Australia and New Zealand reopen their maritime borders after recent outbreaks in both countries have been contained. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Australia begins a mass vaccination campaign with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is one of the first people to receive a vaccine. (ABC Australia) Australia and New Zealand reopen their maritime borders after recent outbreaks in both countries have been contained. (The Guardian)
Personal and business legal affairs of Donald Trump The United States Supreme Court, by a 7–2 vote, declines to block the subpoena of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. for former President Donald Trump's financial records, including his tax returns. (CNN)
The United States Supreme Court, by a 7–2 vote, declines to block the subpoena of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. for former President Donald Trump's financial records, including his tax returns. (CNN)
Cannabis in the United States Cannabis in New Jersey Enabling legislation for Public Question 1 is signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, making New Jersey the 14th state to legalize recreational cannabis. (NBC News)
Malaysia deports 1,086 Burmese citizens back to Myanmar, defying an order by the Kuala Lumpur High Court halting their deportation in light of the coup on February 1. (Reuters)
Drug policy of Germany Authorities in Germany and Belgium seize more than 23,000 kilograms (51,000 lb) of cocaine, worth billions of dollars, in an international operation that resulted in one arrest. Authorities consider this to be the largest amount of cocaine ever seized in Europe. The containers came on a ship from Paraguay, via Tangier and Rotterdam, the police said. (CNN)
India and Pakistan issue a joint statement indicating that both sides agree to stop firing at each other at the disputed Line of Control border in Kashmir. (DW)
India–Pakistan relations India and Pakistan issue a joint statement indicating that both sides agree to stop firing at each other at the disputed Line of Control border in Kashmir. (DW)
Begum v Home Secretary The UK Supreme Court rules that ISIL supporter Shamima Begum is forbidden from returning to the United Kingdom to appeal the revocation of her citizenship. This overturns the decision by the Court of Appeal, citing four errors in their ruling. (CNN)
The UK Supreme Court rules that ISIL supporter Shamima Begum is forbidden from returning to the United Kingdom to appeal the revocation of her citizenship. This overturns the decision by the Court of Appeal, citing four errors in their ruling. (CNN)
Cuba approves its first animal welfare law after pressure from animal rights movement groups. The decree will regulate scientific experiments on animals, the handling of stray cats and dogs, and veterinarian practices in the country. Some civil society groups say the decree doesn't go far enough, as it doesn't outlaw animal sacrifice or cockfighting. (Reuters)
Hong Kong national security law Police charge 47 out of the 55 arrested last month during a mass raid with "subversion". Those charged include Professor Benny Tai, former legislator James To, activist and district councilor Lester Shum and League of Social Democrats politicians and activists Leung Kwok-hung and Jimmy Sham, who was particularly defiant in court. (BBC News)
Police charge 47 out of the 55 arrested last month during a mass raid with "subversion". Those charged include Professor Benny Tai, former legislator James To, activist and district councilor Lester Shum and League of Social Democrats politicians and activists Leung Kwok-hung and Jimmy Sham, who was particularly defiant in court. (BBC News)
2021 Texas power crisis, February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files a lawsuit against Griddy, accusing them of charging Texans "outrageous amounts" after the winter storm that resulted in power outages for millions in the state. (Newsweek)
Aftermath of the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état, 2021 Myanmar protests Ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court to hear two more charges against her. The charges are a colonial-era penal code prohibiting publication of information that may "cause fear or alarm", and a telecommunications law stipulating licenses for equipment. Meanwhile, police disperse protesters with tear gas and stun grenades. (Reuters)
Ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court to hear two more charges against her. The charges are a colonial-era penal code prohibiting publication of information that may "cause fear or alarm", and a telecommunications law stipulating licenses for equipment. Meanwhile, police disperse protesters with tear gas and stun grenades. (Reuters)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files a lawsuit against Griddy, accusing them of charging Texans "outrageous amounts" after the winter storm that resulted in power outages for millions in the state. (Newsweek)
2020–2021 Sudanese–Ethiopian clashes Fighting between Sudan and Ethiopian-backed forces continues in the last Ethiopian stronghold of Bereket in the disputed border region of Al-Fashaga. Sudan claims Eritrean forces are helping the Ethiopians. (Anadolu Agency)
Fighting between Sudan and Ethiopian-backed forces continues in the last Ethiopian stronghold of Bereket in the disputed border region of Al-Fashaga. Sudan claims Eritrean forces are helping the Ethiopians. (Anadolu Agency)
The Troubles, Brexit and the Irish border The Loyalist Communities Council and other loyalist groups in Northern Ireland inform Prime Minister Boris Johnson that they are withdrawing support for the Good Friday Agreement in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol. (DW)
The Cologne administrative court temporarily bars the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) from placing the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) under surveillance, ruling that BfV's announcement two days ago that it was surveying the party violated an agreement to keep the surveillance classified. The court said that the BfV will have to wait until a lawsuit brought by the AfD on the matter is settled before it can proceed. (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi Malawi receives its first shipment of 360,000 doses of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative. (VOA) COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo receive their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. (BBC News)
Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Edson Fachin rules that all convictions of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva must be nullified. This ruling restores Lula's political rights and thus clears the way for his presidential candidacy in 2022. (France 24)
Operation Car Wash Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Edson Fachin rules that all convictions of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva must be nullified. This ruling restores Lula's political rights and thus clears the way for his presidential candidacy in 2022. (France 24)
United States–Venezuela relations, Immigration policy of the Joe Biden administration The Biden administration grants temporary protected status to Venezuelans living in the United States. The decision will allow thousands of Venezuelan migrants to stay and work legally in the U.S., and it will remain in effect for 18 months. (BBC News)
The Biden administration grants temporary protected status to Venezuelans living in the United States. The decision will allow thousands of Venezuelan migrants to stay and work legally in the U.S., and it will remain in effect for 18 months. (BBC News)
2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis Catalan politician Meritxell Serret surrenders to the Supreme Court after three years in self-imposed exile in Belgium following the declaration of independence in 2017 and her imputation of a crime of disobedience. (The Washington Post)
Catalan politician Meritxell Serret surrenders to the Supreme Court after three years in self-imposed exile in Belgium following the declaration of independence in 2017 and her imputation of a crime of disobedience. (The Washington Post)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 U.S. President Joe Biden signs the $1.9 trillion relief package into law. (CNBC)
Andrew Cuomo sexual harassment allegations, New York COVID-19 nursing home scandal The New York State Assembly's judiciary committee is authorized to initiate an impeachment investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. Earlier that day, more than 50 state lawmakers had called for Cuomo's resignation in the wake of the allegations and his handling of deaths at nursing homes due to COVID-19. (CNN)
The New York State Assembly's judiciary committee is authorized to initiate an impeachment investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. Earlier that day, more than 50 state lawmakers had called for Cuomo's resignation in the wake of the allegations and his handling of deaths at nursing homes due to COVID-19. (CNN)
Aftermath of the killing of George Floyd The family of George Floyd, the man killed while in police custody last May, settles their lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis for $27 million. (Star Tribune)
The family of George Floyd, the man killed while in police custody last May, settles their lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis for $27 million. (Star Tribune)
Mexican drug war Gunmen ambush a police convoy in Coatepec Harinas, State of Mexico, killing eight police officers and five prosecution investigators. It is the deadliest attack on law enforcement in the country since October 2019. The National Guard has been deployed to search for the killers. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Gunmen ambush a police convoy in Coatepec Harinas, State of Mexico, killing eight police officers and five prosecution investigators. It is the deadliest attack on law enforcement in the country since October 2019. The National Guard has been deployed to search for the killers. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Malaysia–North Korea relations North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will sever ties with Malaysia after a Malaysian court ruled a North Korean national, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the United States to face charges of money laundering. (Reuters)
North Korea–United States relations North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hu says his country will continue to reject talks with the United States until the latter stops "its hostile policy". (Yonhap News Agency)
North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will sever ties with Malaysia after a Malaysian court ruled a North Korean national, Mun Chol Myong, could be extradited to the United States to face charges of money laundering. (Reuters)
North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hu says his country will continue to reject talks with the United States until the latter stops "its hostile policy". (Yonhap News Agency)
Syrian civil war Russian–Syrian hospital bombing campaign Seven civilians are killed and 16 others are wounded in a Syrian government airstrike on a hospital in Atareb, Aleppo Governorate. (Al Jazeera) Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war Russian jets strike gas facilities in the town of Sarmada, Idlib Governorate, near the border with Turkey, and strike Qah with a surface-to-surface missile, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. Turkey says it has sent a statement to Russia asking for the attacks to stop immediately. (Reuters)
Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war Russian jets strike gas facilities in the town of Sarmada, Idlib Governorate, near the border with Turkey, and strike Qah with a surface-to-surface missile, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. Turkey says it has sent a statement to Russia asking for the attacks to stop immediately. (Reuters)
COVID-19 community quarantines in the Philippines The government places the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under the "general community quarantine" and bans all mass gatherings and cross-border travel in those provinces from tomorrow until April 4. (Rappler)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines COVID-19 community quarantines in the Philippines The government places the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under the "general community quarantine" and bans all mass gatherings and cross-border travel in those provinces from tomorrow until April 4. (Rappler)
Russian jets strike gas facilities in the town of Sarmada, Idlib Governorate, near the border with Turkey, and strike Qah with a surface-to-surface missile, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. Turkey says it has sent a statement to Russia asking for the attacks to stop immediately. (Reuters)
The government places the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under the "general community quarantine" and bans all mass gatherings and cross-border travel in those provinces from tomorrow until April 4. (Rappler)
People protest in Bristol, United Kingdom, against the proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which would give the police more power to deal with protests. (BBC News)
A bombing in Chaman, Balochistan, Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan, kills three people and injures 13 others. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)
Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa A bombing in Chaman, Balochistan, Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan, kills three people and injures 13 others. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)
Child corporal punishment laws The Senate of Colombia unanimously votes to approve a bill that prohibits corporal punishment, and any form of violence, as a form of correctional punishment for the upbringing of children and adolescents. (DW)
Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed admits for the first time that Eritrean troops entered Ethiopia's Tigray Region and fought the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front, and that they may have been involved in war crimes. Abiy says that Eritrean forces promised to leave the region as soon as Ethiopia's military was able to "control the border". (Al Jazeera)
Tigray War Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed admits for the first time that Eritrean troops entered Ethiopia's Tigray Region and fought the rebel Tigray People's Liberation Front, and that they may have been involved in war crimes. Abiy says that Eritrean forces promised to leave the region as soon as Ethiopia's military was able to "control the border". (Al Jazeera)
Voter suppression in the United States, 2020–21 Georgia state elections Changes to Georgia voting laws which have been called voter suppression results in the MLB looking to proposals to move the MLB All-Star Game this July in Atlanta. Civil rights groups also urged the PGA to pull the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Newsweek)
2021 Hong Kong electoral reform China's National People's Congress Standing Committee members vote in favor of amendments of the Hong Kong Basic Law Annex I and II to overhaul the electoral system. The amendments are widely seen as a move to further reduce the influence of the opposition pro-democracy camp in the wake of the widespread anti-government protests of 2019 and the electoral landslide of the 2019 District Council election. (Hong Kong Free Press)
China's National People's Congress Standing Committee members vote in favor of amendments of the Hong Kong Basic Law Annex I and II to overhaul the electoral system. The amendments are widely seen as a move to further reduce the influence of the opposition pro-democracy camp in the wake of the widespread anti-government protests of 2019 and the electoral landslide of the 2019 District Council election. (Hong Kong Free Press)
Brazil's health regulator Anvisa said Bharat Biotech's Covaxin did not meet its manufacturing standards. The Brazilian government previously signed a contract to buy 20 million doses. Bharat said in a statement that they would appeal the decision. (The Rio Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Brazil reports a record 3,780 deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thus bringing the nationwide death toll to 317,646. (Anadolu Agency) Brazil's health regulator Anvisa said Bharat Biotech's Covaxin did not meet its manufacturing standards. The Brazilian government previously signed a contract to buy 20 million doses. Bharat said in a statement that they would appeal the decision. (The Rio Times)
An investigation is opened into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R–FL) over whether he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and violated federal sex trafficking laws by allegedly paying her to travel with him. Gaetz denied the allegations. (The New York Times)
Sex trafficking in the United States An investigation is opened into U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R–FL) over whether he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and violated federal sex trafficking laws by allegedly paying her to travel with him. Gaetz denied the allegations. (The New York Times)
Brazil's health regulator Anvisa approves the emergency use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (The Brazilian Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil For the second consecutive day, Brazil reports a record total of 3,950 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, thereby bringing the number of deaths to 321,515. The total of 66,868 deaths in the past 31 days marked the most lethal month in the country for the duration of the pandemic. (G1) Brazil's health regulator Anvisa approves the emergency use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (The Brazilian Report)
After surpassing one million cases, the government announces several new restrictions. Borders will be closed for 30 days; the curfew will start one hour earlier; work permits during quarantine will be given only for essential activities; and sales will be permitted only for food, medicine, and hygiene products. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Chile After surpassing one million cases, the government announces several new restrictions. Borders will be closed for 30 days; the curfew will start one hour earlier; work permits during quarantine will be given only for essential activities; and sales will be permitted only for food, medicine, and hygiene products. (CNA)
2021 Apure clashes Two Venezuelan Army troops are killed and nine others are wounded by a land mine, near the border with Colombia, during operations against FARC dissidents and other "irregular armed groups". (Reuters)
Spillover of the Colombian conflict 2021 Apure clashes Two Venezuelan Army troops are killed and nine others are wounded by a land mine, near the border with Colombia, during operations against FARC dissidents and other "irregular armed groups". (Reuters)
Two Venezuelan Army troops are killed and nine others are wounded by a land mine, near the border with Colombia, during operations against FARC dissidents and other "irregular armed groups". (Reuters)
The Biden administration lifts sanctions that targeted several members of the International Criminal Court, such as Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and human rights lawyer Phakiso Mochochoko. They were sanctioned last year by former U.S. President Donald Trump for investigating allegations of war crimes committed in Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories. The administration maintains that the ICC lacked jurisdiction in both cases, as neither the U.S. nor Israel are member states. (Al Jazeera)
2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Major League Baseball announces that it will move this year's All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to the U.S. state of Georgia passing a series of controversial voting laws that critics say disproportionately target the state's minority voters. (USA Today)
Major League Baseball announces that it will move this year's All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to the U.S. state of Georgia passing a series of controversial voting laws that critics say disproportionately target the state's minority voters. (USA Today)
2020 amendments to the Constitution of Russia President Vladimir Putin signs a law extending the presidential term of office to a total of four consecutive six-year terms. The law would allow Putin, who is on his second consecutive term, to serve as president until 2036. (ABS-CBN News)
President Vladimir Putin signs a law extending the presidential term of office to a total of four consecutive six-year terms. The law would allow Putin, who is on his second consecutive term, to serve as president until 2036. (ABS-CBN News)
The United States Customs and Border Protection agency announces the separate arrests of two Yemeni nationals on the FBI's terrorism watchlist attempting to enter the country from Mexico earlier this year. (The Times)
Ukraine–NATO relations, War in Donbass Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy calls on NATO to hasten the country's accession to the military alliance in response to a growing build-up of Russian troops and military hardware on its borders, and to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Donbas with pro-Russian separatists. (The Guardian)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy calls on NATO to hasten the country's accession to the military alliance in response to a growing build-up of Russian troops and military hardware on its borders, and to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Donbas with pro-Russian separatists. (The Guardian)
Hong Kong–United Kingdom relations, Hong Kong protests The United Kingdom's Home Office grants political asylum to Hong Kong opposition activist and protest leader Nathan Law. (Reuters)
