Several European nations violate EU pollution limits
On Feb. 15, the European Commission gave “final warnings” to several European countries for often neglecting to meet nitrogen dioxide air pollution limits set by the EU, according to CNN. The warnings were issued to Britain, Spain, France, Italy and Germany. If these countries do not respond in a way that satisfies the commission within the next two months, the commission could involve the EU’s Court of Justice. Nitrogen dioxide pollution is a serious health risk. The European Commission may also issue final warnings to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic for nitrogen dioxide breaches in the next few months.
IS claims responsibility for Pakistani shrine attack
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a Pakistani shrine in which a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing at least 70 people and injuring 250 on Feb. 16, according to BBC. The shrine, located in the town of Sehwan, was crowded on Thursday, the day of the attack, because Thursday is considered by Muslims to be a sacred day for prayer. Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, has condemned the bombing.
Rio arenas in bad shape after the Olympics
The arenas and locations of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro were left abandoned and wrecked six months after the closing ceremony, ABC News reported. The country is struggling to pay the $40 million owed to those who helped set up the Olympics in Rio. ABC News quoted a Smith College professor of economics who said that Rio put far more into hosting the Olympics than what they would get out. Destruction has also been a problem because a stadium and a golf course have been destroyed due to neglect and vandalism.
Spy ship spotted on Virginia coast
Viktor Leonov, a Russian spy ship, has moved from the coast of Connecticut to the coast of Norfolk, Virginia according to ABC News. This is similar to when the ship positioned itself near U.S. Navy bases in 2014 and 2015, and U.S. officials are not too concerned. The ship, though near the East Coast, is still in international waters. However, President Trump has said this ship is “no good.” There is no clear answer as to where the ship is headed as of Feb. 17, but it is believed to be moving south along the East Coast.
Four lives saved in eight-person kidney chain
According to ABC News, an eight-person kidney chain helped save the lives of four people, including a Florida police officer. Two of the four transplants were performed in Orlando at the Florida Hospital Transplant Institute. Kidney chains have grown in popularity recently and normally occur when someone wishes to donate for a loved one but isn’t a match. Doctors then attempt to match that person to someone else.
