Current Events This Week: February 2024
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It's a busy world out there, so that’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories for each week of February 2024.
We collect current events of the week starting and ending on a Friday, so make sure you check back at the end of every week to keep up-to-date on what's happening in the world and the U.S., including politics, disasters, science & technology, and military actions.
Our Top Stories for the Week of January 26, 2024
It’s been an eventful week from murder along Iranian borders to river pollution in the U.K. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
International Diplomacy
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Kenyan Court Blocks Deployment Of National Police: On Friday, January 26, 2024, Kenya's High Court ruled against the government's deployment of police personnel to battle gangs in Haiti, claiming that the National Security Council lacks the jurisdiction to send police outside of the nation. The court stressed that Kenyan law allows for police deployment overseas only with a reciprocal agreement between Kenya and the host countries. Last year, Kenya offered to head a multinational team to combat gang violence in Haiti, with the UN Security Council's approval.[1]
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Several Countries Block Aid To UN Agency Following Allegations: On Saturday, January 27, 2024, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany have halted financing for UNRWA, the UN organization for Palestinian refugees, in response to suspicions of staff participation in the Hamas assaults on October 7. The UK government is examining future assistance, and former UNRWA spokesman Christopher Gunness claimed that the suspension will exacerbate suffering in Gaza. UNRWA delivers healthcare and humanitarian help to Palestinians in a variety of nations.[2]
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Albania And Italy Strikes Migration Deal: On Monday, January 29, 2024, the Albanian constitutional court accepted an arrangement that allows Italy to transport asylum claimants to Albania for processing. The Italian government plans to create two processing facilities in northern Albania that would house up to 36,000 migrants each year. The deal calls for keeping 3,000 marine migrants while their asylum petitions are processed. Italy will either relocate or deport the people, with Albania providing security and police.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC [3] BBC
United States Legislations
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Florida Disallows Gender Change On Driver’s License: On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety ceased permitting citizens to modify their gender on driver's licenses due to a deficiency in legislative jurisdiction. Detractors contend that this is a deliberate assault on transgender persons, in light of recent limitations imposed on gender-affirming therapies and restroom use. Advocates saw this as a component of a more extensive movement against transgender rights.[1]
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Senate Hearing On Social Media Safety: On Thursday, February 1, 2024, Zuckerberg and Yaccarino, who are high-ranking corporate leaders, are scheduled to provide testimony at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The focus of the discussion will be on the mental well-being and online safety of children. The leaders of TikTok, Discord, and Snap are anticipated to be there as well. Politicians contend that internet firms are failing to adequately safeguard youngsters from sexual exploitation. Lawmakers have proposed legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act.[2]
Middle Eastern Events
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Pakistanis Killed Along Iranian Border: On Sunday, January 28, 2024, unknown assailants murdered nine Pakistani laborers in Saravan, Iran, shortly after military attacks occurred between the two countries. Responsibility was not claimed by any organization. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran conveyed astonishment and called for Iran to cooperate in the probe. Both countries are reducing tensions and fostering "close fraternal relations" during diplomatic negotiations.[1]
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Imran Khan To Be Incarcerated: On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, was sentenced to 14 years in jail for corruption, including the unauthorized selling of public goods. Khan has been in prison since August and is barred from seeking public office for ten years. This comes only a week before the general election, and one day after he was sentenced to ten years in prison for disclosing state secrets. He'll serve his sentences consecutively. The forthcoming general election is seen as one of the least trustworthy in Pakistan's history.[2]
In Other News
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Alabama Offers Execution By Asphyxiation: On Saturday, January 27, 2024, Alabama volunteered to help other US states use nitrogen gas executions, after its pioneering use of the procedure to kill Kenneth Smith in 1988. Attorney General Steve Marshall said that 43 more death row convicts had chosen asphyxiation over lethal injections since 2018, calling it "humane." Oklahoma and Mississippi have also used nitrogen asphyxiation in their execution techniques. Almost half of the US states have abolished the death penalty, but other others continue to use lethal injections.[1]
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U.S. Court Limits Lawsuits On Voting Rights: On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, the 8th United States Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request to review a 2-1 decision that might restrict litigation implementing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The verdict ruled that only the government may pursue claims under Section 2, marking the first time a federal appeals court reached this result. The decision impacts seven states that are within the jurisdiction of the 8th Circuit.[2]
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U.K. Rivers Fail Pollution Test: On, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, reports from about 641 anglers belonging to 240 fishing clubs are actively monitoring pollution levels in 190 rivers and 60 watershed areas throughout England. Their efforts have uncovered extensive contamination caused by agricultural runoff and sewage discharges from water companies. Phosphate restrictions were breached by 83% of rivers, with 44% of them failing to meet the threshold. This situation poses a significant danger to aquatic life. The measures to mitigate pollution are insufficient.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] The Guardian
Do you want to find out about the rest of the events that happened around the world in previous weeks?
For everything that happened around the world last month, check out Current Events This Week: January 2024 to discover more and keep on top of the news. And if you enjoyed this article, why not drop a line to let us know, or share it with others who are curious about the events of this week!
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