Current events of 5 February 2009 (2009-02-05) (Thursday) edit history watch

USA Swimming suspends Michael Phelps from competition for three months following publication of a photograph of him inhaling from a marijuana pipe. (AP via Sports Illustrated) Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka's national cricket team becomes the highest wicket-taker in One Day Internationals with 503. (Sports 24) Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan agree to form a rapid reaction force based in the Federation. (AFP via The Australian) China declares a national emergency due to severe droughts throughout the country. (BBC) Somali pirates release Ukraine's MV Faina following a US$3.2-million ransom payment. (BBC) Late 2000s recession: The Bank of England reduces the base rate of interest to a new historic low of 1%. (Sky News) The number of Americans applying for first-time unemployment benefits reaches its highest level since October 1982. (CNN Money) At least 10 people are killed in a Brazilian Federal Police raid in Rio de Janeiro. (BBC) Heavy snowfall closes Ireland's Dublin Airport and disrupts flights for several hours. (RTÉ) Businessman Kazutsugi Nami is arrested by Japanese police over a US$1.4-billion investment scam. (BBC) Three members of the State Legislative Assembly in Perak state, Malaysia from the People's Alliance declare themselves independent and pledge support for the National Front, sparking a constitutional crisis. (New Straits Times) Zimbabwe's House of Assembly allows power-sharing between the African National Union – Patriotic Front and the Movement for Democratic Change. (Reuters) A suicide bomber kills 24 people and injures at least 40 in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. (MSNBC) Undefeated Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe announces his retirement. (BBC)