Five things: Business confidence, urban farms, craft brewers, cats to dogs
1. Mass. business confidence rebounds
The AIM Business Confidence Index rose last month, but still sits in pessimistic territory, William Hall reports.
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2. $87M award for 'green' concrete maker slashed by DOE
Sublime Systems, the Somerville maker of low-carbon cement, has lost a $87M federal award. Eli Chavez reports that it was one of 24 that were clawed back by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
3. Who's leading Boston's urban farm revolution
Despite the recent collapse of Freight Farms, urban farmers in Boston say the mission and the model are both strong. The cover story of the latest Weekly Edition, by Don Seiffert, has more.
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4. Mass. celebrates MBTA Communities win
Grant Welker reports that a Superior Court judge has ruled in the state's favor in a lawsuit filed by nine Massachusetts towns that looked to not have to abide by a law requiring denser residential zoning in communities with MBTA transit access.
5. Craft brewers combine forces to expand
Among New England breweries, mergers have become the new route to growth, Maya Shavit reports as part of the Business Journal's exclusive list of the largest breweries in Mass.
What else you need to know
By the numbers
700 — new nurses needed by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for its new $1.7 billion cancer hospital. Isabel Hart reports on how it plans to hire them
how it plans to hire them 100 — academic faculty jobs at Clark University expected to be eliminated over the next three years through attrition and retirement, Maya Shavit reports
expected to be eliminated 38 —
number of dogs walked simultaneously by an individual
last September, setting a Guinness World Record (scroll down for more)
Weekend box office
The John Wick spinoff "Ballerina" opened to a sluggish start as Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" continued to dominate the box office.
New England Business Report
Did you hear Don Seiffert on the New England Business Report with Joe Shortsleeve and Kim Carrigan on WRKO yesterday? If you missed it, you can listen here.
Today in history
On this day in 1953, Worcester County was devastated by the strongest tornado ever to hit New England. (Read more at MassMoments.org)
Birds I'm seeing
Black-crowned Night Heron in Belle Isle Marsh, East Boston
What's good on WERS-FM
Candy's Room, by Bruce Springsteen
What I'm watching
Man on the Inside, on Netflix
From cats to dogs
On Friday, I brought you kittens. Today, with a hat tip to Greg Reibman at the Charles River Regional Chamber, whose newsletter alerted me to this, it's the dogs. Not just any dogs: It's a peeing, pellet-shooting robot dog — one that is clearly a ripoff of Boston Dynamics' dog robot, Spot.
Why does this exist, you ask? That's a good question, and I guess we have Temu to blame.
As for whether you should own one, that is a question I cannot help you with. But Wired magazine bought one, and writes that for less than the cost of a round of drinks, this 'plasticized Boston Dynamics fever dream could be yours too.'
PARTING SHOT
See the winner of the Guinness World Record title for the most dogs walked simultaneously by an individual, set on Sept. 5 2024, in Goesan, South Korea:
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Associated Press
8 hours ago
- Associated Press
Global Times: China Port Watch: From a small harbor to a global logistics powerhouse as Lianyungang expands global connectivity under China's Belt and Road Initiative
BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the dock, a pure electric tugboat lies quietly at a berth. Stepping into the cabin, there is none of the roar or vibration of a traditional fuel-powered tug, only the faint hum of electric currents as the equipment runs. Crew members are checking the systems, with screens displaying real-time data on energy consumption and operational status. When mooring operations begin, a single press of a switch on the bridge sets the vessel in motion, and within minutes, the tug departs smoothly from the dock to precisely assist a large ship in berthing or unberthing. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric model in Lianyungang, the largest port in Jiangsu Province, offers zero emissions and quiet, low vibration operation, greatly improving air quality and crew comfort. They can operate for 1-2 days, meeting the demands of port tug-assist operations, and can be fully recharged within 2-3 hours using high-voltage fast charging at dedicated berths. Thanks to intelligent energy management, they use only one-third of the energy consumed by traditional fuel tugs and require fewer crew members, saving the port about 2-3 million yuan annually in fuel and labor costs. This is part of China's first all-electric tugboat fleet, a three-vessel lineup that forms a key element of Lianyungang's technological and green transformation to become a modern port of global significance, playing a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On September 13, 2022, a signed article by President Xi Jinping titled 'Build on the Past to Make Greater Strides in China-Kazakhstan Relations' was published on the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper ahead of his state visit to Kazakhstan, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The article noted that at the China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Base in the eastern Chinese port of Lianyungang, products from Kazakhstan set sail for the Pacific Ocean. The China-Europe freight trains are running through Kazakhstan via more routes, making an important contribution to the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Small port to global hub Yin Deming, captain of the electric tugboat who has worked at the port for 18 years, has taken a front seat to witness the transformation of Lianyungang from a small port to a global hub. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric tugs feature higher automation and simpler operation, Yin told the Global Times as he skillfully adjusted the tug's angle with a simple control stick in the wheelhouse, smoothly guiding it toward an incoming cargo ship. 'In the past, starting the tug required multiple steps and coordination across departments, making it time-consuming and complex. Now, a single command from the bridge starts everything, eliminating the need for on-site manual operations and improving efficiency,' Yin said, adding that the time from receiving the operation notice to the tug leaving the dock has been cut from 8-10 minutes to less than 2 minutes. The electric tugboat is just one example of the changes at Lianyungang. Xue Xilei, executive deputy general manager of LYG-PSA Container Terminal Co.,Ltd, is well placed to illustrate the transformation of the port. Over the past decades, he has seen it evolve. 'About 30 years ago, the port had only about three companies and an annual throughput of 10 million tons... Today it handles more than 300 million tons of cargo per year, with a vibrant cluster of enterprises, and has become a hub of international trade.' The BRI has given Lianyungang a new launching pad. In 2017, President Xi pointed out in his speech during his state visit to Kazakhstan that the opening of the freight train of China-Kazakhstan cross-border transportation not only brings benefits to China and Kazakhstan but also provides more convenience for transportation and cooperation opportunities for the countries along the 'Belt and Road,' showcasing the organic integration of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xinhua reported. On the large screen at the dispatch center of the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, information on destinations, origins, and cargo of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains between China and Kazakhstan was displayed and updated in real time. And, it provides live video footage of the Horgos Dry Port, known as the 'Eastern Gateway.' 'Now, transport capacity, train frequency, and operational efficiency have all improved a lot compared to 10 years ago,' said Kong Xiangwei, vice general manager of Lianyungang China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Co., Ltd, noting that what once took four hours to load a freight train, can now be done in only two hours, with a maximum daily throughput of seven trains. The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, which is part of Lianyungang's free trade zone, is only one key aspect of city's broader integration into the BRI. Since the approval in August 2019, the city's free trade zone has focused on building an Asia-Europe transport hub and promoting cooperation with BRI partner countries, Wang Yunlong, director of the Institutional Innovation Bureau of the Lianyungang Free Trade Zone, told the Global Times. Although occupying only 0.27 percent of the city's total area, the free trade zone contributes nearly one-third of the city's actual foreign investment utilization, one-fifth of its import and export trade, and one-eighth of newly established enterprises. Greater connectivity Besides its role in the BRI, Lianyungang is also strengthening cooperation with many developing countries, helping to promote their high-quality and sustainable development. Located about 13 kilometers from the port in the Lianyungang Economic Development Zone, a local factory was buzzing with activity. It is producing massive wind power blades over 100 meters long for both domestic and overseas market. The factory now operates seven such blade production lines. Some steps in the firm's operations are now automated, Qiao Xiaoliang, general manager of Zhongfu Lianzhong Wind Power Blade (Lianyungang) Co., Ltd, told the Global Times, adding that automated processes include trimming, grinding, painting, and transportation. In recent years, with the promotion of high-quality development of the BRI, the company's wind power blades have gained popularity in overseas market. Taking advantage of its close proximity to Lianyungang Port, the company's export business is expanding quickly. Its products reach countries from Bolivia in South America, to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe. There are currently two factories in Lianyungang producing around 240 blades per month. If production runs smoothly, the capacity could rise to 280 blades, Qiao said. Another factory also showcases the industrial muscle of this bustling trade city. At Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co., Ltd, which produces everything from warp- and weft-knitted blankets to delicate thin velvet throws, only a handful of workers dot the vast factory floor. 'Our level of automation is very high — from the equipment to the production lines, almost everything is developed and manufactured in-house. The current automation rate has reached 70-80 percent,' Xu Yingxi, general manager of Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co, told Global Times. The company's products have gained a reputation for high quality in many parts of the world, including BRI partner countries, with business presence in regions such as South Africa and several in South America. Lianyungang maintains very close ties with many BRI partner countries. Kong told the Global Times that Lianyungang's advantage lies in its dual role as both a port and a freight train hub, making it a key international logistics hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, said Kong. Transported cargo includes used cars, auto parts, and other high value-added products. Resilient trade From Lianyungang's sea port and freight-train logistics hub to its manufacturing facilities, the city is promoting global cooperation with an open and forward-looking mindset. The efforts underscore Lianyungang's rising prominence as a promising freight trade hub. In the first half of 2025, Lianyungang's foreign trade reached 119.22 billion yuan, with exports totaling 26.27 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 17.9 percent, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs. Lianyungang has made strides in propelling foreign trade growth, while continuously expanding a network of international partners. Trade with the BRI partner countries has grown by over 20 percent annually for four consecutive years, surpassing 100 billion yuan for the first time in 2024 and setting a historic high, according to Lianyungang Municipal Government. This year, Lianyungang has witnessed many 'firsts.' In July, the Xin Xin Hai 1, a cargo ship, set sail from Lianyungang, marking the first voyage of the China-Russia Arctic 'Ice Silk Road' to Arkhangelsk. In May, the Anji Ansheng, the world's largest car carrier built by China, left Lianyungang on its maiden trip to Europe, showcasing China's automotive sector strength. 'While China is opening more and more shipping routes and our network of foreign trade partners is expanding, our port is leveraging the momentum to continue building, transforming, and upgrading,' Xue said. Although unilateralism and protectionism have brought short-term pressures to global trade, Xue expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of Chinese manufacturing and trade. He noted that exports to ASEAN and other markets have continued to grow, with trade becoming more active under the RCEP framework. For example, cold-chain imports at Lianyungang are on the rise, driven by growing demand for fruit and frozen products from Southeast Asian countries. Looking into the future, Xue noted that the port is embracing automation, which will unleash greater potentials. 'The automated terminal area has already broken ground, though full automation has yet to be achieved, and work is progressing steadily,' Xue said. Pointing to a 90,000-square-meter space now under construction, he described the tall quay cranes and blue yard cranes in view, noting that they will eventually operate without human intervention, consolidating Lianyungang's position as a major trade hub. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tamboran Resources Corporation (TBN) Signs Agreement With Native Title Holders and NLC To Sell Appraisal Gas From Shenandoah South Pilot in Beetaloo Basin
Tamboran Resources Corporation (NYSE:TBN) is among the 12 Best Australian Stocks to Buy Right Now. According to reports on Sky News, the company has secured a vital agreement with Native Title Holders and Northern Land Council (NLC) to sell appraisal gas from its Shenandoah South Pilot in the Beetaloo Basin. An industrial facility emitting natural gas from large pipes, with workers in the foreground. The gas field, located about 500 km south of Darwin, is roughly the size of Belgium. Analysts believe the historic agreement is expected to help meet Australia's domestic energy needs for well over 200 years. The NLC has described the deal with Tamboran Resources Corporation (NYSE:TBN) as significant for economic growth in the Northern Territory and added that it would help administer the agreement to ensure the company meets its obligations. 'The NLC supports the native title holders' decision to negotiate with Tamboran and supports the outcomes of the negotiations. This agreement means jobs and money for native title holders. The NLC will continue to help to administer the agreement on behalf of native title holders to make sure Tamboran meets its obligations in the Agreement.' Tamboran Resources Corporation (NYSE:TBN) is a natural gas company focused on the development of unconventional gas resources in Australia's Northern Territory. While we acknowledge the potential of TBN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 11 Best Large Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 10 Best Low Priced Defense Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Comstock Resources, Inc. (CRK): A Bull Case Theory
We came across a bullish thesis on Comstock Resources, Inc. on DeepValue Capital's Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls' thesis on CRK.. Comstock Resources, Inc.'s share was trading at $16.08 as of August 7th. CRK's trailing and forward P/E were 48.73 and 26.81, respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Photo by american-public-power-association on Unsplash Comstock Resources (CRK), a natural gas pure-play based in Frisco, Texas, represents a classic deep-value setup: mispriced, overlooked, and strategically levered to a structural theme in U.S. energy. CRK is one of the largest operators in the Haynesville shale—a prolific gas basin in North Louisiana and East Texas—producing ~1,350 MMcf/day from over 2,400 wells across 822,000+ net acres. Its business is sharply focused: acquire acreage, drill horizontally into high-pressure rock, extract gas at the lowest cost, and sell into proximate Gulf Coast infrastructure. Under the long-standing leadership of Jay Allison since 1988, CRK has consistently outperformed peers by being the lowest-cost dry gas producer in one of the most infrastructure-rich regions of the country. This cost advantage is not merely about margins—it's a strategic moat. CRK remains profitable at lower gas prices, takes market share in downturns, and avoids over-hedging, leaving upside exposure intact in bull cycles. The company's recent expansion into Western Haynesville—a deeper, more expensive but higher-yielding region—adds a material growth lever, with large swathes of acreage yet to be proved up. Despite these operational strengths and favorable positioning near LNG terminals, the stock trades at just one-third of its base-case intrinsic value, per the author. A Q2 check reinforces the bullish view amid a supply/demand mismatch building in U.S. gas markets. While risks remain—from commodity volatility to drilling costs—the asymmetric setup is compelling. With shares at $16.28, the author expects CRK to rerate to $40+, offering a potential 2.5x upside, supported by its scale, cost leadership, and strategic geography. Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Civitas Resources (CIVI) by mbacandidate1 in January 2025, which highlighted the company's debt-driven expansion strategy, undervaluation versus peers, and high shareholder return yield. The company's stock price has depreciated by approximately 39% since our coverage. This is because the thesis didn't play out amid weak oil prices. DeepValue Capital shares a similar view on Comstock Resources (CRK) but emphasizes cost leadership and structural gas tailwinds. Comstock Resources, Inc. is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 20 hedge fund portfolios held CRK. at the end of the first quarter which was 18 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of CRK. as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 8 Best Wide Moat Stocks to Buy Now and 30 Most Important AI Stocks According to BlackRock. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
