT. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. In this photo illustration the logo from the cyber security company Palo Alto Networks seen displayed on a smartphone. Rafael Henrique| SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

Pokémon Go To 'Deliver Huge, Major Features' Later This Year, Teases Insider - Nintendo Co (OTC:NTDOY) 2024-04-01 22:08:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... Ed Wu, senior vice president of Pokémon Go, opened up about the game’s journey and what lies ahead, expressing excitement about its ongoing growth. In a chat with Eurogamer, Wu reflected on Pokémon Go’s impending 10th anniversary: “It’s bananas to think this thing is going to be going into its next decade soon.” See Also: The Unbelievable Story Of The ‘Pokémon Go Grandpa,’ The 74-Year-Old Cycling Around With 64 Devices Attached To His Bicycle Developed and published by Niantic Inc., under its parent company Alphabet, in partnership with Nintendo ADR NTDOY and The Pokémon Company, the game was released in 2016. Wu emphasized Niantic’s dedication to maintaining the game’s vibrancy, stating: “We’re putting a lot of investment into ensuring it’s a great game and has really firm foundations for the next 10 years.” Looking ahead, Wu teased some exciting updates, mentioning plans to revamp the Avatar system. He hinted at “updated assets” and a “modern system that can offer more customization,” suggesting players have something to look forward to. As for what’s in store for 2024, Wu kept the specifics under wraps but promised: “We will continue to deliver huge, major features, and we have several lined up for later this year.” He emphasized the team’s commitment to keeping the game fresh while staying true to its roots. Acknowledging the game’s technical challenges, Wu said, “We can always do better.” He discussed the complexities of managing the game’s infrastructure and highlighted improvements made over the years to ensure a smoother experience for players. On the topic of monetization, Wu addressed the introduction of in-game event tickets, acknowledging varying availability. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between monetization and delivering enjoyable experiences for players. Read Next: Pokémon Go Studio Niantic Announces 230 Layoffs Photo: Shutterstock

East Side Games Group Reports Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results - East Side Games Grp (OTC:EAGRF) 2024-04-01 21:56:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... Revenue of $20.6M in Q4 2023 and $87M for the full year A-EBITDA of $4.5M in Q4 2023 and $12.8M for the full year Q3 Strategic Realignment to optimize profitability and cashflow realized VANCOUVER, BC, April 1st, 2024 /CNW/ - East Side Games Group EAGR EAGRF ("ESGG" or the "Company"), today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars on an IFRS basis unless otherwise indicated. The Company is pleased to announce a strong finish to 2023, marking the most profitable quarter in its history and the fifth consecutive quarter exceeding $2.5 million in adjusted EBITDA. The Company's focused efforts on profitability throughout the past year, coupled with strategic realignment initiatives, culminated in a robust conclusion to the year. In the fourth quarter, the Company achieved revenue of $20.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $4.5 million, reflecting a 22% margin. East Side Games Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering captivating IP-driven games tailored to passionate audiences while collaborating with renowned brands in Movies, Television, Toys, Music, and Sports. In 2024, East Side Games Group proudly presents a robust lineup of game launches, starting with AEW: Rise to the Top (January 2024). In Q2 2024, anticipate the release of three games, each based on iconic brands. The company also has other titles in active development that utilize new and existing IP partnerships with 2024 and 2025 launch targets. This year witnessed further development of the new Matchkit framework, with the first game using the framework, Bud Farm: Munchie Match, delivering the strongest retention metrics in the company's thirteen-year history. ESGG will continue developing the Matchkit to scale and bring the same revolution to the Match genre as they did to the Idle genre. They have already soft-launched their second match title, with several more in active development. ESGG continues to experience growth due to the strength of its GameKit framework. They currently have seven LiveOps titles that generate 90% of their revenue, with no single title comprising more than 20%. This diverse position sets them apart from many mobile game companies, as most rely on a single title to drive 90% of their revenue. "2023 was a difficult year for mobile games and for the tech industry as a whole. It was a year that saw more than two hundred thousand jobs eliminated, hundreds of companies failing, and billions in market cap evaporating. Despite these headwinds and through the resilience of our incredible leadership team, ESGG has been able to keep revenues relatively flat while incrementally increasing profitability and growing our cash reserves. No small feat, and something I am very proud of." said Jason Bailey, CEO of ESGG. "Moving forward to 2024, we are seeing markets recover, opportunities present themselves again and the industry quickly recovering. Great things lie ahead for this team and the technological foundation we have built. We remain more committed than ever to our goal of providing creators tools to deliver mobile gaming experiences that engage players every day." Three months ended December 31, 2023 Highlights: For the quarter ended December 31st, 2023 , revenue was $20.6 million . , revenue was . Q4 2023 Adjusted EBITDA was $4.5 million , a margin of 22%. The 5th consecutive quarter over $2.5 million . , a margin of 22%. The 5th consecutive quarter over . Net Cash for the Company at December 31, 2023 was $5.2 million compared to $3.6 million at Q3 2023, a 44% increase. was compared to at Q3 2023, a 44% increase. The restructure announced in late August 2023 will result in approximately $5.0 million in annualized operating expense reductions with minimal expected impact on overall revenues. The effect of the reductions completed in August were realized for the full quarter starting Q4 2023. will result in approximately in annualized operating expense reductions with minimal expected impact on overall revenues. The effect of the reductions completed in August were realized for the full quarter starting Q4 2023. Daily Active Users in Q4 were 248K . Average Revenue per Daily Active User was $0.91 . . Average Revenue per Daily Active User was . On November 14, 2023 , the Company announced a renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") authorizing the Company to purchase 4,076,819 of its shares. Through December 31, 2023 , the Company purchased 951,979 shares at an average price of $0.82 . The company continues to buy back stock as restrictions allow. Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from the consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements") and Management's Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the Financial Statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information. The Financial Statements and MD&A can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR and EDGAR. Webcast and Conference Call Information The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its performance with the investment community at 9:00am PT April 2nd, 2024. Related earnings release materials can be found on East Side Games Group website at https://eastsidegamesgroup.com/investors/financial-information/. Webcast and Conference Call Details: Webcast URL: https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=45B421E8-6344-4875-A894-C12D436717FC&LangLocaleID=1033 Loading... Loading... Toll Free Dial-In Number: +1 (800) 717-1738 Local Dial-In Number: +1 (289) 514-5100 Conference ID: 62568 A replay will be available by dialing +1 (888) 660-6264 or +1 (289) 819-1325 and entering passcode 62568 #. ABOUT EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP East Side Games Group is a leading free-to-play mobile game group, creating engaging games that produce enduring player loyalty. Our studio groups entrepreneurial culture is anchored in creativity, execution, and growth through licensing of our proprietary Game Kit software platform that enables professional game developers to greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of game creation in addition to organic growth through a diverse portfolio of original and licensed IP mobile games that include: The Office: Somehow We Manage, Star Trek: Lower Decks – The Badgey Directive, Bud Farm Idle Tycoon, Doctor Who: Lost in Time, RuPaul's Drag Race Superstar, AEW: Rise to The Top, Cheech and Chong Bud Farm, and Trailer Park Boys: Grea$y Money. We are headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and our games are available worldwide on the App Store and Google Play. Additional information about the Company continues to be available under its legal name, East Side Games Group Inc., at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the proposed transactions described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. SOURCE East Side Games Group Inc.

Zoom and Salesforce stand to benefit from Microsoft's unbundling of Teams and Office 2024-04-01 21:53:00+00:00 - Executive Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation Satya Nadella attends a session during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 16, 2024. Microsoft's rivals won a reprieve on Monday, when the software giant said it would split up its Teams and Office bundles following scrutiny from European regulators. Zoom, whose video chat app took off during the Covid pandemic, has struggled of late to compete with Microsoft's suite of communications products. Slack, now owned by Salesforce , has long pined for this type of split, submitting an antitrust complaint to the European Commission in 2020 over what it viewed as illegal tying of Teams into Office. With Microsoft's latest announcement, some customers will have to pay more money to get the same features. For example, new clients of Office 365 E3 will pay $3 more per person per month with the split than they would for the combined offering, according to a blog post and previous price lists. Analysts at Mizuho Securities wrote in a note on Monday that "while customers believe Zoom is a superior platform vs. Teams" and other vendors, "the bundling of MS Teams to Office 365 has always been enticing for customers to consider Teams." Zoom's revenue growth, which peaked at over 350% in 2020 and 2021, slowed to 2.6% in the latest quarter and has been in single digits for seven straight periods. "In our view, the unbundling of MS Teams should help alleviate some enterprise churn headwinds," wrote the Mizuho analysts, who recommend buying Zoom shares. Organizations that already pay for the Microsoft bundle can keep using Teams and Office as is or, "if they wish to switch to the new lineup, they can do so on their contract anniversary or renewal," the blog post said. Last year, Microsoft generated almost $53 billion in revenue from Office, including Teams, up about 14% from 2022. CEO Satya Nadella told analysts on the company's earnings call in October that Teams had over 320 million monthly active users. Salesforce, which competes with Microsoft in a number of areas including communications and collaborations tools, acquired Slack in 2021 for $27 billion, its most expensive purchase since the company's founding 25 years ago. In July 2020, months before Salesforce announced the agreement, Slack filed a complaint about Microsoft in Europe. "Microsoft is reverting to past behavior," David Schellhase, Slack's general counsel at the time, was quoted as saying in a press release, referring to the "browser wars" of the 1990s. "They created a weak, copycat product and tied it to their dominant Office product, force installing it and blocking its removal." The year prior, Slack wasn't expressing much concerns about Teams. Slack founder and former CEO Stewart Butterfield said on an earnings call in December 2019 that while most of the company's top customers used parts of Microsoft's Office 365 suite, they were choosing slack for messaging instead of the Teams app. Zoom's stock slipped about 1% on Monday and Salesforce shares rose 0.4% A Zoom representative didn't respond to a request for comment, while Salesforce declined to comment. The Financial Times reported last year, citing unnamed individuals, that Microsoft would eventually let companies choose to buy productivity software subscriptions with or without Teams to head off a competition investigation from the European Union. Months later, the European Commission disclosed a probe into Microsoft's Teams and Office bundling. In response, Microsoft started selling distinct subscriptions for Teams and for other productivity software in 31 European countries. "To ensure clarity for our customers, we are extending the steps we took last year to unbundle Teams from M365 and O365 in the European Economic Area and Switzerland to customers globally," a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC in an email. "Doing so also addresses feedback from the European Commission by providing multinational companies more flexibility when they want to standardize their purchasing across geographies." WATCH: How Microsoft has been dodging regulatory trouble amid broader big tech headwinds

Two Warner Bros. Discovery directors resign after antitrust probe 2024-04-01 21:41:00+00:00 - The exterior of the Warner Bros. Discovery Atlanta campus is pictured after the Writers Guild of America began its strike against the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers, in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 2, 2023. Two Warner Bros. Discovery directors, Steven Miron and Steven Newhouse, are resigning following a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into a potential antitrust violation, according to a company release Monday. The company said Miron and Newhouse, who were both appointed as directors in April 2022 as part of the WarnerMedia and Discovery merger, were being investigated as to whether their participation on the board was in violation of Section 8 of the Clayton Antitrust Act, which largely prohibits the same directors or companies from serving simultaneously on the boards of competitors. Miron is the CEO of privately held media company Advance/Newhouse Partnership and a senior executive officer at Advance, which invests in media and technology companies, according to the release. Newhouse is co-president of Advance. Both of their terms on the Warner Bros. board were set to expire in 2025. Rather than contesting the DOJ matter, the company said both Miron and Newhouse voluntarily elected to resign from their positions, effective immediately. Neither director admitted any violation. "We are proud to have played a role in the building of this great company and remain a large stockholder. We are disappointed to leave the Board, but wish to do the right thing for WBD," Newhouse said in a statement. In a Monday evening statement, the DOJ said the conflicting company is Charter, a Connecticut-based media company which, like WBD's streaming platform Max, provides video distribution services. According to the DOJ, Advance representatives held seats on both WBD's board and Charter's board. "Today's announcement is a win for consumers," Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Kades of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division said in a statement. "In enacting Section 8 of the Clayton Act, Congress was concerned that competitors who shared directors would compete less vigorously to provide better services and lower prices. We will continue to vigorously enforce the antitrust laws when necessary to address overreach by corporations and their designated agents."

Trump seeks delay of hush money trial over 'prejudicial' press coverage, as he slams the case 2024-04-01 21:40:00+00:00 - Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks from the hallway outside a courtroom where he is attending a hearing in his criminal case on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2024. Attorneys for Donald Trump have asked a judge for a "significant" delay of his fast-approaching criminal hush money trial, arguing the Republican presidential nominee cannot get a fair jury due to "prejudicial pretrial publicity." The trial on charges of falsifying business records must adjourn until that press coverage "abates," Trump's lawyers wrote last week in a filing in New York Supreme Court. But in the wake of that request, Trump himself has publicly cast doubt on the integrity of the trial through a torrent of social media posts attacking the presiding judge — and the judge's adult daughter. Those posts came after Judge Juan Merchan imposed a gag order barring Trump from speaking about likely witnesses and other figures involved in the case. The gag order does not explicitly bar Trump from attacking the judge himself. Prosecutors asked Merchan on Thursday to "clarify or confirm" that the order protects family members of the court. Trump in a slew of recent Truth Social posts has called for Merchan's recusal from the case, accusing him of political bias. A number of those posts reference Merchan's daughter's work for a Democratic political firm, and at least one of them includes her full name and picture. But in their court filing requesting a trial delay, Trump's lawyers argued that it was the press, not the former president, tainting the jury pool.

Warner Bros. Discovery Directors Step Down Amid Antitrust Inquiry 2024-04-01 21:39:31.922000+00:00 - Warner Bros. Discovery said on Monday that two members of its board of directors, Steven Newhouse and Steven Miron, had stepped down after the company learned about an investigation into whether their presence on the board violated antitrust law. Federal law forbids most corporate officers and board members to simultaneously serve on the boards of their competitors. Mr. Newhouse and Mr. Miron are both executives at Advance, a private, family-held business whose holdings include the Condé Nast glossy magazine empire that publishes titles such as Vogue and The New Yorker.

From chips to pizza and beer, brands look to cash in on this week's solar eclipse 2024-04-01 21:30:00+00:00 - The coming total solar eclipse will last less than five minutes, but the rare celestial event is inspiring days of promotions, with fast-food chains and others offering discounts, free snacks and limited-edition solar eclipse glasses. Some part of the April 8 eclipse will be visible to nearly all in North America, but the event's "totality" — or when the moon completely blocks the sun — will cross 15 states from Texas to Maine, with cities and locations along that path among those looking to cash in. Places with special landing pages and promotions include Erie County, Penn., which is offering ISO-certified eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-serve basis from Friday through Monday at three highway rest stops. County fair locations throughout northwest Pennsylvania are also offering eclipse glasses with every purchase. Also along the eclipse path, the city of Indianapolis has restaurants serving up cosmic-themed cocktails. NASA and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are selling $20 tickets for admission, infield parking and limited-edition eclipse glasses. The Waters Hotel at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is holding a weekend of Blacked Out events, including a rooftop solar eclipse viewing party. Other venues are also holding live viewing events, including at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, where what's billed as a VIP experience is sold out. Warby Parker is giving away free, ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses at its stores from April 1 until the big day. Krispy Kreme and Oreo are teaming up to offer a Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut, food blogger Markie Devo posted on Instagram. Dippin; Dots is offering a 25% discount on online orders for those using the promo code eclipse25. Burger King loyalty program members who text ECLIPSE to 251251 from April 8 through April 15 a buy-one-get-one-free Whopper deal on the burger chain's app or online. From April 8 through April 14, Marco's Pizza is offering 50% off all menu-priced pizzas ordered online or through its app with the promo code ECLIPSE. Yum Brands chain Pizza Hut is calling its current promotion a Total Eclipse of the Hut, offering any large pizza for $12. Beer is not included in Blue Moon Brewing Co.'s Eclipse Sips kit that goes on sale for $25 on the company's website midday on Wednesday. The kits include black light coasters, a flashlight, four Blue Moon pint gasses and some "moon dust" to make the company's Blue Moon White Belgian-Style wheat ale "shimmer and glow." Cleveland-based Malley's Chocolates is offering a treat for $2.75 called the Eclipse Ahoy online at at its 19 retail stores in Northwest Ohio. The candy maker's concoction involves giving a Chips Ahoy cookie a creamy white bottom, topping it with chewy caramel and covering it in dark chocolate and galaxy sprinkles. Jeni's Ice Creams is including collectible eclipse glasses with online orders of its Punk Stargonaut collection now through Wednesday and at its retail stores starting Friday and while supplies last. MoonPie is offering a 2024 Total Eclipse survival it for $9.99. It includes four chocolate MoonPie minis and two pairs of ISO-certified, MoonPie-branded solar eclipse gasses. The glasses can be ordered for $1.99 a piece. Sonic Drive-In marked the coming eclipse by launching a Blackout Slush Float on March 25 and available nationwide through May 5. Each purchase of the celestial-inspired drink will come with a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses. Frito Lays' SunChips is offering a limited-time flavor for free, but only for a few minutes, while supplies last. Fans can enter to win a bag of Solar Eclipse chips by entering their email here at 1:33 p.m. Central on Friday, during the eclipse. Before the big day, fans can post their viewing plans on the SunChips Instagram account for a chance to be one of three random winners of a SunChips swag bag with blanket and other goodies.

Steve Jobs Had 3 Management Tips For Companies After Previously Hiring 'Bozos' To Run Apple - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) 2024-04-01 21:29:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... Entrepreneur Steve Jobs, renowned for co-founding technology giant Apple Inc AAPL, held the CEO role twice, but also saw the company under different leaderships. Here are the key items Jobs said are important when managing a company. What Happened: While Apple was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, neither served as the first CEO of the company. Instead, the co-founders went out and hired "professional management," which in some cases was a mistake according to Jobs. "It didn't work at all," Jobs said in a 1985 interview, shared by Fortune. "Most of them were bozos. They knew how to manage, but they didn't know how to do anything." In the same interview, Jobs shared three qualities that make good managers. Related Link: Steve Jobs-Autographed Business Card Breaks Record At Auction: How Sale Price Compares To Elon Musk’s Signed Card Three Key Qualities To Manage a Company: One of the key qualities of managing a company according to Jobs is promoting people who never wanted to be a manager in the first place. "You know who the best managers are. They're the great individual contributors who never ever want to be a manager, but decide they have to be a manager because no one else is going to be able to do as good a job as that," Jobs said. An example from Fortune is Jobs promoting Debi Coleman to a financial manager. Coleman was 32 years old at the time and part of the Macintosh team. Jobs promoted her due to her expertise on financial management. Coleman said in an interview that no other company in the world would have given her the same opportunity. She said Apple was betting on her skills and organizational strengths outweighing her lack of experience with technology and manufacturing. Along with promoting top contributors to managerial positions, Jobs underscored the importance of attracting the right talent. While in leadership positions at Apple, Jobs was involved with recruiting for the technology giant. Jobs was looking for people who were "insanely great at what they did." Loading... Loading... "The neatest thing that happens is when you get a core group of 10 great people. It becomes self-policing as to who they let into that group. So I consider the most important job of someone like myself, recruiting." Jobs also realized the importance of Apple being a collaborative company, which was a key to his management advice. Having a common vision was always important to Jobs for the company and its employees. "That's what leadership is: having a vision, being able to articulate that so that people around you can understand it and getting a consensus on a common vision." Jobs often referred to Apple as being the "largest startup" in the world, which went along with the collaboration of all employees and a focus on a common vision. While numerous sources provide business management advice, Jobs’ proven track record may encourage some to heed his insights on appointing skilled contributors as managers, hiring the right team members, and fostering a collaborative company culture. Read Next: Steve Jobs Got A New Porsche Every 6 Months: Here’s The Strange Reason Why Image generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

A Kansas paper and its publisher are suing over police raids. They say damages exceed $10M 2024-04-01 21:27:57+00:00 - TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A weekly central Kansas newspaper and its publisher filed a federal lawsuit Monday over police raids last summer of its offices and the publisher’s home, accusing local officials of trying to silence the paper and causing the death of the publisher’s 98-year-old mother. The lawsuit did not include a specific figure for potential damages. However, in a separate notice to local officials, the paper and its publisher said they believe they are due more than $10 million. The lawsuit from the Marion County Record’s parent company and Eric Meyer, its editor and publisher, accuses the city of Marion, the Marion County Commission and five current and former local officials of violating free press rights and the right to be free from unreasonable law enforcement searches guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit also notified the defendants that Meyer and the newspaper plan to add other claims, including that officials wrongly caused the death of Meyer’s mother the day after the raids, which the lawsuit attributes to a stress-induced heart attack. The raids put Marion, a town of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri, at the center of a national debate over press freedoms. It also highlighted the intense divisions over a newspaper known for its aggressive coverage of local issues and its strong criticism of some officials. The city’s former police chief — who later resigned amid the ongoing furor — justified the Aug. 11 raids by saying he had probable cause to believe the newspaper and a reporter potentially committed identity theft and other computer crimes in obtaining and verifying information about a local business owner’s driving record. The lawsuit claims the paper and its reporters did nothing illegal, the search warrants were improper and officials had longstanding grudges against the newspaper. “The last thing we want to do is bankrupt the city or county, but we have a duty to democracy and to countless news organizations and citizens nationwide to challenge such malicious and wanton violations,” Meyer said in a statement. The city of Marion’s budget for 2023 was about $8.7 million, while the county’s budget was about $35 million. Besides the city, defendants in the lawsuit include former Marion Mayor David Mayfield, who retired from office in January; former Police Chief Gideon Cody, who stepped down in October; and current Acting Police Chief Zach Hudlin, who as an officer participated in the raids. Marion County Sheriff Jeff Soyez, the county commission and a former deputy who helped draft the search warrants used in the raids are the other defendants named. The newspaper had investigated Cody’s background before the city hired him last year. The lawsuit alleges Soyez regularly said that he did not approve of Meyer’s “negative attitude.” The newspaper’s attorney, Bernie Rhodes, noted that when police raided the home that Meyer and his mother shared, she told the former police chief, “Boy, are you going to be in trouble.” “My job is to make sure Joan’s promise is kept,” Rhodes said in his own statement. Jennifer Hill, an attorney representing the city and former and current city officials, declined to comment. Jeffrey Kuhlman, an attorney representing the county commission, the sheriff and his former deputy, said he couldn’t comment because he hasn’t had time to review the lawsuit. The lawsuit from Meyer and the newspaper was the fourth filed in federal court in Kansas over the police raids, which also involved sheriff’s deputies and even an officer from the state fire marshal’s office. Deb Gruver, now a former reporter, filed the first lawsuit less than three weeks after the raids, and a trial is set for September 2025. Current Record reporter Phyllis Zorn filed the second lawsuit in February, and the defendants want it dismissed. The third was filed last week by Cheri Bentz, the newspaper’s office manager. The latest lawsuit says it was filed to seek justice over “intolerable” violations of constitutional rights and “to deter the next crazed cop from threatening democracy.” While federal civil rights laws allowed Meyer and the newspaper to sue immediately, Kansas law requires parties intending to sue local governments to give them 120 days’ notice so that officials can pay the claim first. In a 10-page notice, Rhodes said Meyer is due reimbursement for his mother’s funeral expenses; the newspaper, for harm to its accounting system; and both, for their legal expenses. The notice also says that Meyer and his mother suffered “extreme and severe distress” and that their estate is entitled to $4 million in damages for that. It also argues that the newspaper deserves $2 million for its damages and punitive damages should exceed $4 million. “Many of those who perpetrated storm-trooper style bullying with a needlessly huge contingent of armed officers remain in office or have been promoted,” Meyer said in his statement. “Even newly elected officials have refused to disavow the tactics used.”

SiriusXM to Report First Quarter 2024 Operating and Financial Results - Sirius XM Holdings (NASDAQ:SIRI) 2024-04-01 21:26:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... NEW YORK, April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SiriusXM SIRI today announced plans to release its first quarter 2024 operating and financial results on Tuesday, April 30. The company will hold an investor call the same day at 8:00 a.m. ET. A webcast of the presentation will be available on the Investor Relations section of the SiriusXM website at siriusxm.com/investorrelations. To participate by telephone, please dial 877.407.4019 (Toll-free) or +1 201.689.8337 (Local) 10 minutes prior to the start of the call and ask to be connected to the SiriusXM conference call. About Sirius XM Holdings Inc. SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. Reaching a combined monthly audience of approximately 150 million listeners, SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com. Source: SiriusXM Investor contacts: Hooper Stevens 212-901-6718 hooper.stevens@siriusxm.com Natalie Candela 212-901-6672 natalie.candela@siriusxm.com SOURCE Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

The Dallas Morning News Plans Full Coverage of the Total Eclipse - DallasNews (NASDAQ:DALN) 2024-04-01 21:26:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... DALLAS, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DallasNews Corporation DALN and The Dallas Morning News are preparing for comprehensive and real-time reporting across all platforms before, during and after the April 8 total eclipse. The News' team of reporters and photographers will fan out across the region to capture the people, stories, intrigue and reaction to the truly once-in-a-lifetime event. "Many of us in North Texas know we're in the prime location for viewing the four-plus minutes of total solar coverage. About a million other people know it and are expected to travel to and within the state to see it," said Katrice Hardy, The News' executive editor. "We're pulling out all the stops for extensive newsgathering, which is what we do best." More Journalists on the Story The largest newsroom in the metro gives readers a single source for event coverage, with crisp, relevant writing, award-winning photography and unique story angles. More than 60 journalists will produce eclipse coverage across North Texas and other key spots in Texas – including Eagle Pass, Glen Rose and Hillsboro. The News will also have a reporter and photographer on Southwest Airlines' special eclipse flight. A Dedicated Online Page A one-stop shop for dynamic coverage on dallasnews.com has everything readers need to know about the eclipse. Find out what totality means for Texas, including a list of prime viewing areas and a complete guide to everything related to the spectacle. Loading... Loading... Safety First The Dallas Morning News reminds everyone that looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage and emphasizes the importance of using certified eclipse glasses to view the event safely. The Texas Department of Transportation and area law enforcement agencies encourage drivers and others to keep traffic moving while on busy roads. See You in 2317? The next total eclipse in North Texas will be on July 9, 2317 — some 293 years from now. About DallasNews Corporation DallasNews Corporation is the Dallas-based holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant. The Dallas Morning News is Texas' leading daily newspaper with an excellent journalistic reputation, intense regional focus and close community ties. With offices in Dallas and Tulsa, Medium Giant is a full-service advertising agency dedicated to designing, creating and delivering stories that drive customers to act. For additional information, visit dallasnewscorporation.com or email invest@dallasnews.com. Contact: Katy Murray 214-977-8869 Kmurray@dallasnews.com

United asks pilots to take unpaid leave amid Boeing aircraft shipment delays 2024-04-01 21:18:00+00:00 - Boeing shakeup: UC Berkeley professor weighs in on CEO's resignation Boeing shakeup: UC Berkeley professor weighs in on CEO's resignation 05:10 United Airlines is asking pilots to voluntarily take unpaid leave because of reduced flight capacity stemming from delayed shipments of Boeing aircraft. The delayed deliveries come after a slew of safety incidents involving United aircraft that have led the the Federal Aviation Administration to tighten its oversight of the airline. "We can confirm that due to the recent delays in Boeing deliveries, our forecasted block hours for 2024 have been reduced and we are offering our pilots voluntary programs for the month of May to reduce excess staffing," United said in a statement to CBS News. Currently, United expects to receive 102 fewer planes this year from Boeing, compared to its contract with the manufacturer. The Air Line Pilots Association, the union representing pilots, said United is asking pilots to take unpaid leaves of absence in May and possibly through the summer, according to a memo shared with CBS News. "Due to recent changes to our Boeing deliveries, the remaining 2024 forecast block hours for United have been significantly reduced," the union said in a statement. Pilots can also opt to fly what is known in the industry as "Empty Line," meaning they request an empty schedule for a month, but may pick up flights if they become available. They would be paid for any flights they take. Boeing has been grappling with the fallout from an incident in which a door panel on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max aircraft fell off mid-flight. A recent FAA investigation also raised questions about Boeing's manufacturing practices. And in a management shakeup, the company announced in March that CEO Dave Calhoun would step down at the end of 2024 after only four years at the helm. Experts say Boeing's woes and the tight supply of aircraft could drive up prices for consumers ahead of the busy summer travel season. — CBS News' Kris Van Cleave contributed reporting

How many users does Donald Trump's social media company have? He won't say. 2024-04-01 21:10:20+00:00 - Trump's social media company released new financials, which aren't good. But those are just the numbers he's willing to release. He won't share how many users he has, or how many have signed up. That's a giant red flag. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time. Advertisement The stock price for Trump Media & Technology Group Corp — Donald Trump's social media company — dropped by nearly 25% on Monday. Supposedly that's because investors got a look at new financials, which illustrate that Trump Media & Technology Group — the company that brought you Truth Social — is a bad business. That doesn't make any sense. There are zero people who care about the business prospects of Trump Media & Technology Group who were unaware it was a bad business. You could see that in the company's previous filings, which also illustrated that it was a bad business. Advertisement If you want to squint, you could argue that the new filings are extra bad because they illustrate that the bad business is getting worse. For instance: After generating $3.4 million in revenue for the first nine months of 2023 — an average of $1.1 million a quarter — Trump Media only generated another $750,000 in revenue in the last quarter of the year. A hard growth story to sell, even for Donald Trump. But no rational person looked at Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.'s financials and concluded it was a company worth $6 billion or $9 billion or anything close to it. People bought the stock because they like Donald Trump, or they like the idea of investing in a meme stock propped up by people who like Donald Trump. Related stories I can hear your objection right now: How can you be sure Trump Media & Technology Group isn't a real business based solely on its miserable financials? Don't fast-growing tech companies often work on growth, then turn around and focus on stuff like revenue and profits? Advertisement Sure! Sometimes. Twitter, for instance, was losing money when it went public, and investors thought it was worth tens of billions of dollars right up until Elon Musk bought it. (It's been a different story since then.) But Twitter, and every other social media company that has gone public, was at least able to tell investors it was getting more popular by providing numbers like average users and other statistics that were increasing. See: Reddit's IPO last month. And Trump Media & Technology Group? They're not telling investors anything about how many people are signing up. Or how many of them are sticking around. Or how ad sales are going. Advertisement Nothing. Nada. Per Trump Media's most recent filing, which echoes one it made earlier this year: "TMTG believes that adhering to traditional key performance indicators, such as signups, average revenue per user, ad impressions and pricing, or active user accounts including monthly and daily active users, could potentially divert its focus from strategic evaluation with respect to the progress and growth of its business." Translation: If we tell you how many people are using Truth Social — or how many people signed up but aren't using Truth Social anymore — even we may have a hard time getting you to invest in us. So we won't! Trump's company isn't even promising to keep track of this stuff itself: "TMTG may find it challenging or cost-prohibitive to implement such effective controls and procedures and may never collect, monitor, or report any or certain key operating metrics." I've asked the company for comment. Advertisement So there you go. The numbers Trump's social media company are willing to share with investors illustrate that it's a lousy business. And the numbers it won't share with them? Those must be something else. So the next time Trump Media stock tanks — a bet a lot of people have already made — feel free to imagine a good reason why. Just don't say they've seen new data. We already know everything we need to know about this one.

Man in custody after allegedly ramming into gate of Atlanta FBI office 2024-04-01 20:58:00+00:00 - A man is in custody after he allegedly rammed into the gate of the FBI's Atlanta field office, an official said. The incident happened early Monday afternoon when a vehicle with South Carolina license plates tried to follow an employee car inside the gate, said Tony Thomas, a spokesperson for the FBI field office. The gate's barrier system engaged, as it does after every vehicle passes through, and the suspect rammed into it, destroying his car, Thomas said. The man then got out of his vehicle and tried to run inside past the gate, but he was tackled soon after. A bomb squad and a search team checked the vehicle as a precaution, which was cleared. No weapons were found in the vehicle, Thomas said. Officials would not identify the suspect Monday. The suspect has no known connection to the FBI field office, and a motive for the incident is not immediately clear, Thomas said. Officials are considering filing state and federal charges.