Consumer sentiment slumps in March to lowest since 2022 as Trump tariffs spark more inflation worries

The Archbishop of Quebec, Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, expressed his expectation that Pope Leo will continue to prioritize reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the significance of this term for pastoral work. He shared these insights following the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the first U.S.-born pope. Lacroix's comments reflect the ongoing commitment to addressing historical injustices, a focus that was notably highlighted by the late Pope Francis in 2022. Full Article

SummaryUS Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated that Washington does not require Israel's approval to prevent Houthi attacks on American vessels or to negotiate with the group in Yemen. He emphasized that the US response to Houthi actions would depend on whether American citizens were harmed, noting the presence of 700,000 Americans in Israel. Huckabee's comments come amid reports of a communication rift between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, amid concerns of manipulation....

Stanley Dotson, a 41-year-old man with a criminal record of at least 26 arrests, has been charged with felony attempted kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl in Houston. He allegedly attempted to abduct her while she was riding her electric scooter by grabbing her arm and dragging her before she screamed for help, resulting in his flight. Dotson was identified through an anonymous tip and photo lineup, and his bail is set at $100,000, with authorities...

Fifteen States Sue Trump Administration Over Energy Emergency DeclarationFifteen states, led by Democratic attorneys general, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the validity of a January 20 executive order declaring a “national energy emergency.” They argue that the declaration, which expedites fossil fuel projects while bypassing environmental reviews, is illegal and harmful to state interests, including clean water and wildlife habitats. The lawsuit seeks to halt expedited permits and asserts that emergency...

A diver has died while working on the recovery of the sunken superyacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily, which sank in August 2024, resulting in seven fatalities, including billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter. The diver, employed by SMIT Salvage, was reportedly using faulty oxygen equipment or may have suffered a seizure; investigations are ongoing. The recovery operation, which involves around 70 specialists, began recently, as an inquest into the deaths of...

A Hastings woman, Heather Gregory, lost her home and dog, Tonic, in a fire that occurred while she was away on holiday. She received the distressing news from a neighbor while in Wellington, learning that fire engines were at her residence on Pakowhai Rd, where she had lived for 40 years. Despite the tragedy, she described one of the items found in the ruins as “the miracle piece,” as she copes with the loss of...