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Experts Predict Record Snowfall for Pacific Northwest: Here's How To Make the Most of This Ski SeasonStocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts’ estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company’s Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth straight gain. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 333 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite was essentially flat with a gain of less than 0.1% as of 3:07 p.m. Eastern. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. “Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 10.8% after handily beating analysts' third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount retailer Ross Stores rose 1.5% after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 2.4% after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.8%. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 were gaining ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.3%. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.6%. It gave investors a quarterly earnings forecast that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.8% following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against the company. It stems from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.41% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, Bitcoin hovered around $99,000, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year and first surpassed the $99,000 level on Thursday. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Target, though, reported weaker earnings than analysts' expected and its forecast disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. It revised its latest figure for November to 71.8 from an initial reading of 73 earlier this month, though economists expected a slight increase. It's still up from 70.5 in October. The survey also showed that consumers' inflation expectations for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6%, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. The PCE is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last PCE reading prior to the central bank's meeting in December.
AS Zimbabwe charts a path towards sustainable development and economic resilience, the 2025 National Budget emerges as a pivotal tool to achieve these goals. Presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube recently, the budget is framed under the theme, “Building Resilience for Sustained Economic Transformation.” This ambitious financial plan reflects a clear intent to overcome current challenges while paving the way for long-term growth and inclusivity. With projected Gross Domestic Product growth of six percent for 2025, this budget balances fiscal prudence with an expansive vision for development. It targets critical areas such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and social equity, offering a robust framework to drive economic recovery, resilience, and transformation. Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the GDP, employment, and exports. The 2025 National Budget makes transformative strides in addressing the vulnerabilities of this sector, especially in the context of climate change. With the La Niña phenomenon expected to bring above-average rainfall, the budget capitalises on this opportunity to boost agricultural productivity. One of the standout initiatives is the introduction of hybrid agricultural index insurance under the Farmers’ Basket programme. This innovative insurance mechanism provides financial protection to smallholder farmers against climate-induced losses, a critical step towards mitigating the adverse impacts of droughts and other extreme weather events. The success of the pilot phase, which paid out US$232 997 to 4 014 farmers following drought-induced losses, highlights its potential to enhance resilience among rural communities. The allocation of resources for irrigation infrastructure, rural development, and extension services further strengthens the agricultural framework. By empowering farmers with modern tools and techniques, the budget aims to achieve food security and position Zimbabwe as a regional agricultural powerhouse. Energy shortages have long been a bottleneck for Zimbabwe’s economic progress. The 2025 budget takes a bold stance to address this issue by prioritising reforms in the energy sector. Recognising the private sector as a key partner, the Government plans to lower restrictions on self-generation and attract private investments in energy infrastructure. This approach is not only pragmatic but essential for ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply. The allocation for energy development, though modest, is strategically focused on expanding domestic power generation. By integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing grid efficiency, Zimbabwe can reduce its reliance on imported electricity and achieve greater energy independence. This will, in turn, unlock productivity across sectors, from manufacturing to mining. Infrastructure investment is a cornerstone of the 2025 budget, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic modernisation. The budget allocates substantial resources to transport, water, housing, and digital infrastructure. These projects are not just about economic growth; they are about connecting communities, improving accessibility, and creating equitable opportunities. Transport infrastructure, for instance, is set to benefit from targeted road rehabilitation projects. By improving connectivity between urban and rural areas, these initiatives will enhance trade, reduce logistics costs, and boost market access for agricultural and industrial goods. Similarly, investments in water and sanitation infrastructure aim to address critical public health and environmental challenges. Housing development receives a noteworthy allocation, reflecting the government’s dedication to addressing urbanisation and housing shortages. Affordable housing projects, coupled with innovative financing mechanisms, will provide secure living conditions for thousands of families while stimulating the construction sector. In a challenging fiscal environment, the Government has demonstrated commendable discipline in managing public finances. The projected fiscal deficit of 1,4 percent of GDP underscores a commitment to prudent spending and resource optimisation. This is achieved through a combination of measures, including limiting recurrent expenditures, rationalising public sector wages, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. Debt sustainability remains a critical focus. With external debt standing at U$12,3 billion, the Government is pursuing arrears clearance and restructuring processes to reduce debt servicing costs. These efforts are complemented by cautious borrowing strategies, leveraging concessional loans for infrastructure projects while avoiding unsustainable debt accumulation. One of the most inspiring aspects of the 2025 budget is its emphasis on social equity and empowerment. Programmes targeting women, youth, and marginalised communities are at the forefront, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all. The expansion of financial inclusion initiatives, such as loans for women and youth entrepreneurs, is a game-changer. By increasing access to credit and business support services, the Government is fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and reducing economic disparities. The data speaks volumes: loans to women as a percentage of total bank loans rose from 4,48 percent in 2023 to 9,86 percent in 2024, a testament to the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, the focus on education and skills development, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, aligns with the Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy. Investments in human capital development will empower the workforce to adapt to evolving economic demands, driving productivity and competitiveness. Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate change necessitates urgent action, and the 2025 budget does not disappoint. Substantial allocations for environmental protection, climate resilience, and renewable energy projects reflect a clear commitment to sustainability. Programmes such as the African Risk Capacity drought insurance policy and reforestation initiatives are forward-thinking measures that address both immediate and long-term challenges. The Government’s emphasis on sustainable mining practices and reducing carbon emissions further aligns with global environmental goals. By integrating climate considerations into economic planning, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a responsible global player. While the 2025 budget sets an impressive agenda, its success hinges on effective implementation and collaboration. Challenges such as external debt management, revenue generation, and corruption must be addressed to ensure that the allocated resources deliver maximum impact. However, these challenges also present opportunities. Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in financing and executing infrastructure projects. Strengthening institutions and governance frameworks will enhance transparency and accountability, building public trust in the budget process. The 2025 National Budget is a transformative roadmap that balances ambition with realism. It addresses Zimbabwe’s immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience. From agriculture and energy to infrastructure and social empowerment, the budget reflects a holistic approach to development. As citizens and stakeholders, we must support this vision by actively participating in its implementation and holding our leaders accountable. The journey to economic transformation is not without challenges, but with collective effort and determination, Zimbabwe can achieve its goals and secure a prosperous future for all. The festive lights are already on in many places. The colours — red and white — are back, dazzling. The Father of the time is back too in that outfit and with the bell in hand, entertaining the kids with chocolate, sweets and the opportunity for a snap. Over the next few days, the pay [...] Stephen Mpofu Underhand activities by which Harare City Council employees are accused of enriching themselves with Bulawayo public transport operators blamed for malpractices, will no doubt have besmirched Zimbabwe’s good name locally and abroad, causing some who intended to do business with us to re-examine their minds. Harare, as the seat of this country’s government, [...] Jacqueline Ntaka ACADEMIC research is a cornerstone of higher education, driving the creation and enhancement of knowledge within universities and facilitating student learning. To navigate the complexities of academic research, various tools have been developed to simplify and enhance the research process. This article explores some of the best tools available for academic research, covering [...]( MENAFN - PR Newswire) RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 2nd, 2024, the 16th conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) kicked off in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which knows first-hand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought. LONGi, the world's leading solar technology company, was invited to attend the side event hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) titled "Nature Positive Renewables as a Driver of Restoration" and the side event organized by Tsinghua University at the COP16 China Pavilion. Zhang Haimeng, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of LONGi, delivered a speech via video at the side event, sharing LONGi's innovative practices and significant achievements in desertification control with the global community. LONGi has always regarded sustainable development as a core strategy and actively promotes the application of green energy and desertification control. Zhang Haimeng detailed LONGi's achievements in the application of green technology and the prevention of desertification. He pointed out: "The impact of desertification is profound, with an estimated 45% of the global land surface affected by desertification, impacting 3.2 billion people, or one-third of the world's population. However, using just 1% of the global desert area for photovoltaic (PV) power generation could meet the electricity needs of all humanity; if 70% of the Earth's desert areas were transformed into oases, they could absorb all the carbon emissions produced by human activities." As one of the effective means of desertification control, photovoltaic desertification control stands out in ecological improvement and windbreak and sand fixation. In the Kubuqi Desert, LONGi implemented the construction of two photovoltaic power stations of 336kW and 338kW, actively exploring green ecological development models such as "generating electricity on the panels, planting under the panels, and breeding between the panels," and has already solved many local desertification control challenges. Zhang Haimeng introduced: "In desert areas, photovoltaic modules absorb sunlight, provide shade and reduce water evaporation during the day, and promote condensation at night. In addition, the water used to clean the solar panels can also effectively promote the survival and growth of vegetation." By combining photovoltaic systems with vegetation, not only is the stability of the solar power generation system improved, but the microclimate of the area is also significantly improved, effectively mitigating natural disasters such as hot winds, dry winds, and sandstorms. LONGi has always been committed to improving the conversion efficiency of solar cells and reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for photovoltaic power generation through the industrialization of advanced technologies. Zhang Haimeng said, "The concept of 'Solar for All' is applicable to various possible scenarios, making photovoltaic energy an affordable clean energy for everyone. From desert management to mine site restoration, from water supply in difficult areas to energy supply in future urban planning, the aim is to promote energy equity, green, and low-carbon transitions across various industries." Zhang Haimeng called on global partners, policymakers, and the public to pay more attention to the importance of desertification prevention and control, and to draw experience from excellent environmental protection practices to accelerate the realization of a greener Earth. He emphasized: "LONGi is willing to work hand in hand with all parties to continuously promote the global desertification control cause to new heights." About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules , commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions , green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment . The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. SOURCE LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. MENAFN15122024003732001241ID1108995597 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.Hunter Biden gun case terminated after President Joe Biden's sweeping pardon
Big Ten Signing Day: Late flips push Oregon ahead of Ohio State and Michigan in rankings
Elon Musk is offering users of his social media platform free access to his artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot. “Over the past few weeks we have been quietly testing a new version of the Grok-2 model, which is three times faster and offers improved accuracy, instruction-following, and multilingual capabilities,” Musk’s xAI wrote in a recent company blog post . “Today we are excited to announce that we are beginning to roll out this new version of Grok-2 to all users on X for free. As always, Premium and Premium+ users get higher usage limits and will be the first to access any new capabilities in the future,” the blog post added. Grok-2 launched in August, and since then, the company said, xAI has added new features for X users such as web search, citations, and its image generator, Aurora . The company also launched something called the Grok button, a new feature appearing on posts across users’ home timeline . This button is designed to help users discover relevant context, understand real-time events, and delve deeper into trending discussions. xAI was recently valued at $50 billion — up from $24 billion during the spring — following a $5 billion funding round. The company is also involved in a legal battle with OpenAI, as Musk tries to halt the AI standout from switching over to a for-profit entity. In other AI news, PYMNTS wrote last week about the rise of extended reality (XR) devices like headsets and glasses, with companies like Google promising these tools will “transform how you watch, work and explore.” Extended reality (XR) — an umbrella term covering virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) — continues to reshape how digital and physical worlds interact , that report noted . Google’s XR operating system was created in collaboration with Samsung, an effort code-named “Project Moohan,” from the Korean word for “infinite.” It joins the ranks of other already-available XR headsets, like Meta’s Quest 3 headset and Orion AR glasses, the Apple Vision Pro headset and other products such as the XREAL Air AR glasses. “On a fundamental level, the XR landscape presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for payments innovation. XR applications in gaming, eCommerce, healthcare, education, the workplace and beyond will all demand seamless and secure payment solutions that match the promise of these technologies,” PYMNTS wrote.UPPER MARLBORO — Liberty football entered Class 2A/1A state quarterfinals on the highest of highs, tapping into a sense of hope that can only be unlocked by a surprise win to keep the season going. Coming off an upset, come-from-behind win over Williamsport last week, Liberty was in the quarterfinals for only the second time in program history. It was a difficult draw for the Lions, traveling to Frederick Douglass-PG. The undefeated Eagles swooped in with an unrelenting run game and a lockdown defense to stampede the Lions, 36-13. Liberty’s season ends at 7-5, while Frederick Douglass (12-0) advances to host three-time defending state champion Dunbar. “They ran a little harder than we tackled,” Liberty coach Larry Luthe said. “A lot of the game, if it was third-and-1, they got 2 [yards]. If it was third-and-4, they got 5. They did just enough to keep the chains moving.” His Lions surrendered multiple big runs when the Eagles’ line opened holes through the defense. Frederick Douglass piled up five touchdowns, dominant enough that it still converted on three of five two-point attempts while openly missing a kicker on their roster. Liberty’s pass-first scheme simply couldn’t hang while Frederick Douglass’ ground game was chewing up the clock. The Lions fell behind in the first quarter and could never catch up. “I guarantee you the number of plays doubled ours and our time of possession,” Luthe said. “We missed some plays and had to make some plays to keep the chains moving, and we weren’t able to do that.” Liberty had its chance in the third quarter, although it started with the Eagles’ third touchdown of the day. Frederick Douglass benefited from a good kickoff return, buying advantageous yards in the Lions’ territory. But Liberty retaliated in the quickest way possible, with a kickoff return of its own where senior wide receiver Tristan West took the football all the way to the end zone and bring the score to 22-13. A few minutes later, a Lions defense that struggled holding back the Eagles early, impeded another grueling Douglass trudge downfield with a fumble recovery. However, the afternoon’s blustery winds sabotaged Liberty quarterback Chase Miller, who came into the day just shy of 2,000 yards passing on the season. The conditions hindered his attempts at bringing it to a one-score game. Related Articles Liberty turned it over on downs after the Eagles’ front line chased him into a scramble, where the signal caller chucked a 40-yard prayer to the end zone that just got under the gale and found the ground before the target could get his gloves on the ball. Luthe credits his team for playing hard, but that’s the moment West remembers watching the fire leave his teammates’ eyes. “They kind of wanted it more,” the senior said. West, who’s high school football career concluded with this defeat, remembers that Williamsport win as one in which his team entered with a completely different mindset. “I feel like we came in with a different intensity,” he said. “That was a different game, but all year we struggled to stop the run, and it really showed out here.” The Eagles are as formidable an opponent Maryland has to offer, as Liberty became only the second team to score in double figures on a defense that has posted six shutouts.
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.
