Investors are still nervous about the ongoing Middle East conflict, but they can protect their portfolios with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Three top-rated ETFs by TipRanks’ AI analyst stand out: 1. **Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR)**: This fund focuses on U.S. companies that prioritize environmental sustainability. With a $41 price target and 18% growth potential, it’s … Read more
The US military’s bombing campaign against Iran has yielded over 7,800 targets hit, but Iran remains largely intact, with continued retaliation and resistance. The pattern of unrealized expectations for American interventions in the region is reminiscent of previous conflicts, including the wars in Lebanon and Iraq. Global oil prices have increased as Iranian attacks on … Read more
A new robot designed to pick tomatoes has learned to think before it acts, predicting the easiest way to grab each fruit and boosting success rates to 81%. The system uses image recognition with statistical analysis to assess how easy each tomato is to harvest. This smarter approach allows the robot to adjust its angle … Read more
The acquisition of Warner Bros. by Paramount has sent shockwaves through the film industry, particularly among independent theaters. Cinema 21 manager Erik McClanahan fears that fewer jobs and movies will result from the merger. Portland’s repertory screening scene relies heavily on access to Warners’ extensive library, which could be restricted if Paramount limits its availability. … Read more
Samsung has denied a $250 refund to a customer who wanted to return their Galaxy S26 Ultra phone after keeping it. In an unusual move, a support representative initially offered a discount in exchange for not returning the device. The offer was made by Samsung’s customer support on social media and sparked curiosity among fans … Read more
US airline stocks rose on Tuesday after major carriers including Delta and American Airlines lifted their outlooks. JetBlue also reported an uptrend in demand but noted higher costs weighed on its results. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines announced it will drop service at two airports in June. In a presentation at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference, Delta … Read more
Venezuela defeated Team USA 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic championship on Tuesday night, winning its first title in the tournament. The team was flat for most of the game but came back strong in the eighth inning with a two-run home run by Bryce Harper. The win marked Venezuela’s dramatic victory over Italy earlier … Read more
US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth has ordered VOA employees who were on paid administrative leave for a year to return to work by March 23. The judge ruled that the near-total shutdown of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America, violated federal administrative law. Lamberth criticized the Trump administration’s … Read more
Memphis University’s basketball coach, Penny Hardaway, is expected to return for the upcoming season, according to AD Ed Scott. When evaluating Hardaway’s eight seasons with the Tigers, Scott said he saw “progression” – a sign that the team is moving in a positive direction. Source: https://dailymemphian.com/article/60977/ed-scott-penny-hardaway-memphis-basketball
Federal airport security screeners missed work by 10.2% last week due to a partial government shutdown. In NYC, up to 51% of agents stayed home at two major airports, reflecting growing frustration with the funding crisis affecting the Department of Homeland Security. Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-17/one-in-ten-airport-screeners-skip-work-as-funding-fight-drags-on