Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Is the United States Housing Market Improving in 2023?

What’s happened to the housing market in recent years? What do experts predict for it in the remainder of 2023? How can homebuyers and sellers make the most of market conditions in the months ahead? The United States housing market is on the road to recovery after being disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Experts predict that over the remainder of 2023, home price growth will slow, inventory will remain low, and demand for homes will stay high. Continue reading for an overview of the current housing market.

AI Copyright Lawsuits Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

What is copyright and what’s its relevance in the digital era? How will courts determine the legality of generative AI training and content creation that draws from copyrighted material? A growing number of lawsuits complain that AI tools are being trained and producing content based on copyrighted material. Courts are in the early stages of determining whether AI companies’ use of copyrighted materials to train, create, and sell content is fair use or copyright infringement. Below, we’ll explore AI copyright lawsuits and issues.

How to Offset Tourism’s Carbon Footprint & Travel Responsibly

How much pollution does the tourism industry actually cause? Is it possible to travel the world without polluting it? When we travel, we’re supposed to “leave nothing but footprints,” but tourism’s carbon footprints can wreak havoc on the planet. Thankfully, there are ways to travel responsibly and to give back to local communities, wildlife, and the planet. Here are some tips for seeing the world without harming it in the process.

Is Peak TV Dead, or Are We Just Entering a New Era?

What is Peak TV? Why are some people saying it’s dead? What does the future hold for viewers whose days of choosing from an overwhelming abundance of programming are allegedly over? Peak TV is dead—and the days of Americans being able to choose from the greatest-ever number of original scripted shows is over, according to some. With rising production costs, lagging streaming adoption rates, and strikes, some argue that programming will decline, while others say it’s simply a new era. Keep reading to find out whether Peak TV is really dead or not.

Breaking Down Biden’s SAVE Program

What is the SAVE program? Who will it affect? How do you know if you’re eligible? More than 43 million US students leave college with federal student loan debt—a crushing burden that forces many to forego buying homes and delay key life milestones like having children. President Joe Biden’s income-driven student loan repayment program, SAVE, aims to bring borrowers relief. Here’s a look at the SAVE program, and whether or not you may qualify.

The FTC’s “Click to Cancel” Regulation—Explained

Do you dread canceling subscriptions because the process can be so convoluted? Did you know companies do this on purpose? The global subscription services market is expected to double in size by 2026. Much of its success comes from making it difficult for people to cancel their subscriptions. The US Federal Trade Commission has proposed a “Click to Cancel” rule that would crack down on deceptive company practices. We’ll take a look at the Click to Cancel rule below.

Record-Breaking Heat: Causes & Consequences

What’s causing the record-breaking heat around the globe? Is it man-made or natural? The ten warmest years in recorded history all happened since 2010, and 2023 is on track to beat the record once again. Despite this, there are still many climate change skeptics. Here’s a look at the causes of the recent extreme heat and why the skeptics are wrong.

The Impact of Climate Change on the Construction Industry

What challenges does extreme weather pose for the construction industry? What steps is it taking to meet them? Can the industry weather the impacts of climate change? Extreme heat, wildfires, and hurricanes are on the rise around the globe, and the construction industry, whose profits rise and fall based on the weather, is in the hot seat. As climate change fuels increasingly powerful and destructive weather events, the industry will have to find ways to adapt to survive. Below we’ll take a look at the impact of climate change on the construction industry.

The Effects of Water Scarcity: Is Rationing Enough to Help?

How much does water rationing actually help? What are the impacts of water scarcity around the world? Where is it the worst? Across the globe, a growing number of regions are implementing water rationing to address water scarcity. But as climate change fuels higher temperatures and droughts, rationing might not be enough to ensure that the billions who face shortages have the water they need. Here’s a look at the effects of water scarcity and what can be done to help.

What the Microsoft and Activision Deal Means for Gamers

Why are some wary of the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal? What does it mean for the future of Activision? Microsoft can proceed with a $69 billion deal to purchase video game publisher Activision Blizzard—the largest such deal in gaming history. Some members of the gaming community share the FTC’s concerns, while those in favor of the merger say this is an opportunity for Microsoft to improve Activision. Below we’ll take a look at the ruling and what it means for the future.