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DMG Blockchain Solutions Announces February Mining Results - DMG Blockchain Solutions (OTC:DMGGF) 2024-03-05 21:28:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. DMGI DMGGF 6AX ("DMG" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, announces February 2024 preliminary mining results: DMG mined 49.3 bitcoin with 1.0 EH/s realized hashrate. DMG's bitcoin balance as of February 29, 2024 was 454 bitcoin. As an update on its Bitmain T21 shipments, DMG expects the first half of its 4,550 unit miner purchase to ship in March 2024. About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. DMG is an environmentally friendly vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates, and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the blockchain ecosystem. DMG's sustainable businesses are segmented into two business lines under the Core and Core+ strategies and unified through DMG's vertical integration. Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG's production of Bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of Bitcoin and an increase in hash rate mining difficulty. For more information on DMG Blockchain Solutions visit: www.dmgblockchain.com Follow @dmgblockchain on Twitter and subscribe to DMG's YouTube channel . For further information, please contact: On behalf of the Board of Directors, Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director Tel: 516-222-2560 Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com Web: www.dmgblockchain.com Investor Relations Contact : CORE IR 516-222-2560 For Media Inquiries : Jules Abraham CORE IR 917-885-7378 julesa@coreir.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Loading... Loading... Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG's strategies and plans, the expected shipment of additional miners, the expected increase in realized hashrate in the coming months, developing and executing on the Company's products and services, increasing self-mining, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company's technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information. Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hash rate may materially affect the future performance of DMG's production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hash rate mining difficulty. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoins; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG's bitcoins; DMG's relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG's facilities; DMG's ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers' needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG's business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company's filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG's past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoins from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG's products, services and blockchain technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

Sisecam Reported a Net Sales of TRY 152 Billion in 2023 2024-03-05 21:27:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... Sisecam announced its financial results adjusted according to inflation accounting for 2023. The global giant, with production activities spread across 14 countries on four continents recorded TRY 152 billion of consolidated net sales for the previous year. International sales accounted for 60% of Sisecam's total sales. Sisecam reported total investments of TRY 21 billion and exports of TRY 31.7 billion. Sisecam Chairman and Executive Member of the Board of Directors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kırman stated, "We successfully closed a challenging year thanks to our competencies acquired through the One Sisecam transformation and our 88 years of industry experience. In 2024, Sisecam plans to further grow and develop. This year, almost half of the global population will go to the polls. Compliance with constantly changing regulations will gain importance. High inflationary pressure and geopolitical risks are expected to persist throughout the year. At Sisecam, we believe that we will make a difference thanks to our well-qualified human resources, solid investments, and use of smart technology. Sisecam aims to focus on artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and its sustainability approach across all its business operations and decision-making processes." ISTANBUL, Türkiye, March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sisecam, a global player in the glass and chemicals industries, is moving forward on its growth journey that creates sustainable value. Sisecam announced its financial results for 2023, reporting consolidated net sales of TRY 152 billion and total exports (from Türkiye) of TRY 31.7 billion. International sales – the sum of exports from Türkiye and sales from production outside Türkiye – accounted for 60% of Sisecam's consolidated sales for the year. The company produced 5.2 million tons of glass, 4.7 million tons of soda ash, and 3.7 million tons of industrial raw materials in 2023. Sisecam Chairman and Executive Member of the Board of Directors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kırman stated, "In 2023, the effects of macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical risks continued. High inflation remained on the global agenda. Despite these challenges, Sisecam continued to realize its investments in 2023 thanks to its solid financial structure, robust financial policy, strategic decisions, and efficiency-oriented production. In 2023, we ignited Sisecam's first auto glass-dedicated float line in Lüleburgaz. We made cold repair investments in our furnaces in Georgia, Egypt, and India to modernize their technologies and boost their efficiency. We became a partner in ICRON, a Turkish technology company that provides operational and strategic decision optimization services. Our investment decisions gave Sisecam new strengths and capabilities. This in turn helped us successfully close a challenging year thanks to our competencies gained through One Sisecam transformation and our 88 years of industry experience. In 2024, more than half of the world's population will go to the polls. Compliance with ever-changing regulations will gain importance. High inflationary pressure and geopolitical risks are expected to persist. But Sisecam will move forward on its sustainable growth journey thanks to its well-qualified human resources and use of smart technology." Loading... Loading... We closely monitor opportunities in existing and prospective markets Highlighting Sisecam's commitment to a steady and robust growth strategy in 2024, Prof. Dr. Kırman outlined the company's expectations and goals for the upcoming year Prof. Dr. Kırman continued as follows: "We are moving forward with determination towards our goal of ranking in the global top three in our main fields of activity. In line with our vision of creating sustainable value, Sisecam continues to invest in initiatives that bolster the growth of industries benefiting from its contributions. We not only effectively manage the impacts of risks and seasonality but also closely monitor opportunities in existing and prospective markets. Sisecam's investment in a two-furnace greenfield glass packaging production facility is currently underway in Hungary. Our new glass packaging furnace investment in Eskişehir will make the Eskişehir facility the largest glass packaging production site in the world. Sisecam is constructing a second frosted glass furnace that will produce energy glass in Mersin. Sisecam is also implementing a capacity increase at its Mersin soda ash facility; moving forward with its US natural soda ash and the Stockton Port Management project investments that will also support the logistics infrastructure. Construction of a new flat glass facility in the Tarsus OIZ is also ongoing. This year, we have announced our decision to invest in 20 million square meters of coated glass production lines to increase the share of value-added products in our total production volume and enhance our competitiveness in global markets. With these investments to be implemented in Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria, we will almost double our coated glass production capacity. The next five years will be an intensive investment period for Sisecam. We will implement our investments by taking into account evolving market dynamics. We aim to expand our workforce, which now exceeds 24,000 persons, by around 5% in 2024." We are focusing on artificial intelligence, energy investments and sustainability Prof. Dr. Kırman indicated that all of Sisecam's business operations and decision-making processes are centered around artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and sustainability: "We are seriously planning on how we can benefit from technology in every field, how we can integrate it into our business processes and sustainability goals in the most effective way, and how we can boost efficiency and creativity. We aim to integrate artificial intelligence across all our operations. At Sisecam, we are in a constant state of evolution in machine learning, digital twins, quality, optimization, and smart manufacturing. One Sisecam transformation prepared us to benefit from and make use of the advantages of having an infrastructure ready for all these development areas. Sisecam has also accelerated its sustainability efforts in line with its goals of leaving a more livable world to future generations and boosting the efficiency of its business processes. We are transforming all our operations to achieve our Carbon Neutral 2050 goal. We are ramping up our renewable energy investments. We aim to establish wind power plants and invest in solar energy. We have a strong interest in these key areas." A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72107f1f-be3a-43d4-a226-c40ad1886a91 Contact: Ayşegül Akyarlı Phone: +90 850 206 5149 Email: AAKYARLI@sisecam.com

Quanta Therapeutics Announces Late-Breaking Presentation of QTX3544, a G12V-preferring multi-KRAS inhibitor, at AACR Annual Meeting 2024-03-05 21:27:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quanta Therapeutics, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company pioneering targeted therapies to treat RAS-driven cancers, today announced it will give a late-breaking poster presentation of QTX3544 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting being held April 5-10, 2024, in San Diego, California. QTX3544 is a KRASG12V-preferring multi-KRAS inhibitor with favorable preclinical properties, including potency, selectivity, and oral bioavailability. Quanta Therapeutics' allosteric approach has the potential to target the majority of KRAS mutations with a robust mechanism of action addressing multiple conformations of KRAS. AACR presentation information: Title: Discovery and characterization of QTX3544, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable allosteric G12V-preferring multi-KRAS inhibitor Date and Time: Monday April 8, 2024 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Session Name: Late-Breaking Research: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 2 Abstract Number: LB163 Location: Poster Section 52 Loading... Loading... About Quanta Therapeutics Quanta Therapeutics is a private biopharmaceutical company focused on the most prevalent and elusive target in oncology—RAS. Our vision is to develop novel small molecule cancer medicines by selectively targeting protein-protein interactions that are key to oncogenic RAS activity. Driving Quanta's success is our unique high-throughput platform that applies Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) optical technology to identify allosteric modulators of protein complexes. The Quanta team has extensive drug development expertise and substantial research experience in the RAS space. By applying innovative medicinal chemistry and its unique protein conformation detection technology, Quanta aims to advance differentiated, next-generation RAS programs that address the resistance paradigms of targeted therapy in oncology. Quanta's KRAS inhibitor pipeline includes three programs: QTX3034, a multi-KRAS inhibitor with G12D-preferring activity (G12D+ multi-KRAS), currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial; QTX3046, a G12D-selective KRAS inhibitor, expected to enter the clinic in mid-2024; QTX3544, a multi-KRAS inhibitor with G12V-preferring activity (G12V+ multi-KRAS) projected to complete IND enabling studies in 2024. Quanta is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA, and has a site in Radnor, PA. Find more information at https://www.quantatx.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: Quanta Therapeutics Quanta Therapeutics Heather Meeks 661-992-6907 heather.meeks@quantatx.com Media Contact Kelli Perkins kelli@redhousecomms.com

Nurix Therapeutics Announces Presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2024 Annual Meeting - Nurix Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NRIX) 2024-03-05 21:26:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... SAN FRANCISCO, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. NRIX, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing targeted protein modulation drugs designed to treat patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases, today announced that Gwenn M. Hansen, Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Nurix, is invited as a featured speaker in two sessions at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2024 Annual Meeting, which will be held from April 5-10, 2024, in San Diego, CA. Dr. Hansen's presentation "NX-5948, a brain-penetrant BTK degrader with clinical activity in B-cell malignancies including CNS lymphoma" will be featured in the Major Symposium session: Molecular Glues, PROTACs, and Next-Gen Degraders: Discovery and Early Preclinical Advances that will be held from 10:15 -11:45 a.m. PT on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Dr. Hansen is also a featured presenter in the Educational session: Chemistry to the Clinic Part 1 of 3: Targeted Protein Degraders: Delivering Degraders to the Site of Action that will be held from 4:45 - 6:15 p.m. PT on Friday, April 5, 2024. About NX-5948 NX-5948 is an investigational, orally bioavailable, small molecule degrader of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). NX-5948 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies. Nurix has previously reported that NX-5948 is highly potent against a range of tumor cell lines that are resistant to current BTK inhibitor therapies, an important consideration in heavily pretreated CLL/SLL patient populations. Additional information on the ongoing clinical trial can be accessed at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05131022). About Nurix Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative small molecules and antibody therapies based on the modulation of cellular protein levels as a novel treatment approach for cancer, inflammatory conditions, and other challenging diseases. Leveraging extensive expertise in E3 ligases together with proprietary DNA-encoded libraries, Nurix has built DELigase, an integrated discovery platform, to identify and advance novel drug candidates targeting E3 ligases, a broad class of enzymes that can modulate proteins within the cell. Nurix's drug discovery approach is to either harness or inhibit the natural function of E3 ligases within the ubiquitin-proteasome system to selectively decrease or increase cellular protein levels. Nurix's wholly owned, clinical stage pipeline includes targeted protein degraders of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a B-cell signaling protein, and inhibitors of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, an E3 ligase that regulates activation of multiple immune cell types including T cell and NK cells. Nurix is headquartered in San Francisco, California. For additional information visit http://www.nurixtx.com. Contacts: Loading... Loading... Investors Jason Kantor, Ph.D. Nurix Therapeutics ir@nurixtx.com Elizabeth Wolffe, Ph.D. Wheelhouse Life Science Advisors lwolffe@wheelhouselsa.com Media Aljanae Reynolds Wheelhouse Life Science Advisors areynolds@wheelhouselsa.com

23andMe Announces Three Presentations from Clinical-Stage Immuno-Oncology Programs at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 - 23andMe Holding (NASDAQ:ME) 2024-03-05 21:26:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 23andMe Holding Co. ME ("23andMe"), a leading human genetics and biopharmaceutical company, today announced an oral presentation and two poster presentations on two of the Company's immuno-oncology programs that will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024, taking place in San Diego, CA, April 5-10, 2024. The oral presentation will detail the use of the 23andMe genetic and health survey database to discover ULBP6, the highest affinity ligand of the NK and T-cell activation receptor, NKG2D. ULBP6 is the primary target for 23ME-01473 (‘1473), a dual mechanism monoclonal antibody. The Company will also present a poster on the biology of ULBP6, and how ‘1473 reinvigorates anti-tumor NK cell function through NKG2D and FcγRIIIa activation. These presentations will be the first scientific communications the Company has prepared on ‘1473 since announcing its pursuit of this novel, genetically-validated target. The FDA recently cleared the IND application for ‘1473, which targets ULBP6. Cancers escape immune cell recognition by shedding ULBP ligands from their cell surface, which act as immunosuppressive molecular decoys. Blocking the binding of soluble ULBP6 to NKG2D with ‘1473 may restore immune cell recognition and killing of cancers. Further, ‘1473 is Fc-effector enhanced, which provides an additional mechanism for NK cells to induce cell death of ULBP6-expressing cancer cells. 23andMe will also present a non-clinical poster on 23ME-00610, an inhibitor of the CD200R1 receptor, which will include new insights into targeting the CD200R1 pathway in T and NK cells using 23ME-00610 as a single agent or in combination with other anti-tumor therapies. 23ME-00610 is currently in Phase 2a of a Phase 1/2a clinical study. The presentations will be available on the 23andMe Investor Relations and Therapeutics websites on April 5, 2024. Presentation details - 23ME-01473: Oral presentation Title: Discovery of ULBP6 as a novel immuno-oncology target using pleiotropic signals from 23andMeʼs genetic and health survey database Discovery of ULBP6 as a novel immuno-oncology target using pleiotropic signals from 23andMeʼs genetic and health survey database Session Type: Minisymposium Minisymposium Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics Session Title: Drug Discovery 1: New Targets and Approaches Drug Discovery 1: New Targets and Approaches Session Date and Time: Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:30 - 4:30 PM PT Monday, April 8, 2024, 2:30 - 4:30 PM PT Published Abstract Number: 3903 Poster presentation Loading... Loading... Title: 23ME-01473, a novel anti-ULBP6/2/5 monoclonal antibody, reinvigorates anti-tumor NK cell function through NKG2D and FcγRIIIa activation 23ME-01473, a novel anti-ULBP6/2/5 monoclonal antibody, reinvigorates anti-tumor NK cell function through NKG2D and FcγRIIIa activation Session Category: Clinical Research Clinical Research Session Title: Antibodies 1 Antibodies 1 Session Date and Time: Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT Location: Poster Section 38 Poster Section 38 Poster Board Number: 21 21 Published Abstract Number: 2375 Presentation Details: 23ME-00610: Poster presentation Title: New insights into targeting the CD200R1 pathway in T and NK cells using 23ME-00610 as a single agent or in combination New insights into targeting the CD200R1 pathway in T and NK cells using 23ME-00610 as a single agent or in combination Session Category: Clinical Research Clinical Research Session Title: Antibodies 1 Antibodies 1 Session Date and Time: Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT Location: Poster Section 38 Poster Section 38 Poster Board Number: 5 5 Published Abstract Number: 2359 About 23ME-01473 (‘1473) ‘1473 targets ULBP6 to restore anti-tumor immunity through NK and T cells. ULBPs are stress-induced ligands found on the surface of cancer cells that bind to their receptor, NKG2D, on NK and T cells. Cancers escape immune cell recognition by shedding ULBP ligands from their cell surface, which act as immunosuppressive molecular decoys. Blocking the binding of soluble ULBP6 to NKG2D may restore immune cell recognition and killing of cancers. Further, ‘1473 is Fc-effector enhanced, which provides an additional mechanism for NK cells to induce cell death of ULBP6-expressing cancer cells. 23andMe plans to evaluate ‘1473 in participants with advanced solid tumors in a Phase 1 clinical study beginning in the first half of 2024. Clinical trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov): NCT06290388. About 23ME-00610 23ME-00610 is a high-affinity, fully humanized monoclonal antibody that is designed to bind to CD200R1 and prevent the interaction of CD200R1 with CD200. The CD200–CD200R1 axis is an immunological checkpoint that plays a pivotal role in maintenance of immune tolerance. CD200R1 is an inhibitory receptor expressed on T cells and myeloid cells while CD200, the ligand for CD200R1, is highly expressed on certain tumors. In preclinical studies, binding of tumor-associated CD200 to CD200R1 leads to immune suppression and decreased immune cell killing of cancer cells. Preclinical data indicate that this mechanism has the potential to restore the ability for both T-cells and myeloid cells to kill cancer cells. Clinical trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov): NCT05199272. About 23andMe 23andMe is a genetics-led consumer healthcare and biopharmaceutical company empowering a healthier future. For more information, please visit www.23andMe.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans of 23andMe's therapeutics business. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this press release, including statements regarding 23andMe's strategy, the plans for and results of its clinical trials and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "may," "could," "should," "potential," "likely," "projects," "predicts," "continue," "will," "schedule," and "would" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are predictions based on 23andMe's current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. 23andMe cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on 23andMe's forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of 23andMe), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, 23andMe undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise. Contacts: Investor Relations Contact: investors@23andMe.com Media Contact: press@23andMe.com

C4 Therapeutics to Present New Preclinical Data on Highly Selective Orally Bioavailable BiDAC™ Degraders at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024 - C4 Therapeutics (NASDAQ:C 2024-03-05 21:26:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... WATERTOWN, Mass., March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- C4 Therapeutics, Inc. (C4T) CCCC, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing targeted protein degradation science, today announced the acceptance of two preclinical poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 taking place April 5-10, 2024 in San Diego, California. Details of the posters are as follows: Title: CFT1946, a potent, selective BRAF V600X mutant-specific degrader demonstrates superior activity as a single agent to clinically approved BRAF inhibitors and standard of care combinations in preclinical models of BRAF V600X melanoma, CRC, NSCLC, and brain metastasis Abstract Number: 1658 Session Date and Time: Monday April 8, 2024 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT Location: Poster Section 14 Session Title: Cell Signaling Components as Therapeutic Targets Presenter: Bridget Kreger, Ph.D., principal scientist, biology Title: CFT8634, a BRD9 BiDAC™ degrader, is active in a subset of multiple myeloma cell line models and synergistic when combined with pomalidomide or dexamethasone Abstract Number: 6064 Session Date and Time: Tuesday April 9, 2024 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM PT Location: Poster Section 30 Session Title: Targeted Protein Degraders Presenter: Laura Poling, Ph.D., director, biology In November 2023, C4T made the strategic decision to discontinue clinical development of CFT8634 based on clinical data from the Phase 1 trial. About C4 Therapeutics C4 Therapeutics (C4T) CCCC is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to delivering on the promise of targeted protein degradation science to create a new generation of medicines that transforms patients' lives. C4T is progressing targeted oncology programs through clinical studies and leveraging its TORPEDO® platform to efficiently design and optimize small-molecule medicines to address difficult-to-treat diseases. C4T's degrader medicines are designed to harness the body's natural protein recycling system to rapidly degrade disease-causing proteins, offering the potential to overcome drug resistance, drug undruggable targets and improve patient outcomes. For more information, please visit www.c4therapeutics.com. About CFT1946 CFT1946 is an orally bioavailable BiDAC™ degrader designed to be potent and selective against BRAF V600X mutant targets. In preclinical studies, CFT1946 is active in vivo and in vitro in models with BRAF V600E-driven disease and in models resistant to BRAF inhibitors. CFT1946 is currently in a Phase 1 dose escalation study in BRAF V600 mutant solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma. More information about this trial may be accessed at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT. Contacts: Investors: Courtney Solberg Senior Manager, Investor Relations CSolberg@c4therapeutics.com Media: Loraine Spreen Senior Director, Corporate Communications & Patient Advocacy LSpreen@c4therapeutics.com

Starbucks Franchise Lays Off Workers in Mideast Amid Gaza-Tied Boycotts 2024-03-05 21:22:58+00:00 - Starbucks franchise operators across the Middle East and Southeast Asia are losing significant business amid boycotts linked to the Israel-Hamas war, and at least one has started laying off employees. Alshaya Group, a Kuwait-based franchise operator that owns the rights to operate Starbucks in the Middle East, confirmed on Tuesday that it planned to cut 2,000 jobs across the region “as a result of the continually challenging trading conditions over the last six months.” Alshaya Group, which operates over 1,900 Starbucks shops in the Middle East and North Africa that employ 19,000 workers, said in a statement that it would provide affected employees and their families with “the support they need.” The cuts added to drama playing out in the United States, where Starbucks management and a union of Starbucks workers sued each other after the union expressed solidarity with Palestinians.

Sen. Bob Menendez hit with obstruction of justice charges in bribery case 2024-03-05 21:22:00+00:00 - Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., was hit Tuesday with charges alleging that he and his wife conspired to obstruct justice in the bribery case against them. The superseding indictment against Menendez and his wife, Nadine, brings the total amount of federal charges facing the once-powerful head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to 18. The new indictment comes just days after one of Menendez’s co-defendants in the case, New Jersey businessman Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the probe. The document cites a meeting Nadine Menendez had with Uribe in 2022 after federal investigators had issued subpoenas seeking information about payments he'd made on a luxury car for her, which prosecutors said was part of the bribery scheme. She asked Uribe what he'd tell investigators and he said he'd tell them it was a loan, the filing says. She told him that "sounded good," according to the indictment. The indictment said the senator first had his lawyer tell investigators that he was unaware of the car payments or mortgage payments from another businessman that prosecutors said was also part of the bribery scheme. He later had his attorney tell investigators he'd found out they had been loans, the indictment said, when he "well knew" that they "were not loans, but bribe payments." In a statement Tuesday, the senator called the new charges "a flagrant abuse of power." "The government has long known that I learned of and helped repay loans — not bribes — that had been provided to my wife," he said, calling the prosecutors "overzealous" and "out to get me." "I am innocent and will prove it no matter how many charges they continue to pile on,” he added. Attorneys for Bob and Nadine Menendez did not immediately respond to request for comment. The superseding indictment is the third since they were first charged in the case in September. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Cyberattack Paralyzes the Largest U.S. Health Care Payment System 2024-03-05 21:18:55+00:00 - An urgent care chain in Ohio may be forced to stop paying rent and other bills to cover salaries. In Florida, a cancer center is racing to find money for chemotherapy drugs to avoid delaying critical treatments for its patients. And in Pennsylvania, a primary care doctor is slashing expenses and pooling all of her cash — including her personal bank stash — in the hopes of staying afloat for the next two months. These are just a few examples of the severe cash squeeze facing medical care providers — from large hospital networks to the smallest of clinics — in the aftermath of a cyberattack two weeks ago that paralyzed the largest U.S. billing and payment system in the country. The attack forced the shutdown of parts of the electronic system operated by Change Healthcare, a sizable unit of UnitedHealth Group, leaving hundreds, if not thousands, of providers without the ability to obtain insurance approval for services ranging from a drug prescription to a mastectomy — or to be paid for those services. In recent days, the chaotic nature of this sprawling breakdown in daily, often invisible transactions led top lawmakers, powerful hospital industry executives and patient groups to pressure the U.S. government for relief. On Tuesday, the Health and Human Services Department announced that it would take steps to try to alleviate the financial pressures on some of those affected: Hospitals and doctors who receive Medicare reimbursements would mainly benefit from the new measures. U.S. health officials said they would allow providers to apply to Medicare for accelerated payments, similar to the advanced funding made available during the pandemic, to tide them over. They also urged health insurers to waive or relax the much-criticized rules imposing prior authorization that have become impediments to receiving care. And they recommended that insurers offering private Medicare plans also supply advanced funding.

ChatGPT just got a new voice feature that reads responses aloud to you 2024-03-05 21:15:53+00:00 - A new ChatGPT feature will read the chatbot's responses aloud to you. OpenAI announced the function Monday. It's available on iOS, Android, and web. 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 ChatGPT can now read its responses aloud to you. OpenAI announced Monday a new feature that lets its AI chatbot dictate its answers to you. The function could help users with accessibility needs as well as those who are multitasking or on the go. The feature is available in the iOS and Android apps as well as the web version of ChatGPT. In the app, tap and hold ChatGPT's response and you'll see an option to "Read Aloud." On the web, this option appears below the response. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in .

Booth where Tony Soprano may have been whacked – or not – sells for a cool $82K to mystery buyer 2024-03-05 21:12:08+00:00 - BLOOMFIELD, N.J. (AP) — The ice cream parlor booth where Tony Soprano may or may not have been whacked has sold for more than $82,000. As Tony would say, Madone! An anonymous buyer bid $82,600 Monday night in an online auction for the piece of memorabilia that occupies an outsize role in the lore of the award-winning HBO series — particularly because it was where the New Jersey mob boss was sitting when the series ended by cutting to black, outraging many viewers and claiming a place in TV history. Ron Stark, co-owner of Holsten’s, the northern New Jersey ice cream parlor, candy shop and restaurant where the scene was filmed, won’t say a word about who bought it, including whether it was a man or a woman. (That whole code of silence thing.) Anyway, the story starts with some broken legs — on the tables of the restaurant that opened in 1939, that is. Suffice it to say, things were trending downward. “Our dining room was in kind of bad shape,” Stark said. “It was getting to the point where we didn’t think it was safe anymore because of the legs breaking, and we didn’t want anybody to actually get hurt.” Stark and his co-owner Chris Carley decided to auction off the booth and use the proceeds to pay for a renovation of the dining area. Interest in the booth has remained high among fans of the show since the final scene aired in 2007. Tony Soprano, played by late actor James Gandolfini, orders a plate of onion rings and puts a coin in the jukebox to play Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” as his wife Carmella and son A.J. join him in the booth, while daughter Meadow struggles with parallel parking outside. A guy walks past the table and enters the men’s room (which, at the restaurant, is really the ladies room, but they switched the signs so it would show up in the shot.) A bell rings to signal the entrance of someone walking into the restaurant — and the screen cuts to black, in the infamous ending that had countless viewers fiddling with their TV sets, thinking something had gone wrong. It was “Sopranos” creator David Chase’s master stroke, Stark said — although Stark had no idea during filming that the scene would end the series. “You’re just stunned and you say, ‘OK, they ended it, but how did it really end?’” Stark said. “David Chase is a genius for setting up that ending. Let’s say hypothetically Tony got whacked; it was all over. It would not have had the recognition that it had. People are still talking about it. No one knows 100% for sure what really happened.” During filming, Gandolfini hungrily eyed the onion rings on the table before him — but was not allowed to eat them until multiple takes had been completed. “They’d say ‘Cut!’ and he would roam behind the grill, and he goes ‘You have anything to eat? I’m starving!’” Stark recalled. He cooked Gandolfini a hot dog with cheese and fried onions. The actual booth where the scene was filmed was detached on Monday and replaced by a recreation the same day. On Tuesday, so many media outlets wanted to photograph Stark in the booth that customers had to sit elsewhere during the lunch rush. He would not say when the buyer plans to pick it up. As word of the sale spread, regular customers were joined anew by “Sopranos” fans, including a guy wearing the same shirt Tony did in the final scene, smoking a cigar as he walked in and out of the joint. People still come in and make a bee-line for the men’s room, looking for the gun that may or may not have killed Tony. “People actually go into the bathroom and take pictures of themselves in the bathroom,” Stark said. “They come for answers, they want to find out what happened.” Shari Magill of nearby Nutley, a frequent customer, stopped by Tuesday for some food. “Everybody comes here for the booth,” she said. “I hope people still come.” ___ Follow Wayne Parry on X, formerly Twitter, at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

I shopped at Crate & Barrel for the first time and saw how the brand's quiet luxury is boosting sales 2024-03-05 21:11:02+00:00 - I shopped at Crate & Barrel for the first time at the brand's new Flatiron location. The store features a Design Desk with 30 staff members offering design consultations. With elevated basics in neutral colors, the store is nailing quiet luxury. 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 With a 23% increase in sales during the company's last fiscal year, Forbes reported, Crate & Barrel's housewares are in high demand. The rising popularity of quiet luxury — simple, classic, upscale investments that never go out of style — could be part of why shoppers are flocking to the brand's pearly white dinnerware, exclusive Le Creuset cookware, and customizable furniture. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in .

Allbirds Announces Completion of Two International Distributor Deals - Allbirds (NASDAQ:BIRD) 2024-03-05 21:11:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... SAN FRANCISCO, March 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allbirds Inc., a global lifestyle brand that innovates with sustainable materials to make better footwear and apparel products in a better way, announced the completion of its previously announced agreements with distributor partners in Australasia and Japan. With the completion of these agreements, Allbirds has transitioned four international regions from direct selling to a distributor model. The shift from a direct go-to-market model to a third-party distributor model is one of the key pillars under Allbirds's previously announced Strategic Transformation Plan. In 2023, the Company transitioned to new partners in Canada and South Korea, and continues to explore distribution opportunities in other international geographies. Effective June 1, 2024, world-renowned industry leader Goldwin Inc. will be the exclusive Allbirds distributor in Japan, bringing decades of expertise in the region. Beginning July 1, 2024, Compendium Group will be Allbirds' first appointed Australasian distributor, focused on continuing to build brand awareness and affinity across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, with a proven track record among breakthrough brands. "We are proud to partner with illustrious distributors in two important regions for Allbirds," said Annie Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer of Allbirds. "Goldwin is a world-class distributor and we look forward to benefiting from their regional knowledge and expertise as we build brand awareness in Japan. Australasia, including our spiritual home of New Zealand, is a significant market for our brand, and we couldn't ask for a better partner than Compendium to lead our efforts in this region." "From its birth, Allbirds always drew our attention for its unique sustainable approach in business and products," said Mori Hikari, Managing Executive Officer of Goldwin Inc. "As we pride ourselves in being one of the most outdoor/sports committed, environmentally focused companies in Japan, we are extremely happy to partner with Allbirds. We believe our partnership will surely accelerate not only Goldwin's commitment to sustainable growth but also our society's awareness of it." "To represent Allbirds down under, with its deep Kiwi roots, is something we are incredibly proud and passionate to get behind. Allbirds is a consumer-driven brand that empowers the public and advocates for change in the footwear industry. This movement has inspired change for other global footwear brands. This resonates in the New Zealand and Australian market, a region where the environment and how we use our natural materials while still protecting it is important from an early age, which sparks a powerful sense of connection to the brand values and product," said Compendium Groups CEO, Johnathan Lopes Da Silva. About Allbirds, Inc. Based in San Francisco, with its roots in New Zealand, Allbirds launched in 2016 with a single shoe: the now iconic Wool Runner. In the years since, Allbirds has sold millions of pairs of shoes, and has maintained its commitment to incredible comfort, versatile style and unmatched quality. This is made possible with materials like Allbirds' sugarcane-based midsole technology, SweetFoam™, and textiles made with eucalyptus fibers and Merino wool – so consumers don't have to compromise between the best products and their impact on the earth. www.allbirds.com About Goldwin: Established in 1951 in Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture in Japan, with the corporate philosophy "to realize a fulfilling and healthy life through sports", Goldwin develops high-performance sports/outdoor wear brands – including the original Goldwin brand, THE NORTH FACE, HELLY HANSEN, Speedo, and CANTERBURY. From research and development to planning, manufacturing, quality control and direct store sales, we strive to provide professional use, athlete-oriented products and quality store and service experience for our customers. In 2021, Goldwin announced our long-term vision "PLAY EARTH 2030" in tackling priority issues to resolve climate change and to integrate sustainability into our business model. corp.goldwin.co.jp Loading... Loading... About Compendium Group.: Compendium Group focuses on distribution across Australasia, working with international brands that are innovative, ethical, and global leaders in their channels across the Outdoor, Surf, Sport and Active Lifestyle categories. These brands include Hydro Flask, Allbirds, OOFOS, Cotopaxi, Rumpl and Nocs Provision. They have a proven track record in building long-standing partnerships to act as the brand's custodians in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island regions. These partnerships are carefully selected based on having a clear cause and a point of difference within their market sector. They offer an outstanding consumer-centric digital, retail, wholesale and marketplace solution that will position their partner brands at the heart of each distribution opportunity across Australasia. Contact: press@allbirds.com

How Trump is shaping Super Tuesday primaries for both parties: From the Politics Desk 2024-03-05 21:06:00+00:00 - Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill. In today’s edition, senior politics editor Scott Bland and campaign embed Katherine Koretski report on how Donald Trump is influencing the future of both parties. Plus, national political correspondent Steve Kornacki explains why even Nikki Haley's best-case Super Tuesday scenario won't get her much closer to the GOP nomination. Trump has remade the GOP. He’s shaping the Democratic Party’s future, too. By Scott Bland and Katherine Koretski Joe Biden, 81, recently answered questions about his age by calling Donald Trump, 77, a politician of the past. “It’s about how old your ideas are,” Biden said on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” But in at least one key respect, Trump is very much the future. He is shaping the direction of not only the Republican Party, but the Democratic Party — and you can see it all over the ballot around the country on Super Tuesday. Do you have a news tip? Let us know While Trump tries to wrap up the GOP presidential nominating fight, down-ballot primaries are kicking off in many states today. And the former president’s king-making power is on display in all sorts of Republican primaries, from the U.S. Senate down to state legislative races. It’s also eye-opening to realize how Trump’s influence is shaping the Democratic Party, which has organized itself in opposition to the former president in recent years. Take a look at just a few of the states holding primaries today: California: The leading Democrat in the Senate polls, Rep. Adam Schiff, rose to national prominence on the left as one of Trump’s impeachment investigators and antagonists in Congress. “The way that he took on Trump fearlessly was — I think we need to do more of that as Democrats,” said Megan Penrose, one of several Schiff voters at a Sunday event in San Francisco who referred to his speeches during Trump’s first impeachment. The other main Democratic contender in the Senate race, Rep. Katie Porter, was elected in the 2018 backlash wave against Trump. Texas: Trump has leapt into state Attorney General Ken Paxton’s revenge tour, helping his ally back primary challenges against state lawmakers who supported Paxton’s impeachment on corruption charges last year. That includes targeting the powerful Republican state House speaker. Meanwhile, the leading Democratic candidate for Senate, Rep. Colin Allred, was another 2018 wave winner, flipping a seat that was never supposed to be competitive — until Trump upended the suburbs. North Carolina: Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the GOP’s likely nominee for governor, reflects Trump’s style of politics, stirring support within his party with a string of controversial comments over the years. And Republican primaries in the state’s many open House districts feature a bevy of candidates trying to prove themselves as the most Trump-friendly of the pack. And Super Tuesday is only the start of months of primaries for Senate, House, governor and local offices. With each successive contest, Trump’s role shaping American politics grows. Follow along with NBC News’ Super Tuesday coverage tonight with our results page and live blog. Haley’s best-case Super Tuesday scenario still wouldn’t be enough Analysis by Steve Kornacki There are nearly 900 delegates up for grabs in today’s Republican primaries and caucuses. But unless she somehow engineers massive upset victories in multiple states, Nikki Haley stands to collect only a pittance of them. To illustrate what she’s up against, I put together a rough estimate of Haley’s best- and worst-case delegate scenarios tonight with my colleagues Ben Kamisar and Adam Noboa: As you can see, the range from Haley’s best cases to her worst isn’t that big. This is a function of the rules, as many of the delegate contests today are effectively winner-take-all, and the demographics, as many of the states that are voting just don’t have a ton of the college-educated, higher-income suburbanites she’s been leaning heavily on. Realistically, the best-case scenario for Haley would look something like this: * A win in Vermont, a deep-blue state with an open primary, in which Trump received only 32% of the vote in 2016. * A win in Virginia, where the northern D.C. suburbs and the Richmond metro area provide her with a bounty of potentially friendly suburbanites. * Strong showings in Colorado, Minnesota and North Carolina, where delegates are likely to be awarded on a proportional basis. * Maybe even in a win in Massachusetts, where the (small) core Republican electorate is pro-Trump, but where independents (60% of the state’s overall voter pool) can participate. The problem for Haley is that even if she achieves all of this, it would only add up to just over 100 delegates. Meanwhile, Trump seems poised to sweep through Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas — states with very conservative electorates, no shortage of working-class and rural white voters, and rules that make them functionally winner-take-all (or close to all). He’s also well positioned in the caucus states of Alaska and Utah, along with Maine, another essentially winner-take-all primary with a heavy concentration of rural, working-class voters. These states could net Trump something approaching 500 delegates. And then add to that the motherlode: California, a closed primary (meaning there are no independents or Democrats for Haley to pull from) where a simple majority is enough to win all 169 delegates. What it takes tonight for Haley to continue with her candidacy is up to her. Perhaps if she wins a couple of states, she’ll point to it as a mandate to proceed, even if she is swamped in the overall delegate count. But if she wants to emerge claiming she has even a remote path to the GOP nomination, it will require outright wins in multiple states that, on paper, appear quite hostile to her. Read the full story here → 🗞️ Today’s top stories 🚫 Seriously, she’s not running: Democrats and Republicans alike have fixated on the notion of Michelle Obama swooping in to replace Biden on the ballot. That isn’t happening. But she does plan to hit the campaign trail for the president, even if it’s in a somewhat limited capacity. Read more → Democrats and Republicans alike have fixated on the notion of Michelle Obama swooping in to replace Biden on the ballot. That isn’t happening. But she does plan to hit the campaign trail for the president, even if it’s in a somewhat limited capacity. Read more → 👋 She’s also not running: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the Democrat-turned-independent, announced she would not run for re-election in Arizona, paving the way for a tough and expensive fight for her seat in the battleground state. Read more → Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the Democrat-turned-independent, announced she would not run for re-election in Arizona, paving the way for a tough and expensive fight for her seat in the battleground state. Read more → 💰 Three presidents walk into a fundraiser : A fundraiser this month featuring Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton is expected to raise more than $10 million and draw at least 3,000 people. Read more → : A fundraiser this month featuring Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton is expected to raise more than $10 million and draw at least 3,000 people. Read more → 🎙️ Watered-down speech : Administration officials toned down the original version of Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks calling for an immediate six-week cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, three current U.S. officials and a former U.S. official familiar with the speech told NBC News. Read more → : Administration officials toned down the original version of Vice President Kamala Harris’ remarks calling for an immediate six-week cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, three current U.S. officials and a former U.S. official familiar with the speech told NBC News. Read more → 👨‍💼👨‍💼 Down to two Johns: The race to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican leader is now effectively between Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas after Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming opted to run for the No. 2 position instead. Read more → The race to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican leader is now effectively between Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas after Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming opted to run for the No. 2 position instead. Read more → ☑️ Every vote counts: The Texas Tribune breaks down how a the fraction of voters who will turn out for today’s primaries have a massive say in who runs the state. Read more → The Texas Tribune breaks down how a the fraction of voters who will turn out for today’s primaries have a massive say in who runs the state. Read more → 🎤 Fill in the Blank Space on your ballot: Taylor Swift urged her 282 million Instagram followers to vote on Super Tuesday, without endorsing any specific candidate or cause. Read more → That’s all from The Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback — likes or dislikes — email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com And if you’re a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.

Want an A-lister like Rihanna to perform at your wedding? Here's how much it could cost you. 2024-03-05 21:00:47+00:00 - Rihanna performed at the pre-wedding celebration for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Having an A-list artist play at a private event is a strong marker of wealth. Here's how much it can cost — and why musicians are willing to show up. 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 Rihanna — the global music superstar turned billionaire beauty mogul — took to the stage this past weekend, performing her first full concert in eight years for the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ivanka Trump. The reason: To celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Anant Ambani, the son of India's richest person, Mukesh Ambani, and his fiancée, Radhika Merchant. The performance, on night one of a three-day affair in Gujarat, India, did not come cheap. It's speculated she got paid between $5 million and $9 million for the 19-song set, though that hasn't been confirmed, and Rihanna's spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. A-listers typically nab fees in the low to mid seven figures for "privates," as they are known, experts in the entertainment and luxury experience space told Business Insider. That varies based on location, length of performance, and demand, and artists can charge more for add-ons like meet-and-greets and photo ops. Plus, hosts have to pay for travel — typically, a private jet is required — production costs, and lodging. Having A-list performers at an event, whether a wedding, bar mitzvah, or corporate retreat, is nothing new and can be an ultimate flex. Advertisement "If you can afford it, why wouldn't you fly in your favorite artist to perform your favorite songs rather than simply listening to covers?" Stuart McNeill, the founder of luxury concierge company Knightsbridge Circle, told Business Insider. One of McNeill's clients flew R&B singer Craig David to the German spa town Baden-Baden last year to perform his wife's favorite song for a group of eight, he said. The company has also hired Elton John for a Christmas party, Nile Rodgers for a 50th birthday, and Lady Gaga for a Vegas gig. Flo Rida has performed at a Chicago bar mitzvah and a New York private equity party in exchange for reported six-figure sums. Sting and Andrea Bocelli have made appearances at Davos and Kardashian weddings, respectively. Mukesh Ambani is no stranger to shelling out for singers. He had Beyoncé perform at a celebration for his daughter's 2018 wedding, and the next year had The Chainsmokers and Chris Martin at his elder son's wedding festivities. While it's not public how much Ambani paid for those "privates," Beyoncé earned a reported $24 million last year for a controversial one-hour performance at a hotel opening in Dubai. Advertisement Regardless of whether the guests are 13-year-olds, corporate elites, or politicians, a star performance leaves a lasting impression on guests. "Generally speaking, you will never beat the thrill of having a major artist perform at your wedding. For those who can swing it, it's one of the coolest experiences you can give to your guests," Alison Laesser-Keck, cofounder of luxury event planning firm Alison Bryan Destinations, told BI. For the stars, "privates" have one big draw: the cash. While some refuse to play private gigs for any fee and others only do it for people they know, other performers "aren't picky at all — they just want the paycheck," Laesser-Keck said. Advertisement Artists can earn more playing one hour at a private party than they would from a night of a tour — the latter of which takes a lot more rehearsing and involves months of promo and travel. "In many cases, these bookings are easier than a public concert. No pressure to sell tickets, no interviews, etc," one entertainment insider told BI. "Privates" have also grown in popularity in the era of Spotify and Apple Music. Since the advent of streaming, artists have made significantly less money from music sales, which used to make up the bulk of their income. Now, to earn big, musicians have to perform live — whether through touring or private gigs. That means stars may be more amenable to playing at a wedding or corporate party than previously. Advertisement And at a certain price point, it's even hard for someone like Rihanna, who is worth $1.4 billion, per Forbes, to say no. Meanwhile, for some of the world's most wealthy, the bragging rights are nearly priceless. "If you were a guest at a friend's 50th and Usher was performing, you'd be pretty impressed, right?!" McNeill said.

How Super Tuesday Could Shape Trump, Biden, and Haley's Future 2024-03-05 20:56:57+00:00 - March 5 marks Super Tuesday. The day can make or break the GOP primary for Donald Trump or Nikki Haley and reaffirm Joe Biden's footing in the race. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in .

Reddit’s offering marks return of ‘junk stock IPO,’ New Constructs says 2024-03-05 20:49:00+00:00 - As Reddit’s initial public offering nears, independent equity-research firm New Constructs is warning investors to avoid the social-media platform’s IPO. “Reddit’s IPO marks the return of the junk IPO,” New Constructs CEO David Trainer wrote in a note. “We think the company may never monetize its platform without angering its users, and the entire premise of Reddit is user-generated content. This business model is inescapably built on a catch-22: Make money or please users.” Reddit publicly filed the registration statement for its IPO last month, citing the opportunity to grow the platform, as well as its business, through advertising, monetizing commerce on the platform and licensing data. “Advertising is our first business, and advertisers of all sizes have discovered that Reddit is a great place to find high-intent customers that they aren’t able to reach elsewhere,” Reddit co-founder and CEO Steve Huffman said in the S-1 filing. “Advertising on Reddit is rapidly evolving, and we are still in the early phases of growing this business.” Related: Reddit publicly files IPO papers, detailing plans to license data, sell more ads and grow its ‘user economy’ The stock will trade under the symbol RDDT on the New York Stock Exchange. Its public debut is expected sometime in March, according to New Constructs’ Trainer. “While Reddit’s expected $5 billion valuation is half of its $10 billion private-market valuation seen in 2021 when interest rates were zero and money was cheap, it remains much too high,” he said in his note. “Reddit reminds us of the fast-growing but highly unprofitable IPOs we saw in 2021.” In particular, he pointed to the IPOs of DoorDash Inc. DASH, -1.13% , Robinhood Markets Inc. HOOD, -4.21% , Coinbase Global Inc. COIN, -5.40% , DiDi Global Inc. DIDIY, +1.32% and Rivian Automotive Inc. RIVN, +0.18% . DoorDash shares have fallen 24.3% since the company’s December 2020 IPO, while Robinood’s stock has fallen 52.8% since its July 2021 public offering. Coinbase shares are down 33% since its April 2021 public debut, while DiDi Global’s stock struggled slightly on its June 2021 debut and has subsequently fallen 75.7%. Rivian’s stock is down 91.6% since its November 2021 IPO. “A $5 billion valuation implies that Reddit will grow its user base to 26x current levels, which would be nearly 5x the size of Snap (SNAP) and a highly unlikely feat,” Trainer wrote. “Reddit looks overvalued, and we think investors should pass on this IPO.” Related: Reddit’s IPO filing names WallStreetBets’ popularity as risk to stock price The Wall Street Journal reports that Reddit is targeting a valuation of up to $6.5 billion. Reddit is home to the WallStreetBets forum, which played an important role in the meme-stock frenzy of 2021 that sent stocks such as AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. AMC, +4.17% and GameStop Corp. GME, -1.45% skyrocketing. But New Constructs is unmoved. “Sure, Reddit birthed some of the most volatile meme stocks through the wallstreetbets subreddit, but the company has never been profitable and should not be a publicly traded company,” Trainer wrote. Also read: Reddit will offer shares in its IPO at issue price to 75,000 of its most active users: report In its S-1 filing, Reddit cited the popularity of WallStreetBets among retail investors as a risk to its stock price, which it said could experience “extreme volatility” for reasons unrelated to the company’s “underlying business or macroeconomic or industry fundamentals.” In 2023, Reddit grew revenue to $804 million, up from $666.7 million in 2022. The company’s gross margin was 86% in 2023, up from 84% in 2022. Reddit had a net loss of $90.8 million at the end of 2023, although that narrowed from $158.6 million in 2022. The company had an average of 73.1 million daily active uniques in the three months ending Dec. 31, 2023. Related: This is what we can expect to see from meme stocks in 2024 But Trainer highlighted the challenges associated with the platform’s reliance on unpaid moderators. “This unique approach makes the Reddit experience more personal, but it is not without risks,” he wrote. “Moderators are extremely important and could leave at any time.” “The first social media company to go public in years will not only test investors’ appetite for the next money-losing operation, but it will also provide some clarity on the IPO market in general,” he wrote. “Let’s hope investors aren’t throwing caution to the wind and piling into the latest profitless company. Real diligence reveals that Reddit is not only unprofitable, but also highly overvalued.” Reddit has not responded to a request for comment. Companies are not allowed to publicly comment on their IPOs before they start trading. Andrew Keshner contributed.

Ken Griffin Gifts $50 Million to University of Miami Cancer Center 2024-03-05 20:48:01+00:00 - Ken Griffin just gave $50 million to the University of Miami for cancer research. It's the billionaire founder of Citadel's biggest philanthropic gift to Florida yet. It comes one month after he paused giving to Harvard, his alma mater. 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 billionaire founder and CEO of Citadel announced Tuesday his biggest gift yet to his new home of Florida. Ken Griffin gave $50 million to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami's medical school, to help advance cancer research, according to a press release. The gift is set to result in a new 12-story research facility named after Griffin. This announcement came almost a month after Griffin said he would no longer donate to Harvard because of how it dealt with antisemitism on campus — last year he donated over $300 million to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, The Harvard Crimson reported. "Until Harvard makes it very clear that they're going to resume their role as educating young American men and women to be leaders, to be problem-solvers, to take on difficult issues, I'm not interested in supporting the institution," Griffin said. Advertisement A rendering of the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building. University of Miami In 2022, Citadel moved its headquarters from Chicago to Miami — because of increasing rates of crime and violence throughout the Midwestern city. Since moving to Miami, Griffin has been making his mark on the Sunshine State, including a slew of charitable gifts and big real-estate purchases. He's also touted Miami as a future financial hub, predicting it could overtake New York. The founder of Citadel, a hedge fund, and Citadel Securities, a trading firm, Griffin is the 35th-richest person in the world with an estimated $38.6 billion, according to Forbes. The new building, to be named the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, is set to be one of the largest stand-alone buildings for cancer research in Florida, the University of Miami's press release said. It will contribute to creating and finding new therapies and expanding clinical trials. It's set to open in 2025. Advertisement The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami University of Miami "The Ken Griffin name has become synonymous with philanthropic leadership that drives value in the communities in which he operates," Stuart A. Miller, the board chair of the University of Miami Health System, said. Miller added: "Miami is privileged and fortunate to now call Ken Griffin one of our own."

Elon Musk can't stop fearmongering on immigration 2024-03-05 20:28:50+00:00 - Tech billionaire Elon Musk continues to push a right-wing conspiracy theory about the Biden administration “importing voters” by transporting undocumented immigrants into the country, and in a recent post, goes so far as to suggest that immigrants may be orchestrating a terror attack against the U.S. "This administration is both importing voters and creating a national security threat from unvetted illegal immigrants," he wrote on X late Monday. "It is highly probable that the groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11. Just a matter of time." Musk included a screenshot of a headline of a Daily Mail story centered on a report issued Monday from the Center for Immigration Studies, an organization that has pushed for strict limits on immigration, about Customs and Border Protection declining to disclose the airports where undocumented immigrants are arriving via its CBP One app due to “operational vulnerabilities.” The federal government has been guarded with information regarding such flights in the past, as WHYY reported, in part to protect the privacy of those on board, including children. The conspiracy theory about the administration covertly flying undocumented immigrants into the U.S. as part of a vast ploy to increase voter turnout for Democrats has swirled among the right-wing media and Republicans since at least 2021. Some of the flights, operated for the Office of Refugee Resettlement, are part of a long-standing practice to relocate minors and unite them with caretakers — a practice that was also common under former President Donald Trump. The more conspiratorial aspects have been repeatedly debunked by CNN, The Washington Post and PolitiFact. The CBP One app allows migrants to apply for an appointment to be vetted and processed by U.S. immigration authorities. CBS News reported that between January 2023 and February this year, almost 450,000 people have been processed by U.S. immigration officials after making an appointment on the app. More than 64.3 million appointment requests have been made from migrants in Mexico alone, according to CBS. Musk, who immigrated to the U.S. himself, is partial to anti-immigration sentiment. He has promoted what the Post likened to “great replacement”-adjacent rhetoric, repeatedly claiming that Democrats want undocumented immigrants to enter the country as a way to gain more votes. (For the record, Democratic lawmakers have increasingly signaled that they are open to harsh anti-immigration policies for which they've previously criticized their GOP counterparts.) Musk now appears to have escalated this already racist conspiracy about migrants into evidence-free fearmongering that they could be plotting a terror attack.

Damage to Cables Under Red Sea Highlights Mideast Conflict’s Broader Threat 2024-03-05 20:23:00+00:00 - Mysterious damage to vital communications cables under the Red Sea has raised concerns about whether the conflict in the Middle East is now beginning to threaten the global internet. Just as the waters off Yemen hold crucial shipping lanes, they are also a critical location for undersea cables that carry email and other digital traffic between Asia and the West. Around a dozen cables run through the area, and more are planned. These bundles of glass fibers, about as thick as a garden hose, “are extremely important,” said Tim Stronge, vice president for research at TeleGeography, which analyzes the telecommunications market. “Over 90 percent of all communications traffic between Europe and Asia goes through those” cables. Late last month, Seacom, a company that specializes in providing communications to African countries, noticed that data had stopped flowing through its line that runs from Mombasa, Kenya, up through the Red Sea to Zafarana in Egypt.