Author: Emily Harper

Rising Cancellations and Slowing Sales In Los Angeles, real estate agent Scott Price recently experienced a rare event: a client withdrew from a home purchase just two days before closing. Citing job security concerns, the buyer forfeited their 3% deposit — an increasingly common occurrence nationwide. According to Redfin data, between March 17 and April 13, more than 14% of US home purchase agreements were canceled, the highest rate for this period since the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. While some hoped 2025’s spring housing market would rebound after a sluggish 2024, mounting economic uncertainty has dashed…

Cardinals Gather Ahead of the Vote Catholic cardinals have officially set May 7 as the start date for the conclave that will elect Pope Francis’ successor. Initially, the conclave could have begun earlier, but the cardinals decided to extend the pre-conclave period by two days to foster discussions, strengthen relationships, and deepen familiarity among themselves. Informal meetings began Monday, shortly after Pope Francis’ funeral, amid a flurry of media attention outside Vatican walls. In the early sessions, emotions ranged from hope to cautious optimism. Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi expressed a desire for unity, reflecting a broad sentiment among many…

A High-Stakes Election Shaped by Cross-Border Strain Canadians are heading to the polls in an election heavily influenced by economic uncertainty and an increasingly tense relationship with the United States. Recent tariffs on Canadian exports, along with controversial annexation threats from U.S. leadership, have created a backdrop of national anxiety that shaped the tone and urgency of this year’s campaign. At the heart of the election, voters are deciding whether to grant interim Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party a full mandate, or whether it is time for the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, to take control…

A Hidden Shield Beneath Yellowstone Yellowstone National Park, known for its stunning geothermal wonders, sits atop one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world. For years, scientists have known about the presence of magma beneath its surface, but much of its internal structure remained a mystery. Now, a team of researchers from Rice University, the University of New Mexico, the University of Utah, and the University of Texas at Dallas has made a significant discovery that sheds new light on the park’s volcanic stability. The scientists found a massive magma cap located approximately 2.4 miles beneath Yellowstone. Acting…

Whitecaps take advantage at home as Messi, Suárez and Busquets fail to respond; Mascherano accepts full responsibility. Inter Miami’s hopes of reaching the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup suffered a serious blow on Thursday night, falling 2–0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the semifinals at BC Place. Goals from Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter gave the Canadian side a commanding lead ahead of next week’s second leg in Miami. Despite fielding a star-studded lineup that included Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami failed to generate significant danger in the final…

As global tourism adapts to shifting post-pandemic expectations, all-inclusive resorts are evolving from static beach retreats into gateways for exploration and cultural immersion. From Dominica to the Mediterranean, a growing number of luxury properties are expanding their offerings beyond the buffet line to meet a new kind of traveler: one who wants both comfort and connection. From Relaxation to Exploration For decades, the all-inclusive model was built around simplicity—guests checked in and stayed put, indulging in sun, food, and entertainment without leaving the resort. That narrative is changing rapidly. Gregor Nassief, owner of Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort in…

Political Pressure Clouds Fed’s Policy Impact President Donald Trump’s push for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve may not deliver the benefits consumers hope for. While central bank rate reductions typically aim to stimulate the economy, experts suggest that current economic and political dynamics could limit their effectiveness—particularly when it comes to long-term borrowing costs like mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. Trump has publicly criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell, repeatedly calling for a cut in short-term interest rates to support growth. However, his confrontational approach and tariff-heavy trade agenda may be creating more uncertainty than relief. These factors,…

As international stakeholders prepare to gather in London for a major sustainability summit, attention is turning to how climate goals can be realistically achieved through smarter financial strategies. The transition to a low-carbon global economy demands more than just goodwill—it requires meaningful incentives that steer capital away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable alternatives. Tax breaks, investment credits, and targeted grants are already widely used to support clean energy innovation, but experts argue that performance-based mechanisms should play a larger role. These include programs where financial rewards are directly linked to measurable emissions reductions or other environmental benchmarks. Equally important,…

Political Rhetoric Returns Amid Canadian Election Campaign U.S. President Donald Trump has once again placed Canada in the spotlight, resurfacing his controversial suggestion that the country would function better as a U.S. state. After a brief period of silence regarding Canadian affairs, Trump’s latest remarks were made in the context of ongoing trade disputes and as the Canadian federal election intensifies. Trump asserted that Canada relies heavily on the United States economically, pointing to high volumes of trade and falsely claiming that the U.S. subsidizes Canada by hundreds of billions of dollars annually. His renewed comments come at a time…

A Color Humans Were Never Meant to See In a groundbreaking study led by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, researchers claim to have discovered a previously unseen color named “Olo.” Unlike anything found in the natural world, this color cannot be observed with the naked eye. It is revealed only under an extremely specific condition: when targeted laser light stimulates a particular type of cone cell in the human retina. The visual experience is described as a deep, highly saturated teal — richer and more intense than any shade found in nature. What makes this discovery especially intriguing…