Author: Barbara T. Palmer

US stock futures are on the rise as concerns over Iran’s recent attack on Israel begin to ease. The focus now shifts back to earnings season and the potential risks of inflation. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 futures are all up, with investors seemingly shrugging off initial fears of a full-blown war in the Middle East. Efforts to discourage Israel from retaliating have helped calm nerves in the market. Stocks have been under pressure recently due to lackluster earnings reports and inflation concerns. All eyes are now on results from companies such as Goldman Sachs and Charles…

Apple recently made headlines with a significant change to its repair policy, which includes using used genuine parts for select iPhone repairs. While this move may seem controversial to some, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering defended the practice in a recent interview. One of the most contentious aspects of Apple’s repair policy is parts pairing, which involves digitally pairing the serial number of a component to the serial number of the iPhone. This process is said to be essential for authentication and calibration, ultimately ensuring the best user experience. However, parts pairing has faced criticism, especially in light…

The Iowa Hawkeyes have secured their spot in the women’s national championship game after a thrilling victory over UConn in the semifinal. They will now face off against the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon. Caitlin Clark has been a standout player for Iowa in her final season, making history as the all-time leading women’s scorer and NCAA Division I overall career scoring leader. In the semifinal against UConn, Clark scored 21 points to lead the Hawkeyes to victory. On the other side, South Carolina steamrolled past North Carolina State in the semifinal, with Kamilla Cardoso putting…

A group of more than 150 Jewish Hollywood professionals have come out in support of director Jonathan Glazer following his controversial Oscars speech, which has sparked a wave of criticism. Supportive signatories include A-listers such as Joaquin Phoenix, Joel Coen, and Ilana Glazer, who have signed an open letter condemning the attacks on Glazer and criticizing the distraction from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. While Glazer’s speech has been denounced by the Anti-Defamation League and hundreds of other Jewish Hollywood figures, there are differing opinions within the Jewish community on both Glazer’s speech and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Filmmaker Ken Loach…

Zimbabwe Launches New Gold-Backed Currency, Zim Gold Zimbabwe’s central bank has made headlines with the recent launch of a brand new currency called Zim Gold, backed by gold, foreign currencies, and precious minerals. The move comes as an effort to combat inflation and stabilize the country’s struggling economy. In an attempt to breathe new life into their currency, the central bank will convert existing Zimbabwe dollar balances into the new Zim Gold. The new banknotes come in eight different denominations, ranging from one to 200 ZiG, and feature images of gold ingots and Zimbabwe’s iconic Balancing Rocks. Zimbabweans are now…

The NFL world was rocked today as the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans agreed to a major trade involving star wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The four-time Pro Bowler is on the move, with the Bills sending him to Houston along with a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. This trade has the potential to shake up the balance of power in the AFC, as both teams look to reshape their offenses with Diggs in a new environment. Diggs’ production in Buffalo declined last season after a coaching change, prompting the trade.…

President Biden Under Fire for Response to Israeli Airstrike President Biden is facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans following his response to an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza. While expressing outrage over the deaths, Biden did not indicate a change in his approach to supporting Israel. Demanding an investigation into the attack and accountability for those responsible, Biden is said to be privately enraged over the airstrike. However, critics, including former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau, argue that Biden’s private anger is not enough and that he appears weak for not using leverage…

Hollywood heartthrob Alan Ritchson opens up about his tattoo collection and struggles with mental health Alan Ritchson, known for his roles in hit TV shows like “Jack Reacher”, has been making waves in Hollywood not just for his acting skills, but also for his growing tattoo collection. Each tattoo tells a story, representing his family, personal experiences, and struggles with mental health. Recently, Ritchson unveiled his newest tattoo, a symbol of his battle with bipolar disorder and ADHD. Despite his success, he remains candid about the challenges he has faced, using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.…

Indianapolis Colts’ Julian Blackmon Talks Return to Team on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon recently made headlines as he announced his decision to re-sign with the team on a one-year contract. The news comes after Blackmon explored other options in free agency before ultimately opting to return home to Indianapolis. Blackmon’s return is seen as a major win for the Colts, who have been busy this spring re-signing or extending various players to strengthen their roster. His leadership on the field and standout performances as a full-time strong safety have been instrumental in the team’s defense.…

Authorities in Sanford, Maine have issued a warning to residents about a possible rabid fox in the area. Reports have come in regarding a fox in the Chippendale Drive area that may be exhibiting signs of rabies. Game wardens are currently trying to locate the animal in order to prevent any potential harm to the community. The public is being urged to report any sightings of a fox in the area that appears lethargic or unhealthy. While foxes are typically shy and do not approach humans or pets, caution is advised if encountering one that does not run away. Rabid…