Inflation rate hits 2.8% in February, less than expected

The Coalition is on track for its lowest vote share in a federal election since its creation, with Peter Dutton struggling to improve his prospects before the May 3 election, according to a YouGov poll showing their primary vote at 33%. Labor has increased its lead on a two-party preferred basis to 53% against 47%, marking its highest result in 18 months, while Anthony Albanese leads Dutton as preferred prime minister 48% to 38%. The...

Donald Trump has made significant moves regarding transgender participation in sports, pledging to eliminate what he terms "transgender insanity" from schools and signed executive orders to reinforce biological definitions of sex, particularly in athletics. His administration's orders empower federal agencies to penalize institutions that allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, with a focus on compliance with Title IX. This marks a shift from previous interpretations that included gender identity, and while legal challenges...

SummaryThe UN Secretary-General’s special representative for Libya, Hannah Tetteh, emphasized the “volatile” security situation in Libya during a Security Council meeting, urging for a political will to resolve the ongoing crisis. She highlighted the necessity of a consensual roadmap that integrates elections into a broader political framework to promote state-building and strengthen institutions, attributing the political crises to competition for economic resources. Although the 2020 ceasefire agreement is largely holding, the security situation remains precarious...

SummaryAmid the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war, cross-border trips have significantly decreased, coinciding with the scheduled opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge this fall. This new bridge, which connects Ontario and Michigan, is being fully funded by Canadians, with no financial contribution from Americans. The situation highlights the economic tensions and impacts on travel between the two countries as they approach the completion of this important infrastructure project. Full Article

Coroner's Call for Action on Motorist Vision StandardsAn inquest into the deaths of four individuals killed by drivers with impaired vision in northern England revealed that the enforcement of visual legal standards for motorists is deemed "ineffective and unsafe." Dr. James Adeley, the HM senior coroner for Lancashire, has formally addressed the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, urging immediate measures to prevent similar fatalities in the future. This report highlights the critical need for improved regulations...

Kyiv and Washington have signed a memorandum of intent to advance an investment fund agreement for Ukraine's natural resources and energy assets, aiming for a full economic accord by April 26. Ukrainian officials, led by Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, view this as a constructive step following previous negotiations that faltered after a confrontation between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump. While the proposal grants the US preferential access to Ukrainian resources, concerns remain about national sovereignty and...