lodi jili

When Massachusetts voters decided to ditch the state's standardized tests as a high school graduation requirement on Election Day, they joined a trend that has steadily chipped away at the use of high-stakes tests over the past two decades. The vote on the ballot question leaves only seven states with mandatory graduation exams, a number that could soon shrink further. A backlash to standardized tests has been fueled by complaints they take up too much classroom time and questions about how well they measure readiness for college or careers. It gained steam in recent years with concerns about equity and learning setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Massachusetts, a teachers union led the campaign against the graduation requirement, arguing it was keeping too many students from receiving a diploma and weighing too heavily on choices about school curriculum. The other side received backing from prominent business leaders including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and state officials including Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat. "We shouldn't have different expectations for students depending on which ZIP code they live in," Healey said. "We should have a uniformity to our expectations and they should be high for our students and our families." The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are given in mathematics, science and technology, and English. The ballot question didn't end the tests, which are also used for assessing student progress. But passing them will no longer be required for a diploma. About 1% of high school seniors in Massachusetts, roughly 700 students, are denied a diploma each year because they failed the MCAS despite meeting other requirements. Most are English language learners or students with disabilities. Other states could abandon similar tests In the mid-2000s, a high of 27 states required students to pass an exam to graduate, according to the National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers union. The states that still have them, for now, are New York, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia. In New York, state officials this month proposed a timeline to phase out exit exam requirements as part of an overhaul of graduation standards. Students would still take Regents exams in math, English, science and social studies, but beginning in the 202728 school year, passing scores would no longer be required for a diploma. The plan would give students alternatives like community service or capstone projects to demonstrate proficiency. Earlier this year, the Florida Senate passed a bill that would remove testing requirements for high school graduation, but the push stalled in the House. In New Jersey, a bill to end the state's graduation exam passed the state Assembly last year but then failed to pass the Senate. In Ohio, students must pass tests in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies to graduate. Louisiana also requires students to pass a test and is the only state without an appeals process. In Texas, students must pass end-of-course assessments in algebra, English, biology and U.S. history. Debate continues over how to measure readiness Harry Feder, executive director of FairTest, which opposes the use of tests as graduation requirements, said it makes sense to shift away from the tests he calls a "cheap and easy way" to conduct education. "What we want out of high school grads isn't measured very well by a standardized test," he said, including whether students are critical thinkers, problem solvers or able to collaborate. Critics say easing the graduation requirement will result in lower standards. "The vote against the MCAS is yet another sign of the overwhelming power of the teachers unions in blue states, and will turn Massachusetts diplomas into nothing but participation trophies," said Michael Petrilli, president of the right-leaning Fordham Institute. Financial support for the elimination of the Massachusetts test requirement largely came from teachers unions, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which contributed millions in direct and in-kind donations, and the NEA, which donated at least $500,000. On the other side, Bloomberg contributed $2.5 million to the campaign in favor of keeping the requirement. Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy said teachers have been speaking out against the requirement for more than a decade. "Students who were passing their courses were being denied diplomas because of this requirement," they said. "Educators were forced to narrow the curriculum in order to teach to the high-stakes test." Ultimately, Massachusetts voters approved getting rid of the MCAS as a graduation requirement by a margin of 59% to 41%. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Having macroeconomic and financial system stability being restored, the focus should shift towards enhancing growth prospects that are both inclusive and sustainable 2024 is a year to be remembered in Sri Lanka’s economic journey since many challenges faced by the country have significantly eased. Sri Lanka is returning to normal after recurring economic shocks since 2019, including the Easter Sunday attack, the pandemic, and the economic crisis. The global economy also exhibited economic resilience amidst multiple challenges, with a soft landing compared to what was feared. Meanwhile, geopolitical conditions became unfavourable. Let’s dive deeper into these. In 2024, Sri Lanka made notable progress in restoring macroeconomic and financial system stability. Following a selective debt-standstill announcement in 2022, external debt restructuring negotiations were concluded in 2024. Subsequently, the country exited the restricted default status it had experienced over two and a half years. Further, the sovereign rating was upgraded by several notches, thus reducing the country’s risk premium substantially. The Extend Fund Facility of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continued successfully and the Executive Board's approval for the second review and staff-level agreement for the third review were reached in 2024. These developments, along with political stability built on a stronger mandate, helped ease market conditions and enhance bullish market sentiments during the latter part of the year. The key macroeconomic indicators improved compared to alarming levels that prevailed in recent years. Inflationary pressures eased notably, and the country recorded temporary deflation after several years. This allowed the easing of monetary conditions further during the year to support credit expansion and economic activity. Moreover, economic growth recovered at a faster pace, facilitated by low interest rates, improved economic sentiments, reviving domestic and external demand, and a lower statistical base of growth in 2023. Importantly, persistent imbalances in the fiscal sector were largely adjusted through fiscal consolidation measures and improved fiscal discipline. Buffers of foreign reserves to withstand external shocks were improved, supported by continuous forex purchases by the Central Bank. Meanwhile, reflecting the external current account surplus supported by increased net inflows of forex and positive market sentiments, exchange rate appreciation continued in 2024 as well. These improvements on the external front alongside the need to increase fiscal revenue prompted the Government to consider the relaxation of remaining import restrictions by the end of the year. In addition to the improvements on the macroeconomic front, the financial sector resilience also improved, and any financial sector catastrophe was avoided decisively. Key financial soundness indicators, including capital adequacy, credit quality, liquidity, and profitability, have shown improvement in the year. Completion of the restructuring of foreign currency debt held by the banks reduced the uncertainties and risks to the banks. Prominently, the legal framework governing the banking system was further strengthened to enhance the soundness of the banking sector, including the areas of governance, related party transactions, large exposure, and ownership. Money market and financial market performances were enhanced, and the stock market reached new heights. Nevertheless, the scarring effect of the prolonged economic hardships on the people and businesses remains. Targeted policy measures to support the most vulnerable segment of the population and businesses would offer temporary relief for survival. Nevertheless, improving inclusive economic growth prospects would be a lasting solution to this problem. Global economic prospects revived, even amidst tighter disinflationary policies of central banks and continued stiff financial conditions. However, global growth over the medium term is projected to hover below the averages recorded before the pandemic. Inflation in many countries returned closer to the targeted levels, after spikes observed during 2022-2023. This disinflation record without leading to global recession is commendable, thanks to the synchronised monetary policy measures and eased global supply. Subsequently, consistent reduction in inflation and anchored inflation expectations facilitated transition towards broad-based monetary policy easing. In 2024, major advanced countries, including the USA, UK, and European Union, began to reduce policy interest rates, after maintaining tighter monetary stance in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, prices of key commodities, such as crude oil, LP gas, coal, and agricultural products, exhibited less volatility and stabilised at a lower level, due to an improvement in demand-supply mismatches. The US dollar strengthened against its major rivals, as measured by the US dollar index. Several political developments unfolded this year with many countries electing new political administrations. Shifting major policy priorities in global superpowers, particularly the USA, could shape the global geoeconomic and social dynamics in the period ahead. In general, fiscal performance worsened globally in 2024 and fiscal sustainability concerns have resurfaced. Global public debt widened in 2024 and is set to increase further in the coming years. Even though it is mainly driven by the USA and China, increasing public debt is becoming a widespread issue. Moreover, fiscal vulnerabilities are emerging further, prompting warnings from multilateral agencies on the high likelihood of sovereign distress in many countries. From a medium-term perspective, pursuing fiscal adjustment through fiscal consolidation, building fiscal buffers along with enhancing fiscal governance would help mitigate the lingering effects of debt unsustainability and the need for painful one-time fiscal adjustments. The time is conducive now, as easing global monetary conditions creates space for countries to absorb the impact of fiscal tightening. On the financial front, the near-term risks to global financial stability remain muted, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and easing monetary conditions. However, the possible spillovers of growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties on economic sectors and financial system cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, social indicators, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and female labour force participation, did not show any significant progress during the year, and thus requiring continuous global attention. Sri Lanka has once again demonstrated its resilience by emerging from the deepest economic crisis in record time. This was possible through decisive policy measures involving multiple stakeholders and international partners. However, it is essential not to become complacent and to continue prioritising structural reforms. Sri Lankans have now fully understood the cost and implications of persistent economic imbalances and macroeconomic instability. Any step forward should be taken cautiously to circumvent backtracking from the strong reform agenda. Having macroeconomic and financial system stability being restored, the focus should shift towards enhancing growth prospects that are both inclusive and sustainable. Reforms aimed at addressing remaining structural economic issues and vulnerabilities should continue in the same spirit. Since the global environment is becoming ever more unpredictable, Sri Lanka should build buffers in its external, fiscal, financial, and monetary sectors to withstand externally driven shocks with minimal adjustment cost. Additionally, Sri Lanka needs to adapt to global megatrends, such as climate change, geoeconomic fragmentation, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and the aging population. Such preparation will empower Sri Lanka to navigate the evolving global landscape effectively in the years to come.lodi jili 。

Qatar tribune agencies Helsinki Finnish police on Saturday transported a Russia-linked suspected of intentionally damaging a Baltic Sea power cable to shore. The Eagle S has been moved from the Gulf of Finland to an anchorage near the Finnish port of Kilpilahti to facilitate the investigation, the police said in a statement. A one-nautical-mile exclusion zone was set up around the tanker “to ensure operational safety of the authorities.” The ship was stopped after the undersea power cable Estlink2 between Finland and Estonia failed on December 25. Investigators are looking into the possibility of sabotage. The ship sails under the flag of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. According to the EU, the vessel is part of the Russian “shadow fleet” - tankers and other cargo ships that Russia uses to circumvent international sanctions by transporting oil, for example. Problems have also been identified with several communication cables in the Baltic Sea in recent weeks. Meanwhile, NATO has said it will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea, and Estonia has sent a patrol ship to protect its Estlink1 undersea power cable, after Russia was accused of sabotaging its main power link in the Gulf of Finland. The EU said the Eagle S was part of “Russia’s shadow fleet” and the failure of the undersea cable was the “latest in a series of suspected attacks on critical infrastructure”. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the Raju had set sail early on Friday and he believed Finland would join the operation to protect the remaining cable. He told Estonian public radio that the Raju’s task was “to ensure that nothing happens there and that our critical connection with Finland remains operational”. The Kremlin has declined to comment on the damage to the cable, describing it as a “very narrow issue” and not an issue for the Russian presidency. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on social media that he had spoken to Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb, adding that NATO would boost its presence in the Baltic. A further statement by the alliance said only that “NATO remains vigilant and is working to provide further support”. Finland and Estonia are both NATO members and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told public TV that, if necessary, they would invoke Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which involves consultation if any member state feels threatened. Copy 29/12/2024 10Tattoos may be mainstream enough for the cops but here’s what to consider before you get inked

The return of McCutchen is fine, but Pirates' plight involves much moreHilton Doha The Pearl marks fifth anniversary on Qatar National Day

The Super Football Conference released its All-Division football teams for the 2024 season. You can find the selections for the Patriot White Division below. NOTE : The selections were made by coaches from the conference and not reporters from NJ.com . If an athlete’s name is misspelled, please let us know and we will make the correction. First Team Offense QB: Clark Mohrbutter, Nutley, Sr. Skill: Anthony Drago, West Essex, Sr. Skill: Dante Benvenuti, Passaic Valley, Jr. Skil: Nick Hurley, Passaic Valley, Jr. Skill: John Mongeli, Wayne Hills, Sr. OL: Mikey Cerisano, West Essex, Sr. OL: Joey Russo, West Essex, Sr. OL: Richard Breitwesser, Passaic Valley, Jr. OL: Cole Blazeman, Caldwell, Sr. OL: Aidan Hartney, Caldwell, Sr. TE: Kiefer Curi, Millburn, Sr. At-Large: Nick Mignone, Caldwell, Jr. First Team Defense DL: Mike Conforti, West Essex, Sr. DL: Kenneth VanWinkle, Passaic Valley. Sr. DL: Anthony Capaldo, Caldwell, Sr. DL: Tylr Vonroth, Nutley, Sr. LB: Brady Phillips, West Essex, Sr. LB: Nick Sangillo, West Essex, Sr. LB: A’Meire Simpson, Passaic Valley, Sr. LB: Christian Meletta, Passaic Valley. Jr. DB: Max Garcia, West Essex, Sr. DB: Vasili Vasilopoulos, Wayne Hills, Jr. DB: Vincent Giaquinto, West Essex, Sr. At-Large: Mike Mignone, Caldwell, Sr. Special Teams K: Ryan Feldman, Millburn, Sr. P: Aaron Viray, Wayne Hills, Sr. R: Max Delagarde, Wayne Hills, Sr. Second Team Offense QB: Mike Fitzsimmons, Wayne Hills, Jr. Skill: Justin Perini, West Essex, Jr. Skill: Adam Sepe, Caldwell, Fr. Skill: Jack Monisera, Wayne Hills, Sr. Skill: Vincent Berardi, Passaic Valley, Jr. OL: Daniel Bucher, Passaic Valley, Sr. OL: Elvis Nikollaj, Caldwell, Jr. OL: Cole DiMarco, West Essex, Sr. OL: Damiano Farro, Nutley, Sr. OL: Owen Troesch, Millburn, Jr. At-Large: Anthony Bagnuoic, Passaic Valley, Jr. Second Team Defense DL: Jack Kostick, West Essex, Sr. DL: Tristan Puerta, Passaic Valley, Sr. DL: Jalun Caraballo, Nutley, Jr. DL: Alejandro Martin, Millburn, Jr. LB: Jake Long, West Essex, Jr. LB: Troy Demikoff, Wayne Hills, So. LB: Aidan Rotbaum, Nutley, So. LB: Santino Russo, Caldwell, So. DB: Nick Moyano, Caldwell, Jr. DB: Oliver Kik, West Essex, Sr. DB: Marc Meola, Passasic Valley, Sr. Honorable Mention Yeshua Cuello, West Essex, Sr. Ayden Mulroony, Passaic Valley, Sr. Nico Sozio, Caldwell, So. Jack Rewick, Wayne Hills, Sr. Jeremiah Tirado, Nutley, Jr. PJ Sicoli, Millburn, Jr. Coach of the Year Chris Benacquista, West Essex RECOMMENDED • nj .com Boys Bowling preview, 2024-25: Divisional alignments heading into the winter Nov. 18, 2024, 11:30 a.m. Late former Caldwell AD Ron San Fillipo wore many hats - all with grace & style Nov. 19, 2024, 7:31 p.m. Mike Kinney can be reached at mkinney@njadvancemedia.com The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)None

It didn't take Syracuse first-year coach Fran Brown long to figure out the key matchup for Saturday afternoon's Atlantic Coast Conference game visiting Miami. "Syracuse has a really good quarterback," Brown said of Kyle McCord, "and Miami has a really good quarterback (Cam Ward)." With a win on Saturday, the No. 6 Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 ACC) can clinch a berth in the league championship game against SMU. Miami is a 10 1/2-point favorite for Saturday's game. Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has reached eight wins for just the fourth time since 2002, going 8-5 in 2010 and 2012 and 10-3 in 2018. However, the Orange haven't defeated a Top-10 team since knocking off Clemson in 2017. Miami leads the nation in scoring (44.7), and the Hurricanes will count on perfect passing conditions in Syracuse's dome. That could be huge for Ward, who leads the nation with 34 touchdown passes, ranking second in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing efficiency. Ward's top target is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who needs just 21 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight season. Restrepo also ranks tied for seventh in the nation with 10 TD receptions. Ward has some other top targets, including 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end Elijah Arroyo, who is a walking mismatch because of his size and speed. He leads Miami with 18.5 yards per reception. Hurricanes wide receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George have combined for 12 TD passes, and Sam Brown has added two more. Each of them has more than 500 receiving yards this season. Miami's running game features battering ram Damien Martinez (739 yards, 5.5 average, eight TDs); versatile Mark Fletcher Jr. (499 yards, 5.7 average, six TDs); and game-breaking freshman Jordan Lyle (361 yards, 8.6 average, four TDs). Defensively, Miami's big-play man is safety Mishael Powell, who ranks second in the ACC with five interceptions. "He's all about winning," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Powell. "He's a smart, self-starting team player." On special teams, Miami kicker Andres Borregales ranks second in the ACC with 97 points. He is 52-for-52 on extra points and 15-for-16 on field goals. Meanwhile, McCord ranks No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (3,946) and tied for seventh in TD passes (26). McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has also set Syracuse's single-season record for passing yards. In last week's 31-24 win over Connecticut, McCord passed for a career-high 470 yards. However, McCord is just 46th in the nation in passing efficiency, due in part to his high total of interceptions (12). Syracuse also has three of the top six pass-catchers in the ACC in terms of yards: tight end Oronde Gadsden II (810) and wide receivers Jackson Meeks (801) and Trebor Pena (743). Gadsden, who is from the greater Miami area, has had three straight 100-yard games. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden. Syracuse's run game is led by LeQuint Allen, who has rushed for 819 yards, a 4.3 average and 12 TDs. The issue for Syracuse could be its defense, which ranks 13th in the ACC in points allowed (27.8). Miami's defense is fourth (22.3). Even so, Syracuse coach Brown said he's excited about this matchup. "I heard Miami is going to come deep," Brown said of Miami fans. "It's going to be intense in the stands. It's going to be intense on the field. I think this is a game everyone wants to see." --Field Level MediaRetiring Democratic Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips flayed his political party for lacking leadership and having a lopsided focus on political longevity and identity politics in a Saturday exit interview with Politico. Phillips — who until Saturday represented his state’s 3rd District — bared his frustrations in the interview . “Right now, we are totally devoid of leadership. We are rudderless. I don’t know which Democratic Party member my colleagues would point to as the leader, de facto leader, and absent that, I don’t see much, frankly, happening,” he told Politico. “I think it’s ironic that the Republican Party is now representing America’s working class,” he added. “It’s astounding, and that was ceded to them by people that have prioritized things like tenure over talent, identity politics over pragmatic problem solving.” Dem Rep. Dean Phillips is leaving Congress – and he has some parting words for his “rudderless” party. https://t.co/8RRboZKHUX — POLITICO (@politico) December 28, 2024 Democrats looking to win during the midterms in 2026 and the presidential elections in 2028 should find that it’s “not that hard” and “not rocket science,” Phillips told Politico. “It starts with listening, and it means getting out to places and spaces and people and communities that we’ve all but turned our back on. [...] It’s as simple as that, but it takes leadership,” he said. Phillips also told Politico that the emergence of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled a “generational change” from the leadership of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Phillips delivered his farewell address Dec. 16, describing himself as an optimist whose mission “to restore commonsense and a home for the exhausted majority of center-left and center-right Americans is just beginning.” As I bid farewell to Congress today, I depart more deeply in love with my country and more deeply disgusted by the dysfunction of our government. We can and must do better, and my mission to awaken America’s exhausted majority and make common sense cool again is just beginning. pic.twitter.com/QQ3qcmGqEv — Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) December 17, 2024 Phillips, opting back in 2023 not to seek reelection in 2024, ran an improbable campaign against President Joe Biden for the Democratic presidential ticket but ended his campaign in March 2024. Phillips was the first Democrat to call for Biden to step aside after Biden’s widely panned performance at the June 27 presidential debate, ABC News reported . He told the outlet that he called on Pelosi, late Democratic California Sen. Diane Feinstein, late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Biden to “pass the torch” as soon as he entered Congress in 2019. “I’ve been saying this for quite a while,” he added. (RELATED: Scott Jennings Says Biden Will ‘Leave Office In Disgrace’ After ‘Disastrous’ 4 Years In White House) Phillips’s criticism of his party echoed recent comments of fellow retiring lawmaker, Democratic New Hampshire Rep. Annie Kuster. “I think our party needs to reflect on how it felt to an entire generation of younger people that for a pretty long time, the face of our party has been octogenarians,” Kuster told the Washington, D.C.-based outlet Roll Call. Democratic-affiliated Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont also blamed Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump on the Democratic Party’s abandonment of the working class. Phillips is a Gold Star son and a self-described “[c]ommon sense aficionado.” Rated one of the most bipartisan lawmakers, he worked with Texas Republican Chip Roy on the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act that then-President Trump signed into law to save small American businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stocks likely to keep up positive momentum on strong valuationsDickey’s Barbecue Pit Opens First Location in Oaxaca de Juárez, Spearheading Expansion in Mexico

Your weekly horoscope is here . The countdown is on! This week sees us waving sayonara to 2024, hello 2025! New year, new you! La Luna helms the new year with a new moon on Monday, so your new year intentions catch the upswing on the lunar cycle. As we breeze through the last few days of 2024, take stock, reflect, and write or share in a circle with friends and family. Let go of what you’re not taking into 2025! Then focus on what you’re grateful for. This sets up the perfect potion for inviting in those wishes and plans for the coming year. New Year’s plans benefit from a range of different kinds of people, or a group you’re part of, since the moon is in quirky, friendship-oriented Aquarius. On Thursday, Venus moves into glamorous Pisces, so remember we’re wearing rose-tinted glasses when it comes to love and aesthetics! Read on to discover what’s in store for your sign during the week of December 29, 2024, through January 4, 2025. Aries It’s new moon, new year, new you time, Aries. This week’s new moon falls in your professional and public image sphere, so contemplate your aspirations, get clear, and write your manifesto for the year ahead. You’re a sign that likes a target, so give yourself a clear goal to focus your foundational steps and decisions through the year. Think about how you want to be seen, what you want to achieve, status, recognition, and what you want to build. Structure and strategy are key, so lean into them. Learn different types of business structures, etc., and it will hold you in good stead. How do you wish to be seen? Show up as that person consistently. Venus in your sphere of sleep and dreams suggests some time out to get in touch with your desires, what brings you pleasure, and the more artistic, altruistic, subtle side of life. Taurus A new moon in your sphere of long-range vision (and travel), personal philosophy, and study suggests doubling down on this season’s planning. It may be the festive holiday season, but perhaps that gives you time out of your usual routine to open your mind to possibility. Write a list of how you will be expanding your horizons in 2025 and beyond—where and how you envision personal growth as well as professional—and commit to the potential. Happy New Year for Wednesday! On Thursday, your ruling planet Venus switches signs, this month gliding through sensitive Pisces. This bodes well for love, beauty, aesthetics, and creativity. Those invites keep rolling in past the party season with Venus activating your zone of friendships and groups, so work your magic on new connections and keep up with your favorites. Gemini This final week of 2024 hosts the new moon, activating your sphere of shared resources with themes of professional and long-term strategy, planning, and partnership. Set your intentions for what you want to achieve with and via others and their resources, while bringing your own best in show, of course. Aligning almost with the new year and covering the time we tend to set our New Year’s resolutions, the skies couldn’t be more in our favor for goal-setting. New Year’s Day, the moon moves into a social sign that prefers the broad mix of a group, so if you’re out and about or favoring New Year’s Day celebrations over NYE, then work the crowd! Be that social butterfly and pick up all the links, ideas, stories, contacts, and networks, as they may turn out to broaden your mind and horizons. 2025 puts your sign into even more of a focus, continuing a pattern of growth and change that will last several years, so embrace the new and be the change you want to see in the world! Cancer It’s finally here—the end-of-year peak in expectation, good intentions, and valiant resolutions! Since a new moon precedes the new year, set your resolutions on its lunar cycle so they grow with its light. And of course, as we do what is in our power to do, we achieve them. Set your goal for a peak or harvest in six months’ time, then a closing of the cycle for this time next year. The new moon is activating your relationship sphere, so add some specifics for that area of life. What are you grateful for now? What are you calling in? Feel, and experience in your body and imagination, the partnerships that mutually amplify you. What kind of person do you need, and what kind of partner do you need to be—especially to yourself? Happy New Year, Cancer! Leo Is it the roaring twenties yet? With the new year fast approaching, we’re halfway through the decade, so Leos, it’s up to you to exercise your roar power in 2025! As a new moon on Monday lights up your sphere of work and wellness, set your professional vision in place to achieve your goals the old-fashioned way: taking dynamic, strategic action toward them. Yes, we can all get lucky, and while we wait for that, we go for it and do what we can ourselves. So set your intentions and resolutions on this new moon. Include wellness habits and commitments you’re able to maintain throughout the year with a clear goal. Perhaps that’s to lift your cardio or lift your spirits, improve flexibility or strength. Don’t go for the Oscar on this one; go for maintaining your schedule! Venus in your sphere of intimacy and others’ resources sounds like some ooh la la is in your immediate future. Enjoy the deep yet practical connections. Virgo Setting off the new year with a new moon in your sphere of love, romance, and creative self-expression? You bet! La luna resets just in time to carry your new year resolutions into 2025 and beyond, so set them for amore, fun, and whatever your idea of a good time looks like. This is also the sphere of fame, so is this your year, Virgo? You have to be in it to win it, so sharpen a talent and resolve to get yourself out there. Hey, it’s the journey that counts, but it doesn’t hurt if you reach an enviable destination! Themes of status, achievement through hard work, strategy, and planning are right up your alley, so put it out there and don’t sweat the details just yet. Get in touch with your dream, whether that’s personal, professional, children, or fame, and have a happy new year! Libra With a new moon rounding out the year, it’s time to set your intentions and lavish on the New Year’s resolutions while you’re there. This time la luna activates your domestic sphere, so dress your home to impress. Themes of structure, old-money aesthetics, and a pragmatic approach to your living space abound. Whether it’s a new look or reconfigured, clear chores list so domestic labor is fair and equal, or setting up your home to support your worldly ambition, set your plans with the new moon on Monday. A challenge from this particular lunation supports you to balance your need for harmony with stepping up and being the boss, and perhaps a fear of conflict through setting that structure and ground rules. Find your own charming way (safely) without rolling over! This looks to be a supportive year ahead, so set your plans in motion early in the new year or ASAP! Scorpio Closing off the year, la luna cycles down to a dark then new moon, so let go with the last of its silver light, and set your intentions and New Year’s resolutions on its fresh phase. In your sphere of siblings, local connections, and shorter-term study or teaching, perhaps now is the time to call a long-lost sister, brother, or cousin. Set those intentions for establishing yourself locally. While the world is indeed becoming more connected, it must be balanced with real face-to-face connection. Take it old school and befriend the baker, barista, and board members of your favorite local club, or become one. With Venus heading into watery Pisces, this combo suits your mystic and intimacy-loving side. Go for woo, fantasy, or a hearty dose of bonding with healthy boundaries. In your sphere of love, art, and leisure, get creative with someone sexy! Sagittarius A focus on your financials takes you through into 2025 as a new moon further activates this topic. Take a pragmatic approach to how you’re earning and consider what is and isn’t working. How can you align what you love to do with what actually converts? There are multiple ways of drawing in an income; however, this month the focus is on a more traditional approach. Reputation is important, so build it. Consider approaches that might not make bank immediately but support you over time. Sometimes it’s not what people know; it’s who they know. Network. Be reliable, take a professional angle, and aim for consistency. Of course, there’s the natural dash and spontaneity of Sagittarius; however, when you aim those arrows, consider, “What would a Capricorn do?” Or someone you know or admire who is financially savvy and in a position you want to be in. Set your intentions on empire this year, Sagittarius—or at least the next layer of the build—and have a happy new year! Capricorn The final new moon of 2024 is hosted by your sign on Monday, so set out a ritual to make the most of it. Clear your space (sage/scent), light a candle or set the atmosphere, and reflect on your year. Let go of what you’re not taking through from this point, from a place of love, gratitude, or at least neutrality. From here, you’re ready to open up to the fresh-pressed year ahead. Write down your plans or intentions, or share in a circle of friends or family. Hold hands once everyone has finished and call the intentions in as a group. Keep it positive like you’re welcoming a guest. Invite that guest in! Visualize and feel yourself living your intentions. Close off the circle or your ritual, and give thanks for your plans working with ease. Happy new year, Capricorn! Aquarius This year brought a shift in energy and perhaps circumstances for you, Aquarius. Expect the trend to continue over the next few years with shifts, jolts, and bolts of lightning, sudden change, opportunities, and consciousness-raising moments. Set intentions on Monday’s new moon for capitalizing on the change and being the change-maker yourself! This is your chance to dial into the classic liberty-and-equality-for-all motto your sign is well known for. Join a board, choose a mentor, find your people. Activating your Zen zone, the new moon taking us into 2025 suggests visiting your liminal spaces, tapping into your subconscious, and certainly getting enough R&R ready to tackle 2025. Pisces Say hello to a social new year as the moon resets in your sphere of special interest groups and friendship circles. Set your intentions and some of those New Year’s resolutions to bloom with the growing light of the moon as it phases up through the first weeks of 2025. Now we’re at a quarter of a century—what do you want to experience, find, develop, etc., in your extended circles? For the next year, 5, or 25... When you have a plan (and most people probably don’t for this arena), you’re much more likely to nail the assignment. Venus heads into Pisces on Thursday—what a great start to the year. Loved up, glowy, and feeling completely extra. And why not?! Fake it till you make it if you’re not quite there; uplift your mood and self concept through imagination, creative self expression, and positive reinforcement. This is a great time to update your look for 2025 with headshots, and your version of personal branding. Enjoy arts, crafts, fantasy, and romance. Vanessa Montgomery—a.k.a. Astro All-Starz—is a professional counseling astrologer and the upcoming author of Astro Power: A Simple Guide to Prediction and Destiny for the Modern Mystic . Aimed at enlightenment and seeing past labels to the oneness that unites us all, Montgomery’s work also helps navigate the practical essentials with grounded cosmic intel. Her motto: Free your mind, own your power, create your world. You can learn more at astroallstarz.com or follow Montgomery on Instagram @astro_allstarz .