Rob Baird News Today

Visa and Mastercard have reached a £30bn settlement to lower card fees for merchants in a landmark antitrust case that began in 2005. The credit companies deny any wrongdoing, but the settlement will result in lower swipe rates and more discretion for businesses to offer discounts.

Customers who use cards like Visa Infinite, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Mastercard World Elite will need to shell out more in swipe fees.

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Merchants have long accused the payment networks of charging inflated ‘swipe fees’ when shoppers use their cards.

Visa and Mastercard reached an estimated US$30 billion settlement to limit credit and debit card fees for merchants, with some savings likely to be passed on to consumers through lower prices.

Chief Creative Officer Rob Baird talks to us about Preacher's event space, gallery, zine, and the joy of serving as a creative connector in Austin and beyond.

Stable Hall at the Pearl, San Antonio's newest live music venue, made its public debut Saturday with a free performance by Texas singer-songwriters Rob Baird and Angel White. In addition to state-of-the-art sound and light design, the 1,000-seat music hall features six full-service bars, a fixed-seat mezzanine, hay loft-style balconies and a large “jewel-box” stage.

The Pearl Stable turned 130-year-old last week.

Stable Hall in the Pearl district has announced it is opening on Jan. 13 with a free music showcase.

Hotel Lucine, a revitalized midcentury hotel, offers a welcoming (and millennial-friendly) mix of high and low.