Gaza ceasefire resolution, Holi festival, and coolest small cities.

Adam Rogers
March 26, 2024

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Big Stories

A New York appeals court has agreed to delay the collection of former President Donald Trump's $454 million civil fraud judgment.

The delay is contingent on Trump posting a $175 million bond within 10 days. It also stops the state from seizing Trump's assets while he appeals the ruling.
The decision follows a monthslong civil trial where Trump, his company, and top executives were found to have overvalued his wealth on financial statements. Trump maintains that the statements actually lowballed his fortune.
Meanwhile, a New York judge has set Trump’s hush money trial date for April 15 after a last-minute document dump postponed the original date.

Holi, an ancient Hindu festival celebrated annually in India, has gained global popularity.

It features bonfires, singing, dancing, prayer, feasting, and the iconic throwing of pigmented powder. Known as the "festival of colors," the festival is a joyful celebration of spring that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
Holi begins with the lighting of bonfires on the evening of the full moon during the Hindu month of Phalguna. This ritual, called Holika Dahan, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The next morning, the party continues with the playful throwing of colored powder, known as gulal, which symbolizes love and unity.
Holi embraces inclusivity, welcoming people from all backgrounds to join the festivities. It transcends religious, societal, caste, and political divisions in a country that has a longstanding history of social prejudice. Participants worship and offer prayers to Hindu gods, while others celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
Holi is also celebrated with traditional dishes and drinks. Across India and beyond, people enjoy a variety of sweets and savory treats, along with special beverages like thandai - a cold drink made with almonds, seeds, spices, milk, and sugar.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages.

The vote is the first successful resolution on a ceasefire after four previous failures. The US didn’t veto the resolution, unlike prior attempts.
The resolution emphasizes compliance with international law, condemns attacks against civilians and terrorism, and addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It also demands an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan and the release of all hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu canceled a White House visit in protest of the US decision not to block the resolution, despite assurances that the ceasefire is contingent on a hostage deal.

Boeing announced CEO Dave Calhoun's departure by year-end. Board Chairman Larry Kellner won't seek re-election, and Stan Deal, president of the commercial airplanes division, will retire immediately. The leadership shakeup follows quality-control challenges, including an in-flight door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max jet in January. (More)

Florida enacted one of the nation's strictest social media bans for minors with a bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The law prohibits social media accounts for children under 14 and mandates parental consent for 15- and 16-year-olds. The new law will take effect on Jan. 1. (More)

Measles cases in the U.S. have eclipsed last year's total, per the CDC. As of March 21, 64 cases have been confirmed across 17 states — only 58 cases were reported in 2023. In response to this uptick, the CDC issued a health advisory on March 18, suggesting vaccination, especially for children and international travelers, to combat the rise in global and domestic cases. (More)

Russia has charged four men with terrorism for killing at least 137 people in an attack at a Moscow concert hall. The suspects appeared in court with signs of beating and torture — one was in a wheelchair. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the murders. (More)

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani said that he’s “very saddened and shocked” about his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara’s alleged theft. Mizuhara is accused of stealing Ohtani's money to cover his gambling debts. Ohtani clarified he had no involvement in sports betting and denied being asked to bail out Mizuhara. Major League Baseball prohibits its employees and players from gambling on league games. (More)

The coolest small cities in the US.

Jasmin Paris became the first woman to finish the grueling Barkley Marathons race.

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Why seeing eye dogs are so expensive to breed and train.

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