Author: John Spears

Measles Cases on the Rise in the U.S. Measles cases have been steadily increasing in the United States, with 64 cases reported so far in 2024, surpassing the total number of cases in all of 2023. The highly contagious virus has spread to 17 states across the country this year, leading to concerns about the resurgence of the disease. In response to the uptick in measles cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory recommending vaccinations for children aged 6 months and older. Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks…

The Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is well underway, with some expected and unexpected outcomes shaking up the competition. Top-seeded teams UConn and Purdue have performed as expected, advancing to the next round with impressive victories. However, North Carolina and Houston have surprised many fans and experts by also securing spots in the Sweet 16. NC State and Clemson have pulled off unexpected victories, causing some upsets in the tournament. Surprisingly, traditional powerhouses Kansas and Kentucky are nowhere to be seen in the second weekend of play. In a rare occurrence, all 1-seeds and 2-seeds have advanced…

Prince Harry was reportedly shocked to learn of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis through the media recently. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement expressing their well wishes for Kate’s health and a speedy recovery. According to the New York Post, Harry and Meghan Markle were caught off guard by the news and were reportedly blindsided by the announcement. Kate herself made the diagnosis public in a video released by Kensington Palace. Since her diagnosis, Kate has undergone major abdominal surgery in January and is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy. The news came as a huge shock to Kate and…

Sony’s highly anticipated film “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” is set to dominate the box office this weekend, with predictions indicating a potential opening weekend of $42 million to $44 million domestically. The film, a direct sequel to the successful “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” sees the return of familiar cast members as they team up with the original Ghostbusters to combat an army of ghosts and prevent a second Ice Age. Despite facing challenges such as mixed reviews and inclement weather along the east coast, Sony remains optimistic about the film’s prospects after raking in $16 million on Friday. However, rival studios are predicting…

The body of University of Missouri student, Riley Strain, was discovered in the Cumberland River in West Nashville after he disappeared on March 8. Strain had been kicked out of a bar in downtown Nashville, where he was attending the spring formal for his fraternity. A multi-state manhunt ensued, leading to the discovery of his bank card on the embankment of the river. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death, although foul play is not suspected at this time. The last known communication from Strain was a text message to a woman he had been talking to.…

The highly anticipated film “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” from Sony / Columbia is set to hit theaters on March 22, 2024, making it the highlight of the penultimate weekend of March. This sequel to 2021’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” boasts a star-studded cast including Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, and Annie Potts, which is sure to attract fans of the franchise. Pre-sales for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” are already outpacing last year’s “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” with the film expected to have a wide release in Premium Large Format theaters. Another film to watch for over the weekend is “Immaculate” from Neon,…

Mark your calendars, Americans, because on April 8, 2024, a spectacular solar eclipse is set to grace the skies of North America. Excitement is building as people across the country prepare for this rare celestial event. The path of totality, where the sun will be completely obscured by the moon, will stretch across 15 states from Mexico to Canada. Even those outside this path will still be able to witness a partial eclipse in all continental U.S. states. The best times to view the eclipse will vary depending on your location, so it’s essential to plan ahead. This upcoming eclipse…

The Japanese Yen Weakened Against the US Dollar After BoJ Announcement In a surprising move, the Bank of Japan recently announced a rate hike for the first time since 2007 and also scrapped its Yield Curve Control policy. This decision led to a weakening of the Japanese Yen across the board, particularly against the US Dollar. The USD climbed to a two-week high, supported by expectations of a more hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve. BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda’s remarks further fueled the selling bias towards the JPY, as did the broad-based strength of the US Dollar. Japan’s Finance Minister,…

The European Union and Egypt have recently signed a 7.4 billion-euro aid package, aimed at addressing economic pressures and conflicts in the region, as well as potential migratory pressures on European shores. The deal, signed in Cairo by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, includes both grants and loans for the next three years. The agreement between Egypt and the EU promotes a strategic and comprehensive partnership, with a focus on promoting democracy, human rights, and gender equality, while also addressing challenges related to migration and terrorism. The EU has committed to providing…

In a landslide victory, President Vladimir Putin has secured a record 88% of the vote in Russia’s presidential election, according to exit polls and early results. With this win, Putin is on track to become Russia’s longest-serving leader in over two centuries, holding a six-year term. This historic victory marks the highest ever result in Russia’s post-Soviet history. The election comes just over two years since Putin initiated the conflict in Ukraine, which he has labeled as a “special military operation.” Despite Putin’s widely anticipated re-election due to his strong grip on power in Russia, the opposition staged symbolic protests…