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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Canadian Real Estate Association Forecasts Surge in Home Demand for 2025, Condo Market Remains Flat


The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has released its housing market forecast for 2025, predicting a significant increase in demand for homes across the country. According to CREA, the combination of over two years of pent-up demand and lower borrowing costs is expected to drive a rebound in home sales. The national average home price is projected to rise by 4.7% to $722,221 this year.

However, the forecast for the condo market tells a different story. While demand for single-family homes is expected to surge, the condo market is anticipated to remain relatively flat. This divergence is attributed to changing buyer preferences and the lingering effects of the pandemic on urban living trends.

The forecast also highlights regional variations, with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan expected to see higher price gains due to already high sales levels and low inventories. Conversely, Ontario and British Columbia are expected to experience more modest price increases due to their already high housing costs.

Overall, CREA's outlook for 2025 suggests a dynamic and evolving real estate market, with single-family homes leading the charge while condos take a backseat.



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