9 things that happened around the world last week

Feb 5 2017, 9:34 am

Each week, we bring you a roundup of some of the biggest stories making headlines around the world.

Here are nine things that happened last week that you should know about (in no particular order):

1. Man attacks soldiers outside Paris’ Louvre Museum

A man attacked two soldiers with machetes outside Paris’ Louvre Museum on Friday. The man is believed to be 29-year-old Abdullah Hamamy of Egypt. He was shot in the stomach as he lunged at the soldiers with the knives. Hamamy has been held at a Paris hospital since the attack. He is refusing to speak with investigators about his involvement in the incident.

2. Boy Scouts of America will accept transgender boys

The Boy Scouts of America announced on Monday that it would begin accepting transgender boys. “Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application,”Boy Scouts of America communications director Effie Delimarkos said in an emailed statement, according to Reuters. Prior to the decision, Boy Scouts of America would rely on the gender stated on birth certificates to determine the eligibility of members.

3. Nearly 2,000 migrants rescued in Mediterranean

Nearly 2,000 migrants were rescued off of rubber and wooden boats in the Mediterranean between Friday and Saturday according to the Italian coast guard. On Friday 13 rescue operations occurred to save 1,300 migrants and on  Saturday, nine rescue operations were carried out to save over 600 migrants.

4. Swedish deputy PM responds to Trump with all-female photo


Sweden’s deputy prime minister, Isabella Lövin, released a photograph of herself signing a  climate bill with her female colleagues, in response to a photo of US president Donald Trump. In Trump’s photo, he was surrounded by male colleagues signing a bill to restrict access to women’s healthcare around the world. Lövin’s photo shows her surrounded by several female colleagues, posed in a very similar style to Trump’s picture.

5. SeaWorld orca Tilikum’s death revealed

SeaWorld officials announced on Friday that Tilikum– the orca that killed a trainer at the Orlando park– died of bacterial pneumonia. The whale was 36-years-old when he died on January 6. Tilikum was one of SeaWorld’s most controversial whales after he killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.

6. Trudeau government breaks promise of electoral reform


Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has abandoned his campaign pledge to reform Canada’s voting system, it has emerged. Moving to a voting system of proportional representation was one of Trudeau’s key campaign promises in the run-up to the 2015 election.

However, in a new mandate letter issued to Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould, Trudeau makes it clear this will no longer happen.“A clear preference for a new electoral system, let alone a consensus, has not emerged, Trudeau writes. “Furthermore, without a clear preference or a clear question, a referendum would not be in Canada’s interest. Changing the electoral system will not be in your mandate.”

7. Afghanistan and Pakistan avalanche kills dozens


Snow and avalanches have killed dozens in Afghanistan and Pakistan. At least 100 people have been killed in Afghanistan over the past week. Thirteen people have been killed in Pakistan. The mountainous regions of Badakhshan, Nangahar in the east and Parwan near Kabul, Aghanistan, have been impacted the most by the heavy snowfall.

8. Judge blocks Trump’s travel ban

A US judge in Seattle has temporarily placed a nationwide block on Donald Trump’s travel ban on people entering the US from seven Muslim-majority countries. US District Judge James Robart ruled yesterday that the ban should be stopped immediately nationwide. The Trump administration appealed a temporary order to reinstate the ban but it was denied on Sunday by a federal appeals court.

9. Quebec mosque terrorist attack kills six


A terrorist shooting inside the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec mosque in Quebec City left six people dead and at least eight people injured on January 29.

The suspect, Alexandre Bissonnette, is facing six charges of first-degree murder, and five charges of attempted murder.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the shooting in an official statement, calling the attack a “heart-wrenching” display of “senseless violence.”

“We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge,” said Trudeau. Funeral services for the victims were held in Quebec on Thursday and Friday.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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