The Dodgers are bringing Teoscar Hernández back on a three-year deal. The Republik Sports client is reportedly guaranteed $66M, including a $23M signing bonus. There’s a little more than $23M in deferred money, while the deal includes a $15M team option for the 2028 season. The Dodgers have not yet announced the signing. Hernández, 32, gets the three-year deal he’d been seeking. The slugger had called returning to the Dodgers a priority after a huge first season with the team. Hernández slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 homers across 652 plate appearances. He carried that strong production into the postseason, hitting three longballs with a .250/.352/.417 slash over 16 games to help the Dodgers secure their second championship in five years. This was the ideal outcome for a player on a pillow contract. Hernández had reached free agency last winter on the heels of a middling season in Seattle. He had turned in a .258/.305/.435 slash over 678 plate appearances as a Mariner. As a result, Hernández didn’t find the lucrative long-term offer he’d been seeking. While the Red Sox offered him a two-year deal that would’ve come with a $28M guarantee, he signed for one season on a deferred $23.5M salary with the goal of reestablishing his market value. It couldn’t have worked out much better for either side. Hernández had one of the best seasons of his career. He earned his second All-Star nod and Silver Slugger award while picking up down-ballot MVP votes for the third time. Hernández established a new career high in home runs with rate stats that were in line with his best years in Toronto. He was an instrumental part of a championship roster. The down year in 2023 looks like an anomaly. He’s hardly the only veteran hitter to struggle in Seattle’s extremely pitcher-friendly home park. Hernández has been an impact hitter in each of the other four seasons since his breakout in 2020. Over the past five years, he owns a .274/.328/.493 batting line in nearly 2700 trips to the plate. There’ll be a decent number of strikeouts, but few players hit the ball as hard as he does. Hernández is an annual threat for 30+ doubles and at least 25-30 homers. Hernández was the only key offensive player whom the Dodgers feared losing in free agency. He’ll return to join Shohei Ohtani , Mookie Betts , Freddie Freeman , Will Smith , Max Muncy , Tommy Edman and Gavin Lux in a loaded offense. The Dodgers added Michael Conforto on a one-year, $17M contract at the Winter Meetings. No other team rivals the potency of the L.A. lineup. The Dodgers are taking on some risk from a defensive perspective. Despite plus arm strength and surprisingly strong athleticism, Hernández has never graded as a good defender. That continued this season. Defensive Runs Saved felt he was three runs below par in his 1308 combined innings between the corner outfield spots. Statcast rated him much more harshly, estimating he was 11 runs below average. Hernández isn’t likely to improve on a contract that runs through age 34. An ideal landing spot would’ve allowed him to move to designated hitter in year two or three. That’s not an option on a team with Ohtani. The Dodgers are moving Betts to shortstop and will have Hernández and Conforto flanking Edman in the outfield. They’ll accept a mediocre defensive unit for the chance to stack with the lineup with good hitters. Adding Conforto and re-signing Hernández blocks the path to everyday at-bats for youngsters Andy Pages and James Outman . The latter feels like a change of scenery candidate after a disappointing second MLB season. The Dodgers will probably be less inclined to move the 24-year-old Pages, who had a league average .248/.305/.407 showing as a rookie. He still has a minor league option remaining, so they could start him in Triple-A if they don’t want to limit him to fourth outfield work. Pages doesn’t have anything else to prove in the minors, but the Dodgers have the resources to continue loading up. Other teams figure to at least try to pull him away via trade, though L.A. could prefer to hold him as a replacement for Conforto after next season. Signing Blake Snell and retaining Blake Treinen earlier in the winter leaves the Dodgers without any clear holes on the roster. At the start of the offseason, MLBTR predicted Hernández would receive a three-year deal at $60M. He’ll land slightly above that forecast in raw money, though the deferrals will reduce the net present value to some extent. A three-year, $66M deal without deferrals would come with a $22M competitive balance tax hit. Hernández’s number will end up a bit below that. The specific payout structure, which hasn’t been fully reported, will determine how MLB calculates the contract for tax purposes. Including Hernández, RosterResource calculates the Dodgers’ luxury tax number around $353M pending the deferral specifics. They’re well beyond the $301M mark that represents the final tier of penalization. They’re taxed at a 110% rate on the final AAV. Re-signing Hernández will likely cost them upwards of $40M next year after taxes. The Dodgers have been undeterred by the CBT as they push for a repeat. Hernández had declined a qualifying offer. Other teams would have needed to forfeit a draft choice to sign him. The Dodgers only relinquish the right to receive a 2025 compensation pick, which would have come after the fourth round. The Blue Jays and Red Sox had also been linked to Hernández this winter. Those clubs (especially Toronto) could turn to Anthony Santander , who stands as the clear top unsigned outfielder. Jurickson Profar is a tier or two below that as the next-best outfield bat. Yancen Pujols first reported that Hernández and the Dodgers were finalizing a three-year, $66M deal. Chris Cotillo of MassLive confirmed there was an agreement in place. ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the $15M option for 2028, as well as the signing bonus and the approximate $23M in deferrals. This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission.In conclusion, the contrasting approaches of Manchester United and Arsenal regarding their football operations reflect the evolving landscape of modern football management. While Manchester United's decision to forego a sporting director raises questions about their future direction, Arsenal's interest in Dan Ashworth demonstrates their commitment to building a strong foundation for sustained success. As both clubs navigate the complexities of elite football competition, the role of leadership and strategic planning will continue to play a crucial role in shaping their respective journeys towards achieving their sporting ambitions.
is set to revolutionize the laptop market by introducing a device featuring the world’s first screen that will actually be sold to consumers. This breakthrough technology, which has long been teased by display , is expected to debut at CES in January. The news comes courtesy of renowned leaker Evan Blass, also known as , who shared leaked images of the upcoming Lenovo ThinkBook Plus with its rollable screen. Foldable Screens vs. Rollable Displays While foldable screens have been around for a few years and are becoming increasingly common in smartphones and laptops, rollable displays represent the next frontier in display technology. Rollable screens have been showcased in various tech demos, but no commercial product featuring such a screen has made its way to the market—until now. Lenovo is positioning itself to be the first company to bring this innovative design to the masses. At first glance, the new ThinkBook Plus looks like a standard laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio display. It gives no hint of the cutting-edge technology hiding within. However, when extra screen space is needed, users can simply pull the display up. The display expands vertically to provide more viewing area. The ability to seamlessly transition between a standard and larger screen size has the potential to offer a magical experience, especially during the first few uses. This feature is sure to capture attention and leave a lasting impression, making it a standout feature in the laptop market. While the concept of a rollable screen is exciting, several questions remain, particularly regarding the display’s durability. As with many first-generation products, concerns about wear and tear over time could impact consumer confidence. Also, Lenovo has yet to reveal specific details about the screen’s technical specs, leaving potential buyers eager for more info. Price is a key point to think about. Early buyers of such cutting-edge tech often pay a premium. No doubt, this new Lenovo ThinkBook Plus will likely come with a hefty price tag. The “early adopter tax” is a known idea in tech. Many buyers may need to brace for a high cost to enjoy the sleek tools this laptop offers. Lenovo’s roll-up ThinkBook Plus is set to make waves at CES this Jan. This laptop marks the next step in screen tech, moving beyond fold-up screens into a fresh way to use laptops.
Water Transport Market Report: Comprehensive Analysis of Development Trends, Key Growth Drivers, Emerging Opportunities, and the Competitive Landscape Projected Until 2031GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) ("EHang" or the "Company"), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, today announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd., (“Changan Automobile”), a leading Chinese car manufacturer listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (ticker symbol:000625), in the presence of the Chongqing Municipal Government and representatives from various industry sectors. The parties will collaborate on the research and development, manufacturing, sales, and operation of flying car-related products, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft and innovative flying cars. Leveraging EHang's strong product development capabilities in aerial vehicles and low-altitude flight management technology solutions and combining Changan Automobile's robust production and manufacturing foundation and rich market resources in the automotive sector, the parties will explore the establishment of a joint venture focused on future mobility ecosystem technologies. This cross-industry strategic partnership will further enrich and expand EHang's eVTOL product line, unlocking a vast potential market for flying cars targeting a broad C-end customer base. Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang and Xiaoyu Zhang, Executive Vice President of Changan Automobile sign a strategic cooperation agreement The signing ceremony was held at the planned site of the Changan Global Science and Art Center in Chongqing. Distinguished attendees included Henghua Hu, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Chongqing, and Xiangdong Zheng, Vice Mayor of Chongqing, and management from Changan Automobile, including Huarong Zhu, Chairman; Jun Wang, President; and Benhong Tan, Chief Human Resources Officer. Also present were EHang's Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO; Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer, and Conor Yang, Chief Financial Officer. Ceremony highlights included a flight of the EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft. The EH216-S pilotless eVTOL performs a flight demonstration at the signing ceremony, while the EH216-F and EH216-L pilotless eVTOLs are displayed on-site As one of China's top four automotive groups, Changan Automobile boasts strong capabilities in R&D, manufacturing infrastructure, supply chain, sales channel resources, and significant market influence in automobile market. EHang, as a pioneer in the global UAM sector, is leading the way in the R&D and design, mass production, certifications and large-scale safe operation for pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft. Under this agreement, the two parties will leverage their respective strengths and resources to jointly develop flying cars and with cutting-edge technologies, future-oriented design, and market competitiveness. The collaboration covers R&D, production, market promotion, channel development, user experience and after-sales service, while integrating low-altitude economy applications to accelerate the commercialization of flying cars and EHang's pilotless eVTOL products. The signing ceremony of the strategic cooperation agreement between EHang and Changan Automobile The low-altitude economy represents a national strategic emerging industry and a new quality productive force. The 2024 Central Economic Work Conference clearly pointed out the importance of leading the development of new types of productive forces with technological innovation and carrying out large-scale application demonstrations of new technologies, products, and scenarios. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other departments in China have proposed to encourage the research and development of flying car technologies, product validation, and the exploration of commercial application scenarios, with a strong focus on developing unmanned, electric, and intelligent low-altitude equipment. As a new type of aircraft for the development of the low-altitude industry, eVTOLs have vast development potential. According to data by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the scale of China’s low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan in 2023, and it is expected to reach 2 trillion yuan by 2030, with the market potentially growing to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. Earlier this year in September, the Chongqing Municipal Government Office issued the Action Plan for Promoting Low-Altitude Airspace Management Reform and High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy (2024–2027) . The plan aims to position Chongqing as an innovative benchmark city in low-altitude economy and supports intelligent automobile manufacturers in exploring eVTOL R&D and production. EHang and Changan Automobile are collaboratively aligning with the low-altitude economy development strategy, basing strategies upon Chongqing’s favorable policies to accelerate the complementary integration of the automotive and low-altitude economy industry. The emergence of a new generation of low-altitude mobility products will introduce a higher-quality, more efficient, and environmental-friendly three-dimensional transportation solution designed to meet the challenges of Chongqing's complex mountainous terrain. This innovation will set a new benchmark for advancing the low-altitude economy. Huarong Zhu, Chairman of Changan Automobile, speaking at the strategic cooperation signing ceremony Huarong Zhu, Chairman of Changan Automobile, said: "The cooperation between Changan Automobile and EHang in the development of flying cars is of great significance, allowing both parties to leverage their respective strengths. Over the next five years, Changan Automobile plans to invest more than 20 billion yuan in the low-altitude economy sector to accelerate the development of the flying car industry. Over the next decade, we will invest more than 100 billion yuan to explore integrated mobility solutions across land, sea and air." Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, speaking at the strategic cooperation signing ceremony Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, stated: "During this rapid development stage of the low-altitude economy, EHang remains committed to collaborating with upstream and downstream partners to enhance the pilotless eVTOL industrial chain and its ecosystem. We look forward to more cross-industry cooperation with mature domestic automakers, leveraging each other's strengths and resources to create complementary and synergistic effects, continuously enriching and developing eVTOL product series that cater to diverse scenario demands and customers. This strategic partnership with Changan Automobile, aimed at jointly advancing the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and operation of next-generation flying cars product, will further enrich the ecosystem of the low-altitude economy and offer consumers more travel options." About EHang EHang (Nasdaq: EH) is the world’s leading urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company. Our mission is to enable safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone. EHang provides customers in various industries with unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) systems and solutions: air mobility (including passenger transportation and logistics), smart city management, and aerial media solutions. EHang’s flagship product EH216-S has obtained the world’s first type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless eVTOL issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. As the forerunner of cutting-edge UAV technologies and commercial solutions in the global UAM industry, EHang continues to explore the boundaries of the sky to make flying technologies benefit our life in smart cities. For more information, please visit www.ehang.com . About Changan Automobile Changan Automobile is one of the four major Chinese automobile groups, with 40 years of car manufacturing experience, we have 14 manufacturing bases and 34 plants worldwide. As a leading Chinese car manufacturer, CHANGAN Automobile has self-owned brands including CHANGAN UNI, CHANGAN NEVO, CHANGAN LCV, DEEPAL, AVATR, and joint venture brands including CHANGAN Ford, CHANGAN Mazda, and JMC. Changan Automobile has more than 18,000 engineers and technicians from 31 countries around the world, and has established R&D network of ten cities in six countries in Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Dingzhou in Hebei, Hefei in Anhui, Turin in Italy, Yokohama in Japan, Birmingham in the UK, Detroit in the US and Munich in Germany. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to those relating to certifications, our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our products and solutions and the commercialization of UAM services, our relationships with strategic partners, and current litigation and potential litigation involving us. Management has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While they believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause EHang’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Investor Contact: ir@ehang.com Media Contact: pr@ehang.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e078a45c-d232-4360-9ccd-f2c624229d3f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d1d7cca-a3c7-42da-bbd5-aee441cb9eb3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8087df72-cd5f-4df3-8772-51fe658cf54f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32fcc1ba-ca7c-4c2b-9ffd-c491d718d62e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c31ca29-bc7e-48d9-bdbb-283d17141c43 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d5bed0b-bb04-4526-acfb-0c09989d1a6c
In addition to the recruitment advertisement, Rockstar has been strategically building hype around the GTA 6 by engaging with the community through various social media channels and interactive campaigns. The company has been teasing fans with cryptic messages, images, and hints, all of which serve to keep the excitement levels high and the speculation rampant.
Title: Wright: Chelsea's Attack is Too Good, Ramsdale is the Perfect Goalkeeper for Them
HONG KONG (AP) – Asian markets were mostly higher yesterday, with Chinese markets logging gains of more than one per cent after the Chinese finance minister promised a more pro-active approach to government spending in the coming year. United States (US) futures were little changed in quiet holiday eve trading and oil prices rose. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3 per cent to 39,036.85. Honda’s shares surged more than 12.2 per cent as the Japanese automaker announced an up to JPY1.1 trillion (USD7 billion) share buyback after it announced Monday that it was seeking a merger with its larger but troubled rival Nissan. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors Corp also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Nissan’s shares rose six per cent. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong added 1.1 per cent to 20,098.29 and the Shanghai Composite index was up 1.3 per cent at 3,393.53. Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an told a financial work conference that Beijing will increase the fiscal deficit in 2025 and step up spending, issuing more government bonds and increasing transfers to local governments to help ensure they can deliver guarantees to the public for housing, heating and food, according to the ministry’s website. The comments were the latest by top leaders aimed at assuaging concern over the slowing growth of the world’s second-largest economy. South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.1 per cent to 2,440.52 as a report said consumer sentiment dropped sharply in December. Elsewhere in Asia, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.2 per cent to 8,220.90. Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.1 per cent, with shares in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, the world’s biggest computer chip maker, hitting a record high. On Monday, the S&P 500 ended 0.7 per cent higher at 5,974.07. The Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a 0.2 per cent gain to 42,906.95. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose one per cent to 19,764.89. The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street had been expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update followed several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1 per cent annualised rate during the summer, faster than what was thought earlier. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed the job market remains solid. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the jobs market and shifting economic policies under President-elect Donald Trump. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to this week, including a weekly update on unemployment benefits tomorrow. In other dealings early yesterday, US benchmark crude oil picked up 37 cents to USD69.61 per barrel.When considering how much to spend on a down jacket, it's essential to take into account your specific needs and intended use. If you live in a cold climate or engage in activities like hiking, camping, or skiing, investing in a higher-quality down jacket may be worth the higher price tag. On the other hand, if you only need a down jacket for occasional use or mild weather, a more affordable option may suffice.UHealth and construction firm Robins & Morton marked the opening of UHealth Doral with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 21. The six-story, 160,000-square-foot medical center at 8375 NW 53rd Terrace is part of the larger Downtown Doral mixed-use community in Miami-Dade County. The facility includes 33 exam rooms, eight operating rooms, three endoscopy suites, 33 cancer treatment units, comprehensive radiology services, a lab, an onsite pharmacy, a seven-story parking garage, and a central energy plant to support operations. Specialty services offered at UHealth Doral include care from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, and UHealth’s neurology program, among other specialty service lines. “The biggest advantage for patients in Doral is that they now have local access in their community to the providers and services that adhere to the mission of UHealth’s academic medicine practices,” said David Kerman, M.D., chief medical director for UHealth Doral. “Our physicians are providing cutting-edge care and leading technology compassionately to the people living in the Doral community.” Robins & Morton served as the project’s general contractor, with Arcadis as the architect. “We’re incredibly excited to celebrate the completion of UHealth Doral,” said Johnathan Peavy, operations manager at Robins & Morton. “This facility will have a lasting, positive impact on our community for decades to come, bringing transformative care to Doral.” The newly completed facility aims to enhance healthcare access for the Doral community, providing a wide range of specialized services within a state-of-the-art environment. to YIMBY’s daily e-mail YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates YIMBY on Facebook YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
One of the key advantages of the Three-Dimensional Universe Low-Code Platform is its adaptability to a wide range of industries and applications. From e-commerce solutions to data analytics tools, the platform can be customized to meet the unique requirements of any business, allowing companies to create innovative software solutions that drive growth and efficiency. By harnessing the power of low-code development, companies can rapidly iterate on their applications, respond to customer feedback, and stay ahead of the competition in today's fast-paced business environment.
Key Takeaways Earlier this week, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos got into a public disagreement on X, the platform Musk owns, about comments Bezos allegedly said about President-elect Donald Trump. Though Bezos denies making the remarks. "Just learned tonight at Mar-a-Lago that Jeff Bezos was telling everyone that @realDonaldTrump would lose for sure, so they should sell all their Tesla and SpaceX stock," Musk wrote on Thursday in a post viewed more than 44 million times (according to X) at the time of writing. Related: Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk Are Oldest Children. Firstborns Often Have 2 Leadership Traits That Help Them Succeed in Business. Bezos replied to the post , stating "Nope. 100% not true" to which Musk responded , "Well, then, I stand corrected." Musk and Bezos are two of the most powerful people in the world, with a combined net worth of over half a trillion dollars. Bezos is the second-richest person in the world with a net worth of $226 billion while Musk takes the top spot with a net worth of $331 billion. But that hasn't stopped the two tech titans from squabbling it out on social media. Musk (left) and Bezos (right). Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI,MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Musk leads space exploration company SpaceX and Bezos is the head of rival firm Blue Origin. Since 2004 , the two companies have gotten into patent battles , spats over talent , and arguments over which one accomplished space feats first . For example, Bezos shaded Musk's ambition to colonize Mars in a private lecture in 2019, while Musk called him a copycat the same year for his plans for internet satellites. Musk said in a 2021 interview with the Financial Times that Bezos "does take himself a bit too seriously" and "does not seem to be willing to spend mental energy getting into the details of engineering." Related: Elon Musk Makes Fun of Bezos on Twitter, Purposely Spells His Name Wrong Musk also publicly criticized Bezos' project "The Rings of Power," a Lord of the Rings adaptation released in 2022, tweeting "Tolkien is turning in his grave." While the power dynamics between Musk and Bezos may shift after Trump's win, this most recent exchange proves that the dynamics between the two richest people in the world remain contentious. Trump recently appointed Musk a co-lead of the new Department of Government Efficiency to help downsize the U.S. government.
Funding supports trauma-informed mental wellness programs that empower individuals through entrepreneurship and personal development MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LegalZoom (Nasdaq: LZ) is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Defy Ventures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing career readiness, personal development, and entrepreneurship training to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. The expanded partnership will include funding for mental health and wellbeing programs, reinforcing LegalZoom's commitment to creating pathways to economic opportunity for underrepresented communities that face significant challenges due to employment history, race and ethnicity, gender identity, and incarceration. With LegalZoom's support, Defy Ventures will be able to expand its mental health and wellbeing initiatives for its clients, focusing on trauma-informed care that addresses the unique challenges they face. By helping to fund Defy Ventures' mental wellness programs, LegalZoom is helping to ensure that these individuals have access to crucial mental health resources, empowering them not only to build businesses but also to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. "Defy Ventures exemplifies the incredible power of resilience and the potential for true transformation. We are honored to extend our partnership to support their mental health initiatives, which are essential for giving people a real second chance,” said Nicole Miller, Chief Legal Officer at LegalZoom and Board Member of Defy Ventures. "Our ongoing investment in Defy Ventures' impactful programs reflects our commitment to social equity and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities.” Defy Ventures offers a range of holistic programs, including CEO of Your New Life , Entrepreneur Bootcamp , and Business Accelerator , which equip individuals with the business and confidence-building skills they need to succeed. The mental health and wellbeing program, first launched in 2023 with funding from LegalZoom, integrates trauma-informed principles into the full suite of Defy's programs, offering a critical layer of support for participants facing past trauma and the challenges of reintegration. These combined efforts had allowed Defy to maintain a three-year recidivism rate of less than 15%, far below the national average. In 2025, LegalZoom will deepen its commitment to Defy Ventures' mental health and wellbeing programs, providing $100,000 in funding to support and expand critical mental health resources. This funding will allow Defy Ventures to: Since the beginning of its partnership with Defy Ventures in 2021, LegalZoom has made a meaningful impact through funding, volunteer support, and product donations, helping Defy transform the lives of individuals re-entering society. Previous contributions from LegalZoom have enabled Defy to: About LegalZoom LegalZoom is a leading online platform for business formation in the United States. Driven by a mission to unleash entrepreneurship, LegalZoom delivers comprehensive legal and compliance products and expertise for small business owners through easy-to-use technology. From free business formations to business management solutions and professional advisory services, LegalZoom supports millions of small business owners and their families throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Founded on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to legal and financial expertise, LegalZoom empowers entrepreneurs to make their dream a reality. For more information, please visit www.legalzoom.com. Contact: [email protected]
As the tennis world looks ahead to the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Zheng Qunwen and Sabalenka as they continue to showcase their skills and battle for supremacy on the court. The rivalry between these two talented players is sure to captivate fans and add an extra layer of excitement to the WTA tour.
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell in morning trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.4%, with more than 80% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. Still, the index is managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 402 points, or 0.9%, to 42,945 as of 10:41 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 2%. Both the Dow and the Nasdaq are also holding on to weekly gains. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 3.2%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 2.2% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 2.2% and Best Buy slipped 1.9%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy was the only sector within the S&P 500 rising. It gained 0.5% as crude oil prices rose 0.8%. Investors don't have much in the way of corporate or economic updates to review as the market moves closer to another standout annual finish. The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.59% from late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.32% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.