U.S. imposes new controls on chip exports to ChinaMacKenzie Scott continues to make medical debt relief a priority in her mysterious giving. This week, Undue Medical Debt, formerly RIP Medical Debt, announced it had received a rare third gift — $50 million — from the billionaire philanthropist, signaling her satisfaction with the group’s efforts to purchase medical debt in bulk from hospitals and debt collectors. Scott has donated a total of $130 million to the organization since 2020. Medical debt is increasing despite most of the U.S. population having some form of medical insurance. Nearly 100 million people are unable to pay their medical bills, according to Third Way, a left-leaning national think tank. Overall, Americans owe about $220 billion in medical debt, with historically disadvantaged groups shouldering the bulk of the burden. Lower-income people, people with disabilities, middle-aged adults, Black people, the uninsured, and people living in rural areas are among the groups most likely to be affected by medical debt, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation . Undue Medical Debt buys debt at a discounted price, estimating that it erases about $100 in debt for each $1 donated. The group also collaborates with policymakers to encourage the adoption of measures to curb what people owe for medical care. Scott first gave Undue Medical Debt a $50 million donation in 2020, followed by a $30 million donation in 2022. With that money, the group has relieved nearly $15 billion in debt for more than 9 million people, CEO Allison Sesso said. That’s a significant leap from the $1 billion in debt relieved from 2014 to 2019, she noted. “I’m frankly astounded by this most recent gift from MacKenzie Scott and feel proud to be a steward of these funds as we continue the essential work of dismantling the yoke of medical debt that’s burdening far too many families in this country,” said Sesso. The continued funding has allowed Sesso “to not have to worry about my next dollar,” she said, and “think more strategically about the narrative around medical debt — she has helped us push that conversation.” Undue Medical Debt was started in 2014 by two former debt collection executives, Jerry Ashton and Craig Antico, who were inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement’s advocacy for debt relief. Growth initially was slow. But with Scott’s gifts, the nonprofit has been able to staff up, produce more research, and develop relationships with policymakers who have pushed for changes to hospital billing practices to relieve debt and prevent people from accumulating it in the first place, Sesso said. Undue Medical Debt’s public policy arm has worked with lawmakers in North Carolina, which in July became the first state to offer additional Medicaid payments to hospitals that agree to adopt debt relief measures, she said. The policy change followed the publication of a 2023 report from Duke University, which found that one in five families in the state had been forced into collections proceedings because of medical debt. Since 2020, the organization’s staff has grown from three to about 40, Sesso said. Those hires included an anthropologist who collects stories from people set back by medical debt to inform the group’s research and advocacy work. Scott’s gifts also have helped improve Undue Medical Debt’s technology to identify people eligible for debt relief and to find hospitals from which it can purchase medical debt, among other things, Sesso said. “This coming year, because of this MacKenzie Scott grant, we’ll be able to add more people, making sure that we can support that growth on an ongoing basis,” Sesso said. Few organizations have received more than one gift from Scott. Other multi-grant recipients include Blue Meridian, an intermediary group that has directed billions of dollars to nonprofits around the world, and GiveDirectly, which provides no-strings-attached cash payments to low-income people globally. GiveDirectly has received $125 million from Scott since 2020. Blue Meridian has not disclosed amounts for the four gifts it’s received since 2019. Scott’s contributions to those two organizations were for specific causes like GiveDirectly’s U.S. poverty relief fund, said Christina Im, a senior research analyst at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. In the case of Undue Medical Debt, the timing of Scott’s first gifts in 2020 and 2022 seemed to correspond with COVID-relief efforts, she said. Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is worth an estimated $32 billion but provides few details about her grantmaking decisions. Without further information, it’s hard to know what prompted this third donation to Undue Medical Debt, but Scott has said in public statements that she wants to help those who are most in need and bear the brunt of societal ills, said Elisha Smith Arrillaga, the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s vice president for research. “I have not seen a lot of other folks funding in this area,” Smith Arrillaga added. Scott’s latest gift to Undue Medical Debt comes amid national debates about medical insurance and the cost of medical treatments. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan has heightened these conversations, with some lionizing the man who allegedly committed the crime. “That’s no way to get change, full stop,” Sesso said in reference to Thompson’s murder. “But I think the anger around insurance companies and having access to care is very clear.” The U.S. has one of the most expensive health care systems in the world. And the amount of medical debt carried by individuals seems to be increasing, noted Adam Searing, a public interest attorney and associate professor at Georgetown University, where he focuses on Medicaid and other health coverage programs. Searing previously served for 17 years as director of the Health Access Coalition at the nonprofit North Carolina Justice Center, advocating for the uninsured and underinsured. During that time, he heard from people losing their homes due to liens from hospitals. Sometimes those liens could be delayed, but it still meant that the debtors couldn’t pass those homes along to their children or grandchildren, he said. “Those stories stuck with me,” he said. “It really has an impact on families.” Relieving debt allows people to get their lives back on track and become financially secure after a major illness or series of expensive bills, Searing said. For philanthropists, it’s also a cause that is largely nonpartisan. Scott shining a spotlight on the issue is undoubtedly “a good thing,” he said. “I think it will have a big effect.” _____ Stephanie Beasley is a senior writer at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .None
Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold rise
Stock market today: Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold rise
MARKHAM, Ontario — As Canada advances toward a greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly viewed as essential for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Government incentives and growing public awareness have encouraged many Canadians to make the switch to EVs. Despite this progress, there is still room for further adoption if certain concerns, such as cost and infrastructure, can be addressed. While infrastructure development and affordability take time to improve, some barriers lie squarely within the control of manufacturers. Recognizing this, VinFast, a global electric vehicle manufacturer, has taken an innovative step to address a key consumer concern: long-term reliability. By offering an industry-leading 10-year warranty, VinFast aims to reduce anxieties and accelerate EV adoption in Canada. The shift to EVs in Canada has been steady but uneven. While provinces like Quebec and British Columbia lead with aggressive zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates, others lag behind due to infrastructure gaps and consumer skepticism. While interest in EVs is indeed growing, unfamiliarity still hinders wider adoption. Unlike traditional gasoline vehicles, which Canadians have relied on for decades, EVs represent a new frontier with different upkeep requirements, particularly around their batteries. Studies indicate that these uncertainties can deter potential buyers from transitioning to EVs. A recent survey by Ernst & Young’s 2024 Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) revealed a global slowdown in EV sales growth, with many prospective buyers citing high maintenance and repair costs as a top concern . In Canada, the proportion of prospective car buyers intending to purchase an EV has dropped by 3%, falling to 15% compared to last year—significantly below the global figure (24%). For Canadian consumers weighing the benefits of lower fuel costs and emissions against the perceived risks of costly repairs, a strong warranty can be a game-changer. Long warranties have certainly played a role in boosting consumer confidence, but they are especially significant for EV buyers. Unlike traditional cars, where decades of experience have clarified maintenance expectations, EVs rely on advanced battery systems and cutting-edge electronics. While this technology offers efficiency and environmental benefits, it also introduces uncertainty for those unfamiliar with it. For consumers who are already cautious with big-ticket purchases, the promise of a robust warranty provides peace of mind. The Ernst & Young MCI 2023 report highlighted this emerging trend, noting that 24% of survey participants identified costly battery replacements as a barrier to EV adoption . In 2024, this concern climbed into the top three barriers for the first time. In that context, warranties that extend well beyond the standard three or five years reassure consumers that manufacturers are committed to their products and willing to cover major repair costs. This assurance is particularly compelling in the current economic climate. VinFast has recognized these consumer anxieties and positioned itself as a leader in addressing them. The company’s 10-year/200,000-kilometer vehicle warranty and the 10-year/unlimited mileage for the high voltage battery (under standard usage) is among the most generous in the EV industry, exceeding the typical coverage offered by many competitors. This long coverage directly tackles the primary concerns of EV buyers: the high cost of battery repairs and the reliability of advanced electronic systems. By standing firmly behind its technology, VinFast signals to Canadians that it is confident in the longevity and quality of its vehicles. For VinFast customers, this warranty is more than a marketing tool; it’s a reason to trust the brand. Testimonials from early adopters in North America highlight the pivotal role the warranty plays in purchase decisions. “The 10-year warranty gave us confidence to make the switch,” said Jason Cheung, a VinFast owner who values the long-term support. VinFast’s commitment to long-term reliability has not only earned consumer trust but has also propelled the company to new heights. In its home market of Vietnam, VinFast has become the leading automotive brand—surpassing foreign and gasoline-powered competitors—an impressive feat achieved in just over five years. In North America, VinFast is gaining significant momentum. September, in particular, marked a record-breaking month for the company, fueled by strong customer demand and competitive offerings. Building on this success, VinFast recently began delivering its flagship VF 9—a three-row, 7-seater SUV—in Canada. The VF 9 comes with the company’s signature market-leading 10-year/200,000-kilometer limited warranty, underscoring its commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term reliability. VinFast’s commitment doesn’t stop at its warranty. The company has introduced services aimed at easing the broader transition to EV ownership. For example, VinFast’s app provides a seamless solution by connecting drivers to a comprehensive network of public charging stations across North America. Additionally, the brand offers 24/7 roadside assistance, further enhancing its appeal to Canadian consumers who value reliability and convenience. These added services underscore VinFast’s holistic approach to building trust, not just in its vehicles but in the EV ecosystem as a whole. VinFast’s focus on delivering comprehensive warranties and services reflects a strategic understanding of consumer behavior. By addressing concerns upfront, the company is not only encouraging more Canadians to consider EVs but also challenging the broader industry to adopt similar practices. As Canada aims to meet its climate targets and phase out gas-powered vehicles, efforts like VinFast’s could play a crucial role in accelerating the transition. By removing barriers and building trust, the brand is helping Canadians see EVs not as risky investments but as reliable, long-term solutions. With the support of bold innovators like VinFast, Canada’s shift to electric transportation is not only possible—it’s inevitable. _____________________ John Lindo:
Volt Carbon patents emission-lowering graphite technologyCapstone Copper Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report
IT Operations Analytics Market Top Trends, Future Scope, Outlook, Size, Share, Applications, Advance Technology And Forecast - 2029 12-20-2024 12:24 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Microsoft (US), IBM (US), Oracle (US), Cisco (US), OpenText (Canada), Hitachi (Japan), Dynatrace (US), Broadcom (US), SolarWinds (US), BMC Software (US), NetApp (US), Elastic (US), Nexthink (Switzerland), HCL Technologies (India), New Relic (US), ServiceN IT Operations Analytics (ITOA) Market by Technology (Prescriptive analytics, Predictive analytics), Application (Root Cause Analysis, Application Performance Monitoring (APM), Security & Event Management, Network Management, BPM) - Global Forecast to 2029 The IT Operations Analytics (ITOA) market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/it-operations-analytics-market-145809472.html?utm_campaign=itoperationsanalyticsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] is projected to grow from USD 26.8 billion in 2024 to USD 127.4 billion by 2029, reflecting a robust CAGR of 36.6% during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the rising volume of IT operations data requiring advanced analytics for effective capture and analysis. The growing adoption of multi-cloud environments has amplified the demand for consolidated analytical solutions capable of managing diverse cloud platforms. Additionally, the need for real-time and automated analysis is driving the enhancement and integration of ITOA technologies. Download PDF Brochure@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=145809472 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=145809472&utm_campaign=itoperationsanalyticsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] By offering, the services segment to account for higher CAGR during the forecast period. The service segment is projected to grow the fastest, due to the growing complexity of IT systems in organizations and the need for specialized expertise. Organizations have now begun the adoption of advanced analytics tools that will require an end-to-end service to help implement the integration of the organizational analytics program while continuing to optimize the program over time. Companies need consulting service support in order to help develop and implement tailored solutions or initiatives leveraging analytic tools for their unique business needs and environments. It is expected that companies will begin to transition to the use of managed services as third parties are willing to take over the management of the ITOA solutions so that the organization can focus on their core business. The growth in services is largely driven by the continuous support and maintenance that is required to support the ITOA program especially when organizations want to ensure that ITOA tools are continuously providing value (effectiveness/ROI). By end user, BFSI is expected to hold the largest market size for the year 2024. The BFSI sector is projected to have the largest market share in the ITOA market, owing to the growing demand for data analytics to manage complex IT environments and provide uninterrupted services. IT operations analytics has a important role in maintaining system uptime and security and improving the performance of IT infrastructure within the closely regulated BFSI industry. The benefit of using ITOA solutions for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated issue resolution is especially important for this sector, where downtime can be a cause of considerable financial losses and regulatory fines. Online banking and financial institutions are taking the digital transformation approach by adopting the most cutting-edge IT operations analytics tools that are capable of managing such huge data, as well as being integrated with the existing systems, thus consolidating the sector's leadership in the ITOA market. By Application, IT service management is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Companies are increasingly adopting ITSM applications embedded with ITOA solutions to gain deeper insights into service performance, automate workflows and proactively address issues as they strive to improve service delivery, customer satisfaction. This application help in smoothing incident management, change management, and service request processes by providing deep insights through data analytics. The possibility of predicting and preventing service outages with the help of ITOA-driven ITSM tools has become a differentiator that enables high service levels while reducing downtime. With increasing digital transformations, there is a subsequent increase in demand for ITSM applications that use advanced ITOA capabilities in the support of agile and responsive IT environments, further expected to boost this market segment at exponential rates. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific has witnessed the advanced and dynamic adoption of new technologies. The region is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The existence of a large population, and developing infrastructure and technology are the major factors contributing to the growth of the ITOA market in Asia Pacific. The rapid rise in technology adoption from retail and consumer goods, transportation and logistics, and manufacturing industry verticals to enhance customer experience is projected to contribute to the growth of the ITOA market in the region. Asia Pacific constitutes major countries, such as China, India, Japan, and the rest of Asia Pacific, which are increasingly contributing toward investments in network and security management and anomaly detection solutions that would reduce downtime and total cost of ownership. ITOA adoption across Asia Pacific continues to grow steadily as governments, municipalities, and enterprises move from proof of concept and tests to live deployments as part of a strategy to enhance productivity and efficiency, build smart city infrastructures, capitalize on new technologies, and embrace digital transformation. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=145809472 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=145809472&utm_campaign=itoperationsanalyticsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Unique Features in the IT Operations Analytics Market One of the standout features of IT operations analytics (ITOA) is its ability to process data in real time. This capability allows organizations to monitor and respond to operational issues as they occur, enabling faster decision-making and improved IT system performance. As more organizations adopt multi-cloud strategies, ITOA solutions are increasingly designed to integrate across multiple cloud platforms. This ensures seamless data collection and analysis across different cloud environments, providing a unified view of IT operations and helping organizations optimize their cloud infrastructure. ITOA solutions leverage advanced predictive analytics to forecast potential IT issues before they arise. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, these tools help organizations anticipate problems and take proactive measures to minimize downtime and service disruptions. Many ITOA platforms feature automation tools that can trigger self-healing actions, such as reconfiguring systems or reallocating resources, in response to detected issues. This automation reduces manual intervention, improves operational efficiency, and minimizes the impact of potential failures. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhances ITOA solutions by enabling systems to learn from vast amounts of IT operations data. This allows for smarter insights, better anomaly detection, and improved decision-making capabilities over time. ITOA solutions often provide customizable dashboards that give IT teams and business stakeholders a clear, visual representation of key metrics and performance indicators. These dashboards can be tailored to display the most relevant data, enabling more effective monitoring and reporting. Major Highlights of the IT Operations Analytics Market As businesses increasingly adopt multi-cloud strategies, the demand for integrated IT operations analytics solutions has surged. ITOA platforms are now being designed to seamlessly collect and analyze data across multiple cloud environments, helping organizations achieve better visibility and control over their IT infrastructure. The growing complexity of IT systems has driven the need for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. Organizations are looking to ITOA solutions to detect anomalies, predict potential failures, and provide actionable insights that enable proactive issue resolution before disruptions occur. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming core components of ITOA solutions. These technologies enhance the ability of platforms to analyze vast amounts of data, detect patterns, and automate processes, leading to smarter decision-making and improved operational efficiency. Automation is another key highlight in the ITOA market. Many solutions now offer self-healing capabilities that automatically address issues such as system outages or performance degradation. This reduces the need for manual intervention, enhancing efficiency and minimizing downtime. IT operations analytics platforms are designed to provide deep insights into IT performance, often through customizable dashboards and advanced reporting tools. These features help organizations track key metrics, monitor trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize IT operations. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=145809472 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=145809472&utm_campaign=itoperationsanalyticsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Top Companies in the IT Operations Analytics Market Key players operating in the IT operations analytics market across the globe are Microsoft (US), IBM (US), Oracle (US), Cisco (US), OpenText (Canada), Hitachi (Japan), Dynatrace (US), Broadcom (US), SolarWinds (US), BMC Software (US), NetApp (US), Elastic (US), Nexthink (Switzerland), HCL Technologies (India), New Relic (US), ServiceNow (US), Dell Technologies (US), HPE (US), Cloud Software Group (US), Veritas Technologies (US), BigPanda (US), ExtraHop Networks (US), Squadcast (US), ScienceLogic (US), Apica (Sweden), Diamanti (US), MCG (Denmark), Evolven (US), XPLG (US), HEAL Software (US), Sumo Logic (US), Devo (US), meshIQ (US), and CloudFabrix (US). These companies employ various approaches, both organic and inorganic, including introducing new products, forming strategic partnerships and collaborations, and engaging in mergers and acquisitions, to expand their presence and offerings within the ITOA market. Cisco is one of the largest networking company dealing in products along with solutions in networking related fields such as routing, switches, home networking, IP telephony, optical networking, security, storage area networking, and wireless technology. Cisco's The company's offerings are divided into two main segments: Product & Service. The Product segment comprises infrastructure platforms, applications, security and other products while the Service segment offers technical support services and advisory services. The applications category comprises UC, Cisco conferencing, the Internet of Things, and AppDynamics analytics. Cisco's latest acquisition of Splunk improves its ITOA platform and is a turning point for the vendor in its efforts to reinvent networking and security. Splunk's top-performing analytics is integrated into Cisco to provide a comprehensive visibility in the organization's digital process and system. IBM is a multinational technology and consulting corporation that operates through four major business segments: Software, consulting, infrastructure as well as financing. Its clients come from Aerospace and Defense, Education, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Automotive Electronics, Insurance, Retail & Consumer Products, Banking & Finance, Energy & Utilities, Life Sciences, Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment, Chemical, Government & Manufacturing, Travel & Transportation, Construction & Metals & Mining. The company has a strong presence in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific and has clients in more than 175 countries. IBM offers ITOA solutions through the IBM Concert, IBM Instana Observability, IBM Z Service Management Suite, and IBM SevOne that help customers harness the volume of operational data to provide keen insights into the operational trends and potential problems needing attention. Oracle is one of the global leaders, providing a wide range of platforms, applications and infrastructure that could meet the demands of the corporate information technologies. The company's clientele base comprises of enterprises, governmental bodies, schools and colleges, and other re-sellers. Oracle's software solutions include an autonomous database, developer tools, engineering systems, IT, Java, and middleware. In the ITOA market, the company provides Oracle IT Analytics that allow users to identify systematic problems, understand resource consumption by the application tier, and predict future demand for IT services based on usage patterns. Oracle leverages the state of the art technologies to build smart and contextually relevant solutions for its IT-savvy clients. The company utilizes analytical tools, and using this aspect, the ITOA companies can provide customers with behavior patterns and an engaging digital environment to their competitors. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=it-operations-analytics-market-top-trends-future-scope-outlook-size-share-applications-advance-technology-and-forecast-2029 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/it-operations-analytics-market-145809472.html This release was published on openPR.
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/en
Saints say Taysom Hill 'likely' has a season-ending knee injurySyria's Islamist rebel leader on Monday began discussions on transferring power, a day after his opposition alliance dramatically unseated president Bashar al-Assad following decades of brutal rule. Assad fled Syria as the Islamist-led rebels swept into the capital, bringing a spectacular end on Sunday to five decades of brutal rule by his clan. He oversaw a crackdown on a democracy movement that erupted in 2011, sparking a war that killed 500,000 people and forced half the country to flee their homes, millions of them finding refuge abroad. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, met with Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali "to coordinate a transfer of power that guarantees the provision of services" to Syria's people, said a statement posted on the rebels' Telegram channels. At the core of the system of rule that Assad inherited from his father Hafez was a brutal complex of prisons and detention centres used to eliminate dissent by those suspected of stepping out of the ruling Baath party's line. Thousands of Syrians gathered on Monday outside a jail synonymous with the worst atrocities of Assad's rule to search for relatives, many of whom have spent years in the Saydnaya facility outside Damascus, AFP correspondents said. Rescuers from the Syrian White Helmets group had earlier said they were looking for potential secret doors or basements in Saydnaya. "I ran like crazy" to get to the prison, said Aida Taha, 65, searching for her brother who was arrested in 2012. "But I found out that some of the prisoners were still in the basements. There are three or four floors underground." Crowds of freed prisoners wandered the streets of Damascus distinguishable by the marks of their ordeal: maimed by torture, weakened by illness and emaciated by hunger. While Syria had been at war for over 13 years, the government's collapse came in a matter of days in a lightning offensive led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In central Damascus on Monday, despite all the uncertainty over the future, the joy was palpable. "It's indescribable. We never thought this nightmare would end. We are reborn," Rim Ramadan, 49, a civil servant at the finance ministry, told AFP. "We were afraid for 55 years of speaking, even at home. We used to say the walls had ears," Ramadan said, as people honked car horns and rebels fired their guns into the air. Syria's parliament, formerly pro-Assad like the prime minister, said it supports "the will of the people to build a new Syria towards a better future governed by law and justice". The Baath party said it will support "a transitional phase in Syria aimed at defending the unity of the country." Syrian state television's logo on the Telegram messaging app now displays the rebel flag. During the offensive launched on November 27, rebels met little resistance as they wrested city after city from Assad's control, opening the gates of prisons along the way and freeing thousands, many of them held on political charges. Some, like Fadwa Mahmoud, whose husband and son are missing, posted calls for help on social media. "Where are you, Maher and Abdel Aziz? it's time for me to hear your news. Oh God, please come back," wrote Mahmoud, herself a former detainee. Rooted in Syria's branch of Al-Qaeda, HTS is proscribed by Western governments as a terrorist group but has sought to soften its image in recent years. Germany and France said in a statement they were ready to cooperate with Syria's new leadership "on the basis of fundamental human rights and the protection of ethnic and religious minorities." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in Saudi Arabia on Monday, said HTS must reject "terrorism and violence" before Britain can engage with the group designated "terrorist" by Britain. Washington's top diplomat, Antony Blinken, said the United States -- with hundreds of troops in Syria as part of a coalition against Islamic State group jihadists -- is determined to prevent IS re-establishing safe havens there. "We have a clear interest in doing what we can to avoid the fragmentation of Syria, mass migrations from Syria and, of course, the export of terrorism and extremism," Blinken said. The United Nations said that whoever ends up in power in Syria must hold the Assad regime to account. But how Assad might face justice remains unclear, especially after the Kremlin refused on Monday to confirm reports by Russian news agencies that he had fled to Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, said that if Russia granted asylum to Assad and his family, this would be a decision taken by President Vladimir Putin. The Syrian embassy in Moscow raised the opposition's flag, and the Kremlin said it would discuss the status of its bases in Syria with the new authorities. Russia played an instrumental role in keeping Assad in power, directly intervening in the war starting in 2015 and providing air cover to the army during the rebellion. Israel, which borders Syria, sent troops into a buffer zone on the east of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights after Assad's fall, in what Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described as a "limited and temporary step" for "security reasons". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor reported more than 100 Israeli air strikes to "destroy the former regime's military capabilities." These were against weapons depots, boats from the Assad government's navy, and a research centre that Western countries suspected of having links to chemical weapons production, the Observatory said. Lebanon's Hezbollah condemned the strikes late Monday, despite having been allied to Assad, and lambasted Israel for "occupying more land in the Golan Heights". In northern Syria, a Turkish drone strike on a Kurdish-held area killed 11 civilians, six of them children, according to the Britain-based Observatory. bur-ser/jsa/it/givCAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Relay Therapeutics, Inc. RLAY , a clinical-stage precision medicine company transforming the drug discovery process by combining leading-edge computational and experimental technologies, today announced that updated clinical data for RLY-2608 600mg BID + fulvestrant in patients with PI3Kα-mutated, HR+, HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer will be presented at the upcoming San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, taking place December 10-13, 2024. Details of the RLY-2608 + fulvestrant poster presentation are as follows: Abstract Title : PS7-01: Efficacy of RLY-2608, a mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor in patients with PIK3CA-mutant HR+HER2- advanced breast cancer: ReDiscover trial Abstract Number: SESS-2211 Session : Concurrent Poster Spotlight Session 7: Targeting the ER and PI3K pathway: Novel drugs and combinations Date/Time : Wednesday, December 11, 8:00-9:30 a.m. ET (7:00-8:30 a.m. CT) Conference Call Information Relay Therapeutics will host a conference call to discuss these data on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. ET (6:00 a.m. CT). Registration and dial-in for the conference call and webcast may be accessed through Relay Therapeutics' website under Events in the News & Events section through the following link: https://ir.relaytx.com/news-events/events-presentations . An archived replay of the webcast will be available following the event. The poster will be available at the start of the session on the company's website at https://relaytx.com/publications/ . About RLY-2608 RLY-2608 is the lead program in Relay Therapeutics' efforts to discover and develop mutant selective inhibitors of PI3Kα, the most frequently mutated kinase in all cancers, with oncogenic mutations detected in about 14% of patients with solid tumors. RLY-2608 has the potential, if approved, to address more than 300,000 patients per year in the United States, one of the largest patient populations for a precision oncology medicine. Traditionally, the development of PI3Kα inhibitors has focused on the active, or orthosteric, site. The therapeutic index of orthosteric inhibitors is limited by the lack of clinically meaningful selectivity for mutant versus wild-type (WT) PI3Kα and off-isoform activity. Toxicity related to inhibition of WT PI3Kα and other PI3K isoforms results in sub-optimal inhibition of mutant PI3Kα with reductions in dose intensity and frequent discontinuation. The Dynamo® platform enabled the discovery of RLY-2608, the first known allosteric, pan-mutant, and isoform-selective PI3Kα inhibitor, designed to overcome these limitations. Relay Therapeutics solved the full-length cryo-EM structure of PI3Kα, performed computational long time-scale molecular dynamic simulations to elucidate conformational differences between WT and mutant PI3Kα, and leveraged these insights to support the design of RLY-2608. RLY-2608 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human trial designed to treat patients with advanced solid tumors with a PIK3CA (PI3Kα) mutation. For more information on RLY-2608, please visit here . About Relay Therapeutics Relay Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision medicine company transforming the drug discovery process by combining leading-edge computational and experimental technologies with the goal of bringing life-changing therapies to patients. As the first of a new breed of biotech created at the intersection of complementary techniques and technologies, Relay Therapeutics aims to push the boundaries of what's possible in drug discovery. Its Dynamo® platform integrates an array of leading-edge computational and experimental approaches designed to drug protein targets that have previously been intractable or inadequately addressed. Relay Therapeutics' initial focus is on enhancing small molecule therapeutic discovery in targeted oncology and genetic disease indications. For more information, please visit www.relaytx.com or follow us on Twitter . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, implied and express statements regarding Relay Therapeutics' strategy, business plans and focus; the progress and timing of the clinical development of the programs across Relay Therapeutics' portfolio; the expected therapeutic benefits and potential efficacy and tolerability of RLY-2608, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other agents, and its other programs, including lirafugratinib as well as the clinical data for RLY-2608; the interactions with regulatory authorities and any related approvals; the potential market opportunity for RLY-2608; the cash runway projection and the expectations regarding Relay Therapeutics' use of capital, expenses and potential cost savings. The words "may," "might," "will," "could," "would," "should," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "seek," "predict," "future," "project," "potential," "continue," "target" and similar words or expressions, or the negative thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, risks associated with: the impact of global economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability and conflicts, or public health epidemics or outbreaks of an infectious disease on countries or regions in which Relay Therapeutics has operations or does business, as well as on the timing and anticipated results of its clinical trials, strategy, future operations and profitability; the delay or pause of any current or planned clinical trials or the development of Relay Therapeutics' drug candidates; the risk that the preliminary or interim results of its preclinical or clinical trials may not be predictive of future or final results in connection with future clinical trials of its product candidates and that interim and early clinical data may change as more patient data become available and are subject to audit and verification procedures; Relay Therapeutics' ability to successfully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the timing and outcome of its planned interactions with regulatory authorities; and obtaining, maintaining and protecting its intellectual property. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Relay Therapeutics' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as any subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Relay Therapeutics' views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Relay Therapeutics explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. Contact: Megan Goulart 617-322-0814 mgoulart@relaytx.com Media : Dan Budwick 1AB 973-271-6085 dan@1abmedia.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad.Aflac Incorporated Announces 16.0% Increase in the First Quarter 2025 DividendDua Lipa Loves These $23 Augustinus Bader Under-Eye PatchesRepresentatives will meet with global partners to share market insights and discuss the company's unique supply chain solutions HOUSTON , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith , a leading global distributor of electronic components and semiconductors, today announces its attendance at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada . Company representatives will be on hand to meet with current and potential customers during the trade show, which runs from Tuesday, January 7 , to Friday, January 10, 2025 . CES, also known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is widely regarded as the world's premier technology showcase. The biggest names in consumer electronics and entertainment will gather to debut their newest products and cutting-edge innovations. "This is a great opportunity for us to shake hands with our customers, forge new relationships, and gain insights into their needs and the challenges they face within the semiconductor supply chain," said Todd Burke , Smith's President of Global Business Development. "We are excited to demonstrate how Smith's customized programs can help keep chip inventories in balance and how our open-market strategies can generate new revenue streams." Todd and his team will discuss the benefits of supplier diversification , robust inventory management , and staying ahead of market trends . "As artificial-intelligence products and services become more mainstream, demand will continue to rise for the components powering its processing capabilities," said Todd. "Smith's agile sourcing team, broad global reach, and decades of industry expertise underpin our ability to develop fully customizable solutions that help our customers avoid supply chain disruptions and support their success." Visit Smith's CES landing page to schedule a meeting. About Smith Founded in 1984, Smith is celebrating 40 years of Intelligent DistributionTM. As a leading independent distributor of electronic components, Smith sources, manages, tests, and ships billions of components to partners worldwide in every industry and vertical. Offering a comprehensive suite of flexible and scalable supply chain solutions, Smith identifies and delivers customized service programs to support its customers' success. The company's expertise is backed by decades of market data, cutting-edge technology, and a systems-based approach to quality excellence. Smith has generated more than USD $12.9 billion in global revenue since 2019 and ranks eleventh among all global distributors. Visit www.smithweb.com to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-smith-at-ces-2025-in-las-vegas-302334000.html SOURCE Smith
UTSA earns 117-58 win against Southwestern Adventist( MENAFN - GetNews) The automotive lighting industry has seen a significant transformation with the introduction of advanced technologies designed to improve visibility, safety, and driving experience. Among these innovations, the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods have become a standout product, offering superior illumination with a unique design. In this guide, we'll explore the various beam patterns of the Side Shooter Light Pods and how these lighting solutions can revolutionize your driving experience. Introduction to Pod Lights Pod lights have rapidly gained popularity in the automotive community, particularly among off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers seeking superior performance. The 5" Side Shooter Light Pods combine cutting-edge technology, durable design, and versatile functionality. They provide a powerful lighting solution that enhances visibility on all terrains, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of driving conditions. Understanding Beam Patterns: Wide, Combo, and Spotlight One of the key features of the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods is their customizable beam patterns. Each beam type is designed for specific driving needs, from navigating tight trails to long-distance visibility on highways. Wide Beam: The wide beam pattern is perfect for illuminating areas close to the vehicle. This is essential for fog light applications and tight off-road spaces, providing optimal peripheral vision to navigate narrow trails or crowded streets. The wide beam ensures enhanced safety when visibility is limited. Combo Beam: A combo beam offers the best of both worlds – a balanced spread of light that covers both short-range and long-range needs. This versatile beam is ideal for everyday driving, delivering consistent illumination across different terrains and road conditions. Whether you're driving on highways or off-road, the combo beam keeps your path lit at all times. Spotlight Beam: The spotlight beam focuses on delivering a powerful, long-distance light projection. This beam is designed for drivers who need to see far ahead, particularly in high-speed or open-road scenarios. Whether you're driving on dark highways or crossing vast open plains, the spotlight beam gives you the visibility needed to anticipate obstacles and drive confidently. Key Features of the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods The Side Shooter Light Pods are equipped with several special features that set them apart from traditional lighting solutions: Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Enhance your vehicle's visibility to other drivers, even during daylight, promoting safety on the road. Ultra-Bright Illumination: Each light pod provides an impressive 20,600 lumens, thanks to its 122W power output. This ensures a bright and clear view of the road ahead, even in the darkest conditions. 270° Lighting Coverage: The unique side shooter design provides an incredible 270° horizontal coverage, filling the gaps between your vehicle's headlights and providing a seamless lighting solution without the need for constant adjustments. Best Applications for the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods The flexibility of the Side Shooter Light Pods allows for a variety of mounting and application options. Whether you're off-roading, commuting, or driving at night, these lights have you covered. A-Pillar & Fog Light Mounting: The wide beam pattern of the Side Shooter Light Pods makes them perfect for mounting on the A-pillars or as fog lights . The wide spread ensures that the area between the headlights and the road is fully illuminated, improving visibility during fog, rain, or low-visibility conditions. Off-Road & Adventure Driving: For off-road enthusiasts, the combo beam pattern of the Side Shooter Light Pods offers unparalleled versatility. This beam type is perfect for handling rugged terrains, whether it's through rocky landscapes, muddy trails, or sandy dunes. The combo beam ensures that you can see both close obstacles and distant objects clearly. Long-Distance Driving: When you need to see far down the road, the spotlight beam is your best option. Perfect for long-distance driving, this beam pattern ensures maximum visibility at high speeds, making it ideal for highway driving, especially in dark or remote areas. Why Choose the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods? The 5" Side Shooter Light Pods represent a significant leap forward in automotive lighting technology. Their combination of powerful beams, side shooter design, and superior brightness makes them the ideal choice for any driver seeking to enhance their vehicle's lighting capabilities. With the ability to choose from three different beam patterns, these light pods cater to a variety of driving conditions and preferences. Whether you're navigating foggy roads, off-roading, or simply looking to improve your nighttime visibility, the Side Shooter Light Pods offer unmatched performance and reliability. Upgrade Your Vehicle Today with the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods Don't settle for average lighting. Upgrade your vehicle's visibility and safety with the 5" Side Shooter Light Pods . Click [here] to purchase now and experience the next level of automotive lighting! Stay Connected with JGledLight Stay ahead of the curve and keep up with the latest in automotive lighting innovations. Check out our new products, like the Tesla Model Y sunshade and other exciting offerings. Visit our website at and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and promotions! MENAFN19122024003238003268ID1109014546 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Oracle Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial Results