Top news headlines for Friday, March 21, 2025

 top news headlines for Friday, March 21, 2025:

Global News

• Heathrow Airport Shutdown: A fire at an electrical substation near London's Heathrow Airport has caused a major power outage, leading to the complete closure of the airport. The disruption is expected to affect thousands of flights worldwide over the coming days. ​ABC News

• European Defense Divisions: European nations remain divided over defense strategies and support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. Disagreements persist on methods to enhance sanctions against Russia and on funding allocations for defense investments. ​The Guardian

• Israeli Military Actions in Gaza: Israel has intensified its military operations in the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties, including over 200 children since Tuesday. The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalating violence. ​Democracy Now!

Sports

• NCAA Tournament Highlights: The NCAA men's basketball tournament is underway. Notable performances include Michigan's narrow victory over UC San Diego, Arkansas's upset against Kansas, and Gonzaga's dominant win over Georgia. ​SBNation.com

• Kentucky Wildcats Begin Tournament Run: Both the men's and women's Kentucky Wildcats basketball teams commence their NCAA tournament journeys today. The women's team faces Liberty, while the men's team takes on Troy. ​A Sea Of Blue

• Emerging Stars in March Madness: Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament features standout players such as Duke's Cooper Flagg, Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, and Memphis's PJ Haggerty, all expected to make significant impacts. ​New York Post

Entertainment

• Dolly Parton's Nashville Performance: Dolly Parton delivered a captivating performance in Nashville during her show "Threads: My Songs In Symphony," blending classic hits with orchestral arrangements. ​People.com

• Music Tours and Releases: Brandi Cyrus is set to join Kenny Chesney for his Las Vegas residency starting May 22. Additionally, Ariana Grande will release a deluxe edition of her album "Eternal Sunshine" on March 28. ​Page Six

• John Abraham's 'The Diplomat' Nears ₹20 Crore: John Abraham's film "The Diplomat" has surpassed the actor's previous movie "Vedaa" in earnings and is approaching the ₹20 crore milestone. ​mint

Business

• Market Volatility Amid Tariff Concerns: Global markets are experiencing volatility due to impending U.S. tariffs set to take effect in April. Despite positive economic data, investor sentiment remains cautious. ​Reuters

• Innovations in Sports Industry: Organizations like Adidas and the WNBA have been recognized among Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in sports for 2025, highlighting advancements in technology and fan engagement. ​Fast Company

• Knighthead Invests in Netball: Knighthead Capital Management has become a major shareholder in the Birmingham Panthers Netball Super League team, signaling increased investment in women's sports. ​PR Newswire

Finance

• Weekly Finance Recap: Key financial news includes discussions on the $31.5 trillion SHEconomy and USA Today's latest financial initiatives, reflecting significant trends in the finance sector. ​PR Newswire

• Federal Reserve's Economic Outlook: Investors are closely monitoring new U.S. economic data, especially inflation measures, as the Federal Reserve assesses the impact of recent trade policies. ​Reuters

• European Central Banks' Policy Decisions: Several European central banks, including the Bank of England and the Swiss National Bank, are expected to announce their monetary policy decisions, with markets closely watching for potential rate changes amid economic uncertainties.