Latest news with #PacificIslands
CBS News
2 hours ago
- Science
- CBS News
Lava fountains over 1,000 feet high shoot from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano sent jets of lava shooting over 1,000 feet into the air early Friday morning, marking another explosive episode for the active volcano. The volcanic activity began at 11:30 p.m. local time Thursday, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which is operated by the U.S. Geological Survey. At first, the activity was "small, sporadic spattering" and lava outflows, the observatory said. But as time went on, the activity "continued to increase in intensity." By 1:40 a.m. Friday, the lava fountains erupting from the volcano's north vent were reaching heights of over 1,000 feet, the observatory said. That intensity overlapped with an increase in seismic activity, the observatory said. Fifteen minutes later, at 1:55 a.m. local time, the volcano was continuing to emit 800-foot-high fountains of lava. A camera at the volcano continued to livestream images of impressive lava fountains shooting into the air. Lava erupts from Kilauea on June 20, 2025. U.S. Geological Survey The fountains are feeding a lava flow, the observatory said. The lava flow remains contained in the Halema'uma'u caldera, a crater at the top of the volcano, the observatory said. The volcano also released a volcanic cloud about 15,000 feet into the air. The observatory warned that the plume may include hazards, including strands of volcanic glass known as Pele's hair and rock fragments called tephra. These hazards, along with volcanic gas, can have "far-reaching effects downwind," the observatory said. Winds around the volcano are blowing from the north, so these fragments may be distributed south of the caldera, the observatory said. This is the volcano's 26th lava fountaining episode since December 2024. Most episodes have lasted for a day or less, and are separated by pauses of at least several days, the observatory said. Kilauea, located on the Big Island's Hawaii Volcanoes National Park about 200 miles from Honolulu, is one of six active volcanoes in Hawaii. It is also one of the world's most active volcanoes. Its eruptions have become a popular attraction. The USGS also offers multiple YouTube livestreams of the volcanic activity. Hawaii is also home to the largest active volcano in the world, Mauna Loa. The volcano is also located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and last erupted in 2022.
NHK
4 hours ago
- Business
- NHK
New Zealand, China leaders affirm importance of economic ties
The leaders of New Zealand and China have affirmed the importance of their country's economic ties. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday in Beijing. This is Luxon's first visit to China since he took office in November 2023. Luxon said he wants to maintain healthy trade ties with China, which is his country's largest trading partner. He cited education and tourism as areas for cooperation. Meanwhile, Xi noted the two nations share a long relationship that has delivered tangible benefits to both sides. But differences remain between the two countries. China has been lobbying New Zealand in its efforts to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or CPTPP. New Zealand is already a signatory of the pact, but China's move puts it in a difficult position as other members have reportedly raised concerns Beijing cannot meet the agreement's high standards. The meeting also came one day after New Zealand announced it will halt millions of dollars in financial aid to the Cook Islands. The island chain signed a strategic partnership agreement with China without telling New Zealand. The two Pacific nations are obliged to consult each other on defense and security matters.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Cash-Heavy Stock with Competitive Advantages and 2 to Question
A cash-heavy balance sheet is often a sign of strength, but not always. Some companies avoid debt because they have weak business models, limited expansion opportunities, or inconsistent cash flow. Just because a business has cash doesn't mean it's a good investment. Luckily, StockStory is here to help you separate the winners from the losers. Keeping that in mind, here is one company with a net cash position that balances growth with stability and two best left off your watchlist. Net Cash Position: $160.5 million (13.5% of Market Cap) A pioneer in connected home audio systems, Sonos (NASDAQ:SONO) offers a range of premium wireless speakers and sound systems. Why Should You Sell SONO? Sales tumbled by 6.3% annually over the last two years, showing consumer trends are working against its favor Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of operating margin losses Negative returns on capital show management lost money while trying to expand the business Sonos's stock price of $9.93 implies a valuation ratio of 47.3x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than SONO. Net Cash Position: $102.4 million (3.9% of Market Cap) Founded in 1897 as a financial anchor for the newly annexed Hawaiian territory, Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH) is a financial institution providing banking, investment, and insurance services primarily to customers in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. Why Are We Wary of BOH? Net interest income was flat over the last four years, indicating it's failed to expand this cycle Net interest margin of 2.2% reflects its high servicing and capital costs Sales over the last five years were less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 6.8% annually while its revenue was flat At $65.22 per share, Bank of Hawaii trades at 1.8x forward P/B. If you're considering BOH for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. Net Cash Position: $195.4 million (12.6% of Market Cap) Founded by famous lawyer Robert Shapiro, LegalZoom (NASDAQ:LZ) offers online legal services and documentation assistance for individuals and businesses. Why Do We Like LZ? Subscription Units have grown by 10.5% annually, allowing for more profitable cross-selling opportunities if it can build complementary products and features Share buybacks catapulted its annual earnings per share growth to 289%, which outperformed its revenue gains over the last three years Free cash flow margin jumped by 13.1 percentage points over the last few years, giving the company more resources to pursue growth initiatives, repurchase shares, or pay dividends LegalZoom is trading at $8.65 per share, or 9x forward EV/EBITDA. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today Sign in to access your portfolio
South China Morning Post
12 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Cook Islands defends China deals after US$11 million New Zealand aid pause
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown on Friday defended a string of contentious deals with China, saying they did not 'compromise' the Pacific island nation's sovereignty. The agreements prompted major donor New Zealand to halt aid funding to close partner the Cook Islands, citing a 'lack of consultation'. The Cook Islands has a 'free association' relationship with its former colonial ruler New Zealand, which provides budgetary assistance as well as help on foreign affairs and defence. Brown defended the Cook Islands' right to engage with international partners such as China. The deals, signed in February, did not 'compromise Cook Islands' sovereignty,' he said. The Cook Islands caught New Zealand off guard when it signed a slew of agreements with China covering deep-sea mining, regional cooperation and economic issues.
RNZ News
12 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 20 June
Photo: RNZ Two Fiji-born wingers will be on opposite sides in Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final. Chiefs player Emoni Narawa will line up against Sevu Reece of the Crusaders in what is expected to be also a final All Blacks trial run for the duo. Both are in contention for All Blacks inclusion, with impressive performances so far this season. Narawa scored two tries against the Brumbies in their semi-final clash last weekend, while Reece is the competition's top try-scorer with 66 tries. Public ticket allocations for the final were exhausted within minutes of going on sale on Tuesday. A number of players with Pasifika heritage were on opposing sides in Wednesday's State of Origin II in Perth, which the Queensland Maroons won 26-24. Queensland's win means the series with be decided in the third game in three weeks. Samoa heritage player Valentine Holmes was a star for the Maroons, with a perfect night off the tee, kicking four conversions and a penalty goal. The Blues had a number of players with Samoan lineage, which included winger Brian To'o, who scored a hat trick, foward Payne Haas and Jarome Luai. PNG Hunters head coach Paul Aiton says they can not afford 'silly errors' when they meet the Brisbane Tigers in the Hostplus Cup round 14 match in Brisbane on Sunday. The Post-Courier reports Aiton saying he does not want to see the same mistakes that have cost them two recent matches happening again against the Tigers. He says while the team's forward pack and bench rotation have performed well, they've struggled to consistently finish sets and close out games. But despite the challenges and a significant number of debutants this season, Aiton remains confident, believing consistent execution will lead to positive results for the team. Papua New Guinea's women's Twenty20 cricket team has beaten the Australian indigenous team for the first time, at a cricket invitational in Port Moresby. Chasing 112 runs to win, the Lewas reached the target with one ball to spare and two wickets in hand, finishing on 113 for 8. They also top the table with two days of matches to play, based on net run rate. In Thursday's other game, Vanuatu beat Samoa by nine runs. On Friday, PNG is taking on Vanuatu and Samoa plays the Australian indigenous team. Tonga's sports minister Sinai Tu'itahi says funds will be secured for the hosting of the 2031 Pacific Games. Talanoa 'o Tonga reported both Tu'itahi and Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke "agree to host the 2031 Pacific Games in Tonga" and have detailed funding plans that will be presented in Parliament soon. Tu'itahi said the sports levy fee, initially set up for the hosting of the 2019 Pacific Games which Tonga later backed out of, will be diverted towards preparation for the 2031 Games. She also confirmed that two unnamed foreign countries have offered support, with the government already stating it will need around US$26 million to fund its six‑year Games roadmap. Flanker Miracle Failagi has extended his Super Rugby Pacific contract with Moana Pasifika. The franchise said the 25-year-old has become an important figure for the team. Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said Failagi is a huge part of the Moana Pasifika movement. Failagi formed a strong loose trio partnership with departing captain Ardie Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa this year and ranked among the top tacklers and ball carriers in the competition. The head of Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) Keziah Lewis has resigned. Cook Islands News reported the committee has confirmed the resignation. Committee president, Luisa Peters, said Lewis had successfully steered the organization through two leadership changes and introduced new ideas which aimed to benefit athletes and the sporting community. Lewis' resignation will be effective from 10 July.
