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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 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 2026SCIENCE

Why Bamboo Sheaths Change Color: A Simple Look at the Science

"Bamboo is famous for tasty shoots, but what makes their outer sheaths look so different? Scientists studied five types of a popular bamboo called Chimonobambusa utilis. Each type was named C1 through C5, and researchers measured how bright or dull each sheath looked. One variety, C1, had a very lig

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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 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

Who Really Runs Iran? Trump’s Confusion About Tehran’s Leadership

For months, global leaders have watched Iran’s leadership struggle with major changes. After the sudden death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in early attacks, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was quickly named as his replacement. Yet, even Washington admits it doesn’t fully understand who holds po

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Federal prosecutors push back after judge blocks Powell subpoenas

A federal judge recently stopped prosecutors from asking for documents tied to renovations at the U. S. Federal Reserve’s headquarters. The judge also blocked requests for testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell about those expenses. The judge argued there was little proof of wrongdoing but plenty of

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Court Stops President From Holding Back Billions in Funds

A federal court recently ruled against a plan that would have frozen trillions in federal aid. The case involved the Trump administration’s attempt to pause spending on government programs back in early 2025. The pause affected up to $3 trillion, covering grants, loans, and other financial support.

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Mar 17 2026POLITICS

Behind the Scenes: The Battle Over a Key Climate Research Hub

A major dispute has erupted over a respected climate research center in Colorado, with its leaders accusing the federal government of targeting the lab as political revenge. The center, known for tracking weather patterns and atmospheric changes, was founded by a group of 129 universities across Nor

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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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