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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Belgium Faces Former Diplomat Over Congo Leader’s 1961 Killing

A court in Brussels has decided that a former Belgian diplomat must stand trial for his role in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister. The case is a final effort to clarify the unclear events that led to Lumumba’s death, which remains controversial decades later. Lumumb

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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 2026EDUCATION

College Costs: Most Think It’s Not Worth It

A recent nationwide survey of 1, 456 adults shows that a majority—about 59 percent—believe a four‑year college degree does not justify its price. Only 24 percent see it as worthwhile, while the rest are undecided. The finding signals a sharp decline from earlier decades when most people viewed highe

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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

EU Leader Urges US and Israel to End Iran Conflict

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, told reporters in Brussels that the war involving Iran must stop. She said the EU is talking with Middle‑East governments to find a diplomatic way out of the fighting. Kallas added that Europe would not block naval traffic through the Strait of Horm

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Mar 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Fun Night at the Opera House Helps a Local Food Bank

Gardiner’s Johnson Hall Opera House is hosting an entertaining evening on March 21 to raise money for the Chrysalis Place Food Bank. The show, starting at 7:30 p. m. , mixes music, comedy, circus tricks and dance. Attendees can enjoy acts such as the Cowboy Angels, juggler Shane Miclon, the band B

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Mar 17 2026HEALTH

Trust in U. S. Vaccines Drops as Debate Heats Up

A recent survey shows that only 60 % of Americans now trust the government’s advice on childhood vaccines, down from 71 % last June. The change follows a new schedule introduced in January by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , which cut the number of universally recommended vaccines from about

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Airstrike in Gaza Raises Tension as Iran Conflict Hits Ceasefire

The latest strike by Israeli forces in Gaza killed at least three people, including a child, according to local health officials. The attack hit a vehicle in the western part of Khan Younis, south of the enclave. Twelve others were wounded in the same incident. Israel says it targets Hamas

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Mar 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Starry Astrophage Burst: A Movie‑Inspired Sip You Can Only Find in the Movies

Pepsi has launched a new drink that looks straight out of a sci‑fi film, but it won’t show up on supermarket shelves. The soda is part of the brand’s “Drips” collection, a line that promises bold layers and playful mix‑ins for every mood. The newest addition is called Starry Astrophage Burst, a f

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Mar 17 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI Lab Turns Fast‑Paced Experimentation Into Business Wins

A startup that helps sales teams with software has turned a small, experimental group into the engine of its AI growth. The squad, made up of highly skilled engineers who can think like customers, builds tools that solve real problems for users and keeps the company’s own staff up to speed with new

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