Author: Emily Harper

Growth in STEM, but Chemistry Falls Behind The landscape of higher education in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. More students than ever are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, chemistry has not kept pace with the explosive growth seen in other disciplines. While the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in biology and engineering nearly doubled between the late 1990s and today, chemistry registered only a modest increase of about 15%. This trend reflects a concerning imbalance. In 1997, just over 400,000 students earned science-related bachelor’s degrees. By 2023, that figure…

BPCE, the parent company of French investment bank Natixis, has made history by issuing Europe’s first defence-focused bond, raising €750 million (about $878 million) through a five-year instrument. The deal attracted robust investor interest, with demand climbing to €2.8 billion, underscoring strong appetite for new financial tools tied to Europe’s expanding defence sector. The bond qualifies as the inaugural issuance under Euronext’s European Defence Bond initiative, a framework designed to encourage the growth of labelled securities targeted at the defence and security industries. According to Euronext, securities listed under this scheme will receive priority processing, making issuance faster and more…

A Rare Clash Between the White House and the Fed A legal showdown is unfolding in Washington after Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his attempt to remove her from the central bank’s board. Cook is challenging the firing order as unlawful, setting the stage for a case that could redefine the limits of presidential power over the Federal Reserve. The suit names both Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as defendants. At its core, the case tests whether the president can dismiss a Fed governor without clear evidence of misconduct, an…

Ariana Grande has revealed plans for her long-awaited return to the stage with the Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first tour in seven years. Beginning in June 2026, the Grammy-winning artist will perform across North America and Europe, concluding with a five-night residency at London’s O2 Arena. The tour supports her seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine, and its deluxe edition, Brighter Days Ahead. Tour Details The tour opens June 6 in Oakland, California, with multiple shows in Los Angeles and Brooklyn before heading to Austin, Atlanta, Boston, Montreal, and Chicago. Grande will wrap up in London with five performances between August 15 and August…

A Strategic Alliance in Berlin Canada and Germany have announced a plan to deepen cooperation in defense and critical minerals, reflecting a shared strategy to reduce reliance on Russia and China while responding to U.S. tariffs. The announcement followed a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, where both leaders emphasized their countries’ aligned interests and goals. Focus on Critical Minerals The centerpiece of the cooperation is a new agreement between the two nations’ economy ministers, focusing on critical minerals essential to advanced technologies and defense. The deal includes joint development and supply…

A Controversial Rebrand Cracker Barrel faced one of the toughest weeks in its history when it unveiled a new logo as part of a sweeping rebranding campaign. The change replaced the familiar rustic design — featuring a barrel and a man in overalls — with a modern shield and clean lettering. Instead of generating excitement, the redesign triggered widespread criticism. Loyal customers saw the update as an abandonment of the chain’s Americana identity, while online debates quickly transformed the decision into a culture war flashpoint. The backlash intensified as critics accused the company of discarding a cherished aesthetic in favor…

Southwest Airlines is preparing to introduce significant modifications to its seating policy for plus-size passengers, changes that will take effect on January 27, 2026. The revisions coincide with the airline’s broader shift to assigned seating, replacing its long-standing open-seating model. Under the new rules, passengers who cannot sit comfortably between the armrests of a single seat must purchase an additional seat at the time of booking. Refunds for the second seat will only be possible under restricted conditions. Travelers must have purchased both seats in the same fare class, the flight must not be completely full, and a refund request…

A Veteran Wideout Returns to Minnesota The Carolina Panthers have completed a trade that sends veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen back to his original team, the Minnesota Vikings. The deal involves an exchange of future draft picks, marking a strategic move for both franchises as they balance experience with long-term roster building. Thielen, now 35, spent nine seasons in Minnesota before joining Carolina as a free agent. His career with the Vikings included 534 receptions for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns, along with two Pro Bowl appearances. After a productive first season with the Panthers in 2023, where he caught…

E3’s Response to Iran’s Non-Compliance France, Britain, and Germany—known as the E3—have taken steps to invoke the “snapback” clause of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This would restore pre-2015 United Nations sanctions against Iran, citing serious breaches of the nuclear deal. The move comes after years of rising tensions, with Tehran advancing its nuclear program far beyond the agreed limits. If enacted, sanctions would automatically reapply across a broad range of areas. These include a conventional arms embargo, restrictions on missile development, and measures targeting financial assets and international travel. The snapback system is designed to bypass…

President’s Move Strikes at Fed Independence On August 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing alleged mortgage fraud. According to Trump, Cook had claimed two separate properties as primary residences in 2021 to obtain better mortgage terms. The president said this constituted misconduct sufficient for dismissal. Cook, however, swiftly rejected the action. She emphasized in a written statement that the president lacked authority to fire a governor before the expiration of her legally fixed term. Cook was first appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022 and confirmed by the Senate, then reappointed…