RationalWiki:What is going on in the world?/February 2023

February 2023
 A Republican Florida State Senator, Blaise Ingoglia, has just introduced a bill that would ban the Democratic Party from existing in the state. Registered Democrats in Florida would be notified that their party has been “canceled” and they’re now no-party voters.  Hundreds protest in Tunisia in response to a crackdown by the government against black migrants. Reports that sub-Saharan migrants have been removed from their homes or prevented from using transportation have emerged. The president of Tunisia accused the migration waves of being part of a plot to change the country's demographic makeup and dissociate the country from the Arab world and Islam.  The same president that believes in elves doesn't seem to believe in democracy though as he prepares to weaken the electoral watchdogs from his country. Newly released documents reveal that the British government spied on Palestinian refugees  A migrant boat in Italy has sunk, and 59 migrants, including 12 children, have died.  The president of Mexico believes in elves. At least, something similar to elves, from Mayan folklore. He even has a photo of one!🇱🇮  Arkansas, North Dakota, and Mississippi follow in the footsteps of Ron DeSantis: AP African American studies programs are on the chopping block in these states, too. Meantime, the Floridian government has set its sights on gender studies programs as a next target. [https://www.npr.org/2023/02/21/1158475301/south-korea-same-sex-partner-government-health-insurance In a landmark ruling, a South Korean appeals court has held that government health insurance should offer spousal coverage to same-sex couples. This is the country's first legal recognition of social benefits for same-sex couples.]  James O'Keefe has been removed from Project Veritas due to financial issues.  A serious food crisis is taking place in North Korea.  Former United States President Jimmy Carter enters hospice care  Sen. John Fetterman has checked himself into the hospital for clinical depression. “After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs, and will soon be back to himself," Fetterman's chief of staff said in a statement. We here at RationalWiki wish you a healthy recovery, John.  Idaho lawmakers introduce legislation to criminalize those who administer COVID-19 vaccines. Archived  Florida governor Ron DeSantis, thought to be considering a presidential run, may do away with Advanced Placement high school courses and the SAT in his state. Their potential replacement emphasizes "Christian tradition" and "the Western tradition".  Texas wants to ban Chinese, Russian, North Korean, and Iranian citizens from buying property in the state, including immigrants or dual citizens purchasing homes. The state's governor stated he would sign the bill if given the chance. Kansas has proposed a similar bill, except it bans any foreign nationals from purchasing property in Kansas. That means you, Canada.  Using an epilepsy drug, scientists suppose they can "cure" autism... in mice. Commenters say: "we don't want to be 'cured'" and "I took this drug; it did not cure my autism". This is not the first time such a claim has emerged. <vote poll=world3020933505294> Digital bird brains: Pigeons possess the same basic learning processes as AI <vote poll=world3020933505293> Spain passes paid menstrual leave, gender self-ID for anyone who is at least 16, and allows 16- and 17-year-olds to have abortions without parental consent, among other progressive reforms. <vote poll=world3020933505292> Nicaragua strips 94 political opponents of citizenship. <vote poll=world3020933505291> "The area of sea ice around Antarctica has hit a record low, with scientists reporting “never having seen such an extreme situation before”. The ice extent is expected to shrink even further before this year’s summer melting season ends."

<vote poll=world3020933505289> Russian journalist Maria Ponomarenko has been jailed for 6 years for reporting on the Mariupol killings – a deadly attack committed by Russian warplanes on a Ukrainian theatre that killed hundreds. <vote poll=world3020933505288> First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unexpectedly resigns. <vote poll=world3020933505287>Cyclone Gabrielle is currently ravaging New Zealand. It is apparently the worst storm to hit New Zealand this century, according to the PM. A national state of emergency has been invoked, and thousands have been displaced as the storm devastates large parts of North Island. PM says "this is climate change." <vote poll=world3020933505286> 16-year-old trans girl Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death in Culcheth, Cheshire, on the 11th of February. Two 15-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of her murder. <vote poll=world3020933505285> Czech international Jakub Jankto becomes the highest-profile male soccer player to come out as gay. <vote poll=world3020933505284> Boris Johnson has declared an income of nearly £4.8 million, including an advance payment of nearly £2.5 million for speaking events since leaving office last September, demonstrating the significant earning potential for former leaders through book deals and speaking engagements. <vote poll=world3020933505283> "Unidentified object" shot down by US Air Force near Alaska. <vote poll=world3020933505282> The Confederacy loses again: Jan 6 rioter who carried a Confederate flag into the Capitol and used it to assault a Black police officer is sentenced to 3 years in prison. <vote poll=world3020933505281> Iowa looks to amend its child labor laws by allowing 14-17-year olds to work in training programs as miners, butchers, dangerous equipment operators, etc. The bill protects involved businesses from liability in the case of the injury or death of the teenagers. <vote poll=world3020933505280> Montana bill would ban teaching of scientific theories in schools <vote poll=world3020933505279> Pennsylvania's public school funding system, which has resulted in Pennsylvania being one of the most segregated states in the country when it comes to education, ruled unconstitutional by state judge. <vote poll=world3020933505278> Devastating 7.8 earthquake in southeast Turkey and Syria claims more than 4,000 lives. Update: Death toll increases to over 7,700 lost lives. The WHO estimates that the death tolls from both countries could exceed 20,000. Update: Death toll increases to over 25,000 people. Update: Death toll reaches past 33,000. Contractors are probed by the Turkish government. Update: death toll surpasses 40,000. <vote poll=world3020933505277> Bolsonaro allegedly attended meeting plotting to overturn the October 2022 election results, says Brazilian senator, though these allegations have not been formalized.