Author: Robin Washington

On Friday, a total of 79 tornadoes were reported across six states, causing the most damage in Nebraska and Iowa. Omaha, Nebraska Mayor Jean Stothert reported that while there were no deaths, hundreds of homes and buildings were severely damaged. Police and firefighters worked tirelessly, going door-to-door to assist residents and search for any potential victims. Witnesses in affected areas recounted the terrifying experience of hearing the tornado approaching and witnessing significant destruction in its wake. In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster emergency in Pottawattamie County after homes in Minden were flattened. Shelby County officials also reported around…

In a surprising turn of events, Mike Henry took the reins as CEO of BHP Group, the world’s largest mining company, in 2020. At the time, the company was struggling with confidence and facing a series of challenges that had put its future in jeopardy. With setbacks and conflicts arising with activist investors such as Elliott Management, BHP Group was finding it difficult to make important decisions and was under increasing pressure to shift away from fossil fuel-based commodities. This added to the uncertainty surrounding the company’s future as it worked to regain its standing in the industry. Despite these…

The NFL Draft 2024 kicked off with a bang as history was made with a record-breaking number of offensive players selected in the first round. A total of 23 offensive players were chosen, with a surprising 14 of them being selected in a row to start off the draft. The first overall pick went to the Chicago Bears, who selected quarterback Caleb Williams, marking the beginning of a quarterback-heavy first round. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons raised eyebrows by picking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10. The trend of quarterbacks continued throughout the first round, with a total of…

The Hubble Space Telescope has once again amazed us with its latest stunning image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula, located 3,400 light-years away in the Perseus constellation. The image resembles a “cosmic dumbbell,” showcasing vibrant colors and intricate details of the nebula. Scientists believe that the nebula may provide evidence of stellar cannibalism, as it is formed by gases expelled from a dying red giant star that possibly swallowed a companion star. The red giant has now transformed into an ultra-dense white dwarf star, one of the hottest known white dwarfs. The nebula’s glowing colors are a result of ultraviolet…

Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have been escalating on college campuses across the United States, with clashes with police reported at several universities. Inspired by peers at other institutions, student groups are calling for universities to divest from companies supporting Israel’s military efforts. Protests and clashes have occurred at prestigious universities such as Columbia University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Harvard University, as well as at California State Polytechnic University and the University of California, Berkeley. The demonstrations have resulted in arrests, campus closures, and law enforcement action at various schools. Each university has taken a different…

Apple has been making some long-overdue updates to its apps, with the latest being the introduction of multiple timers in the Clock app last year. But the tech giant is not stopping there – rumors suggest that the next version of iPadOS may finally include a version of Apple’s first-party Calculator app for the iPad. The Calculator app has been a staple on the iPhone since the beginning, but mysteriously absent from the iPad since its launch in 2010. Third-party apps have filled the void, but the lack of an official app from Apple has been a head-scratcher for many…

The government has recently announced a groundbreaking initiative to combat plastic waste in the nation, in an effort to promote sustainability and protect the environment. This new program entails a ban on single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic bags, in all government buildings and facilities. Moreover, there will be strict regulations implemented to limit the use of plastic packaging in the food and beverage industry. The overarching objective of this initiative is to significantly decrease plastic waste and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. In addition to these measures, the government is set to launch a public awareness campaign…

Sky-gazers are in for a treat this week as the Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak before the arrival of a full moon, providing a celestial spectacle that should not be missed. Despite the bright moon potentially interfering with visibility, experts have provided tips for optimal viewing. The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to be most active on Sunday night through early Monday morning, with up to 18 meteors per hour visible. However, those in the Southern Hemisphere may not have as high of a rate of meteors seen as the radiant will not rise high enough. To catch…

Apple is set to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first smartwatch with the release of the Apple Watch Series X. The new model is rumored to be 10-15 percent slimmer than previous versions, thanks to a magnetic band system that allows for additional internal components. According to reports, the Series X will retain the Digital Crown and may even include an Action Button for added functionality. The OLED screen is said to be brighter and more power-efficient, although there will be no microLED technology included. One of the most anticipated features of the Series X is its potential support…

The deadly H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, has made its way into dairy farms in the United States, infecting over 20 dairy herds in eight states. This has sparked concerns about the potential transmission of the virus to humans and its impact on the nation’s food supply. In response to the outbreak, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners is proposing to rename the disease Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV) in an effort to maintain consumer confidence in beef and dairy products. The cattle industry is also working to distance itself from the bird flu news cycle to avoid…