It seems the S&P has decided to stick to its established rules regarding index inclusion, and that means SpaceX won’t be making an early appearance in the benchmark US index. This is pretty significant because the S&P 500 is a major benchmark for many investment funds, and inclusion often leads to a surge in demand for a company’s stock. The primary sticking point, as reaffirmed by the S&P, is profitability. To be part of the S&P 500, a company needs to demonstrate consistent profitability, not just in its most recent quarter but over the past four quarters as well.
This rule is quite standard and has been in place for a long time, so the S&P’s decision to uphold it rather than create special exceptions for a single, high-profile company like SpaceX is being met with a sigh of relief by many.… Continue reading
Peabo Bryson, the renowned two-time Grammy-winning R&B singer, passed away on June 2 at the age of 75, reportedly following a stroke. Bryson captivated audiences with his soulful ballads, most notably duets from Disney films such as “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle, the latter of which topped the Billboard Hot 100. His career, launched in 1976, spanned decades and included numerous hit singles and R&B chart-toppers, solidifying his legacy as a beloved vocalist and enduring musical talent.
Read More
The Alexander brothers, formerly celebrated luxury real estate “closers,” are now on trial for sex trafficking, facing accusations of violent rape against at least 10 women each. Prosecutors allege the brothers conspired to lure, incapacitate with drugs, and attack women, often through promises of luxury travel and exclusive experiences. While the defense argues these allegations are an extortion attempt and that the brothers’ actions constitute “dating” rather than trafficking, compelling testimony from accusers details instances of assault and incapacitation with substances like ketamine. The case continues, with the defense highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimonies and the potential for celebrity status to influence public perception.
Read More
Despite concerns about economic damage from Donald Trump’s policies, the stock market has remained surprisingly strong, with the S&P 500 growing significantly in 2025. However, this growth is largely driven by a single sector, AI, raising concerns about a potential bubble. When compared to global competitors, the U.S. market has lagged, and the dollar has weakened. Furthermore, the long-term impact of Trump’s policies, such as the erosion of the rule of law and unpredictable regulations, are detrimental to sustainable economic growth.
Read More
D’Angelo, the acclaimed R&B and soul singer, passed away Tuesday at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family. The family expressed their heartbreak while also celebrating his musical legacy, which includes the influential debut album “Brown Sugar” and the hit song “Lady.” His loved ones acknowledged the enduring impact of his music and requested privacy during this difficult time. D’Angelo’s contributions to the music world will be remembered and celebrated.
Read More
In a landmark decision, a South Korean court overturned the 1965 conviction of Choi Mal-ja, who was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm after biting off part of her attacker’s tongue during a sexual assault. The court ruled that her actions were justifiable self-defense, recognizing her attempt to escape the assault. This reversal comes after a retrial ordered by the Supreme Court, fueled by the #MeToo movement and Choi’s own determination to clear her name after six decades. The initial conviction stemmed from the aggressor receiving a lenient sentence for the assault while Choi was punished, sparking outrage and highlighting the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence.
Read More
Harvey Weinstein’s retrial resulted in a conviction on one count of criminal sexual act, while the jury acquitted him on another and deadlocked on a rape charge. The six-week trial saw the prosecution argue Weinstein preyed on vulnerable women, while the defense portrayed him as a victim of the #MeToo movement. Testimony from three accusers detailed Weinstein’s alleged abuse of his power in the entertainment industry. This conviction adds to Weinstein’s existing lengthy prison sentence, likely ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated.
Read More
A new report details accusations of predatory behavior against Jared Leto by nine women. The allegations include inappropriate interactions with underage girls, ranging from unsolicited contact and sexually suggestive conversations to instances of alleged assault. A representative for Leto denies the accusations, claiming the communications were not sexual or inappropriate; however, several accusers directly refute this statement. Leto himself has yet to publicly respond to these claims.
Read More
A Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film *Les Volets Verts*, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence and a substantial fine. Depardieu, who denied the allegations and plans to appeal, was also ordered to be registered in the national sex offender database. The victims, who worked behind the scenes, testified that Depardieu used vulgar language and physically assaulted them, highlighting a pattern of behavior enabled by his fame and influence within the French film industry. This verdict is considered a significant step forward for France’s #MeToo movement.
Read More
President Trump’s prediction of a market crash following a loss in the 2024 election appears to be coming true. His tariffs have rapidly shifted a bull market into a potential bear market, with the S&P 500 experiencing a significant 15% drop since his inauguration, exceeding the speed of any similar decline in modern presidential history. This market downturn, exacerbated by Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, is accompanied by increasing recessionary forecasts from major financial institutions. The interconnectedness of Wall Street and Main Street, coupled with the widespread participation in the stock market, suggests a potential economic downturn impacting a large portion of the American population.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker