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The Friday Flyover Replay : Trump Rebukes Putin, NFL Draft Begins, and a Shipwreck Sale.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

We are also a Podcast, if you want to listen there instead. Plus current and all previous episodes https://russellsherrard.podbean.com/

Friday, April 25, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1960, U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton (SSRN-586) achieved a milestone by completing the first underwater circumnavigation of the world, code-named Operation Sandblast.

Speaking of submarines: A British cargo ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1917 just sold on Facebook Marketplace for $400. Who says shipwrecks don’t appreciate in value?

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

Trump to Putin: ‘STOP!’.

President Trump sharply rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, calling for an immediate halt to missile and drone attacks on Kyiv following one of the most destructive strikes on Ukraine’s capital in more than three years.

“Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

The assault killed at least eight and wounded dozens, marking one of the deadliest attacks since last summer.

While Trump’s administration continues to push for a ceasefire, U.S. officials have warned they may abandon peace efforts if talks stall.

Titans Take Cam Ward to Kick Off NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft kicked off last night with the Tennessee Titans selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick. Ward led the Miami Hurricanes to a 10-3 season last year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Heisman winner Travis Hunter of Colorado went #2 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded with the Cleveland Browns to get that pick. Hunter is expected to play both wide receiver and cornerback.

Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter rounded out the top three, heading to the New York Giants.

Woodpecker Wreaks Havoc in Rockport.

A woodpecker in Rockport, Massachusetts, sparked neighborhood chaos after mistaking its reflection for a rival and attacking cars and homes across the neighborhood.

The pileated woodpecker—nearly the size of a crow with a bold red crest—has shattered mirrors in 25 cars, cracked windshields, and even drilled into siding, alarming residents.

One was even caught in the act, perched on a pickup truck and pecking away.

POLITICS.

The Department of Justice added terrorism charges for the first time to an alleged high-ranking Tren de Aragua member.

A second federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding funds from K-12 schools with DEI programs, ruling that proper procedures weren’t followed.

The U.S. Court of International Trade sided with the Trump administration, rejecting a request from small businesses to block President Trump’s sweeping tariffs from taking effect.

President Trump was expected Thursday to sign a memo targeting ActBlue, a key Democratic donor platform, as part of a probe into potential illegal campaign contributions.

TV journalist Chris Cuomo will host a two-hour town hall next week marking President Trump’s 100th day in office, featuring both Republicans and Democrats—including President Trump himself.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, facing a $50 million rape lawsuit, announced he will temporarily step away from ESPN to focus on his family and addressing the allegations.

The landmark House v. NCAA settlement allowing payments to student athletes will not be approved unless the two sides can find a solution to limiting college roster sizes. The deal would force schools to cut dozens of athletes from their teams under current rules.

The LA Dodgers topped ESPN’s latest MLB Power Rankings despite recent pitching injuries. The next four were the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants.

Robert Griffin III is set to join Fox Sports as a college football analyst for the 2025-26 season. The former Heisman winner was let go by ESPN in August of last year.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler injured his pelvis in a Wednesday night matchup against the Houston Rockets. His status for tomorrow night’s game is unclear.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Shares of autonomous driving startup Pony AI skyrocketed almost 40% on Thursday after unveiling its seventh-generation self-driving system at the Shanghai auto show.

Existing home sales plummeted 5.9% in March to a 15-year low as soaring mortgage rates chilled the spring housing market.

The $Trump meme coin spiked over 70% after President Donald Trump announced a private gala dinner for the token’s top 220 holders, with a VIP reception for the top 25.

Hershey opened a new 250,000-square-foot chocolate processing facility in Hershey, Pennsylvania—the company’s first new plant in its namesake town in over three decades.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Maui released a striking new image of the sun, showcasing a massive sunspot in close detail.

A British diver purchased a 3,300-ton WWI-era cargo shipwreck on Facebook Marketplace for just $400.

Geoscientists have discovered a volatile-rich magma cap just 2.4 miles beneath Yellowstone National Park, a structure that may be key to preventing a massive eruption.

THE ROTATOR.
ENTERTAINMENT.

Amazon Prime Video reported a 3,200% spike in viewership of the Oscar-winning film Conclave following Pope Francis’ death, with a 283% increase across all U.S. platforms.

Comedian Jay Leno opened up about life since his wife Mavis’s dementia diagnosis, saying his conservatorship reflects “what love is” and adding, “I would rather be with her.”

Superstar Hugh Jackman performed Sonny and Cher’s I Got You Babe with King Princess, his costar in the upcoming biopic Song Sung Blue about a Neil Diamond tribute act.

ET CETERA.

The Army suspended Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez, garrison commander at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, after portraits of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were turned to face the wall on the base’s chain of command display.

Judy Benjamin, an 80-year-old woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 67, is walking 3,000 miles from San Diego to St. Augustine to raise awareness for others facing cognitive decline.

Milo, a 7-year-old English bulldog from North Liberty, Iowa, was named the winner at Drake University’s 46th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest.

Daily Quote.

“We seem to have a vandal in our neighborhood. I’m describing him as 18 to 24 inches tall, wearing black and white with a red hat.”

— Janelle Favaloro, a local, on the woodpecker that has damaged more than 20 vehicles so far in Rockport, Massachusetts.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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The Thursday Flyover Replay : Food Dye Ban, Cheating AI Glasses, and an Underwater Station Wagon.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

We are also a Podcast, if you want to listen there instead. Plus current and all previous episodes https://russellsherrard.podbean.com/

Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1800, President John Adams approved $5,000 to purchase books for Congress, establishing the Library of Congress. The first catalog listed 964 volumes and nine maps.

Imagine showing up for a friendly game of pickleball… and finding out you’re playing against Andre Agassi. Yep, the Grand Slam champ has traded in his tennis racket for a paddle. Read more in the Sports section below.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

RFK Jr. Sets Ban on 8 Food Dyes.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday plans to ban eight government-approved synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply within two years.

Several of these artificial dyes already face restrictions in the European Union, Australia, and Canada. Here’s a list of the dyes.

Kennedy also declared sugar “poison” on Tuesday and recommended Americans consume “zero” added sugar, while acknowledging the federal government likely cannot eliminate it from food products.

Kennedy emphasized the need for better food labeling and new nutrition guidelines recommending people avoid sugar completely.

Dick Durbin, Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, to Retire.

Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, announced Wednesday he will not seek a sixth term in 2026, ending a congressional career that began in 1982.

The 80-year-old has been a central figure in Democratic leadership, and his departure is expected to spark a crowded and competitive Democratic primary in Illinois.

Reps. Lauren Underwood and Raja Krishnamoorthi are viewed as early frontrunners, with Krishnamoorthi holding a major fundraising edge thanks to a $19 million war chest. Durbin predicted “at least a dozen” candidates could enter the race.

Forecast: Most of U.S. Bracing for Hot Summer.

Both the Climate Prediction Center and Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast above-average temperatures across most of the U.S. this summer, with the Southwest, southern plains, and heartland expected to be the hottest.

June may start near normal, but July and August are predicted to bring intense heat, up to 4 degrees above average in some areas. See a map here.

Rainfall is likely to be below normal in the West, while parts of the Midwest and Northeast may see slightly wetter conditions.

POLITICS.

Twelve states, including Illinois, Arizona, and New York, filed suit Wednesday against President Trump in the U.S. Court of International Trade, aiming to halt his tariff policy.

Vice President JD Vance issued the Trump administration’s second warning to Moscow and Kyiv on Wednesday, calling for a ceasefire deal or risk the U.S. withdrawing from the process.

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration must give Venezuelan migrants in Colorado 21 days’ notice before deportation and inform them of their right to challenge removal.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed he will reduce his Department of Government Efficiency workload in May. “I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla,” he told investors concerned about Tesla’s falling value.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft kicks off tonight, with the Tennessee Titans holding the No. 1 overall selection. One general manager said the event could get “a little wild” because of immense trade interest around the league.

Tennis legend Andre Agassi announced he’ll play at the US Open Pickleball Championships next week in Florida. The almost 55-year-old will play alongside teenage phenom Anna Leigh Waters in the mixed pro division.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year on Tuesday, securing 82 of 100 possible first-place votes.

Longtime ESPN commentator Mike Patrick passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Patrick was an instrumental piece of ESPN’s football coverage, hosting Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Pegasystems stock soared nearly 30% on Wednesday after delivering strong first-quarter results, fueled by surging subscription revenue and growing demand for its AI-powered software tools.

The Dow rose more than 400 points Wednesday after President Trump said he has “no intention” of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell and suggested that China tariffs could be reduced “substantially.”

Cybercriminals stole a record $16.6 billion from Americans last year, a jump from $12.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI. Older adults were hit hardest, losing $4.8 billion, much of it through cryptocurrency-related scams.

Intel is preparing to slash over 20,000 jobs—more than 20% of its workforce—as part of a sweeping cost-cutting and restructuring effort under its new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

Two 21-year-olds have raised $5.3 million to launch an AI tool embedded in smart glasses, designed to help users “cheat on everything”—from job interviews to exams.

A 3D animation is peeling back the layers of the Roman Colosseum to reveal the hidden engineering marvels that powered the ancient arena’s spectacles.

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft captured its first close-up images of asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson, revealing a bizarre, two-lobed structure and unexpectedly complex geology.

THE ROTATOR.
THROWBACK THURSDAY.

A nostalgic photo feature captures life across all 50 states in the 1980s, spotlighting everything from soaring gas prices in Alabama to seafood parades in Alaska.

Here are 17 classic recipes Boomers still dream about—meals that once ruled Sunday dinners, church potlucks, and weeknight suppers.

General Motors is revisiting one of its earliest electric concept cars—the 512E, a futuristic two-seater bubble car that first turned heads in 1969.

ET CETERA.

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday, injuring at least 230 people—most hurt while fleeing buildings or suffering panic attacks.

A fragment of a 17th-century letter may upend the old story that William Shakespeare left his wife, Anne Hathaway, behind in Stratford. The letter, addressed to “Good Mrs Shakespeare,” suggests the couple lived together in London between 1600 and 1610.

Researchers exploring the sunken USS Yorktown uncovered an unexpected relic: a black 1940–41 Ford Super Deluxe “Woody” station wagon sitting upright in the ship’s hangar bay, three miles beneath the sea.

Princess Isabella of Denmark celebrated her 18th birthday with a regal debut, donning her first tiara and posing for official gala portraits at Amalienborg Palace.

Daily Quote.

“Sugar is poison, and Americans need to know that it is poisoning us.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services secretary, urging Americans to eliminate added sugar from their diets.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Send to Kindle

The Wednesday Flyover Replay : Military Border Control, Smiley Space Face, and Dating After 50.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 2005, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim uploaded the platform’s first video, Me at the zoo, marking the humble beginnings of what would become the world’s largest video-sharing site. Watch it here.

In romantic comedies, the three most important words for the man to say are, “I love you.” But psychologists say there’s a different three-word phrase that makes a man truly irresistible to women. You can see what it is in our Wednesday Wisdom item below.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

U.S. Military Authorized for Border Control.

U.S. military personnel now have the authority to detain and search illegal immigrants in New Mexico after President Trump transferred control of border land from the Interior Department to the Defense Department.

The move, announced Monday by U.S. Northern Command, designates a 170-mile stretch along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of Arizona’s Fort Huachuca, allowing troops to operate outside the constraints of federal laws that limit military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

Service members can temporarily detain trespassers, provide medical assistance, and implement crowd control until customs officials take custody, marking a significant shift from their previous supporting role at the border.

The White House indicated similar authority will soon extend to parts of Texas.

Roche Commits $50 Billion to U.S.

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche is joining a new surge of corporate reshoring with a $50 billion commitment to expand U.S. manufacturing, driven by new White House tariffs and policy incentives.

The investment includes major upgrades in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California, along with a 900,000-square-foot facility for next-generation weight-loss drugs at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.

Similar announcements include TSMC’s $100 billion investment in advanced chip plants in Arizona, Eli Lilly’s doubling of its U.S. footprint with four new pharmaceutical sites, and Apple pledging $500 billion toward AI-driven manufacturing and training, including a Houston facility.

Nvidia is launching domestic production of its AI supercomputers in Texas, while Hyundai plans to invest $21 billion to expand its U.S. auto output and innovation efforts.

NCAA: Schools Can Pay Student-Athletes.

The NCAA approved sweeping and historic changes to the compensation structure of college sports, allowing student-athletes to be paid directly by their schools for the first time.

While expected, this move represents a landmark moment in college sports history. Just five years ago, student-athletes weren’t allowed to make money at all. Now, price tags from school-backed “collectives” can stretch into the millions.

The new rules now permit the schools to pay students directly without having to use outside groups. However, all of this is dependent on the House v. NCAA settlement’s approval, which would set parameters on how revenues would be distributed.

If approved, each school would have about $20.5 million to share with its student-athletes, constituting a salary cap of sorts.

POLITICS.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, cutting staff by 15% and consolidating over 100 international bureaus.

Roughly 5 million Americans with defaulted student loans will have their loans sent to collection agencies starting May 5, the Department of Education announced.

Dr. Anthony Fauci’s net worth doubled from $7.6 million in early 2019 to $15 million by late 2023, according to his financial disclosures. Most growth occurred during and after the pandemic, including $3.5 million earned in 2023, his first retirement year.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic Party presidential contender, slammed the Democrats for refusing to assess their 2024 election collapse, saying party leaders haven’t done “a forensic of what just went wrong.”

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles was named World Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards this week, while Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis took home the award on the men’s side.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is not attending the team’s offseason program as the two parties are still “far apart” on a contract extension.

A new survey shows that parents annually spend an average of $3,000 on their children’s sports activities, and 83% of those parents believe their child is talented enough to play at the college level.

Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison admitted that he didn’t understand “to what level” the fanbase loved Luka Doncic when he traded the star guard earlier this season.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Northrop Grumman stock fell nearly 13% on Tuesday after reporting first-quarter earnings results and full-year forecasts that fell short of analysts’ expectations.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 965 points Tuesday, fueled by investor optimism after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a potential de-escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions.

Walgreens has agreed to pay $300 million to settle federal claims that it filled millions of unlawful prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances over more than a decade.

Americans now believe they’ll need $1.26 million to retire comfortably, down $200,000 from last year, according to a new study.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

Early risers may catch a rare celestial “smiley face” on Friday morning formed by a crescent Moon, Venus, and Saturn.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially updated its rules: films that use AI tools can now compete for Oscars, so long as human creativity remains in the driver’s seat.

An insect-sized drone, designed for future tasks like artificial pollination and disaster monitoring, can now land softly instead of crash-landing, thanks to its newly added legs.

THE ROTATOR.
WISDOM WEDNESDAY.

A University of Michigan neurologist shared three lifestyle habits he wishes he’d avoided in his younger years, all tied to long-term brain health.

An essay outlines 15 quirky yet relatable challenges women often face when reentering the dating world after 50.

The most swoon-worthy phrase a man can say isn’t “I love you”—it’s three words that convey emotional strength, reliability, and a quiet sense of protection that many women find deeply attractive.

ET CETERA.

The Vatican released solemn images of Pope Francis lying in an open coffin at the Casa Santa Marta chapel, his former residence, ahead of his funeral on Saturday.

Nearly 500 nails were found embedded point-up in roads, driveways, and under parked cars in Falmouth, Massachusetts, early Friday, in what police are calling a dangerous and deliberate act of vandalism.

A small cockapoo named Ivy cautiously investigated what appeared to be a massive anaconda in a bay—until a clever twist revealed the truth behind the scene.

Daily Quote.

“I don’t know what the party is. I’m still struggling with that.”

— Gavin Newsom, California governor, on the Democratic Party’s identity crisis following its 2024 election losses.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Send to Kindle

The Tuesday Flyover Replay : Pope Funeral Plan, Gold Soars, and Living Concrete.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny.

We are also a Podcast, if you want to listen there instead. Plus current and all previous episodes https://russellsherrard.podbean.com/

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 1889, the Oklahoma Land Run began at noon as thousands of settlers claimed nearly 1.9 million acres of land previously part of Indian Territory, resulting in the rapid establishment of Oklahoma City and Guthrie.

Many thanks to readers who sent us their personal Easter stories! It was inspiring to read about sunrise services at church, on beaches, and even in pastures where antelope wandered by. We’re grateful to everyone who shared their experience.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

Pope Francis Dies at 88.

Pope Francis died early Monday morning, at the age of 88, just one day after greeting tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square with a final Easter blessing.

The Vatican confirmed the cause was a stroke that led to coma and heart failure.

Francis’ body was placed in a coffin last night, with public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica expected to begin midweek. The funeral is expected to take place later this week.

With his passing, the Church enters the sede vacante—the “vacant seat” period—setting the stage for the College of Cardinals to elect a successor. The secretive conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, is expected to begin 15 to 20 days after Francis’ death.

Editor’s Note: Several readers noted that Monday’s edition covered the Pope’s Easter message without mentioning his passing early that morning. The email had been scheduled the evening before; the news broke overnight. Thank you for your understanding.

Resale Market Surges as Dow Sinks.

The Dow fell nearly 1,000 points Monday after President Trump escalated pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling for immediate rate cuts.

Tech stocks led the decline, with Nvidia off 5% and Amazon down 3%. Meanwhile, with tariffs impacting the cost of imported goods, consumers are turning to secondhand markets.

Resale platforms like Back Market reported a threefold jump in sales, and apps like Poshmark and ThredUp saw increased traffic.

The U.S. secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $74 billion by 2029, growing five times faster than traditional retail. The refurbished electronics market is also expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.2% through 2032.

Space Legend Returns to Earth at 70.

NASA’s oldest active astronaut, Don Pettit, marked his 70th birthday on Sunday by returning to Earth after a 220-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Pettit has logged over 18 months in space across four missions in his 29-year career. NASA reports Pettit is in good condition and en route to the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

He and his Russian crewmates orbited Earth 3,520 times, traveling more than 93 million miles while conducting research on water purification, plant growth, and fire behavior in microgravity.

Known for his passion for space photography, Pettit captured and shared stunning images of Earth, including auroras and rare atmospheric phenomena like sprites and blue jets.

POLITICS.

The White House on Monday dismissed an NPR report claiming it was seeking a replacement for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling it “fake news.” The report followed revelations that Hegseth used the Signal app to discuss military strikes in Yemen with his family and lawyer.

Nadine Menendez, wife of former Sen. Bob Menendez, was found guilty Monday on federal bribery and corruption charges tied to a scheme involving cash, gold bars, and a luxury car.

Harvard University sued the Trump administration over what it called “unlawful” multibillion-dollar budget cuts to the school’s research funding.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, containing $3,000 in cash, her passport, ID, keys, and medication, was stolen Sunday night while she dined at a D.C. restaurant, police said.

President Trump’s approval rating on the economy has fallen to its lowest point since taking office, with just 43% of Americans approving and 55% disapproving, according to a new CNBC survey.

After a word from one of our sponsors Jenny will be Narrating the last half of the news.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

Add Audio to your blog posts.

Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Thanks Christopher.

Now, back to the News.

SPORTS.

Sharon Lokedi set a new women’s record of 2:17:20 for the Boston Marathon on Sunday, shattering the previous record by nearly 3 minutes. John Korir took home first place on the men’s side.

Duke basketball’s Cooper Flagg confirmed he was entering the NBA draft after all. Flagg had hinted at a return to college earlier this year.

Soccer matches have been postponed or cancelled across the globe as Italy, Argentina, and other Catholic countries mourn the death of Pope Francis.

The first round of the NBA playoffs continued last night with the Pistons facing the Knicks and the Nuggets taking on the Clippers.

In the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs last night, the Avalanche faced the Stars, the Blues played the Jets, the Canadiens took on the Capitals, and the Oilers faced the Kings.

FINANCE.

Big Stock Move: Tesla shares fell nearly 6% on Monday after news broke of a major delay in its production plans for the launch of its lower-cost Model Y.

Shipping giant DHL said it was temporarily suspending global business-to-consumer shipments over $800 to individuals in the United States starting on April 21, due to new U.S. customs rules.

Gold prices rose above $3,400, a new record, in the wake of President Trump’s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Sam’s Club plans to eliminate traditional checkout at its 600 stores and replace them with an app that customers will use to scan goods on the go and then pass through an AI check as they leave.

SCIENCE AND TECH.

Engineers at Montana State have developed a self-healing “living concrete” from fungus and bacteria that can repair itself and adapt to structural damage over time.

Every “please” and “thank you” typed into ChatGPT adds up, costing its maker OpenAI tens of millions in computing power. CEO Sam Altman called it “dollars well spent.”

Jeff Bezos is backing Slate Auto, an under-the-radar EV startup developing a $25,000 “Transformer-like” pickup that can shift into multiple body styles.

THE ROTATOR.
TRAVEL TUESDAY.

Starting May 7, Americans and permanent residents will only be able to pass through airport security if they have a Real ID. Most state-issued IDs are not yet fully compliant. Are you ready?

The TSA has changed its rules for which liquids can be carried onto a flight, including medications, breast milk, ice packs, and fresh eggs.

Fewer international travelers are visiting the U.S. this year. Between January and March, foreign arrivals dropped by around 4.4% compared to last year, while arrivals in March dropped by 10%.

ET CETERA.

A Delta Air Lines flight headed for Atlanta caught fire Monday morning while taxiing at Orlando International Airport, forcing 282 passengers and 12 crew to evacuate via emergency slides. No injuries were reported.

Severe storms battered eastern Nebraska last week, unleashing baseball-sized hail and winds up to 82 mph. In Fremont, hotel guests captured video of hailstones crashing through windows.

Actor Rob Lowe dressed as the Easter Bunny over the weekend, but the costume scared kids into tears, prompting a hasty egg dump and quick exit.

A gray cat named Sophie wandered onto the White House North Lawn Friday morning, delighting reporters before being safely returned to her owner.

Daily Quote.

Pope Francis’ compassion embraced all humanity, and today he will be mourned by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”

— Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on Pope Francis’ passing.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.

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The Monday Flyover Replay : Pope’s Surprise, Robot Race, and a Moose Named Helga.

Presented by Russell Sherrard.

Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Our Hosts are Christopher and Jenny. Jenny has the day off today.

THE FLYOVER REPLAY.

Monday, April 21, 2025.

Good Morning! On this day in 753 BC, Romulus founded the city of Rome after a legendary dispute with his twin brother Remus, marking the mythical birth of what would become one of the greatest empires in history.

In a scene straight out of a sci-fi blooper reel, humanoid robots clanked and wobbled their way through Beijing’s first-ever robot half-marathon, reminding everyone that, for now, the flesh still outruns the circuits.

Today’s edition is shorter, as we gave our team time to celebrate Easter with their families.

We hope you enjoyed reading today’s Flyover. Let us know how we’re doing by replying to Russell Sherrard at russellsherrard@reagan.com.

The sponsors keep the tanks full around here. Be sure to check out today’s sponsors.

TAKEOFF.

Pope Makes Surprise Easter Appearance.

Pope Francis made an Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square, delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing and delighting more than 35,000 faithful with a surprise ride in his popemobile.

The 88-year-old pontiff, recovering from a life-threatening case of double pneumonia, appeared visibly stronger, greeting pilgrims and blessing babies in a 15-minute loop through the square.

Earlier, he met briefly with Vice President JD Vance, offering Easter gifts for his children.

While Cardinal Angelo Comastri presided over Mass, Francis’ balcony appearance and improved voice marked his longest public outing since a five-week hospitalization that raised serious concerns about his health.

Half-Marathon Goes Half-Human, Half-Robot.

Beijing hosted the world’s first half-marathon for humanoid robots on Saturday, with 21 bipedal bots running a 13.1-mile course alongside human racers.

The bots ran in separate lanes with human escorts and made pit stops for battery swaps—each costing a 10-minute penalty. Some teams even swapped entire robots mid-race.

Only four robots finished within the four-hour limit. Tiangong Ultra, also known as Sky Project Ultra, won the robot division in 2:40:42, running at about 5 mph and finishing on its third battery.

Many bots wore human sneakers, and mishaps were frequent—one lost its head, another crumbled, and some didn’t make it off the starting line. Awards went to endurance, gait, and innovation, but just staying upright might have felt like a win.

QUICK HITS.

The White House Easter Egg Roll returns today, keeping a 147-year-old tradition alive with 30,000 real eggs donated by farmers and sponsors like YouTube, Meta, and Amazon.

A helicopter rained down 15,000 marshmallows over Worden Park in Royal Oak, Michigan, on Friday, drawing cheers from hundreds of children during the annual Great Marshmallow Drop.

Developers spent $64 million transforming the former Lorton Reformatory in Virginia into Liberty Crest Apartments, a 165-unit complex that blends modern living with preserved prison history.

Speaking of real estate transformation, Dutch architects are converting a century-old church into a public pool and event space dubbed Holy Water, where an adjustable floor creates a shimmering layer across the nave, letting visitors appear to walk on water.

Researchers say they’ve uncovered a new color, dubbed olo, by using lasers to stimulate isolated retinal cells, producing a vivid blue-green hue that doesn’t occur in natural vision.

A Florida homeowner was startled to find two large alligators lingering on their front porch, one even standing on its hind legs and pressing its snout against the door, as caught on a Ring camera.

A moose named Helga, a frequent visitor to an Alaskan home, surprised a grocery delivery driver in a moment caught on camera.

And Now, A word From one of Our Sponsors.

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Are you an author or writer with a Blog or anyone with a blog and wonder if it is being effective?
I have added audio to my blog posts and am getting good comments. I can add voice to your blog posts. You choose Male/Female $10 per post. Direct your inquiries to russellsherrard@reagan.com

Daily Quote.

“The looks on their faces as they’re picking up their marshmallow and turning in the marshmallow for prizes are great.”

— Melissa Nawrocki, Oakland County Parks recreation program supervisor, on the annual Great Marshmallow Drop in Royal Oak, Michigan.

And thats the news for today.

And Now, a word from our sponsor – Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals.

Go to https:// payhip.com/ Christian NonFiction eBookStore then scroll down and click on Spurgeons’ Morning and Evening Devotionals

Organized by month, this devotional has a morning and evening meditation for every day of the year. Although these devotions are short in length, they are filled with spiritual goodness. In just a few sentences, Spurgeon is able to convey the wisdom of Scripture with eloquence and purpose. These daily messages provide Christians with the spiritual energy they need to begin and end each day. Spurgeon weaves a verse of Scripture into each devotion, helping readers draw deeper meaning out of the selected passages. This powerful devotional provides Christians with the spiritual nourishment required to strengthen their relationships with God. Readers will find themselves inspired by Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotionals.