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The article discusses a controversy between the US government and Anthropic, a leading AI lab, over the Pentagon's access to its AI models. The dispute, which has been ongoing for a week, raises concerns about who controls the world's most potent technology and the potential consequences for national security and AI development. The outcome of this dispute could make an AI-enabled disaster more likely.

The article discusses how China's rapid economic growth has led to a significant wealth transfer to the next generation, posing a risk of widening inequality and cementing privilege. The Communist Party is criticized for being too lenient on taxing inherited wealth, potentially exacerbating the issue. The article argues that this could lead to a hereditary elite taking shape in China, contradicting the government's goal of 'common prosperity'.

The article 'Haiti needs order first, then elections' discusses the dire situation in Haiti, where gangsters control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, extorting money from civilians and causing widespread suffering. The situation is dire, with 1.4 million people displaced and only 10% of clinics fully operational. The article argues that a security mission backed by the UN has been ineffective in improving public safety, and that order must be established before elections can be held.

The article tells the story of Khamphat Paneboun, a 43-year-old man from Amarillo, Texas, who was deported to Laos despite having lived in the United States since he was a child refugee in 1990. Paneboun was deported as part of Trump's crackdown on immigration, leaving him in a country he had never seen before. The article highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals who are deported to countries they have no connection to, raising questions about identity, belonging, and the consequences of immigration policies.

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The article discusses the impact of the Iran war on the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. QatarEnergy, a major LNG producer, has shut down its production and export facilities due to Iranian strikes, leading to a declaration of force majeure on its contracts. This has caused LNG prices to balloon on world markets, affecting customers globally who rely on it for electricity, heating, and industrial production. The article highlights the vulnerability of global energy supplies to conflicts in the Middle East and the potential economic consequences.

The article follows Charlie McCann on a road trip with Ran Fowler, a plant enthusiast, as they search for rare succulents in the Mexican desert. The trip raises questions about the ethics of plant poaching and whether it can ever be considered ethical. Fowler is on the hunt for a rare Agave shawii specimen he encountered in 2023, and the author joins him on his expedition. The article explores the complexities of plant collecting and the tension between conservation and the desire to possess rare species.

The article discusses the rise of twin populists in British politics, Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski, who are leading insurgencies on the right and left, respectively. Farage has been a dominant figure on the populist right for 15 years, while Polanski has revitalized the Green Party with his 'eco-populist' agenda. Together, they have achieved significant electoral success, winning 69% of the vote in a recent by-election and polling higher than Labour and the Tories combined. The article suggests that this trend will continue in local-government elections in May.

The article discusses the 'plastic sea' of greenhouses in Almeria, Spain, which covers over 30,000 hectares of land and produces 3.5 million tonnes of vegetables annually, feeding half a billion people. The region's unique microclimate, created by the greenhouses, has allowed for intensive agriculture despite the arid conditions. However, the article also highlights the poor working conditions and low wages of migrant workers who labor in the greenhouses. The use of plastic greenhouses has both positive and negative impacts on the environment and the local community.

The article tells the story of Rambachan Rajbhar, a man from Uttar Pradesh, India, who discovers that his family's land has been stolen due to a common fraud in the region where the living are declared dead in official records to lay claim to desirable parcels of land. Rambachan seeks help from Lal Bihari Mritak, the founder of the Uttar Pradesh Association of Dead People, who has experienced a similar situation. The article highlights the issue of land disputes in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where the average size of landholdings has shrunk, and corruption is rampant. It also explains how land is a vital source of income, food security, and social identity in rural India.

The article 'Time to buy the most rubbish stocks you can find' published in The Economist discusses the current state of finance and investment strategies. It pokes fun at the jargon used in finance and challenges the conventional wisdom of investing in 'quality' stocks. The article suggests that in certain market conditions, it might be beneficial to consider investing in lower-quality or 'rubbish' stocks, contrary to the advice often given by investment advisers. The piece is part of The Economist's Finance & economics section, specifically under the 'Buttonwood' column, which is known for its analysis of financial markets. The article does not delve into a detailed financial analysis but rather offers a contrarian perspective on investment strategies, encouraging readers to think differently about what constitutes a good investment opportunity.

The article discusses how Vladimir Putin is benefiting financially from the Iran war due to increased demand for Russian oil. The war has disrupted global energy markets, leading to higher oil prices and increased revenue for Russia. The article highlights how tankers are using 'shadow' ships and turning off transponders to evade sanctions and transport Russian oil to countries like China and India. However, the article notes that this 'sugar high' may not last as the global market adjusts to the new reality.

Comedian Bill Maher challenged Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on his opposition to U.S. involvement in the Iran war during an episode of 'Real Time.' Maher questioned Shapiro's stance, asking what he would do if he were president and knew Iran was about to acquire nuclear weapons. Shapiro responded by emphasizing the need for clarity on the war's objectives and criticizing the lack of transparency from the administration. The exchange highlighted differing views on U.S. foreign policy and military intervention.

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick has relocated from California to Texas, joining a growing list of billionaires leaving the state due to proposed tax legislation. The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act would impose a one-time 5% tax on fortunes exceeding $1 billion. Kalanick discussed his move to Austin on December 18 and his new robotics startup, Atoms, on TPBN. He also reflected on his departure from Uber in 2017 and the challenges he faced. Other billionaire tech figures who have left California include Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg.

British actor John Alford, known for his roles in 'London's Burning' and 'Grange Hill', was found dead in prison at the age of 54. He was serving an 8-year and 6-month sentence for sexually assaulting two teenage girls in 2022. Alford had a history of trouble with the law, including a previous conviction for supplying cocaine and cannabis in 1999. He was found unresponsive in his bed at HMP Bure in Norfolk, and despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate his death.

A 32-year-old ex-con, Christian Barrios, was arrested after allegedly killing two people outside The Players Championship golf tournament in Florida. Barrios, who was on parole, was involved in a domestic incident that led to the shooting in a Walgreens parking lot. He fled the scene, stole a car, and crashed into the woods, where he was later found and arrested. Barrios was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and other crimes, and is being held without bond. The incident briefly delayed the start of the golf tournament, but it eventually began on time.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plans to increase spending and raise taxes have caused concern among municipal bond investors, leading to a sell-off of NYC debt and a spike in interest rates. Despite initial support, investors are now worried that Mamdani's socialist agenda could drive jobs and taxpayers away, making it more expensive for the city to borrow. Moody's Ratings has warned of a potential downgrade in the city's bond rating, citing 'sizable and persistent projected budget gaps.' The city's controller, Brad Lander, has also expressed concern, calling it a 'sobering wake-up call.' If bond holders become skittish, borrowing costs will rise, potentially driving the city into bankruptcy.

A runaway taxi crashed into two women outside a Manhattan bodega on Rivington Street near Essex Street on March 14, 2026. The incident was captured on security video, which showed the taxi barreling into the pedestrians, launching one into the basement and hurling the other onto the sidewalk. The impact caused significant damage to the bodega and surrounding area. Miraculously, the two women survived the crash, although they were hospitalized along with a passenger from the taxi. Witnesses described the scene as 'crazy' and 'scary', and one witness helped communicate with one of the victims who had fallen into the basement.

Shohei Ohtani's impressive performance was not enough to secure a win for Japan in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals against Venezuela. Despite hitting a leadoff homer, Japan's bullpen struggled, and Venezuela's offense proved too strong, ultimately winning 8-5. Japan's dream of a third consecutive WBC championship was shattered, and they were eliminated from the tournament.

Southwest Airlines is discontinuing its service at Chicago O'Hare International and Washington Dulles International airports on June 4 as part of its ongoing network refinement efforts. Despite this, the airline will continue to operate out of other airports in the Chicago and Washington areas, including Midway International, Baltimore-Washington International, and Reagan Washington National. Southwest has a long history in these regions, having started service at Dulles in 2006 and O'Hare in 2021. The airline assures that the change won't significantly impact flight availability, with continued flights to numerous destinations from the remaining airports. Affected employees will have the opportunity to bid for open positions at other airports.

A 55-year-old man from Brooklyn died after being assaulted at Penn Station in New York City on Saturday night. The victim bumped into the suspect on the northbound C and E train platform at the 34th Street-Penn subway station, leading to a heated argument and a physical altercation. The suspect clobbered the victim in the face, causing him to stumble and eventually collapse. Despite attempts at life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill Hospital. The suspect remains at large.

The article discusses two recent terror attacks in the US, one at a college in Virginia and another at a synagogue in Michigan, carried out by Muslim immigrants with known or suspected ties to terror groups. The author criticizes the media's coverage of these events, arguing that it is biased and sympathetic to the attackers, and that it often omits key facts and context. The article highlights the need for law enforcement to be vigilant and for the media to provide accurate and unbiased reporting.

German philosopher and social critic Jürgen Habermas has died at the age of 96. Habermas was a leading figure in the Frankfurt School, known for his critical theory of capitalism and its effects on society. Born in 1929 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Habermas grew up under Nazi rule and later became a prominent public intellectual in post-war Germany. He was a vocal supporter of the student revolt in the 1960s and critiqued the commodification of mass media and entertainment. Habermas's work, particularly 'The Theory of Communicative Action', emphasized the importance of rational dialogue in sustaining human societies. Throughout his career, he championed a united Europe and warned against the resurgence of nationalism.

The article discusses the rise of prediction markets, particularly Kalshi and Polymarket, which allow users to bet on various events, including elections, sports, and military conflicts. Critics argue that these platforms facilitate unseemly and potentially illegal activities, such as war profiteering, insider trading, and corruption. The article highlights concerns over bets related to military operations involving Iran, Venezuela, and Israel, and notes that some firms have taken steps to police suspicious activity. The regulatory environment is uncertain, with a battle ongoing between state regulators and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over oversight. Democrats have introduced legislation to bar federal officials from trading event contracts, while the CFTC has taken the side of prediction market firms in legal fights. The article concludes that the odds of a crackdown remain uncertain, despite growing concerns over the risks associated with these platforms.

The article reports on the Indian Wells tennis tournament, where Daniil Medvedev defeated Carlos Alcaraz to reach the final, where he will face Jannik Sinner. Medvedev won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), ending Alcaraz's 16-match winning streak. Sinner, meanwhile, defeated Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4, and is looking to join an elite club by winning all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles. Both players had strong performances, with Medvedev praised by Alcaraz for his 'unreal' play and Sinner dominating Zverev with precise and solid play.

The Iraqi national football team is set to travel to Mexico by private plane for their World Cup play-off match despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Iraqi Football Association's president, Adnan Dirjal, announced that Fifa has been cooperative and will help facilitate the team's journey. Iraq is bidding to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 and will face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey on March 31. The team has secured entry visas to Mexico, and Europe-based players will join separately. Dirjal emphasized the importance of focusing on the match and achieving the dream of qualifying for the World Cup.

Ric Grenell, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, is stepping down as head of the Kennedy Center after a tumultuous year marked by controversy and changes. Grenell's departure comes as the center prepares for a two-year renovation, with Trump announcing that Matt Floca, the center's vice-president of facilities operations, will replace him. Trump's involvement with the Kennedy Center has been contentious, with the president installing himself as chairman, renaming the institution after himself, and securing over $250m for renovations. The changes have been met with resistance from artists and lawmakers, with some cancelling performances and others challenging the name change in court.

Rescuers in the French Alps are blaming a combination of weather conditions and 'underprepared skiers' for a rise in avalanche deaths this season. Over 100 people have died across the mountains, a figure not seen for eight years. Experts point to climate change as a contributing factor, with changing weather patterns leading to unstable snow conditions. Many victims are experienced skiers who lack knowledge of the mountain environment and fail to carry essential safety equipment. Rescuers stress the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks, with the survival rate dropping significantly if skiers are not equipped with transceivers and other safety gear.

France won the Six Nations title with a thrilling 48-46 victory over England in Paris. Thomas Ramos scored a late penalty to seal the win, despite England's strong performance led by tries from Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum. England's defeat marked their worst Six Nations campaign, with only one win from five matches. The loss extends their losing run to four matches, and coach Steve Borthwick faces an uncertain future.

Treasure hunter Tommy Thompson was released from prison after a decade for refusing to disclose the location of gold coins from the SS Central America shipwreck. Thompson discovered the wreck in 1988 and recovered millions of dollars' worth of treasure, but investors accused him of cheating them out of promised proceeds. Thompson was jailed in 2015 on a criminal contempt charge and was held until his civil contempt sentence was ended last year. About 500 gold coins remain unaccounted for.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has announced his readiness to lead Iran's transition government as soon as the Islamic Republic falls. Pahlavi has been working on a transition plan, identifying capable individuals inside and outside Iran to lead a transitional system. He envisions a democratic transition, with the Iranian people deciding their country's leadership through a ballot box. Pahlavi has praised President Donald Trump's actions in Iran and has positioned himself as a unifying opposition figure. The article discusses the potential collapse of the Iranian regime following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes, with nearly 50 regime figures killed, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is facing renewed criticism and controversy due to its ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. WEF president and CEO Børge Brende resigned after it was revealed he had dinner with Epstein and communicated with him via email and SMS. Critics argue that Brende should have known about Epstein's conviction, which occurred in 2008. The controversy adds to the WEF's existing scandals, including allegations of misconduct against founder Klaus Schwab. Various critics, including Argentina's President Javier Milei and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have spoken out against the WEF, criticizing its stance on globalization and energy policies.

The article discusses how Iranian drones are forcing the US to use expensive air defense systems in the Middle East, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of this approach. Ukraine, which has been at the forefront of modern drone warfare since Russia's 2022 invasion, has developed cheaper interceptor drones that have been effective in downing Russian-made Shahed-type drones. The Pentagon and at least one Gulf government are in talks to buy these Ukrainian-made interceptors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to help defend against Iranian drones, and has sent a team of experts and military personnel to three countries in the Gulf region.

The article discusses the Russia-Iran partnership and its limitations during times of crisis. Despite a 20-year strategic partnership treaty signed in 2023, Russia's response to the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran's leadership in March 2026 was restrained, with Moscow limiting its reaction to condemnation and calls for diplomacy. Experts say the partnership is transactional and shaped by convenience, rivalry, and shifting geopolitical needs. The relationship between the two powers has a complex history dating back nearly two centuries, with periods of cooperation and mutual distrust. The current partnership is driven by geopolitical pressures, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to increased military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.

The son of a British couple detained in Iran for over a year is appealing to President Donald Trump to help secure their release amid escalating conflict in the region. Joe Bennett, the son of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, expressed frustration with the British government's handling of the situation, particularly Prime Minister Keir Starmer's lack of advocacy. The couple was arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of spying and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Bennett urged Trump to be cautious with Iranian strikes to avoid harming the prisoners and to continue pressing for their release.

The article discusses the changing retail landscape in Chinese shopping malls, particularly in Beijing and Shanghai. As electric vehicle (EV) showrooms exit due to sluggish sales, new tenants are emerging to fill the ground-floor spaces. These new tenants include brands riding fresh trends such as toy giants like Pop Mart, sportswear labels like Lululemon, and robotics companies like Unitree Robotics. Mall owners are benefiting from the new demand, with tenant sales performance driving rental income growth. Property consultants and analysts believe that mall operators' ability to optimize tenant mix is key to protecting them from rental drops.

A Hong Kong couple was arrested after their one-year-old son fell to his death from their fifth-floor flat in Tsuen Wan. Initial investigations revealed that the living room windows were neither locked nor fitted with grilles. The parents were arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment or neglect of a child. The incident occurred when both boys were playing in the living room while their mother was in the room and their father was resting in a bedroom.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung has stated that the city's terrorism threat level remains moderate amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Tang urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police, citing Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub with high levels of mobility. Despite having fewer CCTV cameras compared to other cities, Hong Kong has one of the world's lowest crime rates. The city has installed around 4,000 CCTV cameras as part of a crime-fighting programme and plans to expand this to 60,000 by 2028. Tang reassured the public that the city remains safe, with no specific intelligence indicating an imminent attack.

A recent survey by Jobstreet by SEEK found that 82% of Indonesian workers reported being happy at work, the highest percentage among eight regional markets surveyed. Experts attribute this to a mix of Indonesia's communal culture, religious outlook, and strong social ties in the workplace. However, the survey also revealed underlying tensions, including burnout, job insecurity, and limited opportunities for those who drop out of the workforce. The survey ranked Indonesia first, followed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and New Zealand, while Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong were at the lower end of the ranking. The report suggests that the more competitive corporate culture and local cost of living pressures in these locations may be contributing factors to the lower happiness levels.

Japan has deployed its domestically produced long-range Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles near the East China Sea, a move that analysts believe could be seen by Beijing as crossing a 'strategic threshold' and may complicate China's regional strategy. The deployment is part of Japan's efforts to ramp up its military development amid growing tensions with Beijing in the East China Sea near Taiwan. The upgraded Type-12 missile has a range of about 1,000km, extended from the original 200km. Beijing views Taiwan as part of China and is opposed to any forcible change to the status quo, while Washington is legally bound to supply Taipei with weapons for defence. The deployment is seen as a significant development in the region, with potential implications for China-Japan relations and the Taiwan Strait.

Pope Leo XIV has moved into the historic papal apartments in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, a residence previously used by his predecessors but eschewed by Pope Francis. The apartments required extensive renovation after being abandoned. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, has decided to return to the traditional papal residence and has also resumed using the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. The move is seen as a departure from Pope Francis's more modest approach to the papacy.

Notorious Latin American narco-trafficker Sebastian Marset was arrested in Bolivia and handed over to U.S. authorities. Marset, a Uruguayan national, was on the U.S.' most-wanted fugitives list with a $2 million bounty on his head for alleged money laundering. He was accused of leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization responsible for moving tons of cocaine from South America to Europe. Marset was arrested in an upscale neighborhood of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in an operation that mobilized hundreds of police officers. The arrest was carried out pursuant to a court order issued by the U.S. justice system, and Marset was subsequently put on a U.S. airplane. The operation was the result of cooperation between Bolivia and other countries, including the U.S., and comes days after Bolivia joined an anti-cartel military alliance launched by President Trump.

A wild boar wandered into a Berlin shopping mall's home decor shop on Friday, March 13, 2026, prompting a police response with various equipment, including a tranquilizer gun, shields, and a blowgun. The situation was resolved peacefully as officers used pallets and riot shields to divert the animal back outside, and it returned to the nearby forest. This incident is not isolated, as Berlin has experienced other instances of wild animals entering urban areas in recent years.

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 the experiences of Singaporean families, including the Aw family, who visited their ancestral homes in China and found that their relatives were now self-sufficient and no longer needed financial aid. The article notes that while renewed contact does not always translate into closeness, the bond between overseas Chinese and their relatives has become simpler and more about mutual affection.

The Indian aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with passenger traffic expected to hit 1.1 billion by 2047. Currently, only 3-5% of Indians have flown, but the government and airlines are working to increase accessibility and affordability. The number of airports has grown from 74 to 164 in the past decade, and the government has launched initiatives like the UDAN scheme to promote regional connectivity. However, the sector faces challenges such as a pilot shortage, high taxes on fuel, and the need to balance rising costs with low airfares. Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm for flying is growing, with new routes and airports being developed, making air travel more accessible to smaller towns and cities.

US mayors are pushing back against the rapid expansion of data centres driven by the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), citing concerns over pollution, strained power grids, and lack of transparency from tech companies. The issue has reached the White House, with President Donald Trump summoning big tech companies to discuss the exorbitant costs of powering new data centres. Mayors from cities like Chattanooga, Phoenix, and Sunnyvale are expressing frustration over the impact of data centres on their communities, including the use of polluting gas turbines and the strain on local infrastructure. The backlash against AI is growing, with 57% of registered voters saying the risks outweigh the benefits.

France is holding municipal elections on March 15 and 22, 2026, with implications for the 2027 presidential race. The elections are taking place in 35,000 villages, towns, and cities across France, with the centre-left Socialist Party and the far-right National Rally party vying for control. The outcome may impact the 2027 presidential election, as President Emmanuel Macron is term-limited and the field is open for a successor. Key candidates include Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella for the National Rally, and Édouard Philippe for the centre-right. The elections in major cities like Paris and Marseille are being closely watched, with far-right candidates making gains.

The article provides live updates on the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards vowing to 'pursue and kill' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US President Donald Trump has stated that he is not willing to agree to a deal with Iran to end the war, citing unfavorable terms. The conflict has led to various developments, including Israel's 'wide-scale' strikes on western Iran, Iraq warning of strikes near a prison housing IS detainees, and Ukraine expressing concerns about losing US backing due to the war. Other updates include the return of three Iranian football team members from asylum in Australia, Japan and South Korea being cautious about Trump's call to send warships to Hormuz, and concerns about the impact of the war on Iran's cultural heritage sites.

The Formula 1 (F1) races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for April, have been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically the war between Iran and other countries. The decision was made by the F1 organizers and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), citing the 'current situation in the Middle East region' and concerns over safety and wellbeing. The cancellations affect not only F1 but also Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds. The decision has been backed by the Saudi royal family and has been described as 'difficult' but 'right' by Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1. The cancellations create a five-week gap in the F1 calendar, impacting teams, broadcasters, and fans worldwide.

Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are likely to be cancelled due to security concerns related to the war in the Middle East. The decision is expected to be officially confirmed within the next two days, and the races will not be replaced on this year's calendar, reducing the 2026 season to 22 Grands Prix weekends. The cancellation comes as several major banks have closed their branches in Gulf states and evacuated staff due to Iranian strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia has supplied Iran with drones used in the conflict, according to his intelligence. He made these comments during an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria. Zelensky suggested a quid-pro-quo, implying that if the West helps Ukraine with intelligence, Russia could help Iran. The article also touches on other news stories, including a missile strike on the US Embassy in Baghdad and a terror attack in Michigan.