March 17 2014 News -

President Barack Obama announced new sanctions targeting Russian and Ukrainian officials responsible for the "illegal referendum," stating the U.S. would not recognize the secession.

Government forces, supported by Hezbollah, seized the strategic rebel-held town of Yabrud near the Lebanese border. March 17 2014 News

Reports confirmed that 16 people died in a stampede during a massive government job recruitment drive involving roughly 500,000 applicants. supported by Hezbollah

U.S. Navy SEALs recaptured the Morning Glory , a tanker filled with Libyan oil that had been hijacked by rebels earlier in the month. Human Interest & Tragedy March 17 2014 News

Florida was named the top-seeded team for the 2014 NCAA basketball tournament as the brackets were officially set.