International
Middle-East
On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Middle East to continue talks on a possible cease-fire agreement. He met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the plans for the Middle East once the war ends.
Israeli intelligence officers concluded that out of the 136 hostages in Gaza since October 7th, at least 30 have died.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a ceasefire deal that would have granted the gradual release of hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, similar to the deal a few months ago.
Ukraine
Experts fear that if funding for Ukraine doesn’t resume, Ukraine may begin losing the war. On Thursday, Vladimir Putin fired his top commander.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the first time Putin has agreed to an interview since the start of the war.
United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer. Prince William is expected to take on more of his duties. Prince William’s brother Harry flew back to the United Kingdom to visit his father in the wake of the news.
US Politics
Election
Even though Trump didn’t appear on Nevada’s Republican primary ballot, Nikki Haley did not win. The option “None of These Candidates” won 63% of the votes. For Nevada’s Democratic primary, Biden won by a landslide.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court met to determine if Donald Trump was eligible to appear on the Colorado state ballot after the state banned him on account of the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist clause.
Immigration
A convoy of over 200 Americans came together at the “Take Our Border Back” rally on Saturday at the Mexican border.
On Tuesday, the House failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his border policies by one vote. House Republicans hope to try again.
Congress revealed a $118 billion border and foreign aid deal that would give President Biden power to restrict illegal immigration at the Mexican border as well as sufficient assistance for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza. Senate Republicans blocked the bill, despite previously demanding one.
Climate Change
An outbreak of 160 wildfires in Chile has killed over 100 people. Hundreds are still missing. Chilean President Gabriel Boric warned that the death toll would rise significantly.
Education
On Monday, Dartmouth College announced that it would require standardized test scores again. Other highly selective universities are now considering the same.
Jennifer Crumbley, mother of Michigan gunman Ethan Crumbley, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argued that her negligent behavior allowed her son to have access to a gun. This is the first time a parent was held responsible and could set a precedent for future rulings.
Culture
Here is a recap of the 66th Grammy Awards:
Taylor Swift won album of the year for “Midnights,” becoming the first artist to win this category 4 times. She also announced her next album which is set to be released in April.
Tracy Chapman performed “Fast Car” with Luke Combs.
Billy Joel performed his first new pop single in over a decade called “Turn the Lights Back On.”
Country star Toby Keith died on February 5, 2024 at the age of 62. He is most notable for his songs “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” and “Red Solo Cup.”