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Former President Joe Biden made a controversial remark at Rev. Jesse Jackson's memorial service, stating 'I'm a hell of a lot smarter than most of you' while discussing his childhood stutter. The comment was met with mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing it as out of place and others finding it humorous. The memorial service, attended by prominent Democratic leaders and civil rights figures, focused on Jackson's legacy and impact on the civil rights movement and the Democratic Party.

A high-ranking California Catholic bishop, Emanuel Shaleta, was arrested at San Diego International Airport while attempting to flee the country. He faces charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and aggravated white-collar crime, related to allegations of misusing parish funds and visiting a Mexican brothel known for human trafficking. The arrest follows a months-long investigation and a report by The Pillar that alleged Shaleta diverted rental payments for personal use and covered his tracks with charity funds, with over $427,000 unaccounted for. Shaleta submitted his resignation to the Vatican in January amid a Vatican-ordered investigation.

The article features Dear Abby's advice column, where she responds to two letters. The first letter is from a widower who thinks his married colleague has a crush on him and asks if he should say something. Dear Abby advises against it, citing potential disruption to their working relationship or even harassment. The second letter is from a wife who is frustrated with her husband's vaping habit, especially around their grandchildren, and seeks advice on how to get him to stop. Dear Abby suggests that she stop nagging him if he vapes outside and informs their children's parents about his behavior. The article also includes a reminder about daylight saving time.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) revealed that he grilled Kristi Noem, the former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, questioning her about a $220 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign. After the hearing, President Trump called Kennedy, expressing anger and later clarifying that he had not approved the ad campaign, contrary to Noem's testimony. Kennedy stated that it was clear after the conversation that Noem's time at DHS was limited, and she was subsequently fired and replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). Noem was reassigned to a special envoy role for 'The Shield of the Americas' coalition.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, faced backlash for liking social media posts that celebrated Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Despite being featured in various media outlets, including New York Magazine, and being referred to as a public figure, Mamdani claimed that Duwaji is a private person. The controversy surrounding Duwaji's actions has sparked debate about her role as the spouse of a public official and the level of scrutiny she should face.

The New York Knicks defeated the Denver Nuggets 142-103, with OG Anunoby scoring 34 points and having a standout defensive performance. Anunoby shot 11-for-17 and had four steals, helping to contain Nikola Jokic, who scored 38 points but missed his first six 3-pointers. The Knicks' win was their second consecutive in Denver, following a 145-118 victory last year led by Anunoby's career-high 40 points. Other Knicks players, including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson, also contributed to the win. The Nuggets were at full strength for the first time in a while, but Jamal Murray suffered an ankle injury late in the second quarter, which affected their momentum.

The Raiders have agreed to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Ravens in a blockbuster deal. The trade is pending the start of the NFL's new year and involves the Raiders receiving the No. 14 pick in this year's first round and a first-round pick next year. Crosby has expressed his desire to play on a playoff-contending team, and the trade to the Ravens fulfills this wish. The deal makes sense for both teams, as the Ravens can now bolster their defense with one of the game's best edge rushers, while the Raiders can expedite their rebuild. Crosby has had a successful career with the Raiders, recording 69.5 sacks and 439 tackles, but the team's constant dysfunction and lack of success have taken a toll on him.

Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, is closing 15 more stores as part of its bankruptcy restructuring. The closures include 12 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and three Neiman Marcus locations, with the company citing weak sales and a need to focus on more profitable locations. The company has largely completed its store closure process, with 13 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 32 Neiman Marcus stores remaining. The restructuring does not affect its Bergdorf Goodman stores in New York. Saks Global has resolved concerns from vendors and landlords, and has received $1 billion in new funding to support its restructuring.

The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani for not prioritizing the renovation of empty NYCHA apartments, despite being the landlord to over 500,000 NYCHA residents. The city has 6,740 vacant apartments that need $52,000 per unit to be renovated, a fraction of the cost of other housing projects. The vacant units pose a danger to other tenants and are occupied by squatters, while 165,000 families wait on the NYCHA waitlist. The article argues that Mamdani's priorities are misplaced and that he should focus on addressing the inhumane living conditions of NYCHA tenants.

China and Uruguay have signed over 20 cooperation agreements in science, targeting areas such as cancer treatment, water management, and pest control. The partnership marks a significant step forward in their relationship, moving beyond trade in agricultural products like beef and soybeans. Uruguayan officials praised China's cooperation in basic sciences, highlighting the development of research projects and student mobility.

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek has collaborated with Tencent and the University of Hong Kong to develop an AI-based method called Pointer-CAD, which improves the accuracy of 3D design. The framework, built on Alibaba's Qwen 2.5 model, enhances computer-aided design (CAD) by helping designers select edges or faces of 3D objects, increasing accuracy and efficiency. The team has open-sourced the approach, making the code available on GitHub. According to the researchers, Pointer-CAD can effectively support the generation of complex geometric structures and reduce segmentation error to a low level compared to existing technology. This development has the potential to impact various industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and architecture, where CAD is widely used.

The article discusses why Da Nang, a coastal city in Vietnam, has become a popular destination for East Asian tourists, particularly South Koreans. The city has been nicknamed 'Gyeonggi province of Da Nang' due to the large number of South Korean visitors. The article highlights the cultural similarities and interactions between Vietnamese locals and South Korean tourists, showcasing the city's appeal to Korean travelers.

The prime ministers of Singapore and South Korea will attend the Boao Forum for Asia later this month, joining a growing list of leaders from developed economies who have visited China this year. The annual conference is scheduled to be held in Boao, Hainan province, from March 24 to 27. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's last trip to China was in June when he met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will be following in the footsteps of his country's president, Lee Jae Myung, who visited China in January. Other leaders who have visited China recently include the prime ministers of the UK and Canada and the chancellor of Germany, while US President Donald Trump is set to travel to China from March 31 to April 2.

China and Europe are shifting their relationship from rivalry to cooperation, according to Wu Ken, China's former ambassador to Germany. European leaders have been visiting China, seeking to strengthen bilateral relations and benefit from China's development. The EU has defined its relationship with China as a 'tripartite' strategy, viewing China as a cooperation partner, economic competitor, and systemic rival. Wu believes that fostering cooperation is in the best interests of both Europe and China.

Indonesia's recent trade deal with the US is facing criticism at home, with nearly 80 civil groups and 65 academics petitioning parliament to block its ratification. The deal, signed by President Prabowo Subianto, fixes the US tariff on Indonesian exports at 19% and provides zero-tariff access for 1,819 Indonesian goods. However, critics argue that the deal is a 'blank cheque' and a surrender of Indonesia's sovereignty, as Jakarta agreed to extend tariff exemptions to over 99% of American goods and remove non-tariff barriers for US companies. The deal's legitimacy is further questioned after the US Supreme Court struck down the legal basis for the tariff threat that drove the negotiations.

The article discusses the dangers of microplastics and their link to human health issues such as low fertility and heart attacks. A new Netflix documentary, 'The Plastic Detox', follows six couples trying to conceive as they reduce their plastic use over three months to see if it improves their fertility. Experts like Dr. Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist, highlight the connection between plastic chemicals and declining fertility rates. The article also touches on the differences in chemical regulations between the EU and the US.

Pakistan's escalating violence with Afghanistan threatens its IMF rescue package, with the third-round review of its economic recovery programme underway. The violence has killed dozens and shows no signs of easing, causing concern among economists and investors. Without the IMF bailout, Pakistan's economy is at risk of collapse, which would have far-reaching consequences beyond Islamabad.

Taiwan's legislature has begun reviewing a special defence budget worth NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) proposed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. The plan aims to accelerate Taiwan's shift towards asymmetric warfare amid increasing military pressure from Beijing. However, competing proposals from the island's main political parties have exposed deep divisions over defence spending and the mix of foreign and indigenous capabilities. The government's plan includes large-scale purchases from the US, such as Himars rocket launchers and Javelin anti-tank missiles, as well as funding for indigenous programmes like reconnaissance and attack drones and uncrewed surface vessels.

The Ukraine war has seen the deployment of armed robots on the battlefield, with Ukraine using uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) to repel Russian attacks, take enemy soldiers prisoner, and carry out kamikaze missions. Ukrainian and Russian killer robots have clashed, and the use of UGVs is expected to grow exponentially. The Ukrainian army has been using UGVs armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, and explosives to attack enemy positions. While the decision to open fire is still made by a human operator, the autonomy of UGVs is increasing, with some able to move on their own and detect enemies. The use of UGVs is driven by necessity, as drones have made it increasingly dangerous for humans to be present on the battlefield. Ukrainian manufacturers are working on improving the capabilities of UGVs, including enabling them to return to base if communications are lost and programming them to travel autonomously to a location and carry out tasks.

The Indonesian government has announced plans to ban social media and other online platforms for children under 16, citing concerns over online abuse, cyberbullying, and exposure to pornography. The ban, set to take effect on March 28, will initially target platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. The move has been welcomed by some parents, who feel it will ease their concerns about their children's online safety. However, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on children's freedom of expression and access to information. The ban is part of a growing trend of countries introducing restrictions on social media use by minors, with Australia and Spain also implementing similar measures.

A Nigerian senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has told the BBC that a 'massive' number of civilians were killed in an attack by armed men in the village of Ngoshe, Borno state, on Wednesday. The attack occurred during the Ramadan fast and reportedly targeted a nearby military base and camp for displaced people, resulting in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians, including the village's chief cleric and community elders. Over 100 women and children were abducted. The attackers, suspected to be Islamist militants, seized control of the village for two days before being forced out by the military using air strikes and ground troops. Senator Ndume criticized the government's handling of the security situation, citing lack of equipment, ammunition, and motivation among the armed forces. The attack has raised concerns about the resurgence of Islamist insurgency in the region, which has been plagued by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacks for years.

A 19-year-old Canadian backpacker, Piper James, died from drowning after being attacked by dingoes on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The coroner's court found that James died due to multiple injuries from the dingo attack, which led to drowning. The incident occurred on January 19, and about ten dingoes were found circling her body. At least six of the dingoes were later euthanized. James had been working at a backpacker's hostel and had gone for an early morning swim. Her parents described her as a 'kind spirit' with an 'infectious laugh.' The last known fatal dingo attack on the island was in 2001, and there was another attack in 2023 where a woman was forced to run into the ocean to escape.

Swiss voters are set to decide whether to reduce the annual licence fee for their national broadcaster, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), from 335 Swiss francs to 200 francs. The proposal, backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, aims to ease the burden on households and businesses amid the cost of living crisis. However, opponents argue that the cut would undermine SBC's ability to represent all four Swiss languages and compromise its coverage of foreign news. The debate has been influenced by an article from Russian state-backed news outlet RT, which called on Swiss voters to back the cut, sparking concerns of foreign interference. Recent opinion polls suggest that 54-57% of voters will choose to keep the licence fee unchanged.

Seven Ukrainian bank workers were detained in Hungary while transporting $80m and 9kg of gold to Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Minister accused Hungary of 'state banditry', while Hungary's tax authority claimed they were detained on suspicion of money laundering. The workers were later released, but the fate of the seized cash and gold remains unclear. The incident has escalated tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, which have been strained since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The US economy unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.4%. This contraction has raised concerns about the labor market's stability, particularly given the recent jump in oil prices due to the US-Iran conflict. Analysts had expected stable hiring, but the drop was widespread across sectors, including healthcare and federal government employment. The news has put pressure on US President Donald Trump, who campaigned on improving the economy, with Democrats criticizing the White House's handling of the job market. The Federal Reserve now faces a dilemma, as a weakening labor market typically warrants cutting borrowing costs, but rising oil prices could lead to inflation.

The article discusses the reactions of Iranians to the recent war and the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Many Iranians, including those living in Tehran, have expressed a mix of emotions, including euphoria, fear, and uncertainty, as they navigate the complex situation. While some have celebrated the airstrikes on the regime, others have questioned the motives and endgame of the war. The article highlights the difficulties in gauging the mood across Iran due to severe internet restrictions and the regime's control over information. Iranians are desperate to see the back of the Islamic Republic, but are also concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the war, with over 1,000 civilians killed, including nearly 200 children.

The article profiles Finnish President Alexander Stubb as a leader who remains calm and optimistic in troubled times. It highlights his fitness, can-do attitude, and refusal to panic, making him a notable figure among world leaders. The article suggests that his approach is admired by his peers and could be a valuable asset in times of crisis.

The article discusses the escalating conflict between the Trump administration and Anthropic, a leading AI lab, over the Pentagon's access to its AI models. This dispute has significant implications for America's national security, AI development, and the potential for AI-related disasters. The outcome will determine who controls the world's most potent technology. The article highlights the risks of the conflict descending into chaos and the need for careful management to prevent an AI-enabled disaster.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Brazil's Supreme Court in maintaining public trust, given its immense power and recent scandals. The court has been a target of criticism from former president Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters, who have used derogatory language against its members. However, many Brazilians applauded when the court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in jail for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 re-election bid. The article highlights the need for the Supreme Court to regain public trust and maintain its integrity as a crucial democratic institution.

The article argues that China needs to set a more ambitious economic growth target to avoid a fourth year of deflation. Historically, China has set top-down economic targets, often with mixed results under Mao Zedong's rule, but more successfully after his death. The current policymakers have aimed for targets that serve as both a floor and a ceiling for ambition. The article suggests that China should aim higher to achieve more substantial economic growth.

The article argues that Europe can address its economic problems, including a greying population, lack of innovative firms, and underdeveloped capital markets, by reforming its pension system to invest in the economy. By using pension savings to boost markets and finance entrepreneurs with long-term capital, Europe can turn its weaknesses into strengths, providing both security in old age and dynamism in the present.

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The article discusses the rise of populism in British politics, led by two figures: Nigel Farage on the right and Zack Polanski on the left. Farage has been a dominant force on the populist right for 15 years, while Polanski has revitalized the Green Party with his 'eco-populist' approach. Together, they have disrupted traditional politics, with their parties polling higher than Labour and the Tories combined in a recent by-election. The article suggests this trend will continue in local-government elections.

The article discusses who represents the Muslim world, with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's president, emerging as a leading figure. Erdogan's speech on the eve of Ramadan, addressing the global Muslim community, or umma, highlights his attempt to position himself as a champion of Muslim unity. The article notes that while there are many contenders, Erdogan is a prominent voice, and his rhetoric emphasizes the importance of Muslim brotherhood and faith.

A 28-year-old Ukrainian tourist, Ihor Komarov, was kidnapped and tortured while on holiday in Bali, Indonesia. His dismembered body was found on a beach, and DNA samples confirmed his identity. The kidnappers, who are believed to be foreign nationals, demanded a ransom from Komarov's wealthy family. Six suspects have fled the country, and an international red notice has been issued for their arrest.

Cuban authorities reported that a fifth crew member of a U.S.-flagged speedboat involved in a shootout with the coast guard last week has died from his wounds. The incident occurred when the coast guard approached the vessel to demand identification, and the crew responded by opening fire. Cuban officials say the speedboat was carrying firearms and ammunition, and prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against the surviving crew members. The U.S. authorities are cooperating with the investigation, and at least two of those aboard the speedboat were U.S. citizens. The incident has raised concerns about the intentions of the crew and the potential for regime change in Cuba, with some Cuban Americans having long protested the current Cuban government.

A federal contractor, John Daghita, has been arrested in the Caribbean island of Saint Martin for allegedly stealing $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S Marshals Service. The arrest was made by law enforcement on the island in a joint operation with the French Gendarmerie's elite tactical unit. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on social media, posting photos of Daghita being taken away in handcuffs. The FBI stated that they will continue to work with international partners to track down and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers.

The article discusses President Trump's statement that it would be 'wonderful' if Iranian Kurds based in Iraq joined the fight against the Iranian regime. The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI) is one of the groups that could potentially receive US support. However, it is unclear whether the US will provide material support to the KDPI, given the history of the US abandoning Kurdish allies in the past. The KDPI leader, Amanj Zabtaee, stated that the group is in contact with the US government and shares the same goal of toppling the Iranian regime. The article highlights the risks and uncertainties faced by the Iranian Kurdish groups in their fight against the Iranian regime.

The US is turning to Ukraine for expertise in drone defense as it faces challenges in countering Iranian drones. Ukraine has developed cost-effective solutions to down drones, including interceptor drones like the Sting, which cost $2,500 compared to $12 million for Pac-3 Patriot air defense missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine will work with the Pentagon and Gulf allies to share its expertise. However, experts say that solutions will take time and that there is no off-the-shelf solution to the problem. The US and its allies are facing a cost mismatch between expensive interceptors and cheap Iranian drones. Ukraine's experience in drone warfare has given it valuable insights into effective defense strategies, including a layered system of missile interceptors, drone interceptors, and other measures.

The Russian flag has returned to the global sporting stage at the Winter Paralympics after a decade-long ban due to a state-sponsored doping scandal and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Russian delegation was met with boos during the opening ceremony, which was boycotted by several countries including Ukraine, Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Russia's ally, Belarus, also made a return to the games. The Winter Paralympics will feature athletes competing across 79 events in six sports, marking the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics.

Sky News journalist John Sparks visited Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, which have been heavily bombed by Israeli airstrikes. The area is controlled by Hezbollah, who restricted the journalist's movement and filming. Sparks documented the destruction and spoke to Hezbollah members, who claimed that a bombed site was a local market, not a military target as claimed by the IDF. The visit highlighted the difficulties of reporting from the area due to Hezbollah's control and the ongoing conflict.

The HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer of the Royal Navy, is delayed in its deployment to Cyprus to defend a British military base from potential Iranian attacks. The ship is equipped to handle Iran's Shahed-type drones but its delayed departure has raised questions. A defence analyst and former Royal Navy member, Tom Sharpe, discusses the military capabilities of HMS Dragon and the current state of the Navy with Niall on a Sky News podcast.

More than 300 people, including women and children, have been abducted by Islamic militants in northeastern Nigeria. The attack on the town of Ngoshe in Borno state is believed to be a retaliation for the killing of three Boko Haram commanders by the military. The militants, likely affiliated with Boko Haram or its breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, have been carrying out attacks in the region, taking advantage of the military's struggles to control large parts of the country. Mass kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, with armed gangs targeting remote communities. The crisis has worsened with the involvement of other militants from the Sahel region. Analysts say the government is not doing enough to protect its citizens, with several thousand people killed according to UN data.

CNN's Fred Pleitgen and photojournalist Claudia Otto became the first journalists from a US network to report live from Tehran since the war began. They shared their reporting with CNN's Erin Burnett. CNN operates in Iran with government permission. The report comes amid ongoing conflict and tensions in the region, with various videos on CNN investigating different aspects of the war and its impact.

The article discusses the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict. Humanitarian organizations are responding to assist displaced families and children seeking refuge by delivering essential services such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. The article provides information on how to help the humanitarian relief efforts and mentions that CNN's Impact Your World will continue to monitor the situation and add vetted organizations as they begin operations.

The article discusses the scrutiny of online prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, over 'death markets' and possible insider trading related to the recent conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Traders wagered over $1 billion on various aspects of the conflict, including the ousting of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was ultimately killed in an airstrike. Lawmakers and critics raised concerns about the morality and legality of such markets, with some speculating about potential insider trading by government officials or those with advance knowledge of the war plans. Democratic lawmakers called for a congressional inquiry and proposed a bill to ban certain government officials from trading on prediction markets.

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 follows Mr. Aw Ban Soon, a third-generation Chinese Singaporean, as he returns to his ancestral home in Anxi county, Fujian province, with his siblings. They find that their relatives are now self-sufficient and that their interactions are more about personal choice and kinship rather than obligation. The article also touches on the changing dynamics between overseas Chinese and their ancestral villages, with clan associations continuing to play a role in organizing trips and maintaining connections.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Chinese minority in Kelantan, Malaysia, under the Islamist rule of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). The state's tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces, including the requirement for halal certification for Chinese-owned businesses, has led to a decline in Chinese cultural practices and a sense of encroachment. Despite this, the Chinese community in Kelantan has a deep history and cultural legacy, with many having lived in the state for generations and adopted the local Malay dialect. The article highlights the paradox between the state's symbols of inter-faith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the increasing regulatory restrictions on non-Muslims.

Pope Leo XIV has declined to comment on the 20-year sentence imposed on Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, stating 'Let's pray for less hatred and more peace and work for authentic dialogue.' Lai was sentenced under Beijing's 2020 national security law for violating national security. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has called the conviction 'unjust and tragic' and urged the authorities to grant Lai humanitarian parole. Lai, a converted Catholic, founded the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper in 1995.