U.S. to Withdraw From Group Investigating Responsibility for Ukraine Invasion

Confusion initially enveloped St. Peter's Square as Cardinal Dominique Mamberti announced the election of Pope Leo XIV, with cheers erupting at "habemus papam" but the name itself lost in the noise. American pride surged among some, like Alec Maddox and his brothers, despite their limited knowledge of the new pontiff, who is viewed as a moderate favoring a pastoral approach. Opinions varied, with some expressing disappointment over the U.S. influence in the decision, while others...

Steep U.S. Tariffs Impacting BusinessesAmid steep new U.S. tariffs, footwear company Keen plans to keep prices steady while many others are forced to hike prices to absorb costs. Keen has diversified its supply chain beyond China to mitigate risks associated with tariffs, operating in multiple countries including the U.S., Dominican Republic, and Thailand. Experts warn that the footwear and apparel industries, heavily reliant on China, could see prices rise significantly, with average annual household spending...

The church where Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, attended mass as a child is now in disrepair, reflecting the declining influence of the Catholic Church in urban America. Despite the church's state, local Catholics express excitement over having an American pope from Chicago, hoping his leadership will rejuvenate the faith amid declining attendance and ongoing scandals. As preparations for a special mass unfold, the community remembers Leo XIV’s humble beginnings and anticipates his...

A Florida woman, 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema, was killed by an alligator while canoeing with her husband near Lake Kissimmee in Polk County. The couple's canoe tipped over after hitting the alligator, and despite her husband's efforts to save her, Diekema was bitten and her body was later recovered. Wildlife officials are investigating the incident, noting that deadly alligator attacks are rare, and they advise the public to stay away from water edges to reduce risks....

A grand jury in Hanceville, Alabama, has ordered the dismissal of nearly 60 felony cases due to a "rampant culture of corruption" within the local police department, which led to the indictment of four officers and the police chief for evidence mishandling. The audit revealed serious documentation failures, with significant amounts of evidence missing, prompting Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker to state that even one compromised case is unacceptable. Following polarized community debates, Hanceville's...

An Iranian mechanical engineering student, Alireza Doroudi, chose to self-deport after being detained for six weeks in a Louisiana facility, despite the U.S. government dropping a charge related to his arrest. Initially detained under national security concerns, his visa was revoked without explanation, and he was unable to secure bond, leading to his decision to leave rather than face indefinite detention. His attorney criticized the process as a denial of due process, while Doroudi's fiancée...