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clare melford

Ivorian Drum Returns Home After a Century

March 13, 2026

In the heart of Abidjan, a lively crowd of chiefs and villagers gathered at the airport on Friday to greet a giant drum that had been away for more than 100 years. The instrument, known as Djidji Ayokwè or “Panther‑Lion” in the local language, is over three metres long and almost 400 kilos heavy. It

entertainment

Spensering Life of a Genre‑Juggler

March 13, 2026

Dan Simmons, who died at 77, wrote more than thirty books that spanned science‑fiction, horror, fantasy, crime and history. He was a master at following his own creative urges; if one publisher resisted his vision, he would move on. His most famous work is the four‑volume “Hyperion Cantos. ” The

health

Measles Watch in South Carolina: A Tight‑Knit Response

March 13, 2026

South Carolina’s health officials keep a close eye on measles even as the number of new cases falls. They are double‑checking every suspected case, especially with spring break on the horizon and the risk of a new spike. The current outbreak is the biggest in the state since 2000, and it rivals the

politics

Nuclear Plant in Danger as Fighting Rises

March 13, 2026

The chief of Russia’s state nuclear company said that the area around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia power station is becoming riskier for military reasons. He pointed out that the frequency of shelling, drone raids and mortar fire has gone up in recent months. Because of these attacks the industrial

politics

Iran’s Strength Shown While Trump Claims Victory

March 12, 2026

The U. S. has learned that the Iranian government remains solid, a fact that clashes with President Trump’s repeated claims of a finished war. After eleven days of fighting, intelligence reports say the regime still holds power over its people and is far from collapsing. On the first day of confl

politics

Jake Paul Gets Trump’s Full Endorsement for a Political Future

March 12, 2026

At a rally in Hebron, Kentucky, President Donald Trump declared he would fully back Jake Paul if the YouTuber‑boxer decided to run for public office. Trump’s speech was delivered while the crowd cheered at a logistics company that hosts the event. The former president hinted that Paul’s next b

sports

Arlington’s New Speed Stage: A Street‑Race Takeover

March 12, 2026

Arlington, Texas, has long hosted big games and shows, but this year it’s adding a high‑octane twist: an IndyCar street race that snakes through the city’s entertainment hub. The event isn’t just another ticket sale; it’s a chance to display Arlington’s landmarks—AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, a ne

religion

Morning Lights, Night Feasts: Ramadan in Detroit

March 11, 2026

In the early gray of a Detroit morning, a woman named Zarina moves through her house with quiet purpose. She wakes before sunrise so she and her three children can share a simple pre‑fast meal. The food is light: protein drinks, vitamins, water, and dates that echo a tradition from centuries ago. R

politics

Illinois Senate Race: New Faces Step Forward

March 11, 2026

A 24‑hour gap after Senator Dick Durbin said he would not run again saw Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announce her bid for the seat, signaling a possible shift in Illinois’ Senate representation. The state’s Senate seats have long split between the Chicago area and downstate, but Durbin’s

politics

National Symphony Boss Leaves Amid Kennedy Center Turmoil

March 7, 2026

The National Symphony Orchestra’s top executive has announced her resignation, adding fresh disappointment to the Kennedy Center’s ongoing challenges. The center is already grappling with shrinking crowds, performers pulling out, and the loss of its opera wing after President Trump’s controversial i