Top stories
The hidden cost of erasing Cesar Chavez’s legacy in California California is confronting a growing, tangible price for removing references to Cesar Chavez from public life. Over recent months cities, colleges and local agencies have moved to remove statues, cover murals and reverse street and holiday namings tied to the United Farm Workers founder. Officials … Read more
In March 2026, an early-season heat wave slammed the U.S. Southwest, shattering temperature records and producing readings as high as 112°F (44.4°C) in two Arizona communities and two Southern California locations. Scientists and attribution researchers said the scale and timing of the event — months ahead of typical summer peaks — reflect the growing influence … Read more
Lead Miami head coach Travis Steele addressed his team’s 78-56 first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Tennessee on Friday at Xfinity Mobile Arena, congratulating the Volunteers while praising his players’ culture and effort. Steele singled out Tennessee’s physicality and an outstanding performance by Gillespie, who finished with 29 points and nine assists. He also defended his … Read more
U.S. Navy amphibious forces from San Diego departed this week for the Middle East as part of a stepped-up American military posture in the region. On Thursday, March 19, 2026, an amphibious ready group centered on the 844-foot USS Boxer left San Diego carrying elements of Camp Pendleton’s 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit — up to … Read more
Nicholas Brendon, the actor best known for playing Xander Harris on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at 54. His family posted a brief statement on his Instagram account saying he “died in his sleep.” The announcement, confirmed by news outlets on March 20–21, 2026, gave no further details about time or … Read more
On March 20, 2026, South Korean emergency teams reported 10 deaths after a fast-moving blaze tore through a three-floor auto parts plant in Daejeon, central South Korea. The fire, which began the previous day, left nearly 60 people injured and four still unaccounted for as of Saturday morning. Officials said most of the bodies were … Read more
Lead: The U.S. Department of the Treasury on March 20, 2026 issued a general license permitting the sale of Iranian crude and petrochemical cargoes that were already loaded onto tankers, with purchases authorized through April 19, 2026. The move, disclosed by market reporting and reflected in a Treasury notice, is intended to help blunt upward … Read more
Lead On March 20 in Madrid, PFL staged its first major event in Spain, headlined by a rematch for the middleweight title. Costello van Steenis retained the belt, stopping Fabian Edwards by strikes late in round three (R3, 1:48) to claim the KO victory. The card featured several decisive finishes — including Linton Vassell’s second-round … Read more
Lead: In March 2026 Sri Lanka declared every Wednesday a public holiday to conserve fuel after supply disruptions tied to the Iran war, prompting immediate civic and economic ripple effects in Colombo and beyond. The government said delayed crude shipments created an acute shortfall, and officials framed the weekly break as a temporary rationing measure. … Read more
Lead On March 20, 2026, a slow-moving storm brought record rainfall to the Hawaiian Islands, producing catastrophic flooding on Oahu’s North Shore and prompting mass evacuations as a 120-year-old reservoir dam was declared at risk of imminent failure. Authorities ordered more than 10,000 residents to leave low-lying areas after up to 10 inches of rain … Read more
Lead: On March 20, 2026, WordPress.com announced that customers can now permit AI agents to draft, edit and publish content across their hosted sites. The update lets agents manage comments, adjust metadata, and reorganize tags and categories through natural‑language instructions given by site owners. WordPress.com says changes are recorded in each site’s Activity Log and … Read more
Lead: Nicholas Brendon, best known for playing Xander Harris on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died Friday, March 20, 2026, at the age of 54, his family announced on the actor’s social accounts. The family said he died of natural causes after years of medical challenges that included a congenital heart defect and … Read more
Lead: Late Friday into Saturday, emergency officials extended a flash flood warning for Oahu as heavy Kona-low rain continued to inundate the island, with the warning moved to midnight in the latest update. Mandatory evacuation orders remained in force for parts of the North Shore — including Waialua and Haleiwa — while roughly 5,500 people … Read more
Lead On March 20, 2026, a prominent Watts mural that depicted farmworker leader Cesar Chavez was repainted to honor Dolores Huerta, following new sexual-assault allegations against Chavez. The change, carried out by muralist known as “Misteralek,” took place at the Watts Century Latino Organization site opposite an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community … Read more
On March 20, 2026, a San Francisco Superior Court judge sentenced 80-year-old Mary Fong Lau to probation for a 2024 crash that killed a family of four at a West Portal bus stop. Judge Bruce Chan ordered 200 hours of community service and a three-year revocation of Lau’s driver’s license but declined to impose jail … Read more
