Smalltalk

2025 Final Four: Bracket, schedule, location, teams

  • All four number 1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four, marking the first time this has happened since 2008.
  • The men's NCAA Tournament Final Four will take place on Saturday, April 5, adding excitement to the basketball season.
  • The 2025 Final Four and National Championship will be hosted at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Sports Events
March 31, 2025 at 1:29 PM

Hungary Expands Meddling From Bonds to Banks as Economy Stutters

  • Hungary's government is increasing market interventions in banking and bond funds to stimulate growth after last year's recession.
  • The economy is projected to grow by 2.5% this year, a downgrade from earlier estimates, highlighting challenges with inflation and budget deficits.
  • A new proposal may require institutional investors to buy more government debt, affecting bond yields and the forint's value.
Business and Finance Politics
March 31, 2025 at 12:01 PM

The Fyre Festival organiser is out of jail. Now he wants a shark-infested sequel

  • Billy McFarland, known for the infamous Fyre Festival fiasco, announced that Fyre Festival 2 will take place in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, May 30-June 2, aiming to redeem himself after his prison sentence for fraud.
  • The first Fyre Festival resulted in chaos, including false promises of luxury accommodations that turned into disastrous conditions for attendees, leading to widespread ridicule and documentaries that highlighted its failures.
  • Despite skepticism surrounding Fyre Festival 2, the organizers plan to ensure proper infrastructure and legitimate partnerships, with a focus on providing unique experiences like wake surfing and snorkeling alongside music artists.
Business and Finance Events
March 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM

French far-right leader Le Pen barred from seeking public office with immediate effect

  • Marine Le Pen, a prominent far-right leader in France, was found guilty of embezzlement by a French court.
  • This verdict could potentially disrupt the current political landscape in France and her future in politics.
  • Legal troubles for high-profile politicians like Le Pen often lead to significant public discourse on ethics in politics.
Politics Crime
March 31, 2025 at 10:40 AM

Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 31, 2025: It could be a good time to buy

  • Today's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.59%, while the 15-year fixed rate is slightly lower at 5.91%, making it a potentially good time to buy a home.
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) start with lower rates but can increase after a set period; understanding whether to go fixed or adjustable is crucial when shopping for a home.
  • Many lenders offer the best rates to borrowers with high credit scores and significant down payments, so now could be a good time to consider improving your financial standing before purchasing a home.
Real Estate Personal Finance
March 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM