Bloomberg:
- The US Senate’s approval of a $70 billion tax-cutting measure opens the way for negotiations with the House on final legislation that may produce a two-year extension of the 15% rate on dividends and capital gains.
- The US dollar is rising to a high for the year against the yen and climbed versus the euro after a government report signaling a stronger US labor market will continue to propel US growth higher than that of other industrialized nations.
- Research In Motion’s chances of avoiding the US shutdown of its BlackBerry wireless e-mail service improved this week after decisions by two government agencies, legal analysts said.
- European news organizations, citing freedom of speech, showed cartoons that sparked outrage among Muslims, as protests spread across the Islamic world.
- The UN nuclear watchdog delayed voting on a resolution to send Iran to the UN Security Council over its atomic program because some countries want the measure to declare the Middle East a nuclear weapons-free zone.

Wall Street Journal:
- The US is likely to avoid a military confrontation with Iran because of concern over a backlash in the region and possible retaliation against the US and Israel.
- The SEC’s new registration requirements allow potential investors to review hedge fund managers’ registration forms, adding that since the rule was passed 934 hedge fund advisers have registered.
- Investors are betting on a wave of steel-industry mergers, whether or not Mittal Steel succeeds with its $23.7 billion hostile bid for Arcelor SA.

NY Times:
- US deaths of car drivers struck by a sport utility vehicle or pickup have dropped sharply after automakers reluctantly agreed in 2003 to adopt design changes.

CNet News.com:
- Google(GOOG), fighting a US Justice Dept. demand for records to help the government defend an anti-pornography law, will take its case to a federal court on March 13.

USA Today:
- Some US cities are displaying “wanted” posters on billboards in a bid to capture criminals.