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☆ Planet Fitness is ditching the $10 membership it has had for 26 years, and hiking basic prices by 50%
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Planet Fitness is hiking the price of its Classic Card membership plan by 50% to $15 a month. AdvertisementPlanet Fitness is hiking the price of its basic membership plan by 50% after holding it at $10 a month for 26 years. Benson said that Planet Fitness had started testing $12.99 and $15 price points in the fall. AdvertisementAround the time that the new Classic Card price is introduced, Planet Fitness will start testing new prices for the Black Card, Benson said. As part of the Classic Card price change, Planet Fitness plans to focus more heavily on its "price for life" policy, Benson said.

Persons: —, Craig Benson, Thomas Fitzgerald, Benson, Fitzgerald, Chris Rondeau Organizations: Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black Card, Black

☆ Planet Fitness will raise its $10 membership plan for the first time in 26 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —The Planet Fitness $10-a-month membership plan is a powerful marketing tool and a central part of its strategy. Planet Fitness will raise the price of its “classic” membership from $10 a month to $15 for new members beginning in the summer. “It’s a ‘get you off the couch’ price,” Planet Fitness’ former CEO told CNN in 2022. Planet Fitness blared out the $10 gym plan, which includes annual fees and free training, in commercials. “We’ve seen in every industry people move in price,” Planet Fitness interim CEO Craig Benson said.

Persons: Sharon Zackfia, William Blair, “ We’ve, Craig Benson, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Fitness, Black Card Locations: New York, United States, Square

☆ Planet Fitness is raising prices even as it warns customers are growing cost-conscious
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Brandon Gomez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Planet Fitness said it's hiking its base-level membership prices for new customers for the first time since 1998, even as the gym operator warns that customers are growing increasingly cost-conscious. Current members will continue to pay $10 per month "for the duration of their membership," Planet Fitness said Thursday alongside its quarterly earnings report. Planet Fitness also said it will start testing higher prices for its top-tier membership, known as the Black Card, this summer. Life Time members tend to be older, more affluent gymgoers, whereas Planet Fitness appeals to a younger, more budget-conscious consumer. The Street is bullish on a company turnaround from Planet Fitness' incoming CEO, Colleen Keating, who assumes the role on June 10.

Persons: Tom Fitzgerald, Craig Benson, Benson, Piper Sandler, Korinne Wolfmeyer, Colleen Keating Organizations: Time Holdings, White, Fitness

☆ Celebrities have scored free food, sometimes for life, from places like Dunkin', McDonald's, and more. Here's how.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Sarah Jackson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Brands like Chipotle frequently give celebrities and other influential figures passes for free food, hoping they'll post about it and promote the brand to their millions of followers. McDonald'sMcDonald's has reportedly issued free food cards at the franchisee and corporate level. AdvertisementBerkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett has said he has a McDonald's card good for free food in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. AdvertisementBill Gates' McDonald's Gold Card reportedly entitles him to free food for life at any location. Burger KingBurger King started giving celebrities cards for a lifetime of free food in 2006 and had given out around a dozen by 2008, according to Ad Age.

Persons: —, Olivia Rodrigo, Chipotle, Here's, McDonald's McDonald's, Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, Buffett, Rob Lowe, Lowe, David Peterson, McDonald's, Sen, Mitt Romney, Romney, George Romney, Ray Kroc, Bill Gates, Stephanie Perdue, Perdue, Chris Nikic, Roy Murray, Tony Hawk, Big Sean, Addison Rae, Abby Wambach, Candice Beck, Ozzy Osbourne, Burger, Burger King Burger King, Jennifer Hudson, Hugh Laurie, didn't, George Lucas, Robert Downey Jr, Jay Leno, Burger King, Ed Sheeran, Jack Whitehall, Nando's, Dunkin, Novak, DunKing Ben Affleck, that's Organizations: Service, Business, Berkshire, Wall Street, Brand, Burger King, Ad, BK Locations: Omaha , Nebraska, Santa Barbara, Goleta , California, Santa, Chipotle, Burger

☆ Fact Check-Charlie Hebdo did not mock Ukrainian fencer Kharlan on Aug. 2 cover
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A fake cover of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo featuring a fencing bout between Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan and Russian Anna Smirnova is circulating online. The cartoon cover portrays a disfigured and unsightly depiction of Kharlan refusing to shake hands with her opponent after an individual sabre bout. The magazine’s online archive also does not include any cover featuring the Ukrainian fencer (abo.charliehebdo.fr/). A representative for Charlie Hebdo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Charlie Hebdo did not release a cover depicting the Ukraine-Russia fencing bout.

Persons: Charlie Hebdo, Olga Kharlan, Russian Anna Smirnova, Kharlan, fierte, ”, Gerald Darmanin, Smirnova, Read Organizations: Twitter, Facebook, French, International Fencing Federation, Reuters Locations: Russian, Milan, Ukraine, Russia

CNN —The leader of Ukraine’s national fencing team, Olga Kharlan, said she “acted with my heart” following her disqualification from the world championships for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent. The four-time individual world champion and four-time Olympic medalist also called for a rule change regarding the disqualification of athletes who refuse to shake hands with opponents. CNN has contacted the International Fencing Federation for comment on Kharlan’s disqualification. Tadashi Miyamoto/AFLO/Shutterstock“I did not want to shake hands with that athlete and I acted with my heart,” said Kharlan. Ukrainian tennis stars – namely Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, and Lesia Tsurenko – have all refused to shake hands with Russian opponents.

Persons: Olga Kharlan, “, ” Kharlan, Kharlan, Russian Anna Smirnova, Smirnova, Tadashi Miyamoto, ”, ” Mikhailo Ilyashev, Ilyashev, Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk Organizations: CNN, Fencing Federation, International Fencing Federation, Ukrainian Fencing Federation, Olympics, Wimbledon Locations: Russian, Milan, Ukrainian

☆ IOC urges sensitivity in handling Ukrainian, Russian athletes after fencer's disqualification
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

July 28 (Reuters) - International federations should handle situations involving Ukrainian and neutral athletes with sensitivity, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said after a Ukrainian fencer was disqualified for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent. "Therefore, we encourage International Federations to handle situations involving Ukrainian and Individual Neutral Athletes with the necessary degree of sensitivity. "We continue to stand in full solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and the Olympic community of Ukraine." Kharlan said she stands by her decision not to shake hands with Smirnova. "When I have a choice... where I shake hands I will never shake hands with her.

Persons: Ukraine's Olga Kharlan, Anna Smirnova, Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Kharlan, Kharlan's, Smirnova, Tommy Lund, Aadi Nair, Claudia Greco, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Christian Radnedge Organizations: International Olympic Committee, Ukrainian Fencing Federation, Olympic Games, IOC, Reuters, Olympic, Thomson Locations: Ukrainian, Russian, Milan, Ukraine, Moscow, Belarus, Russia, Bengaluru

☆ Olga Kharlan: Ukraine's top fencer granted place at Olympics after disqualification for not shaking hands with Russian opponent
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Svitlana Vlasova Victoria Butenko Tim Lister | Svitlana Vlasova | Victoria Butenko | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Olga Kharlan, leader of Ukraine’s national fencing team, was earlier disqualified at the tournament after she refused to shake hands with the Russian rival Anna Smirnova she defeated. An athlete’s refusal to shake hands after a contest results in a black card and expulsion, according to International Fencing Federation rules. The federation said it has met with Kharlan and spoken with the International Olympic Committee and finds the reinstatement “in keeping with the Olympic Spirit”. IOC chief’s interventionThat turnaround came came after a pointed intervention from the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, himself a former fencer. Meanwhile, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina took to Twitter to support Kharlan, writing: “We are not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Persons: Olga Kharlan, Anna Smirnova, Smirnova, Kharlan, Thomas Bach, Bach, ”, Olga Kharlan of, Tadashi Miyamoto, “, Dmytro Kuleba, ” Kharlan, Vladimir Putin, Marta Kostyuk, Kostyuk, Aryna Sabalenka, Sabalenka, won’t, Elina Svitolina Organizations: CNN, International Fencing Federation, Paris, Fencing, International Olympic Committee, IOC, Paris Olympics, Fencing Federation, Ukraine’s, Belarus, Aryna, Twitter Locations: Ukrainian, Italy, Russian, Ukraine, Milan, Olga Kharlan of Ukraine, Russia, Kyiv, Belarusian

☆ Ukraine's Kharlan disqualified after refusal to shake hands with Russian opponent
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

July 27 (Reuters) - Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan has been disqualified after refusing to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova at the World Championships in Milan on Thursday. Kharlan, a four-time Olympic medallist and world champion, won the individual sabre bout 15-7 and then refused to shake hands with her opponent. Smirnova remained on the piste for over half an hour after the incident, speaking with a number of officials before leaving. In fencing's rules, shaking an opponent's hand is mandatory and failure to do so results in a 'black card'. The women's team sabre event begins on July 29.

Persons: Olga Kharlan, Anna Smirnova, Smirnova, Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Mykhailo Illiashev, Illiashev, Kharlan, Aadi Nair, Anna Pruchnika, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Fencing Federation, Thomson Locations: Ukrainian, Milan, Ukraine, Moscow, Belarus, Russia

☆ Ukraine’s top fencer disqualified from world championship after refused handshake with Russian
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Svitlana Vlasova | Tim Lister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The leader of Ukraine’s national fencing team, Olga Kharlan, has been disqualified from participating in the world championships after she refused to shake hands with Anna Smirnova, who is from Russia. Kharlan had just beaten Smirnova at the tournament in Milan, but rather than shake hands the Ukrainian offered her sabre to tap blades. Mikhailo Ilyashev, President of the Ukrainian Fencing Federation, told Ukrainian television that Ukraine would protest the decision, saying the referee had not disqualified Kharlan, who was banned later. But the refusal to shake hands after a contest results in a black card and expulsion, according to federation rules. Meanwhile, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina took to Twitter to support Kharlan, writing: “We are not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Persons: Olga Kharlan, Anna Smirnova, Kharlan, Smirnova, Vadym Guttsait, ”, Mikhailo Ilyashev, Andreas Solaro, Marta Kostyuk, Kostyuk, Aryna Sabalenka, Sabalenka, won’t, Elina Svitolina Organizations: CNN, Ukrainian Sports, Facebook, Ukrainian Fencing Federation, International Fencing Federation, Getty, Fencing Federation, Belarus, Aryna, Twitter Locations: Russia, Milan, Ukraine, AFP, Ukrainian, Kyiv, Belarusian

☆ Here are Thursday's biggest analyst calls: Apple, Tesla, Amazon, Eli Lilly, Broadcom, Microsoft & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Bank of America upgrades XP to buy from neutral Bank of America said the Brazilian investment company's shares will re-rate higher. JPMorgan reiterates Amazon as overweight JPMorgan reiterated the stock as a top idea and said it sees a runway for more growth for Amazon Prime. " Deutsche Bank adds a catalyst call buy on Walgreens Deutsche says it's bullish heading into earnings next week. Bank of America reiterates Eli Lilly as buy Bank of America said the biopharma company is still one of the firm's favorite ideas. Bank of America reiterates Broadcom as buy Bank of America raised its price target on AI beneficiary Broadcom to $1,050 per share from $950.

Persons: Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Wells, Bud, Bud Light, Bernstein, Kellogg, underperform Bernstein, Morgan Stanley downgrades Tesla, Morgan Stanley, Tesla, " Bank of America downgrades Dow, DOW, it's, Riley, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Eli Lilly, Lilly, Raymond James, Alcoa, Piper Sandler, Piper Organizations: Bank of America, of America, Deutsche Bank, Anheuser Busch InBev, Deutsche, Nielsen, JPMorgan, Amazon Prime, Kellogg, " Bank of America, Walgreens Deutsche, Microsoft, Apple, Developers, Broadcom, Alcoa, Citi, Boston Scientific Citi, PFA, Card Locations: Brazil

☆ Overcrowded India? This State Is Desperate for More Babies.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-29 | by ( Sameer Yasir | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas and surrounded on three sides by Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, stands out in the teeming diversity of India’s states. It also has India’s smallest population, not even three-quarters of a million people, and its lowest birthrate. That last distinction has state leaders worried about the survival of the unique culture produced by Sikkim’s blend of ethnic groups, religions and geography. The effort points to a demographic reality in India that is often overshadowed by its sheer scale. A couple of states in the underdeveloped north account for much of it.

☆ Scammers are conning Trump supporters out of thousands with 'Trump Bucks' they claim can be exchanged for real cash
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Trump supporters are reportedly being scammed out of thousands of dollars on items like "Trump Bucks"Some of the supporters were convinced by fake videos of Trump and Elon Musk promoting the products. A new report from NBC News shows some people thought buying the memorabilia would make them rich. Several companies are allegedly using advertising tactics including creating AI-generated videos of Trump and other figures like Elon Musk to claim the worthless "Trump Bucks" will make them rich, according to a new report from NBC News. Some of the people who bought the Trump memorabilia have attempted to exchange it for real US dollars at banks, and told NBC News that bank employees are reporting it as a growing issue. One ad for the "Trump Bucks" — featuring a seemingly AI-generated voice identified as "John" — states "most people believe that the presidential election interfered with the course of history" and identifies Trump as "the great leader."

☆ An American Express Airport Lounge in the Sky? Not Quite.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Victoria M. Walker | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Another members-only club has opened in New York. But unlike its predecessors, which include Soho House, Aman, Casa Cipriani, and others, the Centurion New York was designed not by an architect or hotelier — but by a credit card company. American Express opened its first Centurion members club, an 11,500-square-foot space with wraparound views of Manhattan in March. Even the scent — a Santal with notes of sandalwood — bathing over you after exiting the elevator was planned. American Express brought on Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud to create the menu, which includes simple dishes like lobster rolls and cheesecake.

☆ The Amex Centurion 'black' card has a $5,000 annual fee and a long list of luxury perks, but you can get many of the same benefits with the Amex Platinum
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Anna Baluch | Angela Fung | Sarah Silbert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

It makes premium credit cards like the Platinum Card ($695 annual fee) and the Amex Business Platinum Card ($695) look downright affordable. Benefits of the Amex Centurion black cardThe Amex Centurion card isn't just a status symbol; it has some great perks, including some unique benefits like complimentary Delta elite status that you won't find on other cards. The Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card offer status with Hilton and Marriott**, but not with IHG and Relais & Châteaux. Unsurprisingly, there's no comparable benefit on the Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card cards**. Once again, the Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card also offer concierge services.

☆ Ukraine fencers unite behind federation's boycott call
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/3] Members of Ukraine's fencing team attend a training session at the Olympic training base, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 28, 2023. REUTERS/Valentyn OgirenkoMarch 30 (Reuters) - Ukraine's fencers have welcomed their federation's decision to boycott international competitions featuring Russians and Belarusians, amid a row over whether athletes from the two latter countries should be allowed at next year's Olympics. The move prompted Ukraine's fencing federation (NFFU) to say it would boycott all events in which Russians and Belarusians were included, a message reinforced this week by NFFU president Mykhailo Illiashev. "We aren't giving up," said Ukrainian fencing coach and former Olympian Olha Leleiko. And, along with our friends, we will look for competitions in which Russian athletes do not participate."

☆ These bankers got deals done despite a dismal environment
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Top M&A bankers of 2022. That's why you could argue that this year's edition of "The Rainmakers" — Insider's annual list of the 20 M&A bankers who handled the largest deals of the year in North America — is more impressive than previous editions. What's interesting about this year's list is how it was made up of bankers almost entirely from the bulge-bracket. Check out our list of the top-20 M&A bankers who made the most during a difficult year for dealmaking. Jeff Bezos' $500 million yacht finally hit the open water.

Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 19.99% - 26.99% Variable Editor's Rating 4.65 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.65 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Read more: United Explorer card reviewCredit cards with airport lounge access frequently asked questions (FAQ)What are the Centurion Lounge locations? The Platinum Card® from American Express is the all-around best credit card for airport lounge access. Joseph Hostetler, CEPF Credit cards reporter Joseph Hostetler is a credit cards reporter for Insider who also covers helpful miles and points tricks.

☆ Piper Sandler upgrades Planet Fitness to overweight, says shares look attractive relative to peers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Piper Sandler says now is an opportune time to load up on shares of Planet Fitness . Analyst Peter Keith upgraded the gym stock to overweight from neutral, saying in a note to clients Monday that shares are trading at attractive levels relative to peers and should benefit from strong participation levels among younger generations. "Our 2023 comp build assumes a more conservative amount of 30% of participating teens becoming paid members - equating to a comp lift of +3%," he said. While shares are down more than 36% this year, Piper Sandler expects a potential 22% gain in the near term given the bank's revised $70 price target (down from $73). "All in, we think Black Card pricing will provide a +2% comp benefit starting partially by 4Q22 and fully kicking with Q1 2023 – and lasting throughout 2023," Keith said.

☆ Amex Platinum card review: The best card for airport lounge access and premium travel perks, with an 80,000-point welcome bonus offer and tons of valuable new benefits
▼ + stars: | 2022-06-27 | by ( Sarah Silbert | Read More | Read Less | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +48 min

Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. How to earn points with the Amex Platinum cardThe Platinum Card doesn't have a terribly complicated earning structure. The Platinum Card comes with a welcome offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Because it's a premium rewards card, the Platinum Card is harder to get approved for than some other popular cards.

☆ I asked financial advisors which credit cards their millionaire and billionaire clients use — and now I know what perks matter to the wealthy
▼ + stars: | 2022-06-14 | by ( Jen Glantz | Jasmin Baron | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +23 min

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it Check mark icon A check mark. Very high annual fee Highlights Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. While it doesn't have as robust benefits as a travel rewards card, Mendrin says its unlimited 2% cash back is a perk wealthy clients appreciate.

☆ London Heathrow opens Amex Centurion Lounge
▼ + stars: | 2021-10-12 | by ( Emily Mcnutt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

On Tuesday, Oct. 12, the iconic blue doors to the American Express Centurion Lounge opened to passengers for the first time at London’s Heathrow Airport. Heathrow Centurion Lounge locationThe brand-new Centurion Lounge at Heathrow Airport is located within the recently reopened Terminal 3, home to carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, KLM, Finnair, Emirates and some British Airways flights. Inside the Amex Centurion Lounge at HeathrowOnce you’ve located the lounge, you’ll need to either walk up the stairs or take the elevators up to the second level. Despite their name, you don’t need to hold the exclusive American Express Centurion Card to gain access to Amex Centurion Lounges. Emily McNuttOverall, the new Amex Centurion Lounge in London has a lot going for it.

Persons: Ted Baker, Emily McNutt, you’ll, London’s, Emily McNutt That’s, you’ve, they’ve, ” Amex, Konk, Lee Broom, Tom Dixon, Amex, that’s, Assaf Granit, tahini, Hare Organizations: CNN, American Express, American, London’s, Centurion, Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, KLM, Finnair, British Airways, Express, Centurion Card, Delta Reserve, JFK, Michelin, tahini Locations: United States, London, Emirates, you’ve, Hyde, Britain, Heathrow, pita

☆ Amex has an invite-only Centurion 'black' card with a $5,000 annual fee and several luxury perks, but you can get many of its benefits with the Amex Platinum
▼ + stars: | 2020-11-03 | by ( Anna Baluch | Freelance Writer | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Benefits of the Amex Centurion black cardThe Amex Centurion card isn't just a status symbol; it has some great perks, including some unique benefits like complimentary Delta elite status that you won't find on other cards. The Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card offer status with Hilton and Marriott**, but not with IHG and Relais & Châteaux. Unsurprisingly, there's no comparable benefit on the Platinum Card and Amex Business Platinum Card cards. Read more: Amex Platinum card reviewIf you're a business user, the Amex Business Platinum Card is worth a look.

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