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Europe Scorched by Record Heatwave: France and Italy Take Emergency Measures

As a blistering heatwave tightens its grip on Europe, countries are scrambling to protect citizens from soaring temperatures and mounting health risks. France has shuttered over 1,350 schools  and closed the top floor of the Eiffel Tower as temperatures surged past 40°C (104°F)  in several regions. Sixteen French departments are now under the highest heat alert, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated and indoors during peak hours. Meanwhile, Italy has imposed restrictions on outdoor work , particularly in agriculture and construction, during the hottest parts of the day. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice are under red alerts, with hospitals reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses. The Mediterranean Sea has also hit record highs, with waters in Spain’s Balearic Sea reaching 30°C , up to 6 degrees above average. Scientists warn that Europe—already warming at twice the global average —is facing increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. New ...

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Toronto housing market cools down as prices fall for fourth month in a row

 


The Toronto housing market showed signs of slowing down in November, as home sales rose slightly but prices continued to decline for the fourth consecutive month. 

According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, the average selling price for all home types in the Greater Toronto Area was $1,051,000 in November, down 0.6 per cent from October and 5.3 per cent from July, when it reached a record high of $1,108,000. 

The number of home sales increased by 2.1 per cent month-over-month and 13.5 per cent year-over-year, reaching 8,766 transactions in November. However, the sales growth was mainly driven by low-rise segments such as detached and semi-detached houses, while condo sales declined by 8.8 per cent from October and 2.4 per cent from November 2020. 

The board attributed the cooling of the market to a combination of factors, including the end of the pandemic-induced surge in demand, the increase in new listings, the tightening of mortgage rules, and the anticipation of higher interest rates. “The GTA housing market has moved to a more balanced position compared to earlier this year and last year,” said TRREB president Kevin Crigger in a statement. “This could mark the start of a period of more moderate price growth, which would be healthy and sustainable over the long term.”

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