U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
Raging Wildfire Engulfs Jasper, Alberta: A Perfect Storm of Destruction
In a devastating turn of events, a wildfire that began 12 kilometers away from Jasper, Alberta, transformed into an unstoppable force, leaving firefighters powerless. The inferno, fueled by relentless winds gusting up to 100 kilometers per hour, created a 100-meter-tall wall of fire that consumed buildings within the townsite.
Scientists attribute this catastrophe to a trifecta of factors: prolonged drought, dense forests filled with dead lodgepole pine trees, and strong winds that funneled the fire toward the town. The situation in Jasper is dire, with potentially 30% to 50% structural damage. Authorities are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding a community that has been ravaged by this natural disaster.
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