Author: Barbara T. Palmer

Renowned Astronomy Professor Remembered as Eclipse Enthusiast The upcoming total solar eclipse in Dallas has sparked anticipation and nostalgia for one writer who has experienced the cosmic event eight times before. Writer and eclipse enthusiast, who is preparing to witness her ninth total solar eclipse with family and friends, describes the experience as a profound, visceral journey. During a total solar eclipse, the writer recalls cycles of light, darkness, death, and rebirth, where the worlds align like cue balls in the cosmos. Some people even scream and cry during this awe-inspiring event that brings together the forces of nature in…

Arizona Honors Pluto as Official State Planet In a bold move, Arizona has chosen Pluto as its official state planet, despite its controversial reclassification as a dwarf planet in 2006. The decision comes as a nod to the state’s rich astronomical history, particularly the significant role played by the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff in the discovery of Pluto back in 1930. Once considered the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto was reclassified by the International Astronomical Union due to its inability to clear its orbit of debris. It is now recognized as one of five dwarf planets in the…

Crude oil futures saw a boost on the first day of the second quarter of trading as reports emerged of a missile strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. The West Texas Intermediate contract for May delivery rose by 54 cents, settling at $83.71 a barrel, while the Brent contract for June delivery increased by 42 cents, settling at $87.42 a barrel. According to Syrian and Iranian state media, the missile strike was carried out by Israel and resulted in casualties, including a senior commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. This incident has been seen as a clear escalation of…

In the upcoming primary election in June, Rep. Derrick Van Orden is leading a group of House Republicans intent on defeating Rep. Bob Good, citing his lack of commitment to governing. Good, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has been embroiled in internal GOP infighting that has left the party’s agenda in disarray. Support for Good has come from fellow hardline House GOP members such as Reps. Matt Gaetz, Andy Biggs, and Chip Roy, who believe in a no-compromise approach. However, John McGuire, another primary opponent of Good, has criticized him for his conduct and name-calling of fellow Republicans,…

Many women in the U.S. with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are facing challenges in managing their symptoms. Despite the fact that there is no FDA-approved medication specifically for PCOS, women are turning to off-label drugs approved for other conditions to help alleviate their symptoms. PCOS is a poorly understood condition, and the limited research funding for it makes it difficult for doctors to find effective treatments. However, there is some hope on the horizon as small drug companies are starting to study possible treatments for PCOS. This condition affects an estimated 6% to 12% of reproductive-age women in the U.S.,…

Crews have successfully started the difficult task of lifting the first section of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge from the water. This operation is crucial to allowing access for barges and tugboats to reach the disaster site. Workers are currently focusing on lifting a section of the bridge, while leaving the crumpled part resting on the container ship responsible for the collapse. The process involves cutting a piece just north of the channel and lifting it with a 160-ton marine crane onto a barge. Enormous cranes have arrived in Baltimore to help clear the wreckage, which is necessary before…

In a shocking turn of events, major global companies have fallen victim to what is being dubbed as the biggest cyber attack in history. Hackers have successfully breached the security systems of these companies, gaining access to sensitive data and causing widespread disruption. The attack has not only disrupted operations but has also resulted in significant financial losses for the affected companies. Cybersecurity experts are now working tirelessly to identify the perpetrators behind the attack and prevent further breaches. This incident has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of businesses to cyber threats and the need for heightened cybersecurity measures. The…

A recent study by the American Enterprise Institute has revealed a concerning spike in chronic absenteeism among U.S. students since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in absentee students is prevalent across all demographics and has persisted even after schools reopened post-pandemic. According to the study, approximately 26 percent of public school students nationwide were considered chronically absent last school year, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic rate of 15 percent. The issue is even more pronounced in impoverished communities, with around 32 percent of students in the poorest districts being chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year.…

March Madness is in full swing as the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA basketball tournament is underway, bringing fans one step closer to the highly anticipated Final Four. With all four No. 1 seeds still in the running, the competition promises to be fierce as teams fight for a spot in the championship game. One team that has been turning heads this year is the 11th seed NC State, which has been surprising fans with their impressive performances. They are set to face off against the No. 2 seed Marquette in what is sure to be a thrilling matchup.…

The NFL Draft is always full of twists and turns, especially when it comes to the highly anticipated quarterback prospects. As teams gear up for the 2023 draft, speculation is at an all-time high with multiple quarterbacks being touted as potential top picks. One name that has been making waves in the quarterback conversation is Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Evaluators have been split on McCarthy’s potential, with some praising his skills and leadership qualities while others remain skeptical. Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been vocal in his support of McCarthy, leading to speculation about a potential ulterior motive. The…