February 2023 Current Events: U.S. News
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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 U.S. news events you need to know so far for February 2023.
- Three Dead And Four Others Injured In The Latest Shooting In California
- Police Unit Get Disbanded After The Fatal Beating Of Tyre Nichols
- COVID-19 Emergency Declaration To End In United States By May 11
- Court Blocks A New Jersey Law That Allows State To Sue Gun Industry
- Rep. Ilhan Omar Voted Out Of The Foreign Affairs Committee
- Another Police Officer Loses Job Over The Death Of Tyre Nichols
- The United States Has Shot Down A Chinese Balloon
- The U.S Has Approved Sales Of $10bn Worth Of Ammunitions To Poland
- COVID Vaccine Requirement By Air Travelers To End After House Vote
- U.S. Confirms High-Altitude Object Off Alaska Has Been Shot Down
- One More Classified Document Has Been Discovered In Pence’s Home By FBI
- Gunman Opens Fire In Michigan State University, Killing Three Students
- Shooting At A Shopping Mall In El Paso Kills One Person, Leaves Three Injured
- A Gunman Kills Ex-Wife And Five Others In Mississippi
- Former President Jimmy Carter To Receive Hospice Care
- Power Plant Explosion In Ohio Kills One Person, Injure Several Others
- Gunman Kills Florida TV Journalists While Reporting A Murder Case
Three Dead And Four Others Injured In The Latest Shooting In California
Photo Source: AP Images/Richard Vogel
Saturday, January 28, 2023 — Police confirm that a shooting that happened at home in California on Saturday morning killed three people and injured four others. The shooting happened in Bergeron Crest, Los Angeles, at about 2:30 am.
A member of the Los Angeles Police, Sgt Frank Preciado, said the three people killed were inside a car early on Saturday. Police Spokesperson Sgt Bruce Borihanh said two of the four injured people were taken to the hospital in an ambulance, while the other two were taken in a private car.
The recent shooting is the fourth in California in the past four weeks. According to Gun Violence Archives in 2022, the United States, for the third straight year, recorded more than 600 mass shootings, in which not less than four people were killed or injured.
Source: The Guardian
Police Unit Get Disbanded After The Fatal Beating Of Tyre Nichols
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
Sunday, January 29, 2023 — Memphis has disbanded the specialized police unit, which included the five police officers that beat Tyre Nichols. The action came as more protests took place in the cities of the United States. After speaking with the family of Nichols, the police department said it was deactivating the SCORPION unit permanently.
The video recording shown from the camera on the body of the police officers and the security pole showed the 29-year-old Black man, Nichols, repeatedly calling out for his Mom as the officers punched, kicked, and struck him with a baton in his mother’s neighborhood.
The officers involved, who are all Black, have been charged with murder, assault, kidnapping, and other charges.
The officials, as well as the family of Nichols, expressed sorrow but urged protesters to remain peaceful.
Source: Reuters
COVID-19 Emergency Declaration To End In United States By May 11
Photo Source: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 — After nearly three years, the United States imposed a sweeping pandemic measure to control the spread of COVID-19; the administration of President Joe Biden confirmed that it would end the virus’s emergency declaration on May 11.
While giving their statement, the Office of Management and Budget of the White House said the declaration, which was set to expire in the coming months, has been extended until May 11, after which it would be terminated. The government will no longer be responsible for COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and certain treatments after the declaration expires, as they will be transferred to private insurance and government plans.
The expiration of Public Health Emergency (PHE) will also end Title 42 directives, which expels migrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti that are caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border back to Mexico.
Source: Reuters
Court Blocks A New Jersey Law That Allows State To Sue Gun Industry
Photo Source: AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 — A New Jersey Law, which authorizes the attorney general of the state to sue gun manufacturers and sellers for jeopardizing public safety, has been blocked by a Federal Judge.
The order by Zahid Quraishi, a United States district judge, means the New Jersey law cannot be enforced while the judge considers the legal challenge by a gun industry group.
The spokesperson of the New Jersey Government, Phil Murphy, expressed the disappointment of the Governor on the order, but he is confident that it would be reversed on appeal.
Quraishi discovered that the New Jersey law was in direct conflict with the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005 (PLCAA). The act protects the gun makes and people who sell guns from getting sued due to the crimes committed by the guns they must have legally produced or sold.
Source: Reuters
Rep. Ilhan Omar Voted Out Of The Foreign Affairs Committee
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Thursday, February 2, 2023 — Following a series of debates n the floor of the House of Representatives, Ilhan Omar, credited to be one of the most influential and vocal Muslim women of color in United States politics, was voted out of the foreign affairs committee as members of the House of representative voted along party lines.
Ilhan Omar was accused of making antisemitic and derogatory remarks about 9/11, which many republicans, including speaker McCarthy, regarded as unfit for a delicate committee as the foreign affairs committee.
During the debate, and in her Twitter feed, Rep. Ilhan Omar mentioned that the move by the House Republicans was a revenge tactic and a target to a minority, leading to her receiving death threats.
Other House Democrats, including Jews in the House, were against the motion and pointed out that Rep. Omar had since apologized for her statement and had learned from her.
She is the third high-ranking democrat to lose her committee assignment since Republicans took a majority in the House.
Source: BBC
Another Police Officer Has Been Sacked Over The Death Of Tyre Nichols
Photo Source: AP
Saturday, February 4, 2023 - Memphis Police have fired another officer linked with the murder of Tyre Nichols. The officer was identified by Memphis Police as Preston Hemphill, saying that he violated several department policies on personal conduct, like truthfulness and compliance, as regards the use of Taser.
Memphis Police had previously sacked Five officers, who were all black. They were also charged with second-degree murder over the death of Nichols.
An attorney representing Hemphill, Lee Gerald, said, “while they disagree with his termination, Hemphill will continue to cooperate with all authorities in investigating the death of Mr. Nichols.
A seventh officer had previously been relieved of duty, and Hemphill, who is white. Three members of the fire service department have also been sacked after failing to provide proper emergency medical treatment after the police handcuffed Nichols.
Source: Reuters
The United States Has Shot Down A Chinese Balloon
Photo Source: AP
Sunday, February 6, 2023 - A large Chinese balloon that the United States claim has been spying on key military sites across the country has been shot down by the U.S. The foreign ministry of China condemned the action of the U.S. in using force to attack civilian unmanned aircraft.
An official in the defense ministry said an F-22 jet fighter brought the balloon down with one missile, an AIM-9X Sidewinder, and it went down about six nautical miles off the United State coast at 14:39 EST (19:39 GMT).
A diplomatic crisis arose between the United States and China after the discovery of the balloon. This caused the Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, to cancel this weekend’s trip to China.
United State President Joe Biden had approved that the balloon is brought down earlier, but Pentagon said it was better to bring it down when it was over water for the public's safety.
Source: BBC
The U.S Has Approved Sales Of $10bn Worth Of Ammunitions To Poland
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 - The Pentagon confirmed that the State Department of the United State had approved the sales of long-range missiles, rockets, and launchers to Poland in a deal worth $10 billion.
Poland has lately been donating its older weapons to Ukraine to fight against Russia’s invasion and spending a lot to shore up its military weaponry.
The sale is said to include 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems Launchers (HMARS), 45 of the 297-km range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, and over 1,559 Guided Multiple Rocket Launch System (GMLRS) rockets.
The Pentagon, while giving a statement, said, “the proposed sale will improve Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies.” The deal was made possible after Poland was clear in 2022 to buy 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 250 M1A2 tanks made by General Dynamics (GD. N)
Source: Reuters
COVID Vaccine Requirement By Air Travelers To End After House Vote
Photo Source: AP
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - The United States House of Representatives voted to end the requirement that compels most foreign travelers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vote ended with 227 to 201, as seven Democrats joined the republican. All Republicans voted in favor of the bill.
The White House on Tuesday had earlier opposed the bill, saying due to the vaccine requirement, it has been possible for people across the globe to reunite with their loved ones without spreading COVID-19 and the burdens it places on the healthcare system in the United State. It is, however, unclear if the Senate will consider the bill.
The Travel Association of the United States expressed gratitude to the House for voting to end the outdated policy, saying the United States remains the only country to maintain the policy still.”
Source: Reuters
US Confirms High-Altitude Object Off Alaska Has Been Shot Down
Photo Source: AP
Friday, February 10, 2023 - The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden authorized a fighter jet to shoot down an unidentified object off Alaska on Friday. Spokesman John Kirby described the object as the size of a small car and said it posed a threat to the safety of the civilians.
While speaking at the White House, Mr. Kirby said the object shot down on Friday was much smaller than the balloon that was shot down off the coast of South Carolina last Sunday. The object was said to fly at an altitude of 40,000ft over the northern coast of Alaska.
Two fighter jet was said to have approached the object and confirmed that nobody was on board; the information was made available to Mr. Biden when he made his decision. It was also believed that the object had no propulsion.
Source: BBC
One More Classified Document Has Been Discovered In Pence’s Home By FBI
Photo Source: AP
Saturday, February 11, 2023 - His spokesman confirms that one additional classified record has been discovered at the Indianapolis residence of the United States former president, Mike Pence. His spokesman confirms that “Pence and his legal team have fully cooperated with the appropriate authorities.”
Aside from the page with classified markings discovered, the FBI also recovered “six additional pages without such markings that were not discovered in the initial review by the vice president’s counsel.”
The search of Pence’s home came after the investigation of Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden by two special counsels over the retention of classified records.
Special Counsel, Jack Smith, is looking into whether or not Trump or his associates may have access obstructed the Department of Justice probe into his retention of thousands of government records, many of which have classified markings on them, after leaving office in January 2021.
Source: Reuters
Gunman Opens Fire In Michigan State University, Killing Three Students
Photo Source: AP
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 - A gunman opened fire at Michigan State University, killing three students and injuring five others. Police confirmed that all victims were students at the University.
The suspect, a 43-year-old, is confirmed not to have ties with Michigan State University. Police said he was not a student, faculty, or staff, current or previous.” It is rather unclear what the motive of the shooter was.
Chief Medical Director of Sparrow Hospital, Dr. Denny Martin, said four injured required surgery, and the last person was taken to critical care. He further said, “it is something they practice very often, but they never want to do.”
The suspect fled the crime scene, causing a large manhunt that involved hundreds of officers. The police found him 4 hours later in the city of Lansing, which is three miles northwest of campus.
Source: BBC
Shooting At A Shopping Mall In El Paso Kills One Person, Leaves Three Injured
Photo Source: AP
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 - A shooting that broke out in a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas, killed one person and injured three others. El Paso police confirm that they have taken two people into custody, as it is still unclear what caused the shooting.
Veronica Escobar, a Democratic congresswoman whose district includes El Paso, said on Twitter that “the shooting today at the Cielo Vista Mall has brought back traumatic memories for several citizens.” She thus assured them that they were not alone.
The United States has experienced several people killed in similar shootings in 2023. 11 people were killed in Monterey Park in a Los Angeles-area city in January.
University Medical Center in El Paso confirmed that two injured victims were in critical condition. The condition of the third victim, however, remains unclear.
Source: The Guardian
A Gunman Kills Ex-Wife And Five Others In Mississippi
Photo Source: AP Photo/Nikki Boertman
Friday, February 17, 2023 — Police confirm that a man possessing three guns shot his ex-wife and five others in a rural town in the United States. The killing happened at different locations, including a store and two homes, in Arkabutla, a community with a population of less than 300. It was reported that the suspect was in possession of a shotgun and two handguns.
The shooting started when the gunman walked into a petrol station convenience store around 11:00 local time, where he shot a man he was not connected to in any way. He then proceeded to a home nearby where he shot his ex-wife but only struck and did not shoot her fiancée.
During the incident, authorities placed a nearby primary and secondary school under lockdown.
Source: BBC
Former President Jimmy Carter To Receive Hospice Care
Photo Source: AP Photo/Barry Thumma
Sunday, February 19, 2023 — Carter Center said the United States former President, Jimmy Carter, has decided to discontinue additional medical intervention, and has opted to receive hospice care and spend the remaining time he has at home with his family. Carter was a Democratic Party President who served from January 1977 to January 1981.
The statement from the Carter Center says his family and medical team were in full support of his decision. And his family has also requested privacy during these times. Carter has, in recent year, suffered from different health issues, but he has responded well to treatment received.
He left office after Republican Opposition Ronald Reagan defeated him in the presidential election in 1980. He rehabilitated his legacy as he worked energetically for decades on humanitarian causes.
Source: Reuters
Power Plant Explosion In Ohio Kills One Person, Injure Several Others
Photo Source: Getty Images
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 — An Ohio metals plant was devastated by a recent explosion, which tore through the plant, scattering molten metal and debris that rained down neighboring buildings, killing one person and injuring several people. The attention of fire services throughout northeast Ohio was drawn to the explosion at the I. Schumann & Co. metals plant in Bedford.
Brian DiRocco, the captain of Oakwood Fire Department, talked to the media, saying 13 people were taken to the hospital, with several of them having burn wounds and one more being treated on site. Cuyahoga County spokeswoman later confirmed that a 46-year-old man had died from the explosion.
The metals plant, in a statement, said, “they would continue to work with investigators as they search for answers as part of their commitment to Northeast Ohio where they have been operating for over 100 years.”
Source: Reuters
Gunman Kills Florida TV Journalists While Reporting A Murder Case
Photo Source: AP Photo/John Raoux
Thursday, February 23, 2023 — Authorities said a gunman opened fire on two journalists reporting a murder close to Orlando, Florida. He killed one of them and severely injured the other. He shot a 9-year-old girl and her mother in a nearby home. The 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses suspect was arrested shortly after the assault.
Sheriff of Orange County, Sheriff Mina, described the two journalists as reporters and photographers for central Florida cable TV outlet Spectrum News 13. He also said they are yet to identify any motive behind the shooting. The Sheriff further said, “as far as they know, he had no connection to the reporters and no connection with the mother or the 9-year-old.”
On Twitter, Press Secretary of the White House Karine Jean-Pierre wrote that offered condolences to the family of the journalist killed and the injured crew member.
Source: Reuters
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