Author: Barbara Palmer

The FOMC’s Interest Rate Decision: What to Expect The financial world is eagerly awaiting the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) interest rate decision, set to be announced on Wednesday at 2 pm EST. While analysts and traders do not anticipate a rate cut this month, there is still potential for drama with the release of the updated ‘dot plots’. One key point of interest is the possibility of the Fed signaling a shift from three cuts to two in 2024. This adjustment comes amid higher inflation readings and the uncertainty of whether the Fed will move to a neutral policy.…

The latest MacBook Air with the new Apple M3 chip has been receiving mixed reviews due to its lack of a fan, which can lead to performance throttling under load or when using external monitors. However, a recent test has shown that adding an external heatsink, such as one from Svalt, can help maintain peak performance of the Apple M3. Compared to the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same ARM chip, which has an active fan for cooling, the MacBook Air falls behind in performance under continuous load. However, using a heatsink can significantly improve performance, with tasks like Lightroom…

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on the importance of education and early detection in the fight against this deadly disease. With a concerning rise in cases among younger individuals, staying informed and proactive is crucial in the battle against colon cancer. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist, emphasizes the significance of awareness and early detection, sharing his personal experience of losing a friend to the disease and undergoing a colonoscopy himself. He stresses the importance of starting screenings by age 45, with some needing to begin earlier based on individual risk factors. The American Cancer Society estimates…

Sony is rumored to be planning the release of an upgraded version of the popular PlayStation 5 later this year, possibly before the holiday season. The speculated PS5 Pro could potentially be the best console to experience the highly anticipated game, GTA 6, set to launch in early 2025. Unlike many recent game releases, GTA 6 is not planned for a simultaneous launch on PC and consoles, which could give Sony an advantage in the gaming market. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has already dismissed the idea of a mid-cycle refresh for Xbox consoles, potentially giving Sony an edge in…

In Russia, voters headed to the polls for the second day of an election that is set to formalize President Vladimir Putin’s rule for another six years. With no serious challengers to Putin’s position, the outcome of the election seems pre-determined after years of stifling political dissent. The absence of Putin’s fiercest opponent, Alexei Navalny, who tragically passed away earlier this year, has left the political landscape even more barren. Other critics of the regime either find themselves in jail or in exile, further cementing Putin’s hold on power. Despite reports of voting proceeding in an orderly fashion, there were…

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is making a significant change to its privacy settings. The latest update includes a feature that blocks users from taking screenshots of contact profile pictures. Previously, users could easily take a screenshot of a contact’s profile picture without any restrictions. However, with this new update, attempting to take a screenshot now results in an error message, indicating that the feature has been disabled. It appears that the update is currently rolling out on Android devices, with users still able to take screenshots of mini-profile or profile preview images. This privacy feature is…

In a recent interview with state media, President Vladimir Putin of Russia made some alarming declarations about the country’s nuclear weapons capabilities and its stance on potential conflicts with the United States and NATO. Putin stated that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to the existence of the Russian state. He further warned that if US troops were deployed to Ukraine, Russia would treat them as interventionists. This comes as tensions continue to escalate between Russia and the West over the situation in Ukraine. The United States is also developing its nuclear forces, but…

NASA’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 Faces Uncertainty The White House has allocated $25.4 billion to NASA for the fiscal year 2025, a 2% increase from the previous year. However, this amount falls short of the $27.2 billion that was requested by the agency, raising concerns about whether NASA will receive the full amount needed for its operations. Despite budget constraints, NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a human presence on and around the moon by the end of the 2020s, will receive $7.6 billion in funding for 2025. This funding will allow NASA to continue its efforts towards…

Apple fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the next wave of iPhones this fall season. Rumors and leaks surrounding the iPhone 16 portfolio have been circulating, with alleged CAD-based renders being shared by various outlets and independent insiders. The entry-point models of the iPhone 16 are said to receive a design refinement on the rear shell, while the camera island will get a pill-shaped makeover. The iPhone 16 will feature a brand-new design with a vertical pill-like camera island, while the rest of the device profile is expected to remain unchanged. Changes are also reported for the iPhone 16…

The Atlanta Falcons have made a big splash in the NFL offseason by agreeing to a lucrative deal with quarterback Kirk Cousins. The four-year, $180 million contract includes $90 million in guaranteed money for Cousins, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins, who is coming off an Achilles tear, brings his talents to a Falcons offense filled with dynamic playmakers. However, this move has sparked debate in the football world as some question whether the Falcons are overpaying for the veteran quarterback. Analyzing the deal involves looking at various factors including how Cousins will perform on the field, the…