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mcw vip casino login The S&P 500 ended essentially flat, down less than 0.1%, after wavering between tiny gains and losses most of the day. The benchmark index posted a loss for the week, its first after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1%, ending just below the record high it set on Wednesday. There were more than twice as many decliners than gainers on the New York Stock Exchange. Gains in technology stocks helped temper losses in communication services, financials and other sectors of the market. Broadcom surged 24.4% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street's profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Some tech stocks were a drag on the market. Nvidia fell 2.2%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Google parent Alphabet slid 1.1%. Among the market's other decliners were Airbnb, which fell 4.7% for the biggest loss in the S&P 500, and Charles Schwab, which closed 4% lower. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 17% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. All told, the S&P 500 lost 0.16 points to close at 6,051.09. The Dow dropped 86.06 points to 43,828.06. The Nasdaq rose 23.88 points to 19,926.72. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year. The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. "Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy," he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain's economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.

Fats and Oils Market Trends, Leading Players, Regional Trends, Competitive Landscape, and Industry Overview by 2029 12-19-2024 10:56 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire MarketsandMarkets� Fats & Oils Market by Type (Vegetable Oils and Fats), Source (Vegetables and Animals), Form (Liquid and Solid), Application (Food and Industrial), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2029 The global fats and oils market [ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fats--oils-market-worth-323-7-billion-by-2029--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302219849.html ] is projected to reach a valuation of USD 271.8 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%, climbing to USD 323.7 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by transformative shifts and innovations across diverse sectors, including animal feed, oleochemicals, and biofuels, beyond their traditional culinary applications. Image: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Images/fats-oils-market.webp In the food industry, vegetable oils and animal fats are integral to processed foods, improving texture, flavor, and shelf life. Key players like palm, rapeseed, sunflower, and soybean oils dominate global consumption due to their multifunctionality in both food and non-food products. Animal fats such as butter and lard remain vital in baking, providing rich flavor profiles. Additionally, specialty oils like coconut, shea butter, and cocoa butter are gaining traction as alternatives to conventional oils due to their unique properties. Regional preferences significantly influence cooking oil choices; for example, rapeseed, sunflower, and olive oils are popular in Europe, whereas palm oil leads in Asia and Africa. Meanwhile, the rise of plant-based diets has spurred global demand for oils like coconut. Fats and Oils Market Drivers [ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fats-oils-market-size-share-growth-drivers-industry-news-edward-scott-d1nwf/]: Rising Oilseed Production The expanding global demand for edible oils-essential in food and industrial applications-has driven significant growth in oilseed cultivation. According to Egypt's National Research Center, oilseed crop areas have increased by 82% over the past 30 years. This aligns with OECD projections of global vegetable oil consumption reaching 249 million metric tons by 2022, primarily driven by dietary shifts in the Asia-Pacific region. Soybean production, a major contributor, is expected to hit 41.1 million metric tons by 2030, with top producers like the U.S. and Brazil leading the charge. Innovations in agricultural biotechnology, such as genetically engineered proteins from Nanyang Technological University, have enhanced oil yields by up to 18%, supporting sustainability by meeting growing demand without expanding land use. Fats and Oils Market Opportunities [ https://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/navigating-the-fats-and-oils-market-trends-challenges-and-opportunities.html]: Growth in Microencapsulation of Fats and Oils Microencapsulation is emerging as a key trend in the specialty fats and oils market. This process enhances the stability, shelf life, and functionality of sensitive ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, milk fat, and vegetable oils by protecting them from temperature, moisture, and oxidation. These advancements make encapsulated fats and oils ideal for functional foods, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Major players are increasingly adopting encapsulation technologies, leveraging matrices like whey proteins and casein blends to produce fat-rich powders for diverse applications. This trend aligns with rising consumer demand for health-focused products and offers significant growth potential in the market. Dominance of Vegetable-Based Fats and Oils Vegetable-based fats and oils are poised to maintain their leading market share due to their versatility, health benefits, and broad availability. Oils like soybean, palm, and sunflower are widely preferred for their culinary and industrial uses, offering essential fatty acids and being perceived as healthier than animal fats. Advances in agricultural practices and biotechnology have ensured a steady supply of vegetable oils at lower costs, further solidifying their market dominance. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=6198812 Food Applications: Leading the Market The food sector represents the largest application segment for fats and oils, driven by their essential role in flavor enhancement, texture improvement, and preservation. Fats and oils contribute to desirable properties such as crispiness and richness in cooking and baking while serving as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins and flavors. Growing demand for processed and convenience foods, coupled with increasing consumer interest in diverse culinary experiences, reinforces the prominence of food applications in the fats and oils market. Asia-Pacific Dominates the Fats and Oils Market Share [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/fats-oils.asp ]. The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share in the fats and oils industry, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and shifting dietary preferences toward processed and convenience foods. The region's growing population and expanding middle class have significantly increased the demand for edible oils used in cooking and food processing. Additionally, the surge in fast food consumption and the development of the food service industry contribute to the market's growth. Strong economic progress and enhanced distribution networks further solidify Asia-Pacific's leading position in the global fats and oils market, boasting the highest CAGR. Leading Fats and Oils Manufacturers [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/fats-oils-market.asp]: The key players in the market are ADM (US), Wilmar International Ltd (Singapore), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Bunge (US), Kaula Lumpur Kepong Berhad (Malaysia), Olam Agri Holdings Pte Ltd (India), Manildra Group (Australia), Mewah Group (Singapore), Associated British Foods plc (UK), United Plantations Berhad (Malaysia), Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan), Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. (Japan), Oleo-Fats (Philippines), Borges Agricultural and Industrial Edible Oils, S.A.U. (Spain), K S Oils Limited (India), CSM Ingredients (US), SD Guthrie International Zwijndrecht Refinery B.V. (Netherlands), Musim Mas Group (Singapore), Richardson International Limited (Canada), and AAK AB (Sweden). ADM (US) ADM is a food manufacturing company that is primarily involved in the production of food & beverage ingredients, feed & feed ingredients, industrial ingredients, biofuels, and naturally derived alternatives to industrial chemicals. The company operates through four business segments, namely, Ag services & oilseeds, carbohydrate solutions, nutrition, and others. The company offers oils derived from vegetable sources for food, industrial, and fuel applications. The Ag Services and Oilseeds segment encompasses worldwide operations involving the sourcing, trading, transportation, and storage of agricultural raw materials. It also covers the crushing and further processing of oilseeds like soybeans and soft seeds (such as cottonseed, sunflower seed, canola, rapeseed, and flaxseed) into vegetable oils and protein meals. The products from oilseeds, produced and marketed by this segment, serve as ingredients for food, feed, energy, and industrial customers. Wilmar International Ltd (Singapore) Wilmar International Ltd is one of the leading agribusiness companies. The company is involved in the cultivation of palm oil, crushing oilseed, refining edible oil, milling & refining sugar, and specialty fats. The company operates through four business segments, namely food products, feed & industrial products, plantation & sugar milling, and others. Under its food products segment, Wilmar processes, brands, and distributes a wide variety of edible food products, including vegetable oils, sugar, flour, rice, noodles, specialty fats, snacks, bakery and dairy products, ready-to-eat meals, and central kitchen products to wholesalers and distributors in China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Africa. During FY2023, the company expanded its operational capacities across several countries and regions, including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Ghana, India, The Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. These expansions encompassed diverse activities such as refining of edible oils, crushing of oilseeds and palm kernels, extraction of rice bran, milling of flour, palm oil, and sugar, packing of edible oils, rice, and flour, manufacturing of specialty fats, and production of cakes. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=6198812 About MarketsandMarkets Trademark MarketsandMarketsTM has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets Trademark is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore Trademark (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. 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=fats-and-oils-market-trends-leading-players-regional-trends-competitive-landscape-and-industry-overview-by-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/fats-oils-market-6198812.html This release was published on openPR.Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba becoming key offensive option

Ryan Reynolds thinks his friend Martha Stewart calling him “not so funny” in real life is an “incredibly valid observation.” “I don’t think what happened was designed to hurt anyone. That was just an incredibly valid observation that someone made,” he told the Hollywood Reporter while reflecting on the lighthearted jab in an interview published Friday. “Lots of people would say I’m very serious if they met me,” the “Deadpool & Wolverine” star reasoned. “I can’t imagine entering any room in which I don’t intimately know the people, where I suddenly kind of turn on and perform.” “But why would people ever assume the way they see you on camera is how you’re going to be in real life? Right? You’re just a person,” he further reflected before conceding that he is guilty of assuming himself. “But I do it, too,” he told THR. “I’m a fan of people and I love certain people’s work, and I’m thinking when I meet them, I want to see little glimpses of that.” Reynolds, 48, also noted that “you’re in trouble” if you “can’t take a punch” in the entertainment business. Stewart, who is a longtime neighbor of Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, commented on his real-life persona while appearing on Bilt Rewards’ “Rent Free” game show in November. “He’s a good actor,” the 88-year-old lifestyle guru added. “He can act funny, but he isn’t funny.” Reynolds swiftly took to X to play along with the friendly punch, tweeting, “I’d disagree with her. But I tried that once.” Reynolds’ co-star Hugh Jackman even joined in on the fun and replied to his tweet . “Finally someone says it,” he joked. Reynolds and Stewart have known each other for over a decade, having become friends after he and Lively purchased a $2 million home in Bedford, NY. “She moved into my neighborhood a couple of years ago with Ryan — before they got married they bought a house right around the corner from my house,” Stewart remembered of Lively, 37, while speaking to HuffPost in 2014. “And they started to come over, not to borrow sugar, but just as friends ... They’re very friendly, very nice people.”Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systems

We're now two years removed from OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT, and there's no doubt which company has been the biggest winner of the generative AI revolution so far. Nvidia ( NVDA -3.22% ) , now best known for making cutting-edge chips capable of powering AI applications like ChatGPT, has seen its stock jump by 10 times since the beginning of 2023, making plenty of investors significantly richer. This month, it again became the world's most valuable company, with a market cap of more than $3.5 trillion. Despite concerns that competition would bring it to heel or that the AI megatrend was inflating a bubble that would eventually burst, Nvidia has continued to deliver blowout results, and that pattern was on display once again in the fiscal 2025 third-quarter earnings report it delivered Wednesday. Total revenue in the quarter jumped 94% year over year to $35.1 billion, topping the consensus estimate of $33.1 billion. The data center segment, where revenue jumped 112% to $30.8 billion, drove that growth, as demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs) continues to outstrip supply. Profits also surged as the company continued to gain leverage on its operating expenses. On a generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ) basis, operating income jumped by 110% to $21.9 billion, and adjusted earnings per share surged from $0.40 to $0.81, ahead of the consensus estimate of $0.75. Nvidia is everywhere all at once Never before in history has a company as big as Nvidia grown so fast. Remarkably, its 94% revenue growth was its slowest pace on a percentage basis in six quarters, but it's sustaining blistering growth rates for much longer than analysts had expected. The amount of revenue in dollar terms that it's adding each quarter is also increasing sequentially, so the real growth of the business is accelerating even as its percentage growth moderates. Earlier this year, some analysts were questioning whether the level of dominance Nvidia has established in the AI chip sector was sustainable. Advanced Micro Devices and Intel have launched their own competing AI accelerators. However, they have struggled to make a dent in Nvidia's dominant market share. AMD disappointed the market with its latest earnings report and announced layoffs earlier this month, while Intel began a massive restructuring after its stock hit a 20-year low. At this point, the key constraint on Nvidia's growth is on the supply side, as CEO Jensen Huang recently said demand for its latest GPUs, built using its new Blackwell architecture, is "insane." Describing demand for the Blackwell chips on the earnings call, CFO Colette Kress said, "Every customer is racing to be the first to market." Management stressed how broad Blackwell's reach is in terms of applications and customer base, and how vast its partner ecosystem is. "[A]lmost every company in the world seems to be involved in our supply chain," Huang said. Beyond the concerns that rivals could make headway against it, the other bearish case about Nvidia revolves around the idea of an "AI bubble." Some onlookers think that market demand for AI applications won't justify the massive capital expenditures on AI infrastructure that are fueling Nvidia's growth. However, when asked about it on the earnings call, Huang pushed back on the idea that AI is reaching scaling limitations, saying, "Our foundation model pre-training scaling is intact, and it's continuing." He also said that it was key for post- training and inference to scale in order for large language models and other AI models to become more capable. Is Nvidia a buy? After having successfully withstood competition from AMD and Intel, and delivering another blowout quarter, Nvidia looks unstoppable. Its guidance for the fourth quarter calls for another surge in revenue to $37.5 billion, up 70% from the quarter a year ago even as "demand greatly exceeds supply. Huang has described a vision for the future that has Nvidia's technology at the center of AI factories -- data centers tasked with powering artificial intelligence applications -- and companies of all stripes are racing to get to that future. Nvidia's stock pulled back slightly in after-hours trading Wednesday, but that seemed to be more of a reflection of the stock's valuation and management's guidance. However, that misreads the business. Based on its run-rate EPS, the stock trades at a P/E ratio of 45, and its profits are likely to soar over the next year. Relative to its growth rate, the stock doesn't look overpriced. Nvidia remains in the driver's seat of the AI revolution, and the stock continues to look like a screaming buy.

week, Bill Belichick and a handful of his former assistants with the New England Patriots. Matt Patricia, Michael Lombardi, Josh McDaniels, to name a few, men with whom he had won Super Bowls, all of them out of work. They'd chat over Zoom, and go through each NFL game, as they once did in Foxboro, as only they could. Teams. Trends. Salaries. Schematic shifts. Stuff only they knew to look for, questions only they knew to ask, a common language and way of thinking, once the envy of the NFL and beyond, from other sports to business schools, now valued less around the league. The subtext was unspoken, but understood: Which NFL teams might make a coaching change this year? And of those teams, which of them might be interested in a 72-year-old, eight-time Super Bowl champion? And of those teams, which would Belichick want most? According to sources with direct knowledge, the group deemed that the Chicago Bears were probably the most attractive job, but that team brass was unlikely to consider Belichick. The group expects the same thing that most around the league do: that the Bears will go offense, hoping to give quarterback a chance at a career, probably targeting Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The New York Jets were a nonstarter; Belichick had issues with owner Woody Johnson back in 2000, before Johnson officially bought the team, and he had been critical this past season in his media roles with Johnson's horrific stewardship. Maybe the Giants, where he had spent the '80s, could work, but Belichick knew that it would be a rebuild, with the New York press at his heels. Plus, he believes the team would do best to retain its current coach, Brian Daboll. Dallas was a potential spot -- nobody can take a collection of talent and turn it into a team like Belichick -- but nobody knew if owner Jerry Jones would move on from Mike McCarthy, and if he did, if he'd want to hand over the team to Belichick. Jacksonville was another potential landing spot, but was it the right one? On his podcast, Lombardi took a shot at Tony Khan, son of owner Shad Khan who for years has run an analytics department emblematic of the problems with the current NFL. Additionally, there wasn't a lot of back-channel communication between anyone close to Belichick and owners; the league and three teams are almost two years into battling a discrimination lawsuit by Brian Flores. Belichick's feelings toward the NFL have shifted he has told confidants. Look at the past year. Robert Kraft, whose life and legacy was forever altered by Belichick, fired him in January. Only one out of seven teams with openings showed interested in hiring him. The Falcons interviewed him twice, but when it came time for the team's brass to rank choices, Belichick failed to land in anyone's top three candidates -- in part, , because Kraft helped torpedo his chances. Weeks later in February, "The Dynasty," the Kraft-owned Patriots , launched on Apple and minimized Belichick's role in the team's historic run so roundly that former Patriots players spoke out against it. Belichick was entertaining in his myriad media roles, but the league seemed to move on without him. Owners spoke of him respectfully, but not desirably. A few months ago, Belichick started to bring up college programs on the Zooms. He was spending a lot of time at Washington, where his son Stephen is in his first year as the Huskies' defensive coordinator. His former offensive coordinator in New England, Bill O'Brien, and longtime assistant, Berj Najarian, are at Boston College. Another former assistant, Joe Judge, served as a senior analyst at Ole Miss. It reinforced and reaffirmed that there was another option out there. At first, the image of Belichick as a college coach made no sense. It was hard to picture Belichick sitting in a teenager's living room, in a hoodie with jagged sleeves, delivering his recruiting pitch. Nick Saban, one of Belichick's longest and closest friends, had retired from college football in large part because of the transfer portal and NIL. Tom Brady did an impression on television of Belichick last weekend: "Listen, you really wanna come here? We don't really want you anyway. I guess you could come. We'll figure out if you can play." But something about ending his career by not chasing Don Shula's NFL wins record, but instead on campus, appealed to Belichick. When he agreed to terms with North Carolina, it was not only because of a new challenge after coaching only in the NFL since 1975, at a school where his father, Steve, had worked when Bill was a boy, and not only because his future in the pros was unclear. It was because, in the words of a confidant, Belichick is "disgusted" in what he believes the NFL had become. "This is a big f--- you to the NFL," another Belichick confidant says. cared about football's history, and his place in it. And he has always cared about leading a true football program. Unlike Bill Walsh's philosophy, it was not primarily based on a playbook; indeed, Belichick's schematic ideology is his lack of ideology, tailored and adapted to situation and circumstance. He has always wanted to build a team -- a true team -- despite the cultural and financial forces conspiring against that idea and ideal. What became known as the Patriot Way was rooted in more than mutual sacrifice and mastery of situational football, ruthless decision-making and Brady's greatness. It was about teaching and education. Only Belichick's Patriots had full-team meetings in which players were quizzed not only on the opponent's statistics and playmakers, but the résumés of all of the assistant coaches. It was a football laboratory, augmented by some of the greatest players in NFL history. Belichick was raised on campuses and has loved helping shape young minds. In April 2006, I watched him deliver the annual Fusco Distinguished Lecture at Southern Connecticut State University, on a stage that had also featured Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright and Christopher Reeve, among others. Like many, I worried that it would be a two-hour version of his news conferences. But he was in his element, relaxed and energized, speaking to students as they prepared to enter the real world. He told them to chase not money, but a job that was a continuation of a passion. One of the proudest moments of his life was when he passed on a career in finance and moved to Baltimore to do whatever the Colts asked of him. When Belichick was fired by Kraft, despite it initially being presented as a mutual parting -- Kraft later cited trust and an eagerness to reclaim organizational power as factors -- he knew that his next job was not going to resemble the one he'd held for more than two decades. The NFL had moved away from the coach-centric model that Belichick learned under Bill Parcells. There are more layers now. Belichick insisted to the Falcons and made clear to other teams with openings last year that he wasn't seeking the total control of football operations he enjoyed for most of his head coaching career, both in Cleveland and in New England. He was willing to work with existing staff, whether it was Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot or Commanders general manager Adam Peters or Jerry Jones or Howie Roseman, if the Cowboys or Eagles, respectively, had decided to change coaches. But something about it was always hard to buy -- and owners didn't. It wasn't that Belichick was disingenuous or too set in his ways; it was that if you hire Belichick, you hire him to do it his way. Belichick's system is him, from his player procurement program to contract incentives to the types of players he drafts. Because so much flowed out of his mind and because he almost always was the ultimate decision-maker, the Patriots were able to withstand the losses of key players and coaches -- everyone except Brady. How would Belichick, who ran a thin operation in New England, without many layers, handle running a team with a huge infrastructure? Was Belichick, who has had his share of player-evaluation whiffs but has also drafted the greatest quarterback and tight end ever, along with Hall of Fame defensive tackle and several others who will join him in Canton, really going to abide by the philosophies of someone like Fontenot or Bears general manager Ryan Poles, if Chicago had hired Belichick after this year? "Listening to Fontenot discuss drafting systems last January, as if he knew it all, bothered him," a Belichick confidant says. All of those things were on his mind this fall. He told confidants that Shula's record mattered to him, but it wasn't the essential thing. It wasn't why he has worked hours that have come with a steep personal price. He has always competed as if his self-worth was tied to the result. Losses took on a life of their own. Imagine the throttled rage inside him all spring after a group of men who routinely botch their most important hire not only mostly ignored him but gloated about it, telling ESPN that he was "voted off the island." He never forgets. Belichick knew that he'd have to compromise if he got another NFL job, maybe even more than the year before, and also knew that he faced a league that was skeptical of him. If he didn't fix his new team right away, he'd be dealing with a media narrative for the third straight year in coaching that he'd lost his fastball. College coaches have many headaches -- they essentially re-recruit their players daily -- but Belichick came to believe that he'd have the space to run his program, winning or losing on his terms, all he has ever asked for. He'll have what he had in New England: He'll be the football czar. He knows there are politics, the way there are politics in the NFL, and challenges to building a team, but they feel manageable and worth the risk. Says a source with knowledge of his thinking: "I'll go be the highest draw in college football, and will have the greatest coach in the ACC, instead of you guys who don't want [him] anymore because there are people who don't deserve to be empowered. ... Everyone is running away from college football. I think Bill thinks this landscape is better for him. ... More transactional and less relational. In his mind, this is better for me." Maybe the signs were there a month ago, when Belichick told "The Pat McAfee Show" of the horror stories of answering asinine questions from owners. He told a confidant within the past week that he's "tired of the stupidness" of the NFL. Unlike Brady, Belichick has always embraced his darker side, with actions more often than words, and made no secret of his grievances. He turned the postgame handshake into a spectator sport. He seethed at the piousness around the league after Spygate. After Deflategate, he walked out of a league meeting when commissioner Roger Goodell spoke. And then, after his unquestioned greatness was suddenly questioned and became talk-show fodder for two years -- How good is he without Brady? -- he watched owners display abject indifference to his services. "He's disgusted," a confidant says. If we've learned anything about Belichick over the years, it's that he'll often do the unconventional thing -- and that when at a crossroads, he will take control of his career. legendary journalist David Halberstam wanted to write a book about Belichick. They knew each other casually. Belichick respected Halberstam but initially was cool to the idea; it would go against every fiber of his being if he turned the spotlight on himself. Halberstam rethought the pitch and gave it another shot: "I suggested that there might be a book in the education of a coach, especially since the most important teacher in his life was his father, Steve -- a coach's coach," Halberstam later wrote. "It was an idea that interested him, and eventually he agreed to cooperate." After Belichick had become the first coach to win three Super Bowls in four years, Halberstam spent more time with him than any reporter to that point, working on what would be an authorized biography. Later in 2005, "The Education of a Coach" was published. Halberstam hit the media circuit, promoting the book, and on a Boston radio show, he was asked, "Will [Belichick] ever get sick of this?" At the time, Belichick was 53 years old. He had yet to be busted for Spygate. He had yet to coach a team to within a minute of an undefeated season. Had yet to tell a documentarian that he'd never coach into his 70s, then blow past it, knowing deep inside that he needed the game more than it needed him. He had yet to draft , , , and had yet to win 11 games with Matt Cassel, had yet to deploy the "Baltimore" and "Raven" formations, had yet to pass Deflategate into Brady's lap, had yet to send into the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX, had yet to look up at a Super Bowl LI scoreboard that read 28-3, had yet to curtail access for Alex Guerrero, had yet to be called the "biggest f---ing in my life" by Kraft, and had yet to win a sixth Super Bowl. He had yet to watch his daughter, Amanda, coach lacrosse at Holy Cross, had yet to watch Stephen coach at Washington. "He's really a coach and a teacher," Halberstam told the hosts. "I mean, you could almost see him, when this is done, saying, OK, I've ... you know, if he's done it and won X rings, saying OK, I'm going to go and teach at an Ivy League school or something like that. I'm going to do something smaller, without as much pressure." And without the NFL, which he left before it could leave him. Again.By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles National Politics | Will Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump National Politics | What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP-NORC poll The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November’s election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”

Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.AAR resolves Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations with the DOJ and SEC

FARMINGTON — On Wednesday, Nov. 13, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital held an award ceremony to celebrate their Emergency Medical Services [EMS] for becoming certified “pediatric ready.” The ceremony took place at the hospital in the Bass Room. EMS for Children and Maine EMS Program Manager Marc Minkler presents the Maine EMS for Children Program award and shakes the hand of RN and Charge Nurse Michelle Cuva on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Cuva held a vital role in the process of bringing the program to the hospital. Also seen behind, from left, are Emergency Department Director Dr. Jodi Conrad, RN Blake Hotchkiss, Hospital President Barb Sergio, and Pediatrics Dr. Gabe Civiello. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal President of the hospital Barb Sergio began the event by saying how proud she was of the EMS team for this accomplishment before handing it off to Marc Minkler, program manager at Maine EMS . EMS for Children and Maine EMS Program Manager Marc speaks at the Maine EMS for Children Program award ceremony on Nov. 13, at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal Minkler began his speech by telling the audience that he was going to start by saying something controversial. “We all hate children,” he said, pausing for effect before finishing his sentence. “It’s really important to follow it up by saying we all hate children that are sick, ill, or injured.” He went on to explain that no medical staff hope to see patients filling the hospital, and that no parent wants their child to be in pain. He pointed out the reality that unfortunately, these things do happen. MaineHealth Pediatrics Doctor and Representative of Maine American Association of Pediatrics Gabe Civiello spoke as well, saying that although pediatric emergencies are less frequent, it is important to be prepared rather than having to send the children to larger hospitals when time is of the essence. Michelle Cuva, RN and charge nurse with a pediatric background, played a vital part in bringing the program to Maine Health Franklin Hospital. During her speech, she said that before anything else, she is a mom and a member of the community. She said that her son plays dangerous sports. “At the end of the day, it very well may be my child,” Cuva said. “This program offers the opportunity for all hospitals in the state of Maine to continue to collaborate.” Part of becoming a pediatric ready hospital is being aware of the ever-growing and changing science and medical practices including updated equipment, said Minkler. He pointed out that a 15-year-old child is a much different size than a 15-month-old and that medical equipment needs to be able to accommodate that difference. Another big qualification that Minkler pointed out is policies, making sure that there are updated policies in place on how to deal with things like family reunification, death notifications, and being prepared for unexpected situations. RN and Charge Nurse Michelle Cuva speaks at the Maine EMS for Children Program award ceremony on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal The qualifications for becoming a pediatric ready hospital stem from a collaboration between multiple nation-wide and federal associations. In order to achieve the status, hospitals must go through an EMS for Children program that includes education on the topics that Minkler listed as well as spending time and money on updating their services. Cuva said that the process took around two years to complete. It started with taking an extensive survey that assessed the equipment, policies, and procedures of the EMS system at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital. Cuva shared that over the two years, the process included a lot of continued education that took place before, during, or after shifts. It took many forms including articles, YouTube videos, and shift simulations. She said that one of the biggest challenges was finding funding and space for supplies. “When we look at what [MaineHealth] Franklin Hospital has done, they have committed to this and they’ve done it very very well,” said Minkler. He also recognized that becoming pediatric ready is not required by any means. “It is completely voluntary,” he said. “[MaineHealth] Franklin Hospital did not have to do this. They will not be able to bill higher, they’re not going to get reimbursement for this. They have dedicated teams, dedicated staff that said ‘this is important to us.'” RN Michelle Cuva holds the Maine EMS for Children Program award on Nov. 13 at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington. Behind her from left is Program Manager Marc Minkler, Dr. Jodi Conrad, RN Blake Hotchkiss, Hospital President Barb Sergio, and Pediatrics Dr. Gabe Civiello. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous Next »LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC) , (“the Bank”), an independent commercial bank, today announced that the Bank had uncovered an unreconciled difference in its calculation of its right of use asset (“ROU”) and lease liabilities. As a result of this error, the Bank will record $8.1 million on a pre-tax basis of occupancy expense in the fourth quarter of 2024. On an after-tax basis, this will reduce fourth quarter diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.43. In January of 2019, the Bank adopted ASC 842, Accounting for Leases. This accounting statement requires entities capitalize leases that are longer than one year. The effect being that lease expense is recognized more evenly over the life of the lease, rather than recording lease expense as incurred. When the Bank adopted ASC 842, a number of the Bank’s leases were analyzed and capitalized based on an incorrect term, resulting in an understatement of occupancy expense for the years 2019 – YTD 2024. The understatement of expense in each year impacted was no more than $1.4 million on a pre-tax basis and the average was $1.35 million per year, pre-tax. As for the impact of ASC 842 in future years, it is expected that the correct calculation of lease expense will increase occupancy expense by approximately $1.6 million per year on a pre-tax basis. We have evaluated the impact to income for each of the periods involved as well as the cumulative impact to 2024’s results and have determined the understatement in the prior years as well as the impact to the results for 2024 are not material to the Bank’s results of operations or its balance sheet. About Preferred Bank Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through twelve full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)). The Bank also operates a branch in Flushing, New York and in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas as well as a Loan Production Office in Sunnyvale, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the Bank’s future financial and operating results, the Bank's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Bank’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: changes in economic conditions; changes in the California real estate market; the loss of senior management and other employees; natural disasters or recurring energy shortage; changes in interest rates; competition from other financial services companies; ineffective underwriting practices; inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses to cover actual losses; risks inherent in construction lending; adverse economic conditions in Asia; downturn in international trade; inability to attract deposits; inability to raise additional capital when needed or on favorable terms; inability to manage growth; inadequate communications, information, operating and financial control systems, technology from fourth party service providers; the U.S. government’s monetary policies; government regulation; environmental liability with respect to properties to which the bank takes title; and the threat of terrorism. Additional factors that could cause the Bank's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Bank’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which can be found on Preferred Bank’s website. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of the press release, and the Bank assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For additional information about Preferred Bank, please visit the Bank’s website at www.preferredbank.com .

Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Warrants put Israeli PM and others in a small group of leaders accused of crimes against humanity Arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas leader put them in a small group of leaders to be accused of crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court in the Hague issued the warrants Thursday for Netanyahu, his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed Deif, a Hamas leader Israel claims it killed. The court says Hamas committed murder, rape and torture in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the Israel-Hamas war. The court also says Israel used starvation as a method of warfare and committed murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Several of Trump's Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct WASHINGTON (AP) — Former congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general in the face of sexual misconduct allegations. He's not the only member of Trump’s chosen staff and Cabinet accused of some form of misconduct. Others include: Elon Musk, his choice to help lead a new outside panel seeking to boost government efficiency, Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s choice for defense secretary Pete Hegseth and Linda McMahon, his choice to lead the Department of Education. They all deny the claims. Death toll in Gaza from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Elon Musk's budget crusade could cause a constitutional clash in Trump's second term WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has put Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in charge of finding ways to cut government spending and regulations. It's possible that their efforts will lead to a constitutional clash. This week, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would encourage the Republican president-elect to refuse to spend money allocated by Congress, which would conflict with a 1974 law that's intended to prevent presidents from blocking funds. If Trump takes such a step, it would quickly become one of the most closely watched legal battles of his second administration. Musk and Ramaswamy also aim to dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Putin touts Russia's new missile and delivers a menacing warning to NATO The new ballistic missile fired by Russia struck a military-industrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, but its real mission was delivering a deadly new message to NATO. Hours after Thursday’s strike touched off a debate over whether the Ukrainian plant was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin cleared up the mystery in a rare and surprise appearance on Russian television. He described it as a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile that raced to its target at 10 times the speed of sound and couldn't be stopped by modern anti-missile systems. One Western expert said it was the first time that such a missile was used in the war — and perhaps in any conflict. Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police. The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges. The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett's claims of innocence. The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck. Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago. Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who led US crackdown on cryptocurrencies, to step down Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler will step down from his post on January 20. Since taking the lead at the SEC, the commission has been aggressive in its oversight of cryptocurrencies and other regulatory issues. President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign that he would remove Gensler, who has led the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry and repeatedly called for more oversight. But Gensler on Thursday announced that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated. Bitcoin has jumped 40% since Trump’s victory. US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water NEW YORK (AP) — Fights are cropping up nationwide over fluoride in drinking water. Communities in Florida, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and elsewhere have debated the idea in recent months. And several have decided to stop adding it to drinking water. In August, a federal agency for the first time reported that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. And in September, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate it in drinking water. The decision to add fluoride to drinking water rests with state and local officials, but advisers to Donald Trump have suggested he would push to remove it. Was it all a joke? How stand-up comedy helped reelect Trump Did stand-up comedians help reelect Donald Trump? Not a joke, as outgoing President Joe Biden might say. Trump has been the butt of countless late-night monologues and “Saturday Night Live” sketches for the better part of a decade, but the once and future president's path to reelection relied a lot on stand-up comedy. Trump sat for long, friendly interviews on comedians' podcasts in an effort to reach young men. But he also employed his own stand-up-like campaigning style replete with meandering stories and digressions, a rhetorical tactic that connected with audiences and also made it hard to tell what exactly was policy and what was a joke.NPSS Volleyball teams shine at B.C. Provincials, Girls finish 6th in best showing in 15 yearsMattr Corp. Announces Closing of Debt Subscription Receipt Offering

Alberta unveils new doctor pay model rewarding physicians for bringing on patientsBoon raises $20.5M to build agentic AI tools for fleetsUnlocking wealth: Diversifying your portfolio with US, Canadian investments

SAP must face Teradata trade secrets and antitrust lawsuit, US court rules

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. LG ‘s see-through TV is ready for your living room. The tech giant has put the world’s first fully transparent 4K OLED TV on the market, with preorders starting $59,999.99 on the brand’s website . Making its debut at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Signature OLED T features a self-lit display that can can be used in either fully transparent or opaque mode, a breakthrough for television tech, according to the brand’s press release . And thanks to that transparent mode, which adds a translucent quality to the sleek 77-inch screen, your surroundings and the on-screen visuals will blend together. Plus, when the model is fully turned off, only the slender, minimal frame remains visible, adding an airy feel to any space. This concept of unconventional display properties was taken to the limit by the LG team with the development of T-Objet, an always-on-display (AOD) mode. When switched on, the TV becomes akin to a digital canvas that can crisply display artwork, photographs, or videos with accurate color and high image quality you can expect from OLED. If you want an even cleaner look, T-Bar mode could be the answer. The setting creates a fine digital ticker tape of information at the bottom of the screen that can include weather forecasts, sports results, and even song titles. When the new mode is in use, the rest of the screen remains clear for a virtually invisible presence that allows you to stay connected only as much you see fit. Besides its impressive visual capabilities, the OLED T is also entirely wireless, a design feature that enhances its aesthetics while also alleviating the mess of hopelessly tangled cables. The tech brand’s proprietary technology allows for both lossless video and audio that transmit without any latency for a seamless experience. As for LG’s other innovations of late, the company just unveiled the world’s first stretchable screen last month. The bonkers display, which is able to elongate and twist, can expand up to 50 percent beyond its original size of 12 inches. It doesn’t seem like this flexible innovation will be coming to market anytime soon, though—but the OLED T can hold you over in the meantime.Climate-threatened nations stage protest at COP29 over contentious deal

Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightingsAAR resolves Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations with the DOJ and SEC