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• NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, has cleared its final hurdle and remains on track for launch no earlier than April 1, 2026. • The mission will send four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Christina Koch—on a 10-day orbital test around the Moon, validating systems for future lunar landings. • This milestone follows rigorous technical reviews, ensuring crew safety and vehicle performance after lessons from uncrewed Artemis I in 2022.

Pete Wilcox says point of investigation into infamous 1984 clashes with police is to ‘enable communities to move on’ Former miners will finally get the chance to speak the truth about their experiences after four decades of silence during a public inquiry into infamous clashes with police at Orgreave, the inquiry’s chair has said.Pete Wilcox, the bishop of Sheffield, said only an inquiry could help South Yorkshire move on from the events of 18 June 1984, when striking miners unexpectedly found themselves in a pitched battle against thousands of police officers brought in from forces across the UK. Continue reading...

• The Pentagon is developing military options described as a 'final blow' against Iran that could include ground forces invasion, according to Axios reporting on March 27. • One plan involves invading or blockading Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal; another would send U.S. forces into Iran's interior to secure highly enriched uranium at nuclear facilities. • The escalation plans emerge as President Trump extended his ultimatum deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to April 6, marking the third delay since initially setting the deadline for March 27.

• The US Pentagon is developing plans for a 'final blow' in the Iran war, involving ground troops and massive bombing, as reported by Axios citing two US officials and knowledgeable sources on March 27, 2026. • US Central Command confirmed an Israeli airstrike killed Iran's IRGC Navy commander, amid escalating naval tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. • The Wall Street Journal revealed considerations for deploying 10,000 additional US troops with armored vehicles to the Middle East, coordinating with existing Marines and the 82nd Airborne Division.

• The Cincinnati Reds lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 4-1 in their final exhibition game of spring training on March 24, 2026. • The Reds will open their regular season on March 26, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox in downtown Cincinnati. • In related news, Joe Flacco is returning for his 19th NFL season as backup quarterback to Joe Burrow with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Legislation initiated by far-right Otzma Yehudit party drew mounting criticism from opponents and rights groups as it moved through the KnessetIsrael’s parliament has advanced a contentious bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of terrorism to its final vote, after the Knesset’s national security committee approved the measure on Tuesday.The legislation, initiated by the far-right Otzma Yehudit party led by National Security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who warn it would mark a significant escalation in Israel’s penal policy. Members of Otzma Yehudit have worn noose-shaped pins in support of the bill. Continue reading...

The result in Slovenia will relieve EU diplomats and means the incumbent will lead exploratory talks to form the next governmentMeanwhile, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has urged Italians to take part in the referendum on the government’s proposals to shake up the organisation of the justice system.On her social media accounts, she posted a picture posing with a ballot paper, and said:“Ready to vote. Remember: you have until 3 PM today to get to the polls. Participation is important.” Continue reading...

• CMS issued a final rule on March 23, 2026, standardizing electronic health care claims attachments and electronic signatures to replace fax and mail with digital submissions like notes, images, and reports. • The rule excludes prior authorization attachments and takes effect May 26, 2026, with compliance required by May 26, 2028 for covered entities. • This administrative simplification aims to reduce provider burden and improve efficiency in claims processing across US healthcare systems.

Mors Imperator caused a scandal in 1887 amid fears it mocked the German kaiser – more than 100 years later it is being displayed in a state museumWrapped in a cloak with ermine fur and wearing a jagged iron crown, a hulking skeleton rests one foot on a globe and knocks over a royal throne with a dramatic flick of its ivory wrist.Entitled Mors Imperator (“Death is the Ruler”), the German artist Hermione von Preuschen’s 1887 symbolical painting was meant to express the transience of fame and power. But authorities feared the picture could be seen as mocking the ageing German Emperor Wilhelm I, who then had recently turned 90, and refused to accept its submission to the Berlin Academy of the Arts’ annual exhibition that year. Continue reading...

Candidates look for deals with rivals to boost chances as major seats including Paris, Marseille and Lyon look closePolitical parties in France are hastily attempting to negotiate strategic alliances ahead of the final round of local elections this weekend, after a strong showing by the far right and the radical left.This Sunday’s final-round vote for mayors and local councillors in major cities including Marseille, Lyon and Paris will be close. Continue reading...

• The United States defeated the Dominican Republic in a 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal, with Roman Anthony hitting the go-ahead home run to secure advancement to Tuesday's championship game. • The American roster, led by NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes and featuring stars Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, will face the winner of Monday's semifinal between Italy and Venezuela in the title game. • This marks the USA's third straight World Baseball Classic title game appearance after winning in 2017 and losing to Shohei Ohtani's Japan in 2023.

• The 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinals continue Monday with Venezuela taking on Italy in Miami, airing at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. • This marks a significant matchup in the international baseball tournament, with both nations competing for a spot in the championship game. • The World Baseball Classic represents one of the premier international baseball competitions, attracting top talent from around the globe.

• No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 23 Wisconsin 68-65 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on March 14, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, advancing to the championship game. • Yaxel Lendeborg, Big Ten Player of the Year, hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left after grabbing an offensive rebound; Aday Mara scored 16 points with 8 rebounds and 5 blocks, Elliot Cadeau added 15 points. • The win avenges Michigan's only regular-season conference loss (91-88 to Wisconsin on Jan. 10) and keeps them alive for the No. 1 NCAA Tournament overall seed; they face UCLA or No. 18 Purdue in Sunday's final.

• Arkansas beat No. 15 seed Ole Miss 93-90 in overtime on March 14, 2026, advancing to the SEC Tournament title game for the first time in the John Calipari era. • Ole Miss, the tournament's surprise story, won three straight as a double-digit seed over Texas, Georgia, and Alabama without trailing in regulation during those games; no at-large NCAA bid likely. • Arkansas seeks its first SEC title since 2000; Calipari's last conference tournament championship was 2018 at Kentucky; win bolsters their March Madness seeding.

• The U.S. meets the Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC semifinals on March 15 at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami, after advancing with a 5-3 win over Canada. • U.S. boasts a red-hot offense with 40 runs in their last 5 games (wins over Canada 5-3, Mexico 5-3, Greece 9-1, Brazil 15-5; loss to Italy 8-6); leaders include Brice Turang (.467 AVG), Aaron Judge (2 HR). • Dominican Republic counters with strong pitching (3.40 team ERA, .184 opponent AVG); Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads at .500 AVG; U.S. favored at -141 odds, total runs over/under 8.5.

• West Virginia Senate on March 14, 2026, passed Senate Bill 947 providing free certified birth certificates to homeless individuals under 18, waiving fees up to $12. • Senate Bill 906 allows prescription, distribution, and marketing of federally approved psilocybin-based medications, reclassifying from Schedule I status. • Bills advance women's collegiate sports via endowments at NCAA Division I public universities under Senate Bill 502.

Cornell Big Red narrowly defeated Yale Bulldogs in the Ivy League Tournament semifinal on March 14, aired on ESPNU from Ithaca, N.Y. The close contest advances Cornell toward the championship game and a potential NCAA bid. Yale fought valiantly but fell short in the tight matchup. The winner gains crucial momentum heading into Selection Sunday.

South Florida Bulls progressed in the American Athletic Tournament semifinals by defeating TBD on March 14 in Birmingham, Ala., broadcast on ESPN2 at 3 p.m. This upset victory boosts USF's NCAA Tournament resume with a key conference win. The semifinals showcase rising mid-major contenders. USF now eyes the championship for an automatic bid.

The United States defeated Canada 5-3 on Friday night in Houston to advance to the World Baseball Classic semifinals, rebounding from a shocking 8-6 loss to Italy in pool play that had threatened their tournament survival. Aaron Judge doubled while Pete Crow-Armstrong and Brice Turang each contributed two hits in the victory, with the team demonstrating renewed focus after manager Mark DeRosa's premature comments about advancing had drawn criticism. The U.S. will face the Dominican Republic in Sunday's semifinal in Miami, with Paul Skenes starting against Luis Severino in what Manager DeRosa called "one of the best games of all time." This marks the team's third straight appearance in the WBC semifinals and fourth overall.

An undetermined Big Ten Conference semifinal matchup airs at 1 p.m. ET on CBS from Chicago, continuing the conference's postseason push on Saturday. This game is part of a packed college basketball schedule including America East championship and Ivy League semifinal. The event builds excitement toward NCAA Tournament selection on Sunday evening. Viewers can follow parallel Atlantic 10 semifinal on CBSSN.

The Atlantic 10 Conference semifinal with TBD teams begins at 1 p.m. ET on CBSSN in Pittsburgh, featuring high-stakes college basketball action. This matchup complements other conference semifinals amid a busy tournament weekend. It advances the race for automatic NCAA bids before Sunday's selection show. Broadcast schedule highlights growing intensity of postseason play.

The Saint Louis Billikens defeated George Washington 78-65 in the Atlantic 10 Tournament quarterfinals on Friday in Pittsburgh, led by Gibson Jimerson's 22 points and six assists. The heavily favored Billikens pulled away in the second half with a 15-2 run, securing a semifinal matchup against the Dayton-VCU winner on Saturday. This victory positions Saint Louis for a potential deep NCAA Tournament run as a projected at-large bid. Next, they face a tough semifinal challenge amid March Madness preparations.

Cornell beat Yale 69-66 in the Ivy League Tournament semifinals on Saturday in Ithaca, New York, with sophomore guard Isaiah Gray hitting the game-winning three-pointer with 4.2 seconds left. The Big Red rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit, forcing 15 Bulldog turnovers. This win sends Cornell to the Ivy final against Princeton or Harvard on Sunday, positioning them for their first NCAA bid since 2010. Coach Brian Earl praised Gray's poise: 'He’s our clutch performer.'

South Florida stunned a top-seeded opponent 74-71 in the American Athletic Tournament semifinals on Saturday afternoon in Birmingham, Alabama, led by Kobe Dozier's 25 points. The Bulls advanced with key defensive stops in the final minute, setting up a championship clash on Sunday. This marks USF's first AAC final appearance since 2018, enhancing their NCAA bubble status amid 22 wins this season. Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim said, 'Our resilience defined us today.'

Commuters on Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat and Seymour lines will be first to test tap-and-go technologyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMelbourne is finally poised to join other Australian cities in the tap-and-go era, with the state government confirming public trials for contactless credit and debit card payments will launch for suburban rail commuters on Monday.Commuters on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat and Seymour lines will be the first to test the technology, allowing them to bypass the physical Myki card in favour of paying via a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch. Continue reading...

The United States beat Canada 5-3 on Friday night in Houston to advance to the World Baseball Classic semifinals, with Aaron Judge doubling and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Brice Turang each recording two hits. The Americans rebounded after an earlier 8-6 loss to Italy in pool play that had left them needing assistance to reach this stage, marking their third consecutive appearance in the WBC semifinals and fourth overall. The U.S. will face the Dominican Republic in a semifinal matchup on Sunday in Miami, with Paul Skenes scheduled to start against Luis Severino. This victory continues the U.S. team's strong international performance, following the American hockey team's 2-1 overtime gold medal win against Canada at the Milan Olympics last month.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka outlasted Linda Noskova in a three-set thriller at Indian Wells on March 13, 2026, advancing to her third final at the BNP Paribas Open in California. The Belarusian won 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 after two hours and 20 minutes, showcasing resilience with 38 winners against Noskova's 25. This victory positions Sabalenka for a potential third title, boosting her dominance on US hard courts ahead of a final against either Coco Gauff or Iga Swiatek. A win would solidify her as the tournament's top contender this season.

The Florida Gators take on Vanderbilt Commodores in the SEC Tournament semifinals on March 14, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, with Florida favored by 6.5 points and a total set at 160.5. Florida enters hot, winning four straight including 71-63 over Kentucky, led by Tyler Tanner's 19.2 PPG average. Vanderbilt seeks an upset after beating Tennessee 75-68, with odds at +258. A Gators win advances them toward the title game against Auburn or Alabama, impacting NCAA Tournament seeding.