General

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament reaches its Sweet 16 stage, basketball fans are treated to an exhilarating lineup of matchups that promise to deliver high-octane action and unforgettable moments. While the absence of Cinderella stories may disappoint some, the quality of competition in these games is undeniable, with five of the eight participating programs boasting national championships within the last 35 years. This collection of powerhouse schools accounts for nearly one-third of all NCAA Tournament titles during that time frame.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected chains of up to a dozen carbon atoms in what appears to be an ancient lakebed on Mars. This finding, made by NASA’s Curiosity rover, adds to the growing library of organic compounds that could provide vital clues about the history of life on the red planet.

The research, led by analytical chemist Caroline Freissinet from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), confirms the presence of long organic molecules on the Martian surface. Although these compounds could have formed through non-living processes, their existence suggests that the rover is capable of identifying complex organic structures that may have originated billions of years ago.

March Madness has officially kicked off, and Day 1 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament did not disappoint. With thrilling games and unexpected outcomes, fans were treated to a day filled with excitement and drama.

The first major upset came from No. 12 McNeese, who shocked No. 5 Clemson in a nail-biting finish. McNeese dominated the first half, limiting Clemson to a mere 13 points, a performance that left fans and analysts alike in disbelief. The game ended with a close score of 69-67, marking a significant moment for McNeese as they advanced in the tournament.

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has intervened to halt the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Judge Theodore Chuang issued a ruling on March 18, 2025, that prevents further actions to close the agency and mandates that the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge), led by Trump ally Elon Musk, cease the termination of USAID employees.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed on February 13, 2025, on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees. These employees alleged that Musk, who has not been formally appointed to any government position nor confirmed by the Senate, is leading a reckless campaign to dismantle vital government departments. The complaint argued that Musk’s influence over Doge is illegitimate and called for an immediate halt to their activities.

In a significant turn of events, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has decided to postpone his upcoming book tour, which was set to take him to major cities including Baltimore, Washington, DC, New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This decision comes in response to mounting anger from within the Democratic Party regarding his recent handling of the government funding negotiations in Congress.

Schumer was scheduled to promote his new book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning,” but representatives announced that the events would be rescheduled due to “security concerns.” The backlash against Schumer intensified following his decision to vote in favor of a Republican-led funding bill last week, aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Many within his party viewed this move as a betrayal of Democratic values and a capitulation to Republican demands.

The film industry mourns the loss of Émilie Dequenne, the Belgian actress renowned for her remarkable talent and captivating performances. Dequenne passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 43, after a courageous battle with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news to the French news agency AFP.

Born on August 29, 1981, in Belœil, Belgium, Dequenne’s rise to fame began at the tender age of 18. She captivated audiences with her powerful portrayal of a struggling teenager in the Dardenne Brothers’ acclaimed film “Rosetta,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. Her performance earned her the prestigious Best Actress award, and “Rosetta” won the coveted Palme d’Or, solidifying her place in cinematic history.

In a thrilling turn of events for both Cooper Kupp and Seattle Seahawks fans, the star wide receiver has officially signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the team. The announcement, made on March 14, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the NFL community, particularly in Washington, where Kupp’s journey began.

Kupp, who hails from Yakima, Washington, expressed his enthusiasm on social media shortly after the signing. With a heartfelt post on X, he declared, “Washington back across my chest. Let’s go!!!!!” This sentiment captures not only his excitement for joining the Seahawks but also his pride in representing his home state.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues into its fourth year, the possibility of a ceasefire remains shrouded in complexity. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently indicated a willingness to consider a 30-day ceasefire, a proposal put forth by the United States and tentatively accepted by Ukraine. However, Putin’s support is laced with conditions and concerns that highlight the ongoing tensions and differing objectives between the two nations.

Putin’s announcement on March 13 raises significant questions about the feasibility of such a ceasefire. While he acknowledges the potential for a pause in hostilities, he warns that the implementation of this ceasefire would require careful verification across a lengthy front line. This cautious approach suggests that Russia may be looking to prolong negotiations without outright rejecting the offer, a tactic that could serve its strategic interests.

As an atmospheric river-fueled storm makes its way across the West Coast, Southern California is bracing for heavy rain that poses significant risks of mudslides and debris flows. This storm, which began impacting the region early Wednesday, has already led to evacuation orders in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, and its effects are expected to escalate as the week progresses.

The storm is forecasted to develop into a formidable March powerhouse, putting millions at risk of a variety of weather hazards, including wildfires, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, powerful winds, and blizzard conditions.

In the wake of the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for a flexible approach, stating that the UK will “keep all options on the table.” This comes as the US imposes a 25% levy on steel imports, a significant move affecting the UK’s substantial export market, which sees hundreds of millions of pounds worth of steel shipped to the US annually.