In other news

An 8-year-old Australian girl, Chloe Jeffries, was killed in a snowmobile accident at a Japanese ski resort in Hakuba Valley, Nagano prefecture. The incident occurred when the snowmobile she was riding with her mother overturned, trapping her underneath. She was airlifted to hospital but later died. The tour operator, Hakuba Lion Adventure, has cancelled all its snowmobile and snowshoe tours until further notice and is conducting a review of its operations and safety procedures. This is the fourth Australian to have died at a Japanese ski resort this year.

The father of a 14-year-old boy who carried out a school shooting in Georgia, USA, has been found guilty of murder, child cruelty, and other charges. Colin Gray, 55, was accused of ignoring warning signs that his son was planning to commit a mass shooting, including buying him an AR-style rifle despite previous online threats. The prosecution argued that Gray was 'the one person who could have prevented' the shooting. Gray's son, Colt Gray, is awaiting trial for the shooting that killed two teachers and two students. This is the third time a US parent has been held criminally responsible for a mass shooting carried out by their child.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has agreed to testify before a congressional panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Lutnick acknowledged visiting Epstein's private island in 2012, despite previously stating he cut ties with Epstein in 2005. The testimony comes as part of the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Epstein's ties to high-profile individuals, including former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton. Lutnick has not been accused of any wrongdoing by Epstein's victims, but his visit to Epstein's island has sparked bipartisan calls for his resignation. The committee has also called on seven others to appear for transcribed interviews, including Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.

A South Korean court has convicted a woman and her two doctors of murder for killing a newborn baby. The woman, identified by her surname Kwon, had sought to terminate her pregnancy at 36 weeks. Prosecutors argued that the baby was born alive via Caesarean section and was later killed by being placed in a freezer. The court sentenced the hospital director to six years in prison, the surgeon to four years, and Kwon to a three-year suspended jail sentence. The case highlights the legal vacuum surrounding abortions in South Korea following the decriminalization of the procedure in 2019 and the failure of lawmakers to establish clear regulations.

The town of Tuntou in Hebei Province, China, is renowned for producing nearly 80% of the country's lanterns, with the craft being passed down through generations. Lanterns hold significant cultural and symbolic meaning in China, particularly during lunar new year celebrations. Despite the prevalence of high-tech production lines, Tuntou maintains its dominance in the lantern market due to its ability to fulfill diverse orders at competitive prices. However, the town faces a potential labor shortage as young people increasingly opt for urban lifestyles over traditional lantern making.

TikTok has decided not to introduce end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for its direct messages, citing concerns that it would put users, especially young people, at risk of harm. The decision sets TikTok apart from its rivals, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which have all adopted E2EE to maximize user privacy. Critics argue that E2EE makes it harder to stop the spread of harmful content online, as it prevents tech firms and law enforcement from viewing the contents of direct messages. TikTok's decision has been welcomed by child protection charities, such as the NSPCC and the Internet Watch Foundation, which have expressed concerns about the risks of E2EE for children. However, industry watchers have noted that the decision may also be influenced by TikTok's ownership by Chinese tech giant ByteDance and the fact that E2EE is largely banned in China.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain after the country barred the US from using its military bases as part of its operation in Iran. Trump claimed that Spain had been 'terrible' and suggested that the US could 'cut off all trade' with the country. The threat adds to existing tensions between the two countries, including over the Spanish government's resistance to Trump's demand for NATO allies to raise their defence spending. The European Union allows goods to move freely between its 27 member states, which would complicate any bid to impose trade restrictions on a single member state. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had previously criticized the US and Israel's attacks on Iran as 'unjustified, dangerous military intervention' in violation of international law.

The article discusses how America's welfare state is more comprehensive than commonly perceived, with state-level policies compensating for the limitations of federal provisions. It highlights various forms of support available to families, such as prenatal care, maternity leave, child care subsidies, and unemployment benefits, drawing parallels with European welfare systems.

The Economist's finance and economics section features various articles discussing the impact of war on defense stocks, the global economic fallout of a potential Iran conflict, trade chaos under Donald Trump's presidency, and the effects of protectionism on capital flows. Other topics include Chinese consumer spending habits, America's welfare state, and the economic implications of artificial intelligence. The articles analyze the complexities of these issues and their potential consequences for the global economy.

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The article discusses the impact of protectionism and nationalism on globalization, specifically examining whether the movement of capital has become less cosmopolitan. While tariffs and export controls have restricted the flow of goods, and immigrant-bashing politicians have discouraged the flow of people, the article questions if capital flows have been similarly affected. It notes that economists fear unfettered capital movement can amplify speculation and expose countries to financial risks, and some have suggested measures like taxing foreign bond purchases to mitigate these risks. The article explores whether capital has become less globalized in this era of nationalism.

The article commemorates the first amphibious landing in American history, which took place on March 3rd, 1776, when a force of 270 marines and sailors under Captain Samuel Nicholas landed on New Providence island in the Bahamas, seizing forts and capturing supplies from the British. This event marked the modest beginnings of America's military reach, which has since grown to enable complex operations around the world. The article highlights the significance of this historical event in the context of America's current military capabilities.

The article discusses how President Donald Trump's appointments to the Supreme Court have not always aligned with his expectations, as seen in a recent ruling where two of his appointees, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, voted against him in a case related to tariffs he imposed. This highlights the independence of the judiciary and the limits of a president's control over their nominees once they are confirmed.

The article discusses why Chinese people spend a significant amount on food, particularly during the Spring Festival holiday. It highlights how food plays a crucial role in Chinese culture, bringing people together and providing a sense of happiness. The article explores this phenomenon through observations and interviews, such as with Yu Huan, a customer in a Fuzhou café, who expresses that eating is one of the ways she obtains happiness.

Chinese researchers have developed a fixed-wing drone made from bamboo fibre, which is 20% lighter and significantly cheaper than traditional carbon fibre drones. The new material has the potential to reduce the overall structural costs of drones by more than 20%. The drone was co-developed by the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Beihang University's Ningbo Institute of Technology, and the Long Bamboo Technology Group. The use of bamboo fibre addresses the drone industry's reliance on traditional composite materials with high energy consumption and difficulty in degradation.

China's sovereign debt is emerging as a strategic alternative to US Treasuries as global investors seek geopolitical hedges, according to an economist at a Chinese government think tank. Beijing is offering dollar-denominated sovereign bonds at rates matching equivalent US Treasuries, attracting investors. However, greater market liquidity and deeper yuan internationalisation are needed to cement its status as a global safe haven. The issue is expected to be discussed at China's annual legislative and advisory meetings.

Hong Kong residents stranded in Dubai amid the US-Israeli attack on Iran are facing travel chaos due to repeated flight cancellations, rising hotel costs, and dwindling phone data. At least 585 stranded residents have filed inquiries with the Immigration Department, with four having left the region so far. The situation is causing frustration among travellers, who are struggling to navigate rapidly changing emergency policies.

The escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf involving the US, Israel, and Iran has significantly impacted the aviation landscape between Europe and Asia. Airspace closures have paralyzed major Gulf aviation hubs, leading to a surge in demand for direct Asia-Europe routes. Chinese carriers are benefiting from this shift as Gulf carriers face significant disruptions. Economy class tickets on direct Beijing-Paris flights are fully booked, with business-class tickets selling for around 77,000 yuan ($11,127). The conflict has driven airfares up sharply, with economy tickets on Air France flights more than tripling in price. Industry analysts suggest that Chinese carriers will see an increase in demand on their established routes to Europe, Canada, and Australia due to the disruption in the Gulf.

The article summarizes seven key stories related to electric vehicles (EVs) in China, highlighting the dominance of low-cost models from Geely Auto and Wuling Motor Holdings, the impact of rising battery costs on the EV market, and the push for autonomous driving technology by Xpeng's CEO. Amid intensifying competition and a cooling car market, Chinese EV makers are adapting their strategies, with a potential shift towards hybrid vehicles and accelerated development of autonomous driving technology.

The Muslim community in Ebetsu, Japan has been shaken by a series of suspected arson attacks targeting Pakistani-owned businesses and a mosque. The attacks followed months of online agitation against the community over alleged construction violations. Three fires in two weeks have caused significant damage and heightened anxiety among the city's approximately 700 Muslim residents. The mosque's chairman, Mohammed Imran, expressed fear for the community's safety, citing the presence of women and children. Police are investigating the incidents.

The US Pentagon's new National Defence Strategy may have inadvertently strengthened North Korea's hostage strategy by calling on Seoul to take primary responsibility for deterring North Korea. Analysts say this shift in burden may embolden North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, as the country's deterrence logic relies on the threat it poses to Seoul, making it a hostage to ward off potential US attacks.

China's factory activity contracted more than expected in February due to an extended Lunar New Year holiday, according to an official survey. The manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 49, marking a second straight month of contraction. However, a private survey showed a sharp rebound in manufacturing activity, with the PMI surging to 52.1, its strongest level since December 2020. Economists attributed the discrepancy to differences in survey timing and sample size. China's economy has struggled with deflationary pressure, a property downturn, and weak job market prospects. The government is expected to announce economic targets at its parliamentary meeting, with economists predicting a lower growth target.

The article discusses how Chinese AI startups are expanding globally from day one, with a focus on the overseas market. Companies like Tripo AI and iSales are building strategic partnerships with corporations and selling AI tools to help Chinese companies sell products overseas. Nvidia's latest warning highlights the disruption caused by Chinese rivals in the AI industry. The article also touches on the capital strategy of these startups, with a focus on fundraising from U.S. dollar-based investors and listing in Hong Kong.

CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, reported robust quarterly results, exceeding expectations across key measures. The company's revenue increased 23% year-over-year to $1.305 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $1.297 billion. The company's CEO, George Kurtz, believes that AI is a growth opportunity for CrowdStrike, and that its technology is well-positioned to continue winning. Despite some investors' concerns that large language models (LLMs) may displace traditional cybersecurity vendors, Kurtz argued that CrowdStrike's data moat and expertise create a structural advantage that LLMs cannot replicate. The company's guidance for the new fiscal year was above analyst expectations, and the stock is still considered a buy, although the price target has been lowered to $500 from $550.

The article discusses the key stock stories for Wednesday, highlighting the market's potential movements based on various factors. Berkshire Hathaway's CEO Greg Abel will be on CNBC's 'Squawk Box' at 7 a.m. ET, discussing the company's performance. The ADP employment data release at 8:15 a.m. is expected to show a gain of 48,000 jobs. CrowdStrike's CEO George Kurtz will appear on 'Mad Money' with Jim Cramer at 6 p.m., discussing the company's cybersecurity capabilities amidst concerns over Iran's cyber threats. Ford is set to report its February sales. The article also touches on the impact of rising oil prices on plastic makers like Dow and LyondellBasell. The Dow Industrials, Nasdaq Composite, and S&P 500 experienced significant swings on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq down 1%, S&P 500 losing 0.9%, and Dow sliding 0.8%.

A former Louisiana mayor, Misty Roberts, has been found guilty of having sex with her son's 16-year-old best friend at a booze-filled pool party. The jury delivered the verdict after less than an hour of deliberation. Roberts was convicted on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with a juvenile. The incident occurred during her son's birthday party in 2024, with her teenage children allegedly witnessing the crime. Roberts will have to register as a sex offender and faces a potential prison sentence of up to 17 years. The conviction is based on testimony from the victim, Roberts' children, and other witnesses, including a local DoorDash driver who delivered emergency contraception to Roberts' home.

The article discusses how the openness of today's world is affecting relationships, with people being more willing to share intimate details and engage in questionable behavior. The author touches on various topics, including the decline of traditional values, the rise of dishonesty in relationships, and the changing dynamics of couplehood. The article also includes seemingly unrelated anecdotes and commentary on other news stories, such as a New York politician's stance on homelessness and a TV host's son getting married.

Former New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has won the Republican House primary race in Texas's 21st Congressional District. Teixeira, a three-time MLB All-Star, was endorsed by President Trump and is expected to have an edge in the November general election due to the district's solid Republican rating. Teixeira vowed to work with President Trump on issues such as border security, economic growth, and defending the Second Amendment. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and family, and is preparing to serve the country.

The US Senate is set to vote on a resolution to limit President Donald Trump's ability to take military action against Iran. The author argues that this resolution is unconstitutional and that Trump has the authority to take military action without congressional approval. The article criticizes Democrats for their hypocrisy and partisan attacks on Trump, citing historical precedents of presidents taking military action without congressional approval. The author also highlights the double standard in the Democratic Party's stance on Trump's actions compared to those of previous presidents. The article concludes that Trump's actions are constitutional and that Democrats are misleading the public with their rhetoric.

Amazon reported that drones struck three of its Middle East data centers, causing outages and damage related to the ongoing conflict in the region. The affected data centers are located in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Amazon is working to restore services and repair physical damage, but operations in the Middle East remain significantly impaired. The company has encouraged its customers in the region to back up data and consider migrating workloads to other regions. The incident has resulted in elevated error rates and degraded availability for services, with Amazon shares declining 1.6% in early trading.

A 12-year-old boy in Newcastle, Australia, spotted a juvenile crocodile in a creek near his home, 1,200 miles south of the animal's typical tropical habitat. Initially met with skepticism by authorities, the crocodile was eventually caught by the Australian Reptile Park's team and is now being held at the park. The incident has raised concerns about the presence of crocodiles in non-native areas, with experts suspecting that the animal may have been a pet released into the wild.

A CBS News poll found that most Americans believe the Trump administration has not clearly explained the US goals in the conflict with Iran. The lack of explanation is linked to whether people support the conflict or not. The longer Americans believe the conflict will last, the more they disapprove. Half the country believes it'll be months or even years before it's over. Americans have their own ideas about the administration's goals, with some thinking it's to stop nuclear weapons, stop terrorism, or help the Iranian people, while others think it's to gain political advantage. Overall, most Americans disapprove of the conflict, but the president's Republican base is solidly behind it. Two-thirds of Americans say the administration should get approval from Congress for further military action.

Large crowds gathered in southern Iran's Minab for funerals of students killed at a girls' elementary school. Mourners chanted and held victims' photos according to state broadcaster IRIB. The funerals come as tensions rise between Iran and other countries, including the US, which has identified casualties in a recent Iranian drone strike. The article also mentions other news stories, but the main focus is on the funerals in Minab.

The article discusses Israel's emergency response to Iranian ballistic missile attacks, focusing on the Magen David Adom dispatch center. CNN's Jeremy Diamond visited the center as Iran fired missiles at Israel. The article also touches on related news, including US military action in Iran, casualties, and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has warned that Americans in Israel have 'very limited options' to leave the country due to the ongoing conflict. The US embassy is not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel. This comes as the Pentagon has identified four of the six US service members killed in an Iranian drone strike on Sunday. The situation is dire for Americans stranded in the Middle East, with limited options for escape or assistance.

The article discusses the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern warfare, particularly in the context of the Iran conflict. Experts warn that while AI can enhance military capabilities by processing vast amounts of data to identify targets and prioritize operations, there are concerns about the erosion of human oversight. The US military has reportedly used AI systems, such as Anthropic's Claude model, in operations against Iran and Venezuela. The article highlights the potential benefits of AI in warfare, including improved accuracy and speed, but also raises concerns about the risks of relying too heavily on AI, including the potential for 'rubber stamping' decisions without adequate human review. Experts emphasize that while AI is not yet capable of autonomous decision-making, the speed and complexity of modern warfare may lead to a situation where humans are not effectively in control.

Notorious Sicilian mafia boss Benedetto 'Nitto' Santapaola has died in prison at the age of 87. Santapaola was a powerful leader of the Cosa Nostra mafia in Catania, Sicily, from the late 1970s to the early 1990s and was connected to multiple murders and massacres in Italy during the 1980s and 1990s. He was serving multiple life sentences for murder and other crimes when he died in a high-security jail in Milan. Santapaola was known for his involvement in mafia wars, extortion, and drug trafficking, and was convicted of ordering the murders of several high-profile individuals, including anti-mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.

A mass shooting occurred at a Texas bar, Buford's Backyard Beer Garden, on Austin's West 6th Street, resulting in three fatalities and over a dozen wounded. The gunman, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was fatally shot by officers. The victims were identified as Savitha Shan, 21, Ryder Harrington, 19, and Jorge Pederson, 30. Diagne's motive is being investigated, with possible links to terrorism due to his clothing bearing an Iranian flag design and the words 'Property of Allah'. The FBI and local authorities are examining evidence and interviewing witnesses.

The article explores how China's economic rise has redefined the relationships between overseas Chinese and their relatives in China. It highlights the shift from a reliance on financial support to a more personal and kinship-based connection. The story is told through the experiences of Singaporean families who have visited their ancestral homes in China, noting changes in the dynamics of their interactions over time. As China has become more prosperous, the need for financial aid from abroad has decreased, and relationships have become more about mutual affection and shared heritage.

The article discusses the potential succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the next supreme leader of Iran. The Assembly of Experts, a group of 88 senior Shiite clerics, met to deliberate on the matter, with Mojtaba Khamenei emerging as the clear front-runner. However, some clerics expressed reservations about his appointment, fearing it could make him a target for the US and Israel. Mojtaba Khamenei is seen as a hardline figure with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Other potential candidates include Ayatollah Alireza Arafi and Hassan Khomeini, who are viewed as moderates.

The article explores the complex dynamics between the ethnic Chinese minority and the Malay majority in Kelantan, Malaysia, a state governed by the Islamist party PAS. While the Chinese community has historically been integrated into Kelantanese society, recent policies have led to increased regulatory encroachment and economic challenges. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of interfaith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the cultural heritage and identity of the Chinese community in Kelantan, who have maintained their traditions while adapting to the local culture.

Cuban prosecutors have charged six US-based Cuban exiles with terrorism after a US-flagged speedboat was involved in a deadly shootout with Cuba's coast guard. The defendants are accused of attempting to destabilize the Cuban government and attack military units. Four people were killed and several were detained. The incident has heightened tensions between the US and Cuba, with the US demanding political and economic changes. Cuban officials allege the speedboat was armed with nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition and various firearms. US politicians have expressed skepticism over Cuba's version of events, calling for independent investigations.

A Jordanian national, Mohammad Odeh Saleh, has been arrested in the Philippines for visa violations after the alleged gunmen behind the Bondi beach terrorist attack visited his coffee shop in Davao City. The alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, stayed in Davao City for four weeks before launching the attack in December 2025, killing 15 people and injuring 40. Authorities investigating the gunmen's stay in the Philippines found that they visited Saleh's coffee shop, but an initial investigation did not establish direct involvement of Saleh in terrorist activity. Saleh was arrested for overstaying his visa and engaging in gainful business without the proper visa.

The IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin revealed that Israel and the US coordinated a strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a broader campaign against Iran's military capabilities. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury', involved months of strategic deception and unprecedented cooperation between the Israeli and US militaries. Defrin emphasized that Iran poses a regional and global threat, and that the campaign is not only aimed at Israel but also at protecting regional partners and global shipping lanes. The strike was part of a larger effort to counter Iranian aggression, including attacks on Israeli and American targets.

The article reports on the 2026 Arkansas primary election results. The Associated Press (AP) has tabulated votes for various contests, including the Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House races. In the Governor's race, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is uncontested for the Republican nomination, while Fred Love and Supha Xayprasith-Mays are headed for a runoff in the Democratic primary. For the U.S. Senate, Tom Cotton leads the Republican primary, and Hallie Shoffner is ahead in the Democratic primary. The article provides detailed results for various U.S. House districts, with some candidates being uncontested and others heading for runoffs. The AP's vote tabulation is ongoing, with results available as of March 4, 2026.