OPEC+ kept its March oil output unchanged after lifting quotas earlier, with Brent near six-month highs as Iran–U.S. tensions support prices; the group reiterated full compliance but gave no guidance beyond March, keeping options open for future policy depending on market conditions.
San Antonio’s annual MLK Day march—started in 1968 with 10 participants—has grown into one of the country’s largest civil rights demonstrations, drawing hundreds of thousands along a three-mile East Side route. Backed by the city for decades, the event emphasizes diversity, unity, and nonviolent protest, with participation from schools, community groups, and various supporters, plus VIA buses helping move crowds to the starting points.
Supporters gathered in Fort Worth to honor Charlie Kirk with a march and rally emphasizing faith, freedom, and unity, following his assassination. The event included peaceful protests, counter-protests, and police presence, with similar rallies held in Dallas and a large memorial scheduled in Arizona, highlighting Kirk's influence and the polarized reactions to his legacy.
Despite Donald Trump's unpopularity in Britain, Trumpism is gaining traction, exemplified by a large rally in London led by far-right figures like Tommy Robinson, reflecting widespread grievances over issues like free speech, migration, and climate policies.
Thousands gathered in Washington D.C. at Meridian Hill Park to protest against what they perceive as a takeover of law enforcement by Trump, with activities including music, yoga, and police patrols present.
Retail sales surged by 0.7% in March, surpassing market expectations and indicating strong consumer spending, which is a key driver of economic growth.
Despite concerns about inflation, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE, may not be as bad as feared in March, providing some relief to the stock market which is looking to rebound after a significant slide.
US producer prices rose 2.1% from a year ago, marking the most significant increase in 11 months, with the producer price index for final demand showing a 0.2% monthly increase in March, following a sharp advance in February. Certain categories contributing to the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge saw more muted increases.
Indigenous women from the Ecuadorian Amazon marched in Puyo on International Women's Day to demand equality, a dignified life, health, and the defense of their territories, while expressing their rejection of policies imposed by the country's president. The self-organized event brought together around 100 women from various Indigenous nationalities, who chanted slogans of resistance and highlighted the importance of defending ancestral territories and guaranteeing women's rights nationwide.
The recent heavy snowfall in Denver was significant but not record-breaking, with similarities to a snowstorm in 2021 that set records for snow and liquid moisture. The 2021 storm brought 27.1 inches of snow to Denver and set a record for liquid moisture, with temperatures near freezing and strong wind gusts contributing to blizzard conditions. While March snowstorms in Denver vary in intensity, March is typically the snowiest month, with an average of 11.5 inches of snow.
The March Pixel Feature Drop has begun rolling out to US users, including those on AT&T, Google Fi, and T-Mobile, with a staggered release. The update brings new features such as Circle To Search, Ultra HDR photo sharing, updated Call Screening, Partial Screen recording, improvements to Fast Pair, and the March Android security patch.
March is the best month to see the northern lights due to higher geomagnetic activity, caused by the alignment of Earth's magnetic field with the sun's during the vernal equinox. This year, the vernal equinox occurs on March 19, 2024. The heightened solar activity as we approach solar maximum makes the next few years the best for aurora hunting. Experts estimate a CME may trigger a minor G1-class geomagnetic storm late on March 2, sparking impressive aurora displays. March is also a great time to visit Arctic regions as the winter snow is at its deepest and the daylight hours are growing longer.
March's astrology brings a mix of intense transits and sweet spots, with key dates including Mercury entering Aries on March 9, a New Moon in Pisces on March 10, and a lunar eclipse in Libra on March 25. The month begins with a focus on letting go and feeling sensitive, leading into Aries season on March 19, bringing increased energy and drive. Various planetary pairings and transits throughout the month bring surprises, inspiration, and opportunities for growth in relationships and finances. The spring equinox on March 19 marks the start of Aries season and a new astrological year, while a lunar eclipse in Libra on March 25 kicks off eclipse season, bringing fated shifts in relationships.
Subscribers are speculating about the upcoming PlayStation Plus free games for March, with predictions including Sonic Frontiers, Forspoken, and Cult Of The Lamb. Some are also hoping for Dead Island 2, Sifu, and Resident Evil 3, but the lineup remains uncertain until the official announcement next week.
Reddit is reportedly planning to launch its IPO in March, aiming to sell around 10% of its shares and considering a valuation of up to $15 billion. The company had previously submitted a draft registration statement in December 2021 but did not proceed with the IPO. Reddit's IPO plans have been delayed due to market uncertainty and its lack of profitability, but it is now working with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to go public.