The NCAA Women’s Final Four semifinals took place Friday, with South Carolina defeating UConn to end a 54-game winning streak, while Texas and UCLA competed in the second game. A postgame exchange between coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley was noted as tense. The winners will advance to the championship.

Two wildfires—including the Springs fire near Moreno Valley—broke out in southern California on Friday, driven by high winds and prompting evacuations. The National Weather Service warned of 50 mph gusts, while crews worked to contain the blazes amid dry, warm conditions.

Commissioners from the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 endorsed a presidential executive order that directs federal agencies to enforce stricter rules on athlete transfers, eligibility, and third-party compensation in college sports. While praising the order, they urged Congress to pass national legislation addressing athlete pay, NIL rights, and protections for non-revenue sports.

Former President Donald Trump released a Good Friday message highlighting the importance of religion in the U.S., citing personal faith background and administrative efforts to support religious expression. He claimed increased church attendance and discussed initiatives like the White House Faith Office, without providing verifiable data on participation trends.

The secondary market for private company shares has seen increased activity, with AI firm Anthropic attracting significant investor interest while demand for OpenAI shares has waned. Meanwhile, a potential SpaceX IPO is expected to impact private market trading patterns, though details remain unconfirmed.

NASA astronaut Victor Glover, part of the Artemis II crew, stated during a March press event that the mission’s historic representation should ultimately be viewed as a shared human achievement. The mission, which includes the first woman and first Black astronaut on a lunar orbit, aims to advance space exploration while reducing emphasis on demographic 'firsts.'

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu were booed by fans at the Red Sox home opener on Friday during a pregame ceremony. The incident drew social media attention and comments from Republican gubernatorial candidates. It follows recent controversies involving Healey’s administration and policy statements.

Oregon officials have affirmed they will continue their long-standing vote-by-mail system after federal guidance urged restrictions on mail-in ballots, citing fraud concerns. The state, which has used mail voting since 1998, maintains its verification processes ensure security, while the guidance targets states expanding access rather than those with established programs.

JD Vance has been tasked by Donald Trump with leading an election integrity initiative targeting Democratic-led states, including reported enforcement actions in California. The move follows unproven claims of election irregularities, with officials yet to provide detailed evidence or responses.

A US military aircraft was downed in Iran, with a search operation underway for the pilot. The incident is under investigation, and details about the circumstances and the pilot’s condition remain unconfirmed.

The NFL has closed its investigation into Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice, finding insufficient evidence to support allegations of personal conduct policy violations made by his ex-girlfriend, Dacoda Jones. Rice will face no league discipline, while Jones previously filed a civil lawsuit alleging abuse over an 18-month period.

March 2026 data from the Institute for the Study of War shows Russian forces made minimal territorial gains in Ukraine—just 23 sq km—the smallest since 2023, attributed to Ukrainian counteroffensives and Russian restrictions on communication tools like Starlink and Telegram. Some southern frontline areas saw Russian losses, while civilian casualties were reported in a drone and missile strike.

NASA’s Artemis II crew is photographing their lunar mission, with guidance from scientists on key subjects to document. The images support research and mission operations, though the agency has not detailed the total number released. The mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program to return humans to the moon.

NASA’s Artemis II mission, carrying four astronauts, has traveled over 100,000 miles from Earth since its launch, with officials reporting normal operations. The crew shared images of Earth and the spacecraft’s exterior, while the mission continues toward a lunar flyby as part of NASA’s broader Artemis program.

A 2027 U.S. budget proposal allocates $152 million to restore Alcatraz Island, a decommissioned federal prison, following a 2023 directive to evaluate its reuse as an operational facility. The plan raises questions about feasibility, historical preservation, and federal prison infrastructure needs, though no legislative action has been taken. The site currently operates as a National Park Service-managed tourist attraction.

Individuals experiencing infertility report receiving frequent, often well-intentioned comments from others that may cause unintended distress. These remarks commonly involve advice, personal questions, or comparisons related to conception, with varying effects depending on context. Support groups and healthcare professionals have offered guidance on sensitive communication regarding fertility.

Two US Air Force fighter jets, including an F-15E Strike Eagle, were lost on Friday during operations involving Iran, with one aircraft downed over Iranian airspace after the crew ejected. The incidents occurred amid regional tensions, though details on casualties, operational context, and Iran’s justification remain partially unverified.

Luka Dončić will miss the NBA regular season’s final games due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain sustained during a loss to Oklahoma City. The Lakers, currently third in the Western Conference, have not ruled him out for the playoffs, though recovery timelines for such injuries typically span multiple weeks.

Games simulating mundane jobs, such as *PowerWash Simulator 2*, have gained popularity and industry awards, including Bafta nominations. Players engage with structured, task-based gameplay, and developers report millions of active users across titles replicating activities like cleaning, farming, and delivery.

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins addressed the White House’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal, highlighting Congress’s authority over funding decisions. The proposal includes reductions to some domestic programs, though Collins did not specify her position on the plan, instead underscoring the legislative process ahead.