Author: Emily Harper

Despite the arrival of spring, a lingering chill continues to grip North America. The unexpected change in weather patterns results from a sudden disruption in the polar vortex, an atmospheric phenomenon that has pushed frigid air southward. As a result, large portions of the eastern United States and Canada are experiencing below-average temperatures, with some areas even facing the possibility of snowfall. A Sudden Shift in Atmospheric Patterns The polar vortex is a vast low-pressure system of cold air that typically circulates around the Arctic. This powerful system is closely linked to the polar jet stream, a strong wind current…

Wall Street reacts as ‘Liberation Day’ approaches and recession fears mount. Market Jitters Spread Worldwide Stock markets worldwide began the week with sharp losses as investors braced for President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day”—a new phase of tariff impositions set to begin on April 2. The uncertainty surrounding the extent and economic impact of the upcoming tariffs has rattled confidence from Wall Street to Wellington, triggering widespread sell-offs. In New York, the S&P 500 fell 0.6%, adding to what may become its worst quarter in nearly three years, with a cumulative loss of nearly 6% since the start of the year.…

Death toll surpasses 2,000 as rescuers battle severe obstacles A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday has left over 2,000 people dead, adding to the suffering in a nation already grappling with civil war and widespread displacement. State media confirmed the updated toll Monday, with more than 3,900 injured and hundreds still missing. The epicenter, located near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, unleashed destruction across central regions, flattening homes, temples, and roads and even damaging the city’s airport. Soaring temperatures, fuel shortages, power outages, and a near-total communication breakdown in many rural areas hamper relief and rescue operations.…

Suspected U.S. airstrikes hit multiple Houthi-controlled regions across Yemen early Friday, including residential neighborhoods in the capital, Sanaa. The strikes, described as intense and widespread, marked a significant escalation in America’s ongoing military campaign. This new wave of attacks reportedly injured at least seven people and targeted key areas under rebel control, though the full extent of the damage remains unknown. Strikes in the Capital Amid Holy Ramadan Nights Explosions shook Sanaa during the early morning hours as bombs struck locations in the capital that have long served both military and civilian purposes. According to an Associated Press video, one…

Lululemon surprised Wall Street by delivering strong earnings for the fourth quarter, but a cautious outlook for 2025 spooked investors. Despite rising revenue and beating analyst expectations, the company’s shares dropped 15% as concerns around inflation and economic uncertainty took center stage. Cautious Shoppers, Concerned CEO On Thursday’s earnings call, Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald shared results of a recent customer survey. “Consumers are spending less due to economic and inflation concerns,” McDonald said, pointing to a noticeable drop in U.S. store traffic. He added, “There continues to be considerable uncertainty driven by macro and geopolitical circumstances. That being said, we…

A major power outage near London’s Heathrow Airport—Europe’s busiest—has brought global air travel to a near standstill. With more than 1,350 flights already impacted and ripple effects reaching every continent, industry experts warn that it could take up to a week for operations to return to normal. A Chain Reaction Across the Skies A fire-triggered power outage on Friday forced the complete shutdown of Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s largest travel hubs. According to Flightradar24, at least 120 planes were en route to Heathrow when the sudden closure was announced. Heathrow, which handles nearly 291,000 passengers a day, connects…

Japan made history on Thursday by becoming the first non-host country to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. With a commanding 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium, the Samurai Blue earned their place in the upcoming tournament, set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Sealing the Deal with Second-Half Spark Though Japan dominated much of the first half, Bahrain’s resilient defense kept the scoreboard blank. But Japan’s persistence paid off in the second half. In the 66th minute, substitute Daichi Kamada broke the deadlock with a composed finish. Just three minutes before the…

In a significant development aimed at reducing tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced readiness to observe a ceasefire on energy infrastructure following a U.S.-brokered deal in Riyadh. While welcoming the agreement, Zelenskyy also warned Moscow sternly, highlighting the truce’s fragile nature. A Fragile Truce Amid Continued Strikes In a video address on Tuesday night, President Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would respect the terms of a ceasefire on energy facilities, saying, “A ceasefire for energy infrastructure can start today.” The agreement follows three talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. officials and representatives from Ukraine and Russia. However, Zelenskyy warned that any…

Imagine being looped into a top-secret military operation not because you’re in government—but because of a text. That’s what happened to a civilian who received the Trump administration’s detailed strike plans for Yemen two hours before the bombs dropped. What unfolded next is as surreal as it is alarming. A Text Message That Changed Everything On the morning of March 15, a civilian received a group message not meant for their eyes. It came from Pete Hegseth, the then-secretary of defense under Donald Trump. The message arrived at 11:44 a.m. Eastern Time and was packed with sensitive information: “weapons packages,…

Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is taking serious steps to address overtourism and safety concerns. In 2025, climbers will face new rules: a higher fee, a daily visitor cap, and even a short test. These changes reflect Japan’s growing struggle to manage tourism while preserving its national treasures. Mount Fuji’s Transformation: From Sacred Site to ‘Trash Mountain’ Mount Fuji has long symbolized Japan’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage. But in recent years, the growing influx of hikers—many underprepared—has turned the mountain into what locals now call a “trash mountain.” The effects of this…