February 2018 Current Events: US News
World News | Science & Technology News | Disaster News
The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for February 2018:
- Ban on Felons’ Right to Vote in Florida Ruled Unconstitutional
- Middle School Shooting
- Groundhog Saw His Shadow
- Flu Outbreak Worsens
- Second Suspect in Las Vegas Shooting Arrested
- AmTrak Train Crash
- Eagles Beat Patriots in Super Bowl LII
- Rob Gronkowski’s Home Burglarized
- Identities of ‘El Chapo’ Jurors to be Kept Secret
- President Trump Requests Military Parade
- Rob Porter, White House Aide, Quits
- Two Suspects Charged in the ATM ‘Jackpotting’ Case
- Second Government Shutdown Averted
- Shooting at Georgia Nursing Home
- Flu Outbreak Even More Deadly
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Crashes
- Shooting in Kentucky Leaves 5 Dead
- Teenager Wins First Gold for US in PyeongChang
- White House Leaves Clearance Changes up to FBI
- Shooting at NSA Headquarters
- 17 Dead at Florida High School Shooting
- US Charges Russians
- Missouri Governor Indicted
- Teacher Walk-out in West Virginia
- West Virginia Teachers Back to Work
Ban on Felons’ Right to Vote in Florida Ruled Unconstitutional
On February 1, a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional for Florida to ban felons from voting. Most states do not allow convicted felons to vote while serving their sentence, but the right is usually automatically restored upon release. In Florida, ex-convicts were required to petition the government for the right to vote before this ruling was made. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
Middle School Shooting
On February 1, a 12-year-old girl opened fire at Sal Castro Middle School in Los Angeles. The shooting left four students and one adult injured. A motive has not yet been released. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
Groundhog Saw His Shadow
On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning there will be six more weeks of winter. Groundhog Day is a 132-year-old tradition, and is a fun way to attempt to predict the weather. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Flu Outbreak Worsens
The flu outbreak was officially named the worst outbreak in the past decade on February 2. The flu has affected a total 49 states, and people continue to be hospitalized. 53 deaths have been reported thus far during this season, which has lasted ten weeks and is expected to last a few more. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Robert Ray
Second Suspect in Las Vegas Shooting Arrested
Douglas Haig, the man who sold ammunition to Stephen Paddock, was arrested on February 2. He was charged with conspiring to manufacture and sell armor-piercing bullets, which is a violation of federal law. His preliminary hearing will be held on February 15. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Brian Skoloff
AmTrak Train Crash
Early morning of February 4, an AmTrak train in South Carolina crashed into a CSX freight train. Two people have been reported dead and another 116 have been injured. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jeff Blake
Eagles Beat Patriots in Super Bowl LII
The 52nd Super Bowl ended with a bang, as the Philadelphia Eagles won its first title. The final score against the Patriots was 41-33. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Foto/Frank Franklin II
Rob Gronkowski’s Home Burglarized
After his team lost the Super Bowl, Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski faced another upset on February 6, when his home was burglarized. Multiple safes and guns have been reported as stolen. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
Identities of ‘El Chapo’ Jurors to be Kept Secret
In a decision announced on February 6, a Brooklyn judge decided that the identities of jurors in the ‘El Chapo’ case will remain secret. El Chapo (Joaquin Guzman) is a suspected Mexican drug lord, and is accused of playing a central role in the deadly Mexican drug ring. (Reuters)
Photo Source: Elizabeth Williams via AP
President Trump Requests Military Parade
It was reported on February 6 that President Trump asked the Pentagon for a military parade in Washington similar to the Bastille Day Parade he witnessed in July. White House officials have said this is just a “brainstorm,” and nothing is official. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Rob Porter, White House Aide, Quits
On of President Trump’s top aides, Rob Porter, resigned on February 7 amid abuse allegations from his two ex-wives. Porter claims the allegations are false, and the White House has yet to release a statement. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Two Suspects Charged in the ATM ‘Jackpotting’ Case
On February 5, it was announced that two suspects in the ATM hijacking case had been detained and charged. Alex Alberto Fajin-Diaz and Argenys Rodriguez were found with over $9,000 and the materials needed to break into ATMs. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Gerry Broome
Second Government Shutdown Averted
On February 9, a short, five-hour shutdown ended after President Trump signed a budget bill. The bill proposes a $300 billion increase on the defense budget. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Shooting at Georgia Nursing Home
A shooting in a Georgia nursing home parking lot on February 9 has left one person dead. The shooter fled the scene and is still currently at large. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton
Flu Outbreak Even More Deadly
On February 9, it was announced that another 10 children had died from the flu in the past week alone. These deaths bring the overall toll to 63, and is expected to get even worse. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/David Goldman
Grand Canyon Helicopter Crashes
Six passengers visiting from the UK crashed in a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon on February 12. Three of the passengers died, while the pilot and the other three passengers were injured. (CNN)
Photo Source: Teddy Fujimoto via AP
Shooting in Kentucky Leaves 5 Dead
On February 11, a gunman wreaked havoc on a small Kentucky town in what police are calling a “murder spree.” Two victims were found dead when police responded to a 911-call reporting shots fired. Another two were found dead in the suspect’s apartment. The suspect was also dead from suspected suicide. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley
Teenager Wins First Gold for US in PyeongChang
On February 11, 17-year-old snowboarder Red Gerard won the first gold medal for the US in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Competing in the men’s slopestyle, Gerard scored an impressive 87.16. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Morry Gash
White House Leaves Clearance Changes up to FBI
After the Porter scandal, the White House announced on February 12 that changes to how security clearance investigations occur will be left up to the FBI. Porter was granted temporary clearance while awaiting for final FBI approval, which has sparked outrage. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Shooting at NSA Headquarters
On February 14, gunfire rang out after a black SUV crashed outside the NSA headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland. Three people were injured and three suspects have been taken into custody. This has not been labeled as a terrorist attack, yet. (BBC)
Photo Source: WUSA TV-9 via AP
17 Dead at Florida High School Shooting
On February 14, an ex-student opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 people. Nikolas Cruz, 19, was expelled from the high school and was seen as a threat before the incident. (Reuters)
Photo Source: mpi04/MediaPunch/IPX
US Charges Russians
On February 16, 13 Russians and 3 Russian companies were charged with tampering with the 2016 Presidential Election. It is suspected that the Russians spread propaganda supporting Trump and belittling Clinton. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Missouri Governor Indicted
On February 22, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was indicted on a felony invasion of privacy charge. The incident in question took place nearly two years ago, and the politicians maintains his innocence. (Reuters)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File
Teacher Walk-out in West Virginia
On February 23, public schools across West Virginia closed as teachers and other employees walked-out demanding higher wages and better benefits. The protest is expected to continue through Monday. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/John Raby, File
Teacher Walk-out in West Virginia
On February 28, it was announced that the teachers’ strike in West Virginia would come to an end after a bill was proposed, suggesting a 5% pay increase. The bill will take time to pass, however.
Photo Source: AP Photo/Robert Ray
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