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Mar 17 2026SPORTS

Big‑Picture Bracket Talk: 2026 NCAA Picks Reimagined

Three of the last four national champions also won their conference, and that trend still matters for 2026. The ACC’s Duke, the Big 12’s Arizona, the Big East’s St. John’s, Purdue from the Big Ten and Arkansas of the SEC all snagged titles this season. They are often seen as safe bets for deep runs

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Mar 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Palm Trees at EPCOT Slowly Sprout Back After Freezing

A sudden cold wave hit Orlando a month and a half ago, and it left the park’s green life looking almost skeletal. At EPCOT, the towering palms that frame Spaceship Earth had shed most of their leaves, standing there like bare poles. In the weeks that followed, those palms began to coax new fronds fr

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Cattle Crisis in Siberia: Farmers Protest Forced Culls

The Novosibirsk region in Russia has declared a state of emergency to control an outbreak of cattle disease. Authorities say five cases of pasteurellosis and 42 rabies incidents were found, prompting the removal of many farm animals. Farmers argue that pasteurellosis can be treated with antibiotics

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Mar 17 2026FINANCE

Bitcoin Loans Let Firms Earn While Mining

Maestro has launched a new way for big investors to earn money from their Bitcoin holdings. The company’s “Mezzamine” platform partners with a mining‑as‑service firm called Sazmining to offer loans that are paid back using the profits miners earn from finding new blocks. The goal is to give investor

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Mayor’s Bid to Grab Finance Head Sparks Budget Tension

The mayor is eyeing the council’s finance chief for a new role, stirring friction during budget talks. The move comes as the city’s leaders are already at odds over spending plans. By hiring the finance chief, the mayor could add a new layer of strain to an already tense relationship. The c

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Three Nations Plan to Share Defence Buying Power

Britain, Finland and the Netherlands are thinking about working together to buy weapons and equipment. They want to split costs so each country spends less while getting better gear. The idea is part of a bigger plan that could start by 2027. The three governments are not the only ones involved. Ot

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Mar 17 2026EDUCATION

Teen Students Push New Jersey to Teach Money Skills

Three high‑schoolers from Monmouth County are asking state lawmakers to make money classes a graduation requirement. They want students to learn about banking, taxes, and investing for at least one semester or trimester. The kids—Ansh Patel, Noah Baretz and Avi Rao—are part of a school finance club

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Mar 17 2026OPINION

People Who Get a Second Chance: Why It Matters

The story begins with a man who once spent time in jail, lived on the streets, and struggled with drugs. He says that if it weren’t for others giving him a fresh start, he would still be in the same situation. After learning to take responsibility for his actions, he dedicated himself to helping oth

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Mar 17 2026BUSINESS

Future Firefighters Get a Boost in Ponchatoula

Air Products has given $18, 000 to the Ponchatoula Volunteer Fire Department’s High School Program. The money will help ten students start a career in emergency services during the 2025‑2026 school year. The grant comes from Air Products Lake Maurepas Community Fund, a local charity arm of the co

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Spy Firm Visit Sparks Slovenian Election Fears

Slovenia’s political scene stirs after reports that a private Israeli intelligence company may have met with the opposition leader just before the country’s election. A group of journalists and activists say that representatives from the firm, known for its work in high‑profile investigations, flew

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