With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire for Journalists.  Here are some of this week’s most newsworthy:

Expedia study warns the “workcation” isn’t a cure for vacation deprivation

Today (Feb. 22), Expedia released its annual Vacation Deprivation study, finding that Americans took six fewer vacation days (less than 12 days) than the global average in 2021, leaving the majority feeling vacation deprived (59%) and more burned out than ever (72%). Surveying more than 14,500 working adults across 16 countries, the 2022 report also sheds light on the uncomfortable reality that pandemic-era flexible work arrangements can make it more difficult to unplug (54%), blurring the boundaries between time on and off the clock.

Postal Service Expands Next-Day Delivery Options for Businesses with Rollout of USPS Connect

The U.S. Postal Service today (Feb. 22) launched USPS Connect — a set of four delivery solutions that leverage ongoing network improvements, new equipment, new pricing and enhanced operational precision to meet evolving business needs.  “USPS Connect provides businesses of all sizes what they have been asking for — an affordable way to meet consumer demand for fast delivery,” said Louis DeJoy, postmaster general and CEO.

Usher Announces New Headlining Las Vegas Residency at Park MGM

Global megastar and 8-time Grammy award-winner Usher will headline a new Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, beginning Friday, July 15.  Usher’s move to Dolby Live at Park MGM is the next-generation follow-up to his extraordinarily successful 20-show Las Vegas residency in 2021, which sold out every date, bringing in record grosses.

McDonald’s Board of Directors Issues Statement in Response to Carl Icahn

McDonald’s Corp. board of directors today (Feb. 20) issued the following statement in response to a director notification nomination from Carl Icahn: “McDonald’s can confirm that Carl Icahn has nominated Leslie Samuelrich and Maisie Ganzler to stand for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting. There is no shareholder action required at this time. The board will evaluate the nominees as it would any other candidates proposed to it. The board utilizes Director Selection Process guidelines to evaluate nominees, which were updated in 2020 to more closely align with the company’s values and the strategic drivers of its business strategy.”

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to be Acquired by Veritas Capital

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. today (Feb. 22) announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with certain affiliates of Veritas Capital for the acquisition of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, HMH shareholders will be entitled to receive $21 in cash per share through a tender offer. The per-share purchase price represents a 36% premium to the company’s unaffected share price as of Jan. 13, and implies an equity value of approximately $2.8 billion.

Jack Lynch, President and Chief Executive Officer of HMH, said, “As the promise of digital learning increasingly takes hold across the nation, we are confident this transaction will deepen our ability to bring the power of learning to even more teachers and their students, invest in our purpose-driven team, and have a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

Tenneco to Be Acquired by Apollo Funds

Tenneco announced today (Feb. 23) it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Funds in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise valuation of approximately $7.1 billion, including debt.

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Larry Grady is online content manager at PR Newswire for Journalists.  He has worked in business media for nearly 30 years and enjoys reality TV and daydreaming about travel and wine.