At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell commented on stunning comments by Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and more.  Jill Martin Rische shared how you can be a blessing to Israel.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Mike Gendron, who offered helpful insights into how to reach our Catholic friends with the gospel.  What can we expect from Pope Leo XIV?

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 58 minutes, can be heard here:

The storms of life, both literal and figurative, happen to everyone.  That why it is vitally important to have a close and coactive relationship with God the Father and with His only begotten Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Triune God will carry us through life’s difficulties and troubles.

Last night, President Trump announced that the United States had just bombed 3 Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz and Esfahan.  Six B-2 stealth fighters dropped 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs on at least one of those sites.  Trump added that all American planes were safely out of Iranian airspace.

The American strikes in Iran are in support of a war that Israel launched on Iran on June 13.  After last night’s attack, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke to Trump, thanked him and congratulated him on the strikes made on the Iranian nuclear sites.

Trump addressed the nation from the White House last night.  He described the attack as a “spectacular military success” and warned that if Iran does not “make peace,” future attacks will be “far greater and a lot easier.”  He completed his announcement by saying, “We love you God, and we love our great military.  Protect them.  God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel and God bless America.”

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Brandon Holthaus.  Wars, rumors of war, lawlessness, and violence tell us that it is later than it’s ever been before.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Mark Henry.  They also emphasize that our world today has an expiration date and we are nearing it.  We are simply running out of time, so redeem the time.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 57 minutes, can be heard here:

Today, officials in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced that it would be holding the key interest rate unchanged in the 4.25% to 4.50% range.  They also did this in the three previous meetings this year (on Jan. 29, Mar. 19 and May 7).

The following was noted in the FOMC’s statement today:  “The unemployment rate remains low, and labor market conditions remain solid.  Inflation remains somewhat elevated.”

FOMC policymakers also released a “dot plot” (a statistical chart that is a summary of economic projections).  It indicates that two interest rate cuts may happen in 2025.  This could be followed by one cut in 2026 and one cut in 2027.  The remaining meetings in 2025 will take place on July 29 & 30, September 16 & 17, October 28 & 29 and December 9 & 10.

Jan Markell is a guest on Lamb & Lion’s Christ in Prophecy, with Tim Moore and Nathan Jones.  They look at prominent signs that remind us that we are seeing the day of the Rapture approaching.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talk with former New Ager Jenn Nizza, who offers warnings of the darkness approaching to believers.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 58 minutes, can be heard here:

My dad is in heaven, and I look forward with great anticipation to seeing him again one day.  He was the best role model that I could have had.  For all of you other dads: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, and God bless you for doing all the great and wonderful things that you do for your families. 

       
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Happy Flag Day, fellow Americans!  This commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, 248 years ago.

Proudly display a flag on your house or on your desk at work today.  Here are places where the U.S. flag can be flown 24 hours a day, every day of the year:

• Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
  Baltimore, Maryland (Presidential Proclamation No.2795, July 2, 1948)
• Flag House Square (Mary Pickersgill's "Star Spangled" House)
  Baltimore Maryland (Public Law 83-319, approved March 26, 1954)
• United States Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima)
  Arlington, Virginia (Presidential Proclamation No.3418, June 12, 1961)
• On the Green of the Town of Lexington
  Massachusetts (Public Law 89-335, approved November 8, 1965)
• The White House
  Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation No.4000, September 4. 1970)
• Washington Monument
  Washington, DC. (Presidential Proclamation No.4064, July 6,1971, effective July 4, 1971)
• United States Customs Ports of Entry
  which are continually open (Presidential Proclamation No.4131, May 5, 1972)
• Grounds of the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge State Park
  Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Public Law 94-53, approved July 4, 1975)

       
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Today is Friday the 13th, which takes place only in a month where the first day is on a Sunday.  It is the only one during this entire year of 2025.

On Israeli time early this morning, Israel began a preemptive attack on dozens of locations in Iran.  These included numerous military targets and nuclear facilities.  This attack is being referred to as Operation “Rising Lion” by Israel.

Everyone living in Israel was warned that missle attacks from Iran were inevitable and probably would happen soon, which they did.  It is unknown if this will turn out to be a more unlucky Friday the 13th for Iran or for Israel.

If you have a Medicare account, it is important to know the signs of a Medicare scam so that you can protect yourself.  To get your personal information, like your Medicare number, scammers may call, text or email you saying things like the following:

• “You need to activate or renew your Medicare card.”
• “We would like to send you a free genetic testing kit.”
• “Medicare has authorized us to send you a free [knee, back or elbow] brace.”
• “You qualify for a refund on your Medicare costs.”

Today is the Christian celebration of Pentecost, exactly seven weeks following Resurrection Day (Easter Sunday).  At the first Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the disciples of Jesus (Yeshua) were filled, supernaturally, with the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) and spoke in other “tongues.”  Other God-fearing Jews, who had gathered there from many other nations, heard these men declaring the wonders of God in their own languages (2:5,6,11).

The first Pentecost corresponded to the Jewish celebration of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22).  On this day, a firstfruits of the wheat harvest was offered to God.

In most years, including this one, most calendars usually list Shavuot a few days before Pentecost due to the way the fifty days are counted from Passover week, referred to as the “counting of the omer.”  I believe the fifty-day calculation is made erroneously by most, as explained in this email response:

• How do you calculate the timing of Shavuot or Pentecost?

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell concluded her discussion with Nathan Jones.  Believers will administrate the Millennium while Jesus is the ruler.  It will be almost—but not quite—perfection.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Brandon Holthaus.  Why is America doing deals with the devil?  You cannot negotiate with certain elements.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 57 minutes, can be heard here:

       
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This is the 81st anniversary of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.  Often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a 6½-minute speech, including a lengthy prayer, for those involved in the invasion:

About 80% of the inside of a person’s eye is a gel called the vitreous humor.  Cells or strands of the vitreous gel can clump together and form floaters.  They can appear as tiny or small dots or threads that are floating around in the person’s field of vision.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Nathan Jones about the Millennium—a period of literally a thousand years, stated six times in Revelation 20:1-7.  Many say we are in the Millennium now; yet that period is the prelude to Heaven and close to perfect, with the curse lifted.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Tim Moore about the supposed end-time revival.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 57 minutes, can be heard here:

In California, especially in coastal areas of southern California, there is a common weather pattern this time of year.  In the mornings, the skies usually are cloudy and overcast.  Also, there can be fog and drizzle.  Typically, it clears up sometime from late-morning to mid-afternoon, when much or most of the sky becomes sunny, although sometimes the cloudy skies can last through the afternoon.

         
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During May, the cloudiness commonly is referred to as May Gray.  In June, it is known as June Gloom.  However, in some years, this “gray and gloomy” weather pattern can last from April into August, giving the following nicknames to all of these months:

• Graypril
• May Gray
• June Gloom
• No-Sky July
• Fogust

India and China are the most populous nations in the world, each with over 1.4 billion people.  About half of the world’s population lives in India, China, and a few of the nations near them.  Click on the world maps below to see larger views.

       
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Happy Memorial Day!  I have a great deal of respect, admiration and appreciation for all of those who have fought, and often paid the ultimate sacrifice, for our independence and freedom in the U.S.  This is a day when many will visit cemeteries and memorials to mourn and honor the military personnel who died in the line of duty.

On June 6, 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave an important address at the ceremony commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy landings or D-Day.  He had flown to Normandy to give his outstanding speech.  It lasted almost 13½ minutes and can be seen and heard below.

Recently, I went for a couple of walks in Modjeska Park in Anaheim.  The large park is within walking distance from my friend JoAnne’s house.  Both of them are not far from Disneyland.

My first walk was on a moderately cloudy day, and my second walk was on a mostly clear day.  Several kids were playing baseball, basketball, volleyball and soccer.

The park is named after Helena Modjeska, a Polish actress who moved to the U.S. in 1876.  The size of the park is about 23½ acres.  There are widespread areas of grass to walk on, which I like, along with occasional chipmunks that I see along the way.  I also like the abundant variety of trees.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Mark Henry, asking if the end-time agenda is on hold due to President Trump.  What about his proposed golden age?  He is actually paving the way for significant end-time events to play out.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Mondo Gonzales and Billy Crone.  The “down under” team shares great insights and encouragement.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 56 minutes, can be heard here:

Early this morning, the 11-mile stretch of California State Route 1 (commonly known as Pacific Coast Highway or PCH) in Southern California, near Malibu, was reopened.  It had been closed to regular traffic for 3.5 months since the Pacific Palisades fire and other fires began in early January (see Jan. 8).

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, in Part 1, Jan Markell talked with Jeff Kinley and Mark Henry about the new Pope, known to be a globalist like his predecessor.  They discuss why they feel a Pope will be the second person of the Satanic trinity—the False Prophet.

In Part 2, Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Trevor Rubenstein.  How could the next terror attack on America drive Jews to Israel?

         

         

         
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This weekend’s program, lasting 57 minutes, can be heard here:

Disneyland, in Anaheim, CA, opened on July 17, 1955.  Its 70th anniversary celebrations are beginning today, May 16, 2025, and will run through the summer of 2026.  The theme will be “Celebrate Happy.”

From 2005 to 2010, Disneyland offered people free admission on their birthdays.  This was available for residents of the United States and Canada.  I went for free a few times on my birthday and always had an outstandingly great time.  I especially liked the very wild rides and the fireworks displays at night.

The gasoline prices near Disneyland are notably higher than in most other places in Orange County.  For those planning to go there, it might be a good idea to fill up before getting very close to Disneyland.

This is Peace Officers Memorial Day.  It is a day each year to pay tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.  This holiday was enacted after President John F. Kennedy signed a congressional bill in 1962 designating May 15 each year to honor peace officers.

For all of you moms out there:  HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, and God bless you for doing all the great and wonderful things that you do for your families. 

       
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The REAL ID Act was passed by the 109th U.S. Congress in 2005.  It specified that U.S. citizens would need to have Real ID driver’s licenses or identification cards to enter federal government facilities, to access nuclear power plants or military bases, and to board domestic airline flights.

Provisions regarding identification documents originally were intended to take effect in 2008, but enforcement was repeatedly delayed due to widespread opposition and refusal by many state governments to implement them.  It took many years for U.S. states and territories to comply.  Earlier this year, enforcement based on the identification documents was scheduled to be implemented in phases from May 7, 2025, to May 5, 2027.

For awhile, people should be able to fly without a Real ID or another approved form of identification, such as a passport.  However, their passage through airport security checkpoints will take longer than usual.  TSA officers will ask them to complete an identity verification process.  Information identifying them, such as their name and address, will be collected to confirm their identity.  They also may be subject to additional screening.

Overall, California has the highest average gasoline prices of all the U.S. states.  According to AAA fuel prices, today’s national average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.145 per gallon.  The average in California is $4.849 per gallon.  In the past few days, I took the following photos of gasoline prices at a few stations in Orange County, California, when the average price in CA was somewhat lower than $4.790 per gallon.  Click on individual photos to see larger views.

A new pope of the Catholic Church has been named at the Vatican.  This is only two days after 133 Cardinals gathered in conclave to select a new pontiff.  Never in the history of the Roman Catholic Church has there been a pope from the United States, until today.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, age 69, is from Chicago, Illinois.  He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.  He is the 167th Catholic Pope and follows Pope Francis, who passed away on Apr. 21 and had been head of the Catholic Church for just over 12 years.

The native language of Pope Leo XIV is English.  He also speaks Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese, and he can read Latin and German.

Today, officials in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) warned that tariffs were raising risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation.  Therefore, they unanimously agreed to hold the key interest rate unchanged in the 4.25% to 4.50% range.

The Fed left rates at that level at its two previous meetings on Jan. 29 and Mar. 19.  In the Fall of 2024, there were three rate cuts in a row.  These cuts were 0.25% on Dec. 18, 0.25% on Nov. 7 and 0.50% on Sep. 18.

There appears to be a probability that the central bank will hold off on interest rate cuts at its next two Fed meetings.  These meetings are scheduled to be on June 17 & 18 and on July 29 & 30.

       
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Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  However, this was not Mexico’s Independence Day.

Mexico’s independence from Spain was an armed conflict that lasted from 1808 to 1821.  On September 16, 1810, Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidaldo y Costilla rang the church bell in Dolores, Mexico.  That gave the call to arms that triggered the war of independence.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Michele Bachmann.  The hinge of history changed on October 7, 2023.  The spirit of death and lawlessness was unleashed on the world at that time.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Alex Newman.  There is a global deep state.  In America, it is subversive and exists in all three-letter agencies including the CIA.  How can Christians come against those plotting hidden deeds of darkness?

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 58 minutes, can be heard here:

As an optometric physician, I practiced eye care for several years.  I always enjoyed improving people’s blurry vision with glasses or contact lenses.

For many of my patients, the visual acuity chart across the room would appear blurry like the one below on the left.  In most cases, after adjusting the lenses they were looking through in my phoropter, I could enable them to see the visual acuity chart clearly like the one on the right.

 

Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods from each of the 5 food groups can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.  Here are a few tips to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle:

• Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium.  Build meals around protein foods that are naturally low in saturated fats, like beans, peas, lentils, chicken, seafood, and lean meats.

• Be aware of how many calories you need per day.  Visit MyPlate.gov to learn more.

• Avoid sugary drinks.  Drink plenty of water throughout the day to remain hydrated.

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Michele Bachmann about the loss of two globalists—Pope Francis and Klaus Schwab.  Has the one-world agenda been affected?  Who ran the Biden administration and can their deeds of darkness ever be defeated?

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Lee Brainard.  Where is America in Bible prophecy, and could she be the Babylon referred to in the Bible?

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 57 minutes, can be heard here:

Today, tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the funeral service of Pope Francis.  He passed away at the Vatican on Apr. 21, the day after Easter.

Among the attendees were President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenski.  Memorable moments from the funeral can be seen in the video below, which lasts about 1 hour 54 minutes.

A couple of days ago, I purchased 28.00 oz. (1.75 lb.) of 50%-off Easter candy.  I just wanted a chocolate and peanut butter combination.  I didn’t get very much, since I still have some Valentine’s Day candy.

Early today, Pope Francis passed away at the Vatican.  This took place at 7:35 a.m. local time.  He was 88 and had served as pope since 2013.

His last public appearance was yesterday, Easter Sunday.  He blessed a large crowd in St. Peter’s square and then was driven around the square in his popemobile with an open top.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis had spent weeks in the hospital with serious pneumonia.  After he returned to the Vatican, his health remained fragile.

Now there will be a period of mourning.  This will be followed by a conclave or gathering of cardinals at the Vatican to elect a leader for the global Catholic Church.

Happy Easter.  This is the observance of Jesus’ Resurrection Day, which took place on the Feast of Firstfruits.  It always is on the Sunday following Passover, which was on Apr. 13 this year.

       
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At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Holly Pivec about Paula White, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), the Seven Mountain Mandate, and more.  Jan also talked with Josh Schwartz about an urgent upcoming Pastors Huddle event.

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Nathan Jones about prophecy-related issues and Revelation chapters 2 and 3.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 60 minutes, can be heard here:

Most of Christianity is observing the crucifixion of Jesus today, calling it “Good Friday,” and the resurrection of Jesus two days from now (Apr. 20), calling it “Easter Sunday.”  Firstly, I dispute the notion that His crucifixion took place on the sixth day (Yom Shishi or Friday) of Holy Week.  Rather, I am convinced that this event took place on the fifth day (Yom Chamishi or Thursday), although that day of the week changes each year.  See many more details in Good Thursday.

Secondly, regardless of which day of the week Jesus’ crucifixion occurred, it undoubtedly did take place on Passover.  Without question, there were specific parallels between Jesus and the Passover lamb.

Furthermore, Jesus rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits, which was the first day of the week (Yom Rishon or Sunday) following Passover.  This was (and still is) the first day of a 50-day count, the counting of the Omer, culminating on Shavuot, Feast of Weeks, or Feast of Harvest.  For Christians, that is the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

In most years, the day of Jesus’ resurrection is properly observed and celebrated within a week after Passover, during the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread.  That is true this year.  The first full day of Passover this year was Apr. 13, and Resurrection Day (commonly referred to as “Easter Sunday”) is a week later on Apr. 20, the Feast of Firstfruits.  Indeed,

Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

The macula is the small center portion of the retina, which is located at the back of the inside of the eye.  It provides the clearest and most distinct vision when looking directly at something.

Macular degeneration is an ocular condition that has a negative effect on the macula.  Usually it is hereditary.  In older people, most often those who are 65 or older, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of irreversible central blindness.  Macular tissue destroyed by macular degeneration cannot be repaired.

Today is Tax Day in the United States.  The first day of tax season this year was Jan. 27, and this is the final day to file taxes in the U.S.  The only things that are certain for most Americans are death and taxes.

The tax filing deadline is midnight tonight in each time zone unless someone has filed for some type of a tax extension.  For someone filing his/her taxes by mail today, as long as it is postmarked with today’s date, the IRS will consider the return filed on time.  Americans residing overseas have an extended deadline of June 16 to file.

The IRS has extended the tax deadline beyond Apr. 15 for five states and for portions of four other states.  These states are shown in the following article:

This was stated by the apostle Paul:

Give everyone what you owe him:  If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7)

I attended a very nice Passover seder last night.  I enjoyed the reading of the haggadah, including the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt very long ago.  I also enjoyed the very tasty food.  I’ve never attended a Passover seder that did not include great food.

       
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Today is the first full day of Pesach or Passover, which began at twilight yesterday.  There also was a full moon last night and early this morning.  This day is a commemoration of the exodus of Israel out of Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:1-51.  It is followed by the week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Just as lambs were slain on the first and subsequent Passovers, the Lamb of God, Yeshua/Jesus, also died on Passover.  His shed blood atoned for the sins of all who will accept His unique sacrifice on their behalf.  According to John the Baptist and the apostle Paul,

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. (1 Corinthians 5:7b)

His death, of the righteous for the unrighteous, is the only thing that can bring us to God the Father.  According to the apostle Peter,

Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

In Part 1, Jan Markell talks to Jill Martin Rische and Jean DeJong who spent extensive time in Israel, conveying the message that Israel is not alone.  Israelis asked, “What is this love?”

In Part 2, Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talk to Mondo Gonzales about the importance of being a prophecy watcher and the silence of the church.

         

         

         
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Today’s program, lasting 59 minutes, can be heard here:

At Olive Tree Ministries this weekend, Jan Markell talked with Pastor Billy Crone.  The Antichrist has a cabal with players and puppet masters.  They consider the Soros empire, and is Donald Trump a candidate for the Antichrist?

Ken Mikle and Pastor Josh Schwartz talked with Israeli David Tal.  Israel’s deep state is a disruptor as in America.  Where is Mideast turmoil leading?

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Today’s program, lasting 61 minutes, can be heard here:

This past week was the worst week for the stock market since 2020.  Today (Apr. 4) and yesterday (Apr. 3), the Dow Jones Industrial Average index, the S&P 500 index, and the NASDAQ Composite index plummeted huge amounts.  Today, each index fell 5.50% or more.  This notable stock market decline took place after President Trump’s announcement of several reciprocal tariffs on Apr. 2.

Stock Market Apr. 4, 2025

   

Stock Market Apr. 3, 2025

   

Happy April Fool’s Day.  Don’t play too many pranks unless you like to get pranked back. 

       
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