Latest news with #DavidO'Brien
Mint
11 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
The most exclusive credit cards are about to get even more expensive
When JPMorgan Chase said it was raising the annual fee by 45% on its popular Sapphire Reserve credit card, longtime cardholder David O'Brien didn't notice. 'My eyes glaze over with this stuff," said the 36-year-old New York lawyer. Until a reporter told him that the fee will soon rise to $795, from $550, he assumed he had been paying less than $100 a year. A brief shock, acknowledged with an expletive, gave way to acceptance. Top credit card companies have stumbled on a winning formula at odds with almost every other sector of America's inflation-obsessed economy: Raising their prices is good for business. Already sold by the status the cards convey, a large number of customers are willing to eat the costs. This is JPMorgan's third and largest increase to its annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve card since it was launched in 2016 at $450 a year. It takes effect Monday for new customers and in October for existing customers. American Express, whose Platinum card usually carries the heftiest fee in its market segment, is expected to raise its $695 fee—even higher than the Sapphire Reserve's—in its fall refresh, analysts say. 'I've been surprised at the ability to continue to extract higher pricing," said Moshe Orenbuch, a managing director at TD Securities. When the Sapphire Reserve launched, analysts doubted there was much appetite for triple-digit annual fees. 'Issuers have been positively surprised at how many of those folks there are." Price hikes make the cards appear more exclusive. Except rather than offering a luxury good such as a diamond ring or fancy ride, the companies offer the chance to spend more. The cards' allure 'can lead to behaviors that you can't justify" based on function alone, said Derek Rucker, a marketing professor at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. 'That's where the math doesn't have to make sense," he said. Theoretically, the math can make sense. Chase touts the more than $2,700 in annual value on its refreshed Reserve card, including hotel and dining credits and travel perks. Amex Platinum offers similar benefits for frequent travelers. O'Brien, the New York lawyer, said that despite the fee increase, he expects the math to work out for keeping his Sapphire Reserve card. He regularly uses points from the card to book flights and hotel stays, and says lounge access offsets the cost of a few pricey airport cocktails. But many perks go unredeemed. According to the latest data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, cardholders earned over $40 billion in rewards in 2022, yet more than $33 billion went unclaimed—a 40% jump since before the pandemic. The average account sat on $150 in unused perks. A dining room at the American Express Centurion New York restaurant. Redemption now requires more effort than ever before. Jacob Moon, a 36-year-old investment banker in Los Angeles, didn't mind the fee increase, but bristled at the fine print. Many perks are delivered in increments and expire monthly. For instance, Chase is advertising a $500 hotel credit as a new benefit with the Sapphire Reserve. But half of the credit must be used in the first six months of the year, and half of it in the last six months. 'For the amount I spend, I want freedom, not a schedule," Moon said. 'This card is giving me homework." Such complexity favors users who track every point and benefit—and banks know that. Regardless of whether perks are redeemed, the card issuer collects the fee. 'The vast majority of people will see all that as a headache," said Greg Davis-Kean, founder of travel website Frequent Miler. Chase has taken steps to streamline its rewards. Cardholders now earn eight points per dollar on all travel booked through its portal—previously, different rates applied to flights and hotels. Chase also shows unclaimed benefits in its app. 'We're all about getting customers to redeem 100% of their benefits," said Allison Beer, CEO of card and connected commerce at Chase. The higher fees will inevitably be too much for some customers to swallow. That might be the point, said Patrick Mrozowski, the founder of Atlas, a credit card company that charges a $1,000 annual fee and offers cardholders access to a concierge service, including help securing hard-to-get reservations at such restaurants as New York's The Corner Store. 'Maybe their overall number of customers drops, but the level of engagement from the core base increases, and that's a better way to grow," Mrozowski said. Chase said it doesn't expect significant attrition from its Sapphire Reserve revamp, but acknowledged that some customers might decide to downgrade to the lower-fee Preferred card or opt out entirely. A Bank of America Global Research survey earlier this month found that only 9% of Chase cardholders said they would cancel their most-used premium card if the annual fee increased by $100. Michael Andeberhan, a 44-year-old who works in asset management, carries both the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum and keeps a close eye on whether he's getting his money's worth from each. But with the prospect of higher annual fees on both cards, he's starting to question whether two is too many. Having two cards divides his spending, and each credit card company reserves its best perks for customers who spend the most on their cards. For example, cardholders who charge more than $75,000 a year on a Chase card unlock top-tier status at IHG Hotels and Resorts. 'Is it worth having two premium cards?" Andeberhan said. 'Because you can only spend your money on one card." Write to Imani Moise at and Jacob Passy at
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Braves Make Jurickson Profar Announcement Ahead of Mets Series
Braves Make Jurickson Profar Announcement Ahead of Mets Series originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Left field has been a revolving door for the Atlanta Braves this season, with the team struggling to find steady production from the position. Advertisement Some help could soon arrive, as Jurickson Profar is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Profar, 32, was Atlanta's lone significant free agent addition last winter, signing a three-year, $42 million deal in January. He was pencilled in as the team's starting left fielder, but has yet to play a home game for the Braves. After appearing in four games, a series against the San Diego Padres, Profar was handed an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs on March 31. Mar 24, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar (7) hits against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Initially eligible to return on June 29, rainouts have pushed that date back to Jul 2. Any further postponements would delay Profar's return another day. Advertisement Braves left fielders have combined to hit just .217 with two home runs, a .283 slugging percentage (29th in the majors at the position) and a .554 OPS (29th). Atlanta is currently 13 games back of the New York Mets for the National League East division lead and 7 1/2 games out of the final Wild Card spot. Related: Tigers Provide Update on Closer Will Vest After Injury Scare This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Times
10-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Times
Leaving Cert biology: Plenty of choice but challenging in places
The Leaving Cert biology paper (higher level) has been well-received by teacher and students alike, with praise for the layout and choice. Killian Keegan, a student at Athlone Community College and one of this year's Irish Times student diarists, said that it was the most accessible paper in years . Liam Hennelly, subject expert and a biology teacher at Belvedere College in Dublin, said that it was well-laid out. 'It gave students plenty of choice across all three units of the course, and allowed them to show off what they know. READ MORE 'Some of the questions were challenging in places and required an in-depth knowledge of subject material, as you would expect with any higher-level paper,' said Mr Hennelly. Biology, higher level, sections A and B: David O'Brien, ASTI subject representative and a teacher at Ballincollig Community School in Co Cork, said that it was a very fair paper. 'The students I spoke to were happy with the exam,' he said. 'They were well-prepared. They were delighted with the experiment question about habitat study in question eight. 'There was a question about vaccination and immunity in section C, which is very relevant,' he said. 'With so much choice on the marking paper, and a good balance between anatomy, plants, cells and genetics, the marking scheme will ultimately distinguish between the H1 and H2 candidates.' Biology, higher level, section C: Wesley Hammond, a biology teacher at the Institute of Education, said that students who were diligent in their past papers and didn't cut corners when revising chapters will be happy with this paper. 'Many of the areas that students consider as 'bankers' for their marks were nicely represented,' he said. The questions in section A won't have thrown anyone, said Mr Hennelly. 'There were no surprises and if you had put in the time to work through past papers you will recognise much of it. While all questions might not suit everyone (Q2's longitudinal section of the root may challenge those less confident in plant biology), there were plenty of viable alternatives to let them demonstrate their efforts over the last two years,' he said. Ordinary level On the ordinary-level paper, Mr Hennelly said that it also had a wide selection of questions that ranged across a broad number of topics. 'Short questions included food, ecology, a true/false question, cell structure, tropisms, the nervous system and mitosis. Experiment questions included food tests, enzymes and factors that affect germination,' he said. 'The long questions gave students a lot of choice across ecology, genetics & protein synthesis, photosynthesis & respiration, plant structure, human reproduction and microbiology among other topics,' Mr Hennelly said. From September 2025, senior cycle students will start a new curriculum for all science subjects, with an increased focus on experimentation, and 40 per cent of marks awarded for project work. Biology, ordinary level, sections A and B: Mr O'Brien, the ASTI subject representative, said that schools have yet to receive health and safety guidelines or risk assessments for practical investigation. 'Schools have not received sufficient funding for purchasing equipment and chemicals, which are expensive, and will need annual funding. We're also concerned about digital inequality in the system, as students or schools with more access to computers will be at a disadvantage,' Mr O'Brien said. Biology, ordinary level, section C: Try this one at home: LEAVING CERT BIOLOGY, QUESTION 16 (D) Lymphocytes mature in the lymphatic system, which is part of the human defence system. (i) 1. Name two organs of the lymphatic system. 2. Other than maturation of lymphocytes, give two functions of the lymphatic system. (ii) Lymphocytes play a role in the specific defence system. State the precise location in the body where lymphocytes are produced. 3. Name two types of lymphocyte and describe the role of each. 4. Explain the term 'vaccination'.
Irish Examiner
10-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Leaving Cert students get 'really nice and well laid out' biology exam
This year's Leaving Cert biology exam gave students plenty of choice, and had a good focus on human biology and ecology, as the State exams continued on Tuesday. This afternoon's exams were "fair" and "student-centered" papers that would have been well received, according to teachers who analysed the questions. Many biology students will be very happy with this year's exam papers, according to ASTI subject spokesperson David O'Brien, a teacher at Ballincollig Community School. The higher level exam was a "very fair paper,' he said. 'There was a lot of choice on the exam.' The shorter questions in Section A featured topics like aerobic respiration, the digestive system and the scientific method. 'Teachers would have had their students well covered for this exam,' he added. Students he spoke to after the exam were 'delighted' to see an experiment question on ecology. 'Many students around the country would have expected a question like that. Most students would be very happy.' Students would have been expecting questions on genetics, the skeleton and photosynthesis. 'So, it was no surprise that those questions appeared.' Plant reproduction appeared on the exam for the second year in a row, Mr O'Brien added. 'Students may have been surprised but again, the teachers would have had the full curriculum covered so students should have had no problem accessing that question.' Ordinary level The ordinary level also had a good balance of topics, he believed. 'Anatomy was assessed, plants were assessed, and cellular biology was assessed,' he explained. 'There was such a good balance of topics, the ordinary level student would have found this very accessible.' Liam Hennelly, a Biology teacher at Belvedere College in Dublin and Studyclix subject spokesperson, said the higher-level exam was a "really nice and well laid out paper". "It gave students plenty of choice across all three units of the course and allowed them to show off what they know," he added. "Some of the questions were challenging in places and required an in-depth knowledge of subject material, as you would expect with any higher level paper. There were also four questions on human biology students could have attempted for a total of 200 marks out of 400, amounting to 50% of the exam. "This would have been a relief for a lot of students. Overall, this was a very student-centered, fair and current paper that would have been well received.' He also agreed that the ordinary level paper was very fair and accessible and students had a lot of choice.
Cision Canada
02-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Stuhini Exploration Appoints Meredith Eades as President and Chief Executive Officer; Appoints David O'Brien as Board Chair; Announces other Corporate Updates
VANCOUVER, BC, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Stuhini Exploration Ltd. ("Stuhini" or the "Company") (TSXV: STU) (OTCQB: STXPF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Meredith Eades as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), and Director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. David O'Brien has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer and moved to the position of Chair of the Company replacing Tony Fogarassy, who has stepped down as Chair and as a Director. Mr. David O'Brien commented: "We are excited to welcome Ms. Eades to lead Stuhini as its President & CEO. Her unique combination of business acumen, leadership experience, and background in high-performance environments makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide Stuhini through its next phase of growth." "I am honoured to take on the role of President & CEO and look forward to leading Stuhini into the next stages of its growth," commented Meredith Eades. "Our primary focus will be on advancing Ruby Creek, with a vision of responsible and effective exploration that unlocks its full value. I am eager to work alongside our technical team, advisors, and stakeholders to achieve these objectives." As an executive Ms. Eades brings a relevant skill set to Company. She will draw on her 9 years of experience in investor relations within the mining sector, alongside her background in business, marketing, and professional athletics. Throughout her career, she has worked with reputable companies such as Radisson Mining Resources Inc., American Pacific Mining Corp., and Silver47 Exploration Corp. Ms. Eades has a proven track record working with junior mining companies to leverage their value proposition, capital raising, fostering investor confidence, and leading strategic growth initiatives. Ms. Eades holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of British Columbia and has developed strong leadership skills through her experience as a professional athlete in skiing and mountain biking. Her background has instilled a deep understanding of teamwork, discipline, and motivation—key qualities that have contributed to her success in both business and sport. The Company would like to thank Mr. David O'Brien, who has stepped down from his role as President & CEO and transitioned to Chair of the Board. David's leadership has been instrumental in Stuhini's growth, and the Company looks forward to his continued support. The Company also wishes to thank Mr. Tony Fogarassy for his leadership as Chair of the Board during his tenure. In connection with Ms. Eades appointment, the Company has granted Ms. Eades a stock option for the purchase of 500,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.11 per share for a term of five years expiring May 30, 2030. The stock option vests in stages of 25% every six months such that all options shall be fully vested by May 30, 2027, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's stock option plan. The option grants are subject to any necessary regulatory approvals. About Stuhini Exploration Ltd. Stuhini is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration and development of precious and base metals properties in western Canada and the southwest United States. The Company's portfolio of exploration properties includes the flagship Ruby Creek Property, 14 km east of Atlin, BC; the South Thompson Nickel Project, 35 km northwest of Grand Rapids, Manitoba; the Big Ledge Property, 57 km south of Revelstoke, BC; the Red Hills Project in northeast Nevada and the Jersey Valley Project in northwest Nevada. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Stuhini Exploration Ltd.
