In April 2024, Brazil's President Lula met Colombia's President Petro to strengthen cooperation in areas like Amazonian preservation and trade. Discussions covered sustainable development, environmental leadership in upcoming climate summits, and bolstering economic ties, highlighted by a USD 6.1 billion trade turnover in 2023. Their engagements reflect a strategic push for enhanced South American collaboration.
The IRS is distributing $1,400 stimulus checks to about 1 million taxpayers who missed out on earlier pandemic relief. These payments don't require taxpayers to file any amended returns and aim to plug gaps in unclaimed aid. With this unexpected boost, it's wise to consider options like saving or reducing debt to maximize the benefits.
UNC Women's Basketball Team will host the NCAA Tournament's first two rounds at Carmichael Arena as a No. 3 seed, a first since 2015. Under coach Courtney Banghart, UNC achieved their best seed in her six-year tenure and aims to advance from their 2022 Sweet 16 run. Key players return post-injury to face Oregon State.
Duke claimed a hard-fought 74-71 victory against North Carolina in the ACC semifinals, even without standout player Cooper Flagg. Duke's collective effort, featuring top performances by Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and Patrick Ngongba, overcame UNC's late rally. The Blue Devils' defense was pivotal in securing their spot in the ACC final.
The Trump administration proposes using federal lands for affordable housing, facing criticism over urban needs and environmental concerns. With a task force involving HUD and DOI, this initiative seeks to repurpose underutilized land, especially in rural areas, despite challenges like terrain limitations and bureaucratic hurdles.
Ralph Fiennes admits his initial disdain for *Harry Potter* was due to unfounded snobbery, but credits his sister for convincing him to play Voldemort—a role that became iconic. He's now contemplating retirement from directing to focus on acting but is interested in a TV series reboot with Cillian Murphy taking on his former role.
A self-proclaimed Orlando Magic fan stirred buzz by pulling a prank at a Cavaliers playoff game. Filmed at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, he interacted with Cavaliers fans while clad in Magic attire. This fan isn't the only source of trolling; Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell has also engaged in similar fun, notably teasing Celtics' Jaylen Brown and defending a teammate online.
A powerful storm in March 2025 devastated multiple U.S. states, causing over 32 deaths. Missouri was hardest hit by tornadoes, while Oklahoma faced massive wildfires. Texas saw dust storm-related crashes. Extreme conditions led to power outages, evacuations, and emergencies across affected areas.
Alabama is bracing for severe weather as a new system brings storms and tornado risks. After mild conditions, two weather rounds will hit: an enhanced threat today and a critical phase during the weekend. Residents should prepare for long-track tornadoes, strong winds, and large hail, especially in central areas. Sunny skies return briefly before potential midweek rain.
On March 14, 2025, the 'Blood Worm Moon' captivated skywatchers worldwide, as the first U.S.-visible total lunar eclipse since 2022 unfolded. The event showcased a deep red moon, offering photographers unique opportunities to capture its beauty against iconic backdrops. The next chance to witness such an event will be in September 2025, mainly across Asia and Australia.