Benjamin Hall, Author at Cactus three

Dolly Parton turns 80 today and released music to help you celebrate

16

Jan

Culture and Entertainment

New Music from Dolly Parton for Her 80th Birthday Bash

On the eve of a milestone birthday, Dolly Parton once again chose to celebrate by giving rather than receiving. A new musical release, a charitable purpose and a statewide tribute converged to remind audiences why her influence extends far beyond the stage.Turning 80 is often portrayed as a time to look back, but for Dolly Parton, the milestone served as a chance to reaffirm the principles that have guided her public presence for decades. Celebrated worldwide for a body of songwriting that spans country, pop and Americana, Parton has also gained wide acclaim for long-standing philanthropic efforts centered on education,…

Americans are paying more than ever for cars. Cheap models are disappearing

16

Jan

By Benjamin Hall

Investments and Business

The Shrinking Pool of Affordable Cars: A US Price Crisis

For many Americans, owning a new car under $20,000 has become a thing of the past. As entry-level models disappear from dealer lots, the average cost of a new vehicle has skyrocketed, leaving lower-income buyers with fewer options and reshaping the automotive landscape.In 2024, US shoppers could still find a small selection of vehicles listed for under $20,000, but today not a single new model falls beneath that price point. Recent estimates from Kelley Blue Book indicate that buyers paid an average of $50,326 for a new car in December 2025, setting a new record, while Edmunds reported a slightly…

Trump and northeastern governors push for massive electricity auction to make tech giants defray costs

16

Jan

By Benjamin Hall

Economy

Tech Giants to Pay? Trump & Northeast Governors Propose Auction

As electricity demand accelerates across the United States, a new proposal has placed the energy consumption of large technology companies at the center of a broader debate about infrastructure, affordability and responsibility. What began as a technical discussion about grid capacity has evolved into a political and economic question with nationwide implications.The administration of Donald Trump, alongside a group of governors from northeastern states, has urged PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the country, to consider holding an extraordinary electricity auction. The goal is to secure new, long-term energy generation while shifting more of the financial burden toward…

Venezuela has a ton of oil. It also has something else America needs

16

Jan

By Benjamin Hall

International

The Unseen Value: Venezuela’s Gifts Beyond Crude Oil for America

Venezuela’s vast natural wealth has once again entered Washington’s strategic calculations. Beyond oil, the country’s potential mineral resources are being framed as assets of national importance, even as experts warn that turning ambition into reality would be far more complex than political rhetoric suggests.When Donald Trump announced that U.S. companies would be allowed to tap into Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the spotlight swiftly broadened far beyond petroleum, and policy discussions increasingly began to encompass minerals, metals, and even rare earth elements thought to lie beneath Venezuelan territory, resources considered vital across sectors such as defense, aerospace, clean energy, and consumer…

Trump has tariffs. Europe has a trade bazooka. This Greenland standoff could get ugly, fast

15

Jan

By Benjamin Hall

Economy

Greenland: The Next Flashpoint in the Trump-Europe Trade Battle

A new round of tariff threats has intensified economic uncertainty across the Atlantic, raising concerns that trade disputes could spill over into broader financial and political consequences. What began as a diplomatic standoff now risks becoming a structural challenge for two of the world’s most interconnected economies.The most recent alerts voiced by Donald Trump have stirred renewed concern over a potential trade clash between the United States and multiple European countries, as the administration’s hint at new tariffs on imports from several Northern and Western European nations has heightened strains on logistics networks, business strategies and diplomatic ties, and although…

13

Jan

By Benjamin Hall

Investments and Business

Why Panama remains a top destination for real estate investors and what sets Oceana Santa María apart

Panama has become one of Latin America’s most appealing destinations for real estate investment, supported by its resilient economy, advantageous tax policies, and its pivotal role as a global commercial hub. As international investors pursue stable environments with strong growth potential, Panama’s luxury property market is drawing increasing interest.According to insights shared on the Oceana Santa María website, the country is portrayed as an appealing destination for property investment, backed by political stability, a robust banking sector, and its use of the U.S. dollar. Together with Panama’s expanding infrastructure and strong quality of life, these elements have helped establish the…