John Canning, a St. John's man, was charged with assault after an altercation with three Mary Brown's workers but was not found to have committed a hate crime by a provincial court judge. The incident involved a teenage girl and her sister, both wearing hijabs, and their coworker. Despite allegations of racial slurs, Judge Phyllis Harris cited inconsistencies among witness testimonies and could not conclude that racial language was used. Canning will be sentenced without the assault being considered racially motivated.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, residents are grappling with the impact of inflation, low housing stock, and interest rate hikes, which have led to a significant increase in the cost of living in 2023. Statistics Canada data indicates a 20% rise in grocery prices over two years, with housing costs also up by about 5% since 2022. Individuals interviewed in St. John's expressed their struggles with affording basic necessities, such as food and shelter, on fixed or limited incomes. Many are cutting back on non-essential expenses, seeking sales and discounts, and in some cases, taking on additional jobs to manage the financial strain.

Eight women are preparing to sue the Newfoundland and Labrador government, alleging they were sexually assaulted by on-duty officers of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. The civil suit follows the conviction of RNC officer Doug Snelgrove for sexual assault in 2014. Lawyer Lynn Moore represents the women, who claim they were assaulted after being offered rides home by police while under the influence of alcohol. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter. The lawsuit faces challenges, including a requirement for the plaintiffs to undergo an assessment by a sexual abuse expert to determine if revealing their identities in court would cause psychological harm. Moore criticizes the government for not eliminating this requirement and fears it may deter other potential victims from coming forward.

A report by Food First N.L. recommends eliminating food banks in Newfoundland and Labrador through a change in income policy, including raising the minimum wage, social assistance, and implementing a universal basic income. The report, which includes 18 recommendations, highlights that food charity does not alleviate food insecurity, which affects more than one in six households in the province. The organization suggests interim improvements to food charity systems, such as a grocery shopping model at food banks and the use of gift cards. The report's release has not yet elicited a response from the provincial government.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal has ordered a new trial for a teenage boy previously acquitted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, finding that the trial judge relied on rape myths in her decision. The appeal court identified errors in law, specifically the myths that silence equals consent, a woman can prevent rape if she truly wants to, and women may falsely accuse past lovers for revenge. The case has sparked discussions on the need for mandatory sexual assault training for judges, especially in provincial courts where such training is not currently required.

The Savery family's 80-year-old blue house in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, which they had been renovating since moving from Barrie, Ontario, was destroyed by a storm surge from Hurricane Fiona. A photograph of their house on the brink of collapse gained international attention, symbolizing the devastation in the town. Amidst the debris, the family found remnants of their belongings, including a prom night photo. They expressed disbelief at the power of the storm and decided not to rebuild due to the unpredictable nature of climate change. The global outpouring of support has been a source of comfort to them as they recover from the loss.

Brandon Noftall pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of his stepfather, Robert Noftall, on December 18, 2020, in Renews, Newfoundland and Labrador. The incident occurred after a domestic dispute, where Brandon also assaulted his mother, Melinda Noftall. The plea was accepted by prosecutors, downgrading the charge from second-degree murder. During the altercation, Brandon claimed self-defense, stating Robert had a knife, which was not found by police. After the stabbing, paramedics refused to treat Robert due to safety concerns, and he died en route to the hospital. A sentencing hearing is set for September 9, and Brandon also pleaded guilty to breaching court orders.

Supreme Court Justice Donald Burrage rebuked Stephen Hopkins, accused of sexually assaulting a teenager, for his 'obtuse' questioning during his self-represented trial. Hopkins focused on the trustworthiness of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, suggesting collusion to frame him. The trial, marked by abnormalities including Hopkins's disruptive behavior and attempts to plead guilty to prompt an inquiry into the RNC, has been set over to May 26.

Ukrainian native Nadiya Butt-Velychko, now living in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador, is experiencing distress as her family is trapped in Ukraine amidst Russian attacks. Despite feeling powerless, she is organizing a fundraiser to support humanitarian aid. Her father, a truck driver in England, is attempting to return to Kyiv to join the army. Brian Cherwick, a musician in St. John's, has been informing his family in western Ukraine about the invasion and expresses frustration with the West's response to Russia and the spread of disinformation. Ukrainian officials have reported 40 casualties so far.