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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 2026ENVIRONMENT

Dark Wash Over Tehran: The Strange Rain After the Strikes

A recent series of air attacks on oil storage sites in Iran triggered a strange weather event that left the capital drenched in dark, sooty rain. Normally, rainfall clears air pollutants, but this time the drops carried a heavy mix of soot and carbon particles that settled on buildings and streets.

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Mar 17 2026CRIME

Police Officer Gets Over Five Years in Prison for Crypto Scams

A former deputy from Los Angeles County’s sheriff’s office was sentenced to more than five years in prison. The officer, who also flew helicopters for the department, worked with a cryptocurrency businessman to trick rivals and falsely arrest them. The judge said the officer abused his power.

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Mar 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Oscars Silence Sparks Debate Over Political Voice

The ceremony that usually feels like a glittering showcase of film talent took an unexpected turn when the audience and many winners stayed quiet about pressing global issues. In a night dominated by awards, only a handful of speakers touched on matters like the U. S. war overseas or the situation i

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Families pay their last respects as Iran buries victims of recent bombings

The spring rain fell gently on Behesht-e Zahra cemetery as family after family gathered around freshly dug graves. Each plot now marked a life cut short by the sudden violence that began with airstrikes three weeks ago. Among them was Arfan Shamei, just 23, whose mother Marzia Razaei clutched his po

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Mar 17 2026BUSINESS

Boeing and Rivals Eye War Risks in Plane Parts Supply

A big U. S. plane maker recently sent a note to its suppliers asking them to check if war in the Middle East might slow down the flow of jet parts. The request came as oil prices climbed past one hundred dollars per barrel, making travel and shipping pricier. Flights and cargo routes in the region h

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Mar 17 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Highlights and flops from the 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars handed out wins to two big movies—"One Battle After Another" took six awards, including best picture, while "Sinners" scored four, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan. Both films dominated the year, but the show also had its share of cringe-worthy moments. Conan O’Brien hosted

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

How U. S. Health Policy Changes Sparked Legal Battles

In early 2025, the Trump administration pushed major changes to U. S. healthcare rules, touching everything from vaccine guidelines to research funding. These moves led to multiple lawsuits from states, medical groups, and advocacy organizations. One key change involved removing COVID-19 shots from

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Mar 17 2026WEATHER

Why March Weather Acts Like a Mood Swing: Extreme Conditions Explained

March often feels like weather whiplash—and this week is no exception. From blizzards in the Midwest to flash floods in Hawaii, the U. S. is experiencing a mix of extremes. But why now? Early spring acts like a meteorological battleground. Cold air from Canada still lingers, while warm, moist air pu

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Mar 17 2026ENVIRONMENT

Cold nights ahead: Baton Rouge steps up to help

Baton Rouge is getting ready for another stretch of chilly nights, with temperatures predicted to dip into the upper 30s. To keep people safe from the cold, a local shelter will open its doors this Monday and Tuesday evenings. The St. Vincent de Paul shelter, found at 1623 Convention St, will provid

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