In other news

Anna Murdoch-Mann, writer, philanthropist, and former News Corp director, has died at 81. She was married to media mogul Rupert Murdoch for 31 years and played a significant role on his company's board. Murdoch-Mann was mother to three of Murdoch's children and stepmother to his daughter Prudence. After their divorce in 1999, she received a $1.7bn settlement. She later remarried twice and continued her philanthropic work, serving on the boards of children's hospitals. Her life and relationship with Murdoch have been marked by significant events, including a kidnapping incident that mistakenly targeted her and the succession drama within the Murdoch family, which inspired the TV series Succession.

Quentin Griffiths, a co-founder of online fashion retailer Asos, has died after falling from a high-rise apartment block in Pattaya, Thailand. Griffiths, a British passport holder, was found dead on the ground on February 9. The police investigation found no evidence of foul play, and his room was locked from the inside. Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000 with Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe, and remained a significant shareholder after leaving the company five years later. Asos has paid tribute to Griffiths, saying he played an important role in the company's early days. The circumstances surrounding his death are not clear, but police revealed he was involved in two ongoing court cases that may have caused him stress, including a legal dispute with his separated second wife, a Thai national.

At least 10 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on eastern Lebanon, according to state media. A senior Hezbollah official was among those killed. The strikes are among the deadliest in Lebanon since a ceasefire ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024. Israel's military said it was targeting sites that belonged to Hezbollah in the Bekaa Valley. The Bekaa attack came hours after an Israeli strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, killing two people. Israel has carried out near-daily strikes on Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect, despite ongoing talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Italian authorities have accused a dog owner in Catania, Sicily of training their dog to dump rubbish bags on the side of a road, thereby avoiding being caught on camera for fly tipping, which is a common and illegal problem in Italy. Video footage released by the police shows the dog carrying and dropping a bag of rubbish, and local authorities believe this is evidence that the dog was trained to do so. The municipality of Catania has stated that 'ingenuity can never become an alibi for incivility' and that respect for urban etiquette and the environment is everyone's duty.

Three Cameroonian soldiers have been sentenced to prison for their role in the killing of at least 21 civilians in the Northwest region six years ago. The jail terms range from five to 10 years, which has been met with disappointment from the victims' lawyers who deemed the sentences 'insignificant'. The incident occurred in 2020 when soldiers and a local militia raided the village of Ngarbuh, killing civilians, including 13 children, and burning down homes. The convictions are rare in a country where military personnel are seldom convicted of crimes against civilians. Human Rights Watch and the victims' lawyers have criticized the fact that no senior military officer was prosecuted.

The family of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old Palestinian-American man, is calling for accountability after he was shot dead by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank. Abu Siyam was trying to stop armed settlers from stealing goats from his village when he was fatally shot. The incident is the latest in a surge of settler violence in the West Bank, with at least five other American citizens killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers in the territory over the last two years. The Trump administration has faced criticism for lifting sanctions on violent settlers, and the US State Department has said it is 'carefully monitoring the situation'. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claim they did not fire during the incident, but are reviewing the matter.

A 20-year-old French soldier, Brigadier Alexandre Lanckbeen, died after being shot in the head during a game with other soldiers at a party in Clamart, west of Paris. The incident occurred when a loaded handgun was discharged during a game that involved attempting to disarm a colleague. Three soldiers were charged in connection with the shooting and are expected to face reclassification of charges following Lanckbeen's death. The incident has been met with sadness and support from the military community.

Nasa is targeting early March to launch the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon. The crew, consisting of three Americans and one Canadian, will embark on Nasa's Space Launch System rocket and travel around the far side of the Moon. The mission is a crucial step towards a future lunar landing and will pave the way for Artemis III, which aims to set foot on the Moon's surface by 2028. The US is under pressure to return to the Moon as China is also planning a lunar landing by 2030.

OpenAI banned a ChatGPT account owned by Jesse Van Rootselaar, the suspect in a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, more than half a year before the attack. The AI company identified the account in June 2025 under abuse detection but did not alert authorities as the usage didn't meet their threshold for a credible or imminent plan for harm. Van Rootselaar is suspected of killing eight people and injuring 27 others in one of Canada's deadliest attacks. OpenAI has stated it will continue to support the police's investigation and is reviewing its referral criteria.

Venezuelan opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa has been released from house arrest after an amnesty law was passed, allowing for the release of hundreds of political prisoners. Guanipa, leader of the centre-right Justice First party, was detained in May 2025 for allegedly committing terrorism and treason after challenging the disputed 2024 election result. The amnesty law was signed by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, following pressure from the US to speed up the release of remaining political prisoners. Guanipa described the bill as 'flawed' as it excludes many Venezuelans who remain 'unjustly' behind bars. The release comes after US forces seized President Nicolás Maduro in a raid on 3 January, and the government's subsequent announcement to free 'a significant number' of prisoners as a goodwill gesture. Opposition figures, including Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, have expressed concerns over the amnesty law, stating that it must come with 'truth, recognition, and reparation'.

ASOS co-founder Quentin Griffiths died after falling from the balcony of his 17th-floor apartment in Pattaya, Thailand. Police investigations suggest no foul play, and the company has paid tribute to his role in its early days. Griffiths co-founded ASOS in 2000 and remained a significant shareholder after leaving the company.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have killed at least 12 people, including a senior Hezbollah official, Hussein Yaghi, and injured 24 others. The strikes targeted Hezbollah command centers and weapon depots in the Bekaa Valley and a Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. The attacks risk rupturing a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been strained by frequent accusations of violations. The Israeli military has been carrying out a campaign against Hezbollah, saying the group continues to try to rebuild its capabilities despite the ceasefire. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since October 2023, with a ground operation in southern Lebanon carried out by the IDF in September 2024.

The Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona has reached its maximum height with the placement of a cross on the Tower of Jesus Christ. The tower now stands at 566ft, making it the world's tallest church. The completion of the central tower is a significant milestone ahead of celebrations in June marking the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudi's death. The Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882 and remains unfinished, with the interior of the Tower of Jesus Christ still being worked on. The church's rector, Rev Josep Turull, stated that the cross has four arms so its shape can be recognized from any direction, in line with Gaudi's plans. The Sagrada Familia is a major tourist attraction, with millions visiting each year, and entrance fees funding the ongoing construction. The church became the world's tallest last October, surpassing Germany's Ulmer Munster.

A British couple, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran over allegations of espionage. The couple, from East Sussex, were arrested in January 2025 while on a motorcycle trip around the world. Their son, Joe Bennett, described their reaction to the sentence as 'panic' and said they had been denied the opportunity to present a defense. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned the sentence as 'appalling' and 'unjustifiable', and pledged to pursue the case with the Iranian government. The couple's family is concerned about their welfare and the lack of transparency in the judicial process. The sentencing has been criticized by human rights groups and Western countries, who accuse Iran of using arrests to win concessions from other nations.

The article discusses Iran's preparations for a potential US strike, analyzing satellite images and military activities. Iran has fortified its nuclear and defense facilities, conducted live drills with Russian forces, and taken steps to protect its nuclear infrastructure. Experts suggest that Iran is preparing for a potential attack, with activities such as repairing and fortifying military sites, and conducting naval exercises. The article also mentions recent negotiations between the US and Iran over Iran's nuclear program.

NASA is planning to launch the Artemis II mission next month, which aims to send four crew members to orbit around the moon and return home. The mission, scheduled to launch as early as March 6, would be the first time humans have traveled to the moon in over 50 years. Although there are concerns about potential delays due to final checks, a successful rehearsal was completed recently after addressing a hydrogen leak issue. The Artemis missions are part of NASA's long-term plans to build a lunar space station and prepare for missions to Mars.

Thai police went undercover in a traditional lion costume to catch a serial burglar at a Lunar New Year fair. The suspect, a 33-year-old man, is accused of stealing Buddhist objects and Buddha statues from temples in the Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Police had attempted to arrest him several times but he had evaded capture until the undercover operation. The suspect confessed to the burglaries, stating he stole to buy drugs and gamble. He had previously been convicted of drug-related offences and burglary.

The article discusses China's AI landscape, focusing on Tencent Holdings' approach to artificial intelligence. Tencent's CEO, Pony Ma Huateng, recently acknowledged that the company was slow to act on AI, contrasting with the rapid growth seen globally. Despite increasing its R&D budget by 28% to 22.8 billion yuan in the third quarter, Tencent's AI investments lag behind its rivals, such as Alibaba Group Holding. The article highlights the divergent paths China's 'big tech' firms are taking in the AI race, challenging their traditional strategies and monetization methods.

A new study has found that China's 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River is showing positive results, with a significant increase in biomass and a boost to the critically endangered finless porpoise population. The ban, which was implemented in 2021, has led to a recovery in the river's ecological health. The Yangtze River, one of China's vital waterways and among the world's most biodiverse rivers, had faced severe ecological decline due to overfishing, dam construction, water pollution, and heavy shipping traffic. The fishing ban, backed by an investment of over US$2.7 billion, has seen the recall of over 111,000 fishing vessels and the resettlement of 231,000 fishers. The Yangtze River Protection Law, also enacted in 2021, has introduced stricter regulations on water quality, sand mining, and shoreline restoration. The success of the fishing ban and conservation efforts has been hailed as a model for other major river systems, such as the Mekong and Amazon.

Chinese investors have shifted their focus from AI to commercial aerospace, driving up the shares of companies in the sector. The gauge of commercial aerospace companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges has risen 10% this year, following a 76% increase in 2025. Investors believe China will catch up with the US in reusable rocket technology and lunar ambitions, driven by policy support and a series of tests for reusable rockets. Analysts are positive about the acceleration of domestic substitution in commercial aerospace, creating investment opportunities in downstream industries.

The Hong Kong government plans to spend HK$6.8 billion to buy back homes damaged in the Tai Po fire tragedy. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun announced that the government will offer HK$8,000 to HK$10,500 per square foot as part of a long-term resettlement plan. The plan involves using HK$4 billion in public funds and is aimed at providing the fastest and most flexible solution for affected households. The government has ruled out on-site redevelopment of Wang Fuk Court and is inclined to demolish seven of the estate's eight buildings, redeveloping the site as parks or other social facilities.

The article discusses how Chinese railway giants are looking to expand their high-speed train line construction and engineering services overseas, particularly in Eurasia, as the domestic market in China becomes saturated. With 97% of Chinese cities with populations over 500,000 already having access to high-speed services, companies are seeking new opportunities abroad. Southeast Asian countries like Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as Central Asia, are seen as potential destinations for Chinese-invested high-speed projects. Analysts caution that the fiscal positions of host governments will be crucial in determining the success of these projects.

Archaeologists in Nepal have unearthed a temple at Tilaurakot, believed to be the ancient capital where Siddhartha Gautam, later known as the Buddha, spent his princely years. The discovery of the apsidal temple, dating back to between the third and fifth centuries AD, sheds new light on Buddha's early life and suggests that Tilaurakot was not only a political centre but also an active site of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. The find could help secure Unesco World Heritage status for the site.

The article provides feng shui advice for the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in the Year of the Horse 2026. Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares tips on how to arrange spaces and place items to attract good luck and minimize misfortune. The article explains the principles of feng shui and how it can be used to enhance luck in health, wealth, and relationships.

The article discusses how the Trump administration's diplomatic approach is causing friction in Europe, citing recent public spats between US ambassadors and their European hosts. The US ambassadors to Belgium, France, and Poland have been involved in controversies, with the ambassador to Belgium criticizing the country's handling of a circumcision case and accusing it of antisemitism. The article suggests that this more aggressive approach to diplomacy is a departure from traditional diplomatic norms and may be driven by the Trump administration's desire to defend its president and policies.

British police are searching the former home of ex-Prince Andrew one day after his arrest. The search is part of an ongoing investigation, and UK lawmakers are considering introducing legislation to remove him from the line of royal succession. The article reports on the latest developments in the case and provides context on the potential consequences for Prince Andrew.

A 32-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime after ramming a black pickup truck into the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue in Australia. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on the country's Jewish community, following a mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach in December that killed 15 people. The attack has been condemned by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who described it as 'very concerning.' The man is due to appear in court on Saturday to face charges including wilful damage, serious vilification, and dangerous driving. The incident has raised concerns about rising antisemitism in Australia, with community leaders warning of a surge in anti-Jewish incidents linked to anger over Israel's war in Gaza.

The US military conducted a strike against an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on February 20, 2026, killing three people. This was the sixth publicly known attack of the year and the second attack this week, as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking initiated by the Trump administration. The operation has been met with intense scrutiny in Congress since it began last September, raising questions about the shift from law enforcement handling counter-narcotics efforts to military action. At least 138 people have been killed in such strikes so far. The US Coast Guard continues to interdict drug-trafficking vessels without using lethal force, treating cartel members and drug smugglers as criminals with due process rights.

A 32-year-old man from Sunnybank, Australia, has been charged with damaging the Brisbane Synagogue after allegedly ramming it with a truck on Friday night. The suspect, who has not been named, faces multiple charges including willful damage, serious vilification or hate crime, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. The incident occurred just after 7:15 p.m. local time, with the truck knocking down the synagogue's gates before the driver was apprehended by police. No one was injured, and authorities believe the suspect acted alone. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the incident as 'very distressing for the Jewish community in Queensland' and assured that it is being taken seriously. The suspect is set to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

A devastating truck explosion occurred in Santiago, Chile, resulting in four deaths and damaging at least 50 vehicles. The blast happened after a truck carrying liquid gas overturned and exploded. The incident left 17 people injured, with five in serious condition. The Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, expressed solidarity with the victims' families and condolences for the loss of life. Prosecutors are investigating the cause of the accident.

A tourist captured video of a terrifying moment when an avalanche slammed into a packed passenger train traveling through the Swiss Alps near the popular ski resort town of Zermatt. The incident occurred on February 17, and despite the dramatic impact, no injuries were reported. The train was operated by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, which confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated in coordination with emergency services. The avalanche strike happened amid dangerous winter conditions in the Swiss Alps, where heavy snowfall has impacted the tourist season.

The head of the U.S. Southern Command, Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, made a surprise visit to Venezuela to meet with the country's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, and other high-ranking officials. The trip occurred just weeks after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. During the meeting, the U.S. delegation reiterated their commitment to a free, safe, and prosperous Venezuela and discussed the security environment, the implementation of President Donald Trump's three-phase plan, and shared security across the Western Hemisphere. The two sides agreed to coordinate on issues such as drug-trafficking, terrorism, and migration.

The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of the Jabez Chakraborty case, where Chakraborty, a mentally ill individual, attacked two police officers with a knife and was subsequently shot by one of the officers. Mamdani visited Chakraborty's family and suggested that Chakraborty should not be arrested or prosecuted, but rather receive mental health treatment. The author argues that Mamdani's statements display a lack of knowledge about the criminal justice system and that his knee-jerk reaction to police incidents is driven by his dislike for cops. The author also highlights the difficulties in keeping mentally ill individuals in psychiatric hospitals against their will and suggests that Mamdani should focus on addressing this issue rather than proposing unrealistic solutions. The article concludes that Mamdani's approach is typical of progressives who exaggerate problems, propose ridiculous solutions, and ignore the consequences of their actions.

The article criticizes Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to hire hundreds of new city lawyers and auditors, arguing that it will harm NYC businesses, particularly small ones. The plan involves sending 'compliance warnings' to 56,000 employers and implementing a 'data-driven strategy' to enforce paid-time-off laws. The article claims that this 'lawfare strategy' will lead to increased costs for businesses, drive away the city's tax base, and ultimately harm the city's economy. The author warns that the city's high-tax and business-hostile policies are already causing Wall Street firms to flee to Texas.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing criticism for his handling of the investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie. Nanos has limited decision-making to himself and two senior officers, Chief Jesus Lopez and Captain Juan Carlos Navarro, excluding other law enforcement officials and the FBI from key decisions. Sources describe this approach as 'highly unusual' and criticize Nanos for being more focused on being in the spotlight than finding Nancy. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities releasing a description of a suspect caught on Nancy's Nest camera.

A US Air Force pharmacist, Staff Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop, and his husband, Manuel George Madrid, have been accused of stealing over $3 million from the Department of War to fund their lavish lifestyle. The couple allegedly used Ramroop's position in the pharmacy at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to purchase thousands of medical devices, which they then resold for profit. They used the funds to buy a mansion in Arizona, luxury cars, and other high-end items. The couple faces a 12-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to commit theft of government property, wire fraud, and money laundering. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud-related charges and up to 10 years for money laundering.

American Express has expressed regret over having served Jeffrey Epstein as a client, as newly released documents by the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Epstein used Amex's travel agency to book international flights for multiple women or girls, predominantly from Eastern Europe. The documents, reviewed by CBS News, show bookings spanning at least seven years, between 2012 and 2019, after Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. American Express stated that it terminated Epstein's account following federal charges against him and continuously updates its processes and controls. The revelations have drawn scrutiny from European officials, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announcing an investigation into potential links between Epstein and Polish children.

British police continued searching former Prince Andrew's residence at the Windsor estate on Friday, a day after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday and held for nearly 12 hours before being released under investigation. The police search concluded at his new residence on the Sandringham Estate on Thursday. The arrest follows the release of documents related to Epstein, which included emails suggesting Prince Andrew shared confidential UK government information with Epstein. Prince Andrew has denied any wrongdoing, and his brother King Charles has stated that the law must take its course. If convicted, Prince Andrew could face life in prison.

The top-ranked Canadian women's curling team was upset by Sweden in the semifinals at the Milan Cortina Games, eliminating them from contention for Olympic gold. Sweden, ranked 12th, won 6-3, with Anna Hasselborg's team capitalizing on Canada's struggles with the 'straighter' ice. Canada will now play the U.S. for bronze on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Canadian men's team, embroiled in controversy over alleged rules violations, will face Britain for gold on Saturday. The Swedish team will face Switzerland, who beat the U.S. 7-4, for the gold medal on Sunday.

The federal bench in the Eastern District of Virginia chose James W. Hundley as the interim U.S. attorney, but he was fired just two hours later by Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, via a social media post. This was the second time Blanche had fired a top federal prosecutor appointed by federal judges, sparking concerns about the Trump administration's interference with the judiciary. Hundley, a veteran defense lawyer, was chosen to replace Lindsey Halligan, who was appointed despite lacking experience as a prosecutor and was later found to have been unlawfully appointed. The firings are part of a larger pattern of the Trump administration clashing with the judiciary, with the administration accused of violating judicial orders and attempting to undermine the authority of the courts.

The article reports on the killing of Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old American citizen, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in South Texas in March 2025. The incident occurred when Martinez failed to follow commands to exit his vehicle during a traffic control operation. ICE documents revealed that Martinez accelerated his car, hitting a federal agent, who was later treated for a knee injury. Another agent then fired multiple times at Martinez, who was later pronounced dead. The Martinez family disputes the government's account of the incident, claiming that eyewitness accounts contradict the official report. The killing is the third fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration officers since President Trump's second term began.

The India AI Impact Summit brought together world leaders and tech executives, with major tech companies committing hundreds of billions of dollars to Indian AI efforts. U.S. tech firms, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet, announced significant investments, while Indian companies like Reliance and Adani also made large commitments. The summit highlighted India's potential to become a tech superpower, with the country approving $18 billion in chip projects and edging towards a trade pact with the U.S. However, some analysts noted that India still lags behind in AI development and faces challenges in attracting private capital.

The article discusses the impact of Russian drone attacks on civilians in Ukraine, particularly in the Kherson region. Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, drones have become a daily threat to Ukrainians, with small FPV drones and long-range Shahed drones being used to target civilians. The UN has reported that at least 577 civilians were killed by short-range drones in 2025, and over 3,000 were injured. The article highlights the terror and disruption caused by these attacks, with civilians living in constant fear of drone strikes, and the Ukrainian rail network being a major target. The use of drones has been deemed a crime against humanity and war crimes by the UN Commission of Inquiry of Ukraine.

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 inter-faith accommodation, such as the 'Beijing Mosque', and the tightening grip on non-Muslim spaces. It also showcases the cultural exchange and acculturation between the Chinese and Malay communities, with many Chinese Kelantanese speaking the local dialect fluently and identifying strongly as Kelantanese.