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Markets Rebound as Trump Softens Stance on Power Plant Shutdown Threat

  Stock futures surged early Monday after President Donald Trump backed away from a threat to shut down certain U.S. power plants, easing investor concerns about potential disruptions to the energy grid and broader economic fallout. Major index futures—including the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq—turned sharply higher as traders interpreted the shift as a sign of policy stability after a volatile week. The reversal helped restore confidence across sectors that had been rattled by the possibility of sudden regulatory intervention. Oil prices, meanwhile, tumbled as energy markets recalibrated. Crude had spiked on fears of supply constraints tied to the power plant dispute, but with the threat withdrawn, prices slid back toward recent lows. Analysts noted that the drop reflects both reduced geopolitical tension and ongoing concerns about global demand. Investors will now be watching for additional signals from the administration and regulators to determine whether Monday’s rally mar...
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Southern Europe Braces for Prolonged Heat Wave Amid Wildfire Concerns

 


Greek authorities have issued a warning about an impending weeklong heat wave during the summer tourist season. Much of southern Europe is sweltering under high temperatures, with a high risk of dangerous wildfires. The heat wave, expected to last at least a week, comes after June 2024 was declared the hottest June on record in Greece. Southwesterly winds from Africa are driving temperatures to sometimes exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) until July 19.

In neighboring North Macedonia, authorities have also taken action. They’ve issued a weeklong heat alert starting Friday in the small, landlocked Balkan country. People are urged to stay indoors when possible and avoid heavy labor during the hottest hours of the day. Emergency measures include keeping pregnant women and people over 60 off work, banning construction from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and moving kindergarten classes indoors after 11 a.m. Health officials have reported an increase in heat-related health problems, and wildfires have surged, with 14 registered nationwide in the past 24 hours.

Greece, too, faces a very high risk of wildfires, and this summer has been described as the most dangerous in the past 20 years. Unusually dry winter and spring conditions have left vegetation and forests tinder-dry. Greek firefighters, aided by drones and a strengthened fleet of water-bombing aircraft, have battled over 2,000 wildfires since June. While most were contained quickly, the threat remains. Let’s hope for cooler days ahead and vigilance in fire prevention efforts. 


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