The Wall Street Journal

An invisible barrier is keeping many Americans from getting ahead—the midcareer stall. https://on.wsj.com/4wZNF2B

I may take a beat before booking a trip to Club Med's new South Africa resort. It's opening in July and they're still ironing out some key details, including what to do about the world's three deadliest shark species that roam the waters off the coast. Some say fancy nets should do the trick, but scientists say the barriers will kill local endangered species like the leatherback turtle, and that they’re not that good at keeping out sharks. (Many are caught roaming on the inside.)  Other ideas being floated: tell bathers to avoid reflective jewelry that might catch the attention of a shark and to get out of the ocean when big schools of fish that a shark could be chasing enter the area. Alexandra Wexler Snow's latest A-hed dives into the race against time to avoid comparisons to another popular resort town: the fictional Amity Island, where the mayor decided to open the beaches against the advice of Police Chief Brody in “Jaws.” Free link: https://lnkd.in/eM8-Eei3

What happens when the freedom of being single in your youth turns into the weighty reality of aging alone? For my latest piece for The Wall Street Journal, I spoke with 65-year-old Amy Kant. For decades, Amy cherished her independence—building a career, maxing out her solo 401(k), and dedicating her evenings to her art studio. But after undergoing back surgery and a heart valve replacement, her Boston condo suddenly felt less like a sanctuary and more like a recovery ward. Amy is far from alone. Roughly 10% of U.S. adults ages 50 and older—at least 12.5 million people—are "solo agers" navigating the complexities of eldercare, estate planning, and housing without a spouse or children, according to an AARP analysis. In this story, we dive into the unique financial and emotional hurdles solo agers face, including: -The power of attorney dilemma: Why choosing who will make financial decisions on your behalf is deeply complex when you don't have immediate family. -The "chosen family" reality: Balancing reliance on a network of close friends while respecting the boundaries of their own busy lives. -The housing & interest rate trap: The difficult choice between staying in an impractical home or selling it, giving up a low mortgage rate, and potentially moving away from a core social circle to find an accessible 55+ community. Ultimately, Amy’s story isn't just about the logistics of aging—it's a poignant look at how we define legacy and community in later life. A massive thank you to Amy for sharing her story. 👉 Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eara3Fbd How are you preparing to age alone? Comment below. #SoloAging #Retirement #FinancialPlanning #AgingAlone

Four-legged residents might be the hottest clients in interior design, thanks to a trend known as “barkitecture.” The term once referred to elaborate dog houses, but in recent years has been used to describe how some homeowners are going beyond buying elaborate kennels or cat castles and instead weaving animals’ needs into the bones of a home. Think: cat climbing walls, cozy dog dens and puppy spas with better finishes than some powder rooms. The pet may not hold the deed, but it is increasingly shaping the floor plan. Here, some projects that could serve as inspiration: 🔗 https://on.wsj.com/4dN9nOw

On Saturday, the New York Knicks found out who they would face in their first appearance on this stage in the 21st century. It’s the 7-foot-4 phenom who is already taking over the league. https://on.wsj.com/4dXZgXi

Domaine Romanée-Conti is the most coveted wine in the world. That makes it a major target for criminals. https://on.wsj.com/3PBAlkd

Tom Hanks hosts a revelatory documentary series on World War II; Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman lead a taut thriller; a comedy has satirical fun with FIFA; and much, much more. https://on.wsj.com/4u5JRdq

African nations are resisting Trump aid demands tying lifesaving health funding to minerals access and sensitive medical data.

A deal for 10 acres on Fisher Island threatens Miami’s port and cruise industry. The situation has burst into a brawl involving the city’s most powerful. https://on.wsj.com/4dHsHOk

He-Man makes a big-screen comeback, viewers visit a new ‘Cape Fear’ on Apple TV, Lizzo, Death Cab for Cutie and Modest Mouse release new albums, and more. https://on.wsj.com/4x0FJOz