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By Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of Microsoft 365 customers worldwide reported having issues with services like Outlook and Teams on Monday. In social media posts and comments on platforms like outage tracker Downdetector, some impacted said that they were having trouble seeing their emails, loading calendars or opening other Microsoft 365 applications such as Powerpoint. Microsoft acknowledged “an issue impacting users attempting to access Exchange Online or functionality within Microsoft Teams calendar” earlier in the day. In updates posted on X , the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the company’s status page said it identified a “recent change” that it believed to be behind the problem — and was working to revert it. Microsoft shared that it was deploying a fix — which, as of shortly before noon E.T., it said had reached about 98% of “affected environments.” Still, the company’s status page later added , targeted restarts were “progressing slower than anticipated for the majority of affected users.” As of midday Monday, Downdetector showed thousands of outage reports from users of Microsoft 365 , particularly Outlook . Extra News Alerts Get breaking updates as they happen. Be civil. Be kind.Maine's voter-approved limit on PAC contributions triggers lawsuit in federal court
WILDLIGHT, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024-- Rayonier Inc. (the “Company” or “Rayonier”) (NYSE:RYN) announced today that the Company’s board of directors has declared a one-time, special dividend of $1.80 per common share, consisting of a combination of cash and the Company's common shares. The dividend is payable on January 30, 2025 to shareholders of record on December 12, 2024. The special dividend is being made in connection with the taxable gains arising from the $495 million of timberland dispositions the Company completed during the fourth quarter as part of its previously announced asset disposition and capital structure realignment plan. The cash component of the special dividend (other than cash paid in lieu of fractional shares) will not exceed 25% in the aggregate, with the balance payable in the Company’s common shares. The Company expects the dividend will be a taxable dividend, regardless of whether received in the form of cash or common shares. “The substantial progress we made on our disposition plan this year is allowing us to return cash to our shareholders while also providing us with considerable capital allocation capacity to act opportunistically to enhance long-term shareholder value going forward,” said Mark McHugh, President and Chief Executive Officer. “By using both cash and shares to comply with our REIT taxable income distribution requirements, we will retain significant flexibility to further reduce leverage, execute on share repurchases, or fund other future capital allocation priorities.” Shareholders will be asked to make an election to receive the dividend all in cash or all in common shares. To the extent that more than 25% of cash is elected in the aggregate, the cash portion will be prorated among the shareholders electing to receive cash. Shareholders who elect to receive the dividend in cash will receive a cash payment of at least $0.45 per common share. Shareholders who do not make an election will receive the dividend 25% in cash and 75% in common shares. The number of common shares issued as a result of the dividend will be calculated based on the volume weighted average trading prices of the Company's common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on January 17, January 21, and January 22, 2025. An information letter and election form will be mailed to shareholders of record after the record date. The properly completed election form to receive cash or common shares must be received by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the Company's transfer agent, prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 16, 2025. Registered shareholders with questions regarding the dividend election may call Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at (800) 659-0158, or (201) 680-6578 for international callers. Shareholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker or nominee and have questions regarding the dividend election should contact such bank, broker or nominee, who will also be responsible for distributing to them the letter and election form and submitting the election form on their behalf. The Company also announced today that the Company’s board of directors, in its capacity as the board of directors of the general partner of Rayonier, L.P., has declared a one-time, special distribution to holders of operating partnership units of (i) an aggregate number of operating partnership units that would result in the Company receiving a number of operating partnership units corresponding to the aggregate number of the Company’s common shares issued to shareholders in the special dividend and (ii) an aggregate amount of cash equal to an amount that would result in the Company receiving the aggregate amount of cash payable to shareholders in the special dividend. Additional details regarding the special dividend can be found in a supplemental presentation posted to Rayonier’s website. About Rayonier Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of September 30, 2024, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.7 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South (1.84 million acres), U.S. Pacific Northwest (417,000 acres) and New Zealand (411,000 acres). On November 6, 2024, the Company announced dispositions comprising approximately 91,000 acres in the U.S. South and 109,000 acres in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. More information is available at www.rayonier.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release regarding anticipated events, including the amount, timing and form of expected payment of dividends on the Company's common shares, are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements include, among other things, the factors set forth in Item 1A - Risk Factors in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and similar discussion included in other reports that we subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no duty to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202823263/en/ CONTACT: Investors: Collin Mings,investorrelations@rayonier.com, 904-357-9100 Media: Alejandro Barbero,alejandro.barbero@rayonier.com KEYWORD: FLORIDA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT HOME GOODS FOREST PRODUCTS RETAIL AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SOURCE: Rayonier Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/02/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/02/2024 04:17 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202823263/enMAP Meeting Evolves into MedSpa Pro, Builds Momentum for Record-Breaking 2025
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Zscaler Inc. (ZS) on Monday reported a loss of $12.1 million in its fiscal first quarter. The San Jose, California-based company said it had a loss of 8 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for stock option expense and non-recurring costs, came to 77 cents per share. The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 13 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 63 cents per share. The cloud-based information security provider posted revenue of $628 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Thirteen analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $605.7 million. For the current quarter ending in January, Zscaler expects its per-share earnings to range from 68 cents to 69 cents. The company said it expects revenue in the range of $633 million to $635 million for the fiscal second quarter. Zscaler expects full-year earnings in the range of $2.94 to $2.99 per share, with revenue ranging from $2.62 billion to $2.64 billion. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ZS at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ZSUS urges push for Syria de-escalation
(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .MAA Announces Regular Quarterly Preferred Dividend
Maine's voter-approved limit on PAC contributions triggers lawsuit in federal court
Not all tech stocks are wild rides on the stock market rollercoaster. While tech often conjures images of skyrocketing prices and sharp crashes, many tech stocks are like calm lakes rather than roaring rapids. Let’s dive into why ( ), ( ), and ( ) are standout examples of steady performers with strong potential for future gains. These three aren’t just surviving the tech scene — they’re thriving with strategic growth, solid earnings, and promising outlooks. Celestica Starting with Celestica, this Toronto-based company specializes in advanced manufacturing and supply chain solutions. In the most recent quarter, Celestica reported a revenue surge of 22.3% year over year to $9.24 billion, accompanied by earnings growth of 14.3%. The tech stock has more than doubled over the past year, with a 52-week range highlighting a low of $35.13 and a peak near $130. These gains reflect its strategic pivot toward high-margin end markets, including renewable energy and aerospace. With analysts maintaining a “Strong Buy” consensus, CLS offers a blend of growth and stability, making it an attractive option for tech investors. OpenText Next, OpenText, a global leader in enterprise information management, boasts resilience in uncertain markets. Its first-quarter 2025 earnings showcased a net income increase of 4.3% year over year despite a revenue dip of 11%. The tech stock’s operating margin remains robust at 19.92%, underpinned by efficient cost management and its ability to generate $928 million in free cash flow over the trailing 12 months. While OTEX’s share price has recently dropped by around 28% in the last year, this dip is an opportunity to snag a dividend-paying tech stock with a forward yield of 3.58%. With a forward price to earnings (P/E) of just 7.92, OTEX is not just cheap. It’s also poised for long-term gains as digital transformation accelerates globally. Kinaxis Now, let’s talk about Kinaxis, a Canadian darling in supply chain management software. With revenue growing 14% year over year to $471 million and earnings per share climbing by 40%, Kinaxis continues to impress. What makes KXS unique is its software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, which offers recurring revenue and resilience against economic turbulence. Analysts predict a bright future, as the company is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for (AI)-driven supply chain optimization. Insider ownership worth over $61 million aligns management’s interests with shareholders, reinforcing confidence in its strategic direction. Three top tech stocks What sets these three apart from volatile tech peers is their focus on consistent profitability and smart growth strategies. Celestica’s move into high-demand industries, OpenText’s emphasis on recurring revenue, and Kinaxis’s leadership in AI-enhanced solutions are all reasons these companies are less susceptible to market swings. Furthermore, each shows a knack for leveraging innovation while maintaining sound financial discipline. Another factor that enhances the appeal is attractive valuation. Celestica trades at a trailing P/E of 28.95, reasonable given its growth trajectory. At the same time, OpenText’s valuation metrics scream value at a forward P/E under eight. Kinaxis may have a higher forward P/E of 36.9, but its stellar revenue growth and leadership in a niche market justify the premium. Let’s not overlook market dominance. OpenText’s enterprise management tools are essential to businesses undergoing digital transformation. Kinaxis helps the world’s largest companies streamline their supply chains — a critical function in today’s interconnected economies. Meanwhile, Celestica is diversifying its revenue streams into growing sectors like green energy and defence, positioning itself as a key player for the next decade. Bottom line In addition to their financial performance, these stocks benefit from tailwinds that support their industries. Supply chain optimization, enterprise digitalization, and green energy are not trends. These are necessities in a rapidly evolving global economy. Companies like Celestica, Open Text, and Kinaxis are uniquely positioned to meet these needs, ensuring relevance and growth potential for years to come. For investors seeking without volatility, CLS, OTEX, and KXS offer a compelling mix of stability and upside potential. With strong earnings reports, manageable debt levels, and clear growth trajectories, these three stocks are perfect for those who want to ride the tech wave without wiping out.Decision by committee: How uncertainty shapes negotiationsFormer Florida congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Here's the latest: As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who want something from Donald Trump. It’s a world she knows well. During Trump’s first presidency, she lobbied for many of them. Trump was first elected on a pledge to “drain the swamp” in Washington. But his transactional approach to the presidency instead ushered in a lobbying boom that showered allies, including Wiles, with lucrative contracts, empowered wealthy business associates and stymied his agenda after his administration was ensnared in a series of influence-peddling scandals. Now, as Trump prepares to return to power , his victory is likely to embolden those who think they can get his ear, raising the prospect that his second administration could face many of the same perils as his first. That will test the ability of Wiles to manage a growing number of high-powered figures — including Trump’s children, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and billionaires like Elon Musk — who will not be dependent on her for access to the president. ▶ Read more about Susie Wiles and her new role Vance accompanied Matt Gaetz in meetings with GOP senators on Wednesday. “I’m extremely grateful for the work Matt put into the nomination process,” the Ohio senator posted on X. “Matt is a patriot, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.” President Joe Biden still believes President-elect Donald Trump is a dangerous figure in U.S. democracy, his top spokesperson said Thursday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “his thinking on that has not changed” even as the Biden White House emphasizes its commitment to the “peaceful transfer of power.” Jean-Pierre told reporters there is no double-speak in Biden’s approach. Biden framed Donald Trump as a “fundamental threat” to the nation’s identity as a democracy and its stability as a global superpower when he defeated Trump in 2020. He did it as a candidate for reelection. He did it again when he dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. But Jean-Pierre said Biden recognizes the legitimacy of Trump’s election to another term, even if it’s not the result he wanted. “The American people spoke,” she said, adding that Biden wants to be an example of how to respect U.S. elections. That was an opaque reference to Trump’s refusal to accept Biden’s victory in 2020 and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters as Congress met to affirm the results. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says she hasn’t spoken to her designated successor, Karoline Leavitt. Jean-Pierre told reporters gathered Thursday at the White House that she hopes the second Trump administration will be forthright with the public by talking to reporters. Trump’s first White House dramatically curtailed its initial interactions with the White House press corps, and Jean-Pierre said Biden and his staff “worked really hard to bring back the norms” with press briefings and interactions. “We’ve tried to do this in a very respectful way,” she said. Jean-Pierre declined to “speak to what any administration is going to do” in the future, but added that the back-and-forth with the press is part of “what democracy is all about.” In other presidential transition news, Trump is urging federal lawmakers to kill a bill that would protect journalists from having to disclose information about anonymous sources or other records obtained during reporting. The proposal that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, but is pending in the Senate, also bars the government from requesting data from phone or email providers. The bill includes exceptions such as when there’s a reasonable threat of imminent violence or an act of terrorism. As of now, only some states grant absolute protection from disclosing sources or other records. “Republicans must kill this bill!” Trump posted on Truth Social and shared a video from PBS News Hour interviewing the CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalist, Jodie Ginsburg, talking about the proposal. Last month, The Associated Press, along with more than 100 news outlets and organizations, signed a letter authored by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press asking senators to support the bill. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre isn’t commenting on Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination as president-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general in the new administration. “We really, truly want to respect the transfer of power,” Jean-Pierre said Thursday during a White House press briefing, explaining her steadfast refusal to comment on Trump personnel moves. But Jean-Pierre nonetheless used the matter to take a subtle jab at how Trump, who was twice indicted by the federal government, has reacted to federal law enforcement. “Look, the president has said when it comes to investigation, that department should be independent. there should be no partisanship. There should be no loyalty to one party or the other,” she said. “The loyalty should be to the Constitution, and the loyalty should be to the rule of law.” Trump has insisted that it was Biden and his lieutenants who weaponized the Justice Department by indicting him for his role in trying to overturn Biden’s 2020 election victory and for hoarding national security documents after Trump left the White House in January 2021. That latter case has been thrown out by a Trump-appointed judge. The former case is still pending. Taken together, there are a striking number of incidents in which potential high-ranking government officials in Trump’s second administration face allegations of sexual abuse. Here’s a look at some of the cases: President-elect Donald Trump: He was found liable by a New York City jury for sexual abuse and defamation and eventually ordered to pay the woman, E. Jean Carroll , $83 million in damages. Pete Hegseth, nominee for secretary of defense: A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police the encounter had been consensual and denies wrongdoing. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for secretary of health and human services: A woman who babysat for Kennedy and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine he groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation, telling a podcast: “I had a very, very rambunctious youth.” He texted the woman an apology after the story was published. Linda McMahon, nominee for secretary of education: A lawsuit filed last month alleges McMahon knowingly enabled sexual exploitation of children by a World Wrestling Entertainment employee as early as the 1980s. She denies the allegations. Elon Musk, Trump’s choice to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was accused of sexual misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016. He denied the claim. ▶ Read more about the allegations of sexual misconduct Among those who were seen as contenders before Gaetz was picked is former acting attorney general Matt Whitaker , who Trump chose earlier this week to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Other names that were floated as potential attorney general nominees include Jeff Jensen, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Trump last week chose Todd Blanche , an attorney who led the legal team that defended the Republican at his hush money criminal trial , to serve as the second-highest ranking Justice Department official. Emil Bove, a former federal prosecutor, was chosen to be the principal associate deputy attorney general. An attorney who represents two women who say they were paid by Gaetz for sex says his clients are “relieved to have this chapter behind them.” “They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” said Joel Leppard, whose clients testified before the House Ethics Committee. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Leppard revealed earlier this week details about his clients’ testimony to House Ethics Committee to release its report on the Gaetz investigation. Leppard said his clients were paid a total of $10,000 by the congressman. One of his clients testified that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in 2017, while he was in Congress. Though Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for attorney general, he isn’t Trump’s only appointee in hot water. A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public late Wednesday. Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. Earlier today, Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” ▶ Read more about the allegations against Hegseth In his Nov. 13 resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gaetz said, “I hereby resign, as United States Representatives for Florida’s First Congressional District, effective immediately, and I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress, to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration.” He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state began a special election process to fill the vacancy. Attorneys involved in a civil case brought by a Gaetz associate were notified this week that an unauthorized person accessed a file shared between lawyers that included unredacted depositions from a woman who said Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17 and a second woman who says she saw the encounter, according to attorney Joel Leppard. Leppard said that two women he represents told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017 when Gaetz was in Congress. The files the person was able to access were part of a defamation case filed by a Gaetz associate against the former representative’s onetime political ally Joel Greenberg , who pleaded guilty in 2021 to sex trafficking of a minor, and admitted that he had paid at least one underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The apparent breach was first reported Tuesday by The New York Times. Gaetz has denied all the allegations. ▶ Read more about the apparent file breach Trump had announced last week that he’d chosen Todd Blanche, an attorney who’s defended him in some of his criminal cases, to serve as deputy attorney general. That’s the second highest ranking position at the Justice Department. A former federal prosecutor, Blanche has been a key figure defended him both in the New York hush money criminal trial that ended in a conviction in May, and the federal cases brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Thursday in a post on X that he believes the now-former congressman “will continue to contribute to our nation’s wellbeing for years to come.” Graham, a member of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, also said he looks forward to working with Trump “regarding future nominees to get this important job up and running.” The caption of the Instagram photo reads “The end of an era. No one loves America more than this guy.” The Florida representative was once embroiled in a sex trafficking investigation involving underage girls by the Justice Department, the very department President-elect Trump had tapped him to lead. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and in February 2023 said the investigation ended with no federal charges against him.He was also being investigated by the House Ethics panel, but Republicans declined yesterday to release the committee’s findings over objections from Democrats in a split vote. ▶ Read more about the Justice Department’s investigation into Gaetz He had abruptly resigned from his congressional seat upon being nominated as attorney general amid a long-running House Ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which was seen as a way to halt the probe. The House Ethics panel’s Republicans declined this week to release the committee’s findings into Gaetz over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. However, Gaetz did win re-election earlier this month for the new Congress which convenes Jan. 3. But it’s unclear if he would take office. There’s also been plans for a special election in Florida for his seat. “President Trump remains committed to choosing a leader for the Department of Justice who will strongly defend the Constitution and end the weaponization of our justice system,” said Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team. In a message on his Truth Social network, Trump also said he was looking forward to seeing what Gaetz will do next after withdrawing as his pick. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump posted. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” Matt Gaetz has just withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on the former congressman’s ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The Florida Republican’s announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party.
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COLUMBUS, Ga. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the first quarter dividend of $0.58 per share, payable on March 3, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2025 . This represents a 16.0% increase over the previously declared fourth quarter dividend. Commenting on the announcements, Aflac Incorporated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos said: "I am pleased with the Board's action to increase the first quarter 2025 dividend. We treasure our record of 42 consecutive years of dividend increases, and our dividend track record is supported by the strength of our capital and cash flows. As an insurance company, our primary responsibility is to fulfill the promises we make to our policyholders. At the same time, we are listening to our shareholders and understand the importance of prudent liquidity and capital management. We remain committed to maintaining strong capital ratios on behalf of our policyholders and balance this financial strength with tactical capital deployment." Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan . In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. 1 In Japan , Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol . Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. The company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: Analyst and investor contact - David A. Young , 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667 or dyoung@aflac.com Media contact – Ines Gutzmer , 762.207.7601 or igutzmer@aflac.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aflac-incorporated-announces-16-0-increase-in-the-first-quarter-2025-dividend-302320084.html SOURCE Aflac IncorporatedScottsdale, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hosted at the prestigious Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, this year's MedSpa Pro Meeting brought together pacesetting voices in medical aesthetics under the guidance of industry pioneers and co-chairs Barry DiBernardo, MD, Jason Pozner, MD, and Joseph Russo, MD. Over three intensive days, participants immersed themselves in a wealth of cutting-edge, comprehensive content that spanned advanced injection techniques, emerging technologies, and business management strategies. Program highlights included an exclusive Head-to-Head Anatomy Masterclass led by preeminent anatomist Sebastian Cotofana, MD, PhD, and an innovative Weight Loss Track spearheaded by Johnny Franco, MD. Complementing these sessions, expertise-driven curricula featured a dedicated Aesthetician Track and Master Injector Live Injection Program. Beyond the core curriculum, expert-led panel discussions explored today's most pressing aesthetic medicine topics while market-leading brands showcased game-changing products and services in the exhibition space. Together, these experiences equipped participants with fresh perspectives, practical insights, valuable partnerships, and lasting connections, empowering them to elevate their clinical and personal success. MedSpa Pro's rebranding represents expanding pathways for advancing this booming specialty. "As we embrace the next chapter in aesthetic medicine, we are excited to unveil our new identity as MedSpa Pro," stated Doreen Brown, CEO of Informa Connect Medical Division. "This evolution reflects our commitment to keeping pace with our ever-evolving industry and serving our expanding community through gold-standard training and unmatched networking opportunities." MedSpa Pro's refined brand identity will roll out in the coming months as the company prepares for a breakthrough 2025. Among exciting new initiatives, next year introduces specialized training opportunities led by the distinguished Dr. Russo and fellow acclaimed experts, strengthening the organization's position as the foremost resource in medical aesthetics. Aesthetic medicine providers, medical spa professionals, and industry stakeholders can mark their calendars for the 3rd Annual MedSpa Pro Meeting, set to take place at the iconic Boca Raton resort in November 2025. Further details about upcoming programs will be announced soon; in the meantime, please visit MedSpa Pro's LinkedIn profile for updates. ### MedSpa Pro serves as the leading educational platform for medical aesthetics professionals, delivering targeted education, tailored training, and strategic networking opportunities across the industry. Through its premier conference and progressive initiatives, the organization connects enterprising practitioners with renowned experts to advance excellence in aesthetic medicine. MedSpa Pro is part of the Informa Connect Medical Division, a global force in medical education across the entire healthcare ecosystem. Aly Vazquez MedSpa Pro aly.vazquez@informa.com
Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tip off Maui InvitationalFor years, the Lummi Youth Canoe Family helped connect Lummi Tribal members to their culture and other Pacific Northwest Indigenous communities by facilitating canoe journeys throughout the Salish Sea. Eleven people filled a canoe and paddled hundreds of miles over many days between coastal tribes — a voyage meant to unify and empower native youth. That program disbanded in 2019. But now, a pair of brothers from the Lummi Nation— who found purpose paddling with the canoe family when they were teenagers — have plans to revitalize it. “We were introduced to our homelands in a really interesting way being on the canoe paddling around,” said Free Borsey, one of the brothers, in an interview with The Bellingham Herald. “We want to make sure those same benefits and opportunities provided by that program are provided for the next wave of up-and-coming youth.” The twin brothers, 27-year-olds Free and Raven Borsey, have been environmental advocates for years and were recently recognized as emerging leaders of conservation and environmental justice efforts in the Pacific Northwest by the Washington Conservation Action Education Fund, a nonprofit advocacy organization that fights for environmental progress. “Committee members recognized their passion — combining traditional ecological knowledge, youth empowerment, and conservation and environmental justice into a plan with tangible impacts for their community and the Pacific Northwest,” WCA said in an announcement about the award. The group named them the winners of the 18th annual Bullitt Prize, a $100,000 award. The brothers intend to use a portion of the prize to restart and improve the Lummi Youth Canoe Family. “It’s interesting being a part of the canoe family, you don’t really notice in the moment what’s going on — what you’re learning and what you’re really a part of as a youth — you’re more embracing it. But as you get older, you see the implications of what that work means to the community,” Raven Borsey told The Herald. The Bullitt Prize is granted annually to an individual or collaborative group, from an underrepresented community, 35 years or younger, who demonstrate academic, professional, or grassroots leadership advancing the environmental movement, according to the organization. WCA recognized the brothers particularly for their ability to do such impactful advocacy work while persevering through the various challenges in their lives, according to the nonprofit. Free and Raven Borsey grew up on the Lummi Reservation. They say they faced adversity early in their lives when they entered foster care and continued to push through barriers growing up. “We were very fortunate to have been raised in the Lummi community because there’s a lot of Lummi and native youth who haven’t had that same privilege and opportunity. But we also share the rough sides of growing up on the reservation with the implications caused by historical and generational trauma,” Free Borsey said. The brothers say pulling with the canoe family as teenagers gave them the support they needed to channel strength and believe in themselves. They eventually both pursued higher education, to which they attribute much of their success. “Every student brings their own story into the classroom. I think the instructors lift the students’ stories up so that at the end of the educational journey, everybody is bringing their best version of themselves,” Northwest Indian College Native Environmental Science Department Chair Emma Norman told The Herald. “An investment in one student at Northwest Indian College goes into a family and from a family into a community and from a community into a nation. So we are in the business of nation-building at the college, one student at a time.” The brothers say the support they’ve received from their community growing up has propelled them forward and helped encourage them to continue in environmental advocacy work. “I have the privilege to be an aunt to these two young men, hold the story of the last generation, and be able to know that the last generation did everything they did for them and all the young people of Lummi. They had a dream and my mom always said, ‘You’re standing in your grandmother’s dream,'” said family friend of the Borsey brothers and Northwest Indian College wellness advocate Heather Jefferson. Now, the Borsey brothers want to give back and ensure other at-risk youth have the same opportunities to be successful. “We fortunately found some healthy outlets in our teenage years — education and sports at school,” Free Borsey said. “Another outlet for us was the Lummi Youth Canoe Family.” The canoe has been out of commission since 2019 and needs to be refurbished before the Lummi Youth Canoe Family can get back out on the water. Once that work is complete, the brothers hope to inspire their community to participate in the canoe family. “Even though the youth may not know what they’re a part of — they’re in a safe environment, they’re learning what they need to learn and they’ll understand why they’re learning it later on,” Raven Borsey said.
Revolve Shareholders Approve All Resolutions Proposed by the Board of Directors at the Annual and Special General Meeting
Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A pair of conservative groups on Friday challenged a Maine law that limits donations to political action committees that spend independently in candidate elections, arguing that money spent to support political expression is "a vital feature of our democracy.” Supporters of the referendum overwhelmingly approved on Election Day fully expected a legal showdown over caps on individual contributions to so-called super PACs. They hoped the referendum would trigger a case and ultimately prompt the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify the matter of donor limits after the court opened the floodgates to independent spending in its 2010 Citizens United decision. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
U.S. imposes new controls on chip exports to China
