International
Greece:
On Thursday, Greece became the first majority Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage. This will allow same-sex couples the right to adopt children and receive all benefits associated with parental recognition.
Russia:
Aleksei Navalny, an outspoken Russian critic of Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, died in prison at the age of 27. He was sentenced to 19 years in prison after being found guilty of leading and financing several extremist activities. Officials claim that Navalny fell ill while on a walk. However, President Joe Biden said that Putin and the Communist state were likely responsible.
Israel-Hamas War:
Israel announced that it had rescued two hostages that were held in Rafah, a southern Gazan city. According to the Palestine Red Crescent Society, this operation had killed over 100 people.
Israeli forces believe that Hamas is hiding members and hostages inside a hospital in southern Gaza. Forces have ordered hundreds of civilians who were taking shelter in the largest functioning hospital, Nasser Hospital, to evacuate before entering. Gazan officials revealed that at least five patients have died due to the raid.
Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen carried out their first attack in the Red Sea in six days. The Houthis attacked Iranian cargo causing the United States to raise questions regarding the Houthis targeting strategy and true allegiance. The Houthis claim that the ships attacked by their forces are associated with Israel and say that the attacks are a demonstration of their support of Palestine. Leading the United States and United Kingdom to neutralize the Houthi threat and their potential negative impact on international trade in the Red Sea, with the UK going as far as calling the Houthis a group of “opportunistic pirates”.
Turkish and Egyptian Summit at Cairo
On February 14, 2024, the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, met in Cairo, Egypt, marking the first presidential summit between the two respective nations in over a decade. Both sides attempted to repair years of strained political relations, signed trade for mutual benefit, loosened tourism restrictions, and agreed upon defense deals regarding each other militaries. Importantly, both leaders called for a cease-fire in Gaza.
US Politics
Immigration
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is facing a $700 million funding shortage. President Joe Biden and the White House have asked for $14 billion to handle the border crisis, but many GOP lawmakers blocked advances for more resources.
The Senate is working to pass a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that would support Israel and Ukraine. Despite Donald Trump’s urges to block the bill, GOP lawmakers have remained consistent in their position, including the 17 Senate Republicans who broke from the majority vote.
House Republicans impeached Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his handling of the US-Mexico border. He is the first Cabinet member to be impeached in 150 years.
Other
A New York judge ordered Donald Trump to pay a $355 million penalty for fraud after a 3-month trial case. Trump is also barred from serving as a director of any New York corporation for 3 years.
In a special House election to replace George Santos in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, Democrat Tom Suozzi defeated Mazi Pilip.
Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs won in an overtime victory by 25-22, led by Patrick Mahomes.
In a Kansas City celebration parade, one person was killed while 21 others were wounded in a shooting. Half the victims were children. Police have 3 potential suspects in custody, but the motive is unknown. This event marks the 48th mass shooting this year.
Other
A 36-year-old mother attacked a Houston church with gunfire that left two people injured. Her 7-year-old son was one of the victims.
A winter storm hit New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. This would mark the heaviest snowfall in NYC in over two years, with some areas receiving over 3 inches.