NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are rising on Wall Street Friday at the start of a shortened trading session. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, led by gains in technology companies. Stocks are set to end the abbreviated trading week with a gain, with investors encouraged by progress in getting a vaccine distributed and halting the pandemic’s grip on the global economy. Meanwhile, retailers are hoping that their slumping sales can get a boost from shoppers on Black Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which earlier this week crossed 30,000 for the first time, rose 0.4%. U.S. markets close at 1 pm Eastern after being shut for the Thanksgiving holiday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump still won’t bring himself to concede the election he decisively lost to President-elect Joe Biden. But he’s now acknowledging he will leave the White House if Biden’s win is affirmed by the Electoral College, which is firmly on track to do just that in a few weeks. Trump took questions from reporters Thursday for the first time since the election. While he won’t acknowledge that Biden beat him fair and square, there were some signs Trump is coming to terms with his defeat. For example, he expressed concern that Biden will end up getting the credit for coronavirus vaccines developed in the Trump era.

COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) — As coronavirus cases are surging around the country, some colleges and universities are rethinking some of their plans for next semester. Those not joining the growing number that will offer only virtual learning are assessing how they would bring students back while the virus is raging nationwide. Schools are planning adjustments to testing protocols, introducing new screenings, and eliminating spring breaks to discourage students from traveling to help keep campuses open.

NEW YORK (AP) — After months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy, Black Friday is offering a small beacon of hope. Black Friday is normally the busiest shopping day of the year and draws millions of shoppers eager to get started on their holiday spending. But a spike in coronavirus cases is threatening the economy’s recovery from the sudden plunge in the spring. Crowds were dramatically diminished as shoppers buy more online. Many retailers are beefing up their safety protocols. They are moving their doorbuster deals online and offering curbside pickup as a last grasp at sales before they head into the dark days of winter.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Christmas tree growers who have faced increased interest in artificial trees in recent years say demand for real, fresh-cut evergreens is strong this season. Wholesale growers and small farms alike say customers are showing up earlier than normal and there are more of them. More Americans are staying home for the holidays amid coronavirus restrictions and want a new — or renewed — tradition to end a dreary year on a happier note. Plus, the Christmas Tree Promotion Board says fresh-cut trees are largely displayed outside, where there’s a lower risk of viral spread.

Franklin Township police Chief, Rudolph Harkins, reported a short time ago that  a Butler area man died as a result of injuries in a two car accident at 5:30 p.m. yesterday in the 400 block of Route 288. The chief reported that one of the vehicles crossed the road into the other lane, and police are to make a determination following an investigation.