What are some events happening in the US?

Answer 1

Israel Hit By First Suicide Bomb in Over a Year (Feb. 4): The militant group Hamas claims responsibility for the attack that kills one person in Dimona. A second attacker is shot and killed by police.

Kosovo Declares Independence (Feb. 17): Three months after negotiations between the European Union, Russia, and Washington on the future of Kosovo end in stalemate, Kosovo's prime minister Hashim Thaci declares independence from Serbia. Serbian prime minister Vojislav Kostunica says he would never recognize the "false state." International reaction is mixed, with the United States, France, Germany, and Britain indicating that they planned to recognize Kosovo as the world's 195th country. Serbia and Russia, however, call the move a violation of international law. (Feb. 18): The United States and several other nations, including Britain, Germany, and France, recognize Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state.

Castro Resigns as President of Cuba (Feb. 19): Fidel Castro, who temporarily handed power to his brother Raúl in July 2006 when he fell ill, permanently steps down after 49 years in power. (Feb. 24): Raúl Castro succeeds his brother, Fidel, as president of Cuba. He says that there will be few changes made in governing and that he will consistently consult Fidel when making decisions.

Senate Passes Stimulus Package (Feb. 7): The Senate votes, 81 to 16, in favor of $168 billion package that gives rebates of $300-$600 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and to couples with incomes up to $150,000. Familes will be eligible for up to $300 in rebates for each child. Businesses were also given incentives in the form of expanded deductions. The Senate plan expands that passed by the House in January by giving the rebates to 20 million Social Security recipients and 250,000 disabled veterans.

Immigration Smuggling Ring Broken (Feb. 14): Immigraton authorities in Phoenix, Arizona, arrest 20 people involved in an illegal immigrant smuggling ring. Officers also detain 210 illegal immigrants and discover 13 houses used as way stations in immigrant trafficking.

Gunman Kills Six Students in Illinois (Feb. 14): Gunman kills six students and then himself and wounds 15 more when he opens fire on a classroom at Northern Illinois University. The gunman, Stephen P. Kazmierczak, was as a former graduate student at the university.

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