March

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, with the CDC identifying colorectal cancer as the third most common cancer for both men and women in the United States. Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian Julia Zumpano emphasized that a healthy, diverse microbiome reduces inflammation, which is linked to increased colorectal cancer risk, and recommended dietary changes including high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes alongside fermented and probiotic foods such as yogurt and kimchi. In addition to dietary modifications, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer risk, though individuals experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical attention. The preventive approach focuses on gradual lifestyle transitions rather than overwhelming dietary overhauls.

A new book from Rebecca Solnit, promising to bring us hope in these “difficult times”, is among our pick of popular science titles out this month – along with a guide on how to talk to AI, and a look at modern warfare

The latest in Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series is out this month, along with a speculative retelling of Moby-Dick and a forgotten classic from 1936

A doctored image circulated on March 14, 2026, purporting to show a Simpsons episode with 'Trump dead' and dates 1946-2026, sparking concerns amid US-Iran war tensions after strikes on Kharg Island. Fact-checks confirm the image is a fabricated hoax, AI-generated or edited, with showrunners stating no such episode exists and similar fakes have spread before. The virality coincides with President Trump's announcement of US attacks on Iran's energy lifeline following joint US-Israel strikes killing Ayatollah Khamenei. Public reactions included fears like 'Can this Simpson prophecy be true?', but experts dismiss it as meme bait on a tense news day.

Beloved entertainers Billy Crystal turns 79, Michael Caine celebrates 93, and rising star Ansel Elgort hits 32 today, March 14, 2026, sparking fan tributes across social media. Bored Panda highlights their iconic careers from Crystal's Oscar-hosting gigs to Caine's two Best Supporting Actor wins and Elgort's Baby Driver breakout. These milestones coincide with Oscars buzz, amplifying Hollywood nostalgia. Fans share rare photos and clips honoring their US entertainment legacies.

The U.S. Embassy in Rome issued an alert regarding a planned demonstration scheduled for March 14, 2026, in the Italian capital.[3] While specific details about the demonstration's organizers and stated objectives were not fully disclosed in the alert, media reports suggested the protest may be related to U.S. foreign policy decisions, potentially including the ongoing Iran conflict.[3] Embassy alerts of this nature typically precede large-scale protests in major European cities and serve to notify American citizens and diplomatic personnel of potential public disorder.[3] The timing of the demonstration coincides with escalating international tensions and anti-war sentiment in several allied nations.[3]

March Madness 2026 drives a massive increase in sports betting, considered the tournament's 'Super Bowl' alongside the NFL championship, with numerous games fueling wagers across U.S. platforms. While most states set the betting age at 21, a Wall Street Journal op-ed highlighted Gen Z college students facing addiction risks from gamified apps blurring entertainment and financial peril. Sportsbooks sponsor 87 teams in NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, while restricting consistent winners but rewarding VIP losers who generate 60-70% of revenue despite being 2-3% of bettors. Regulators in states like New York address these practices as tournaments peak.