Current Events This Week: April 2023
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It's a busy world out there, so that’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories for each week of April 2023.
We collect current events of the week starting and ending on a Friday, so make sure you check back at the end of every week to keep up-to-date on what's happening in the world and the US, including politics, disasters, science & technology, and military actions.
- Our Top Stories for the Week of March 30, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of April 7, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of April 14, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of April 21, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of March 30, 2023
It’s been a busy week from Finland being set to join NATO following Turkey’s approval and Macron’s visit to China. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
International Politics
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Finland Set To Join NATO: On Friday, March 31, 2023, Finland is likely to become NATO's 31st member after the Turkish parliament accepted its application. Turkey stalled Finland's attempt to join the West's defense alliance for months, claiming the country was backing terrorists. Finland will be admitted to NATO during the organization's next summit, which will be held in Lithuania in July.[1]
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Sanna Marin Lost Finland’s Election: On Monday, April 3, 2023, Sanna Marin, the Prime Minister of Finland, lost her re-election bid as her center-left Social Democratic Party (SDP) was barely defeated. The right-wing National Coalition party (NCP) won with 20.8% of the vote, the populist, nation-first Finns party received 20.1%, and Marin's SDP received 19.9%. Marin, who is 37 years old, became the world's youngest Prime Minister when she took office in 2019. She effectively guided the country through the Covid epidemic and to the brink of NATO membership.[2]
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Macron Visits China: On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Emmanuel Macron arrived in China for a three-day state visit. He planned to persuade China's President, Xi Jinping, to refrain from aiding Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and explore increasing European commercial links with Beijing. Macron is visiting China for the first time since the Covid epidemic. He will spend more than six hours with President Xi Jinping between talks and the banquet.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian [3] The Guardian
American Politics
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Asa Hutchinson Declares Intent To Become POTUS: On Sunday, April 2, 2023, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson stated his wish to run for president of the United States in 2024. He also calls on former President Donald Trump to withdraw from the election. He stated that he would publicly declare his desire to run for president of the United States in Arkansas later this month.[1]
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Six Weeks Ban Placed On Abortion In Florida: On Monday, April 3, 2023, the Florida Senate, led by Republicans, enacted legislation prohibiting most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The measure was adopted by a vote of 26-13 and is anticipated to be approved by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the governor's desk for signature. Florida has a statute prohibiting abortion beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy, which is being challenged in court.[2]
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New Mayor Elected In Chicago: On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Brandon Johnson beat Paul Vallas to become Chicago's new mayor. Johnson, 47, is the Cook County Commissioner and will likely become Chicago's 57th mayor after incumbent Lori Lightfoot was defeated in the campaign in February. Johnson, a former Chicago teacher, stated that he intends to elevate 200 additional investigators from the existing pool of police officers.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] Reuters
Fatal Accidents
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People In Food Donation Lines Crushed To Death In Pakistan: On Saturday, April 1, 2023, according to local authorities, at least 13 people were murdered, and another ten were injured in a crush that happened when people were waiting for Ramadan food handouts in Karachi, Pakistan's largest metropolis. The casualties of the crush were all women and youngsters, according to police. Two boys, aged seven and 16, and a nine-year-old girl were killed. Another police officer stated that the crowding happened in a Karachi industrial area where a Dyeing firm was distributing Ramadan charities.[1]
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30 People Injured At The Hague: On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, a train with almost 50 passengers derailed early Tuesday in the Netherlands after colliding with construction equipment on the track. The Dutch emergency services acknowledge that one person was killed and 30 others were injured in the tragedy. There have been several stories concerning the reason for the catastrophe. According to previous reports, the train collided with a goods train.[2]
In Other News
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NASA Names Crew For Moon Voyage: On Monday, April 3, 2023, Christina Koch was named the first female astronaut to be assigned to a lunar mission by NASA. Victor Glover, the first black astronaut, has also joined the team. They will collaborate with Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen to launch a capsule around the moon late next year or early in 2025. The astronauts' aim will not be to land on the Moon but to lay the path for a following team to do so.[1]
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TikTok Fined Over Data Management Of Children: On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, data authorities in the U.K. penalized TikTok for £12.7 million for failing to protect children's privacy. TikTok is expected to allow up to 1.4 million UK youngsters under 13 to use the service by 2020. According to an investigation conducted by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the video-sharing website used the data of children of this age without parental consent, despite TikTok's claim that it had "heavily invested" in preventing under-13s from using the service.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Week of April 7, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from the tourist killed in Israel to a double disaster in China. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
Death And Disaster
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Tourist Killed In Israel: On Saturday, April 8, 2023, an Italian tourist was reported killed, and seven people have been injured in a suspected car-ramming incident near Tel Aviv's beach. According to Italy's Foreign Minister, the man slain has been identified by Israel as 36-year-old Italian citizen Alessandro Parini. Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, called the incident "cowardly" and conveyed her condolences for Mr. Parini's loss. [1]
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Murder In Louisville: On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the police revealed that a bank employee in Louisville shot and murdered five coworkers while injuring nine others. The suspect was shot at the site; however, it was unclear if he killed himself or was killed by police rounds. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear choked back tears at a press conference. Joe Biden voiced his desire for Congress to approve laws mandating gun storage and background checks for all gun transactions.[2]
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Double Disaster In Russia: On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Shiveluch volcano In Kamchatka erupted, causing an ash cloud to cover a region of 108,000 square kilometers. The volcano erupted with lava, melting snow and causing a mudslide danger. Drifts of grey ash 8.5cm deep enveloped neighborhoods, the deepest in 60 years. Volcanologists issued a code red alert for flights, and Rosaviatsia instructed crews to monitor meteorological data changes. Around 24 hours following the eruption, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] Al Jazeera
Tension In Asia
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Ten People Missing From Helicopter Crash: On Friday, April 7, 2023, Yasukazu Hamada, Japan's Minister of Defense, reported that rescuers were scouring the waters for ten people on board a Japanese military helicopter when it fell into the sea. The searchers spotted the wreckage of the UH-60JA helicopters in the water, according to Gen. Yasunori Morishita, Chief of Staff of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force. The helicopter went missing while conducting a local survey off the coast of Okinawa's Miyako Island.[1]
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Airstrike In Myanmar: On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, during an event planned by the junta's internal opponent, the Myanmar military conducted airstrikes that killed scores of civilians. The National Unity Government (NUG) announced that the strike killed 53 persons and wounded 40 others. The Myanmar air force dropped numerous bombs on a civilian assembly of several hundred people, according to Acting President Duwa Lashi La, while assault helicopters strafed the throng. The Junta has denied crimes against civilians and has referred to the rebel movement as terrorists attempting to harm Myanmar.[2]
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Japan-China Tensions Escalate: Japan has started planning to build long-range missiles due to tensions with China. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has secured contracts with the Ministry of Defense to research and mass-manufacture two types of missiles: ground-launched Type 12 guided missiles and hypersonic glide missiles. MHI is also scheduled to begin work on submarine-launched missiles that might be deployed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's fleet of conventionally powered vessels.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian [3] CNN
In The US
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Transgender Athlete Ban Dropped: On Friday, April 7, 2023, The United States Supreme Court has declined to allow West Virginia to implement a state rule prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in female sports teams at public schools. The regulation, enacted in 2021, prohibits male students from participating in female sporting teams based on their reproductive biology and DNA at birth. West Virginia submitted a court declaration arguing that sporting teams should be legitimately allocated based on sex rather than gender identity, citing biological distinctions.[1]
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Court Conflict On Abortion Pills: On Saturday, April 8, 2023, A US judge in Texas blocked a two-decade-old clearance of mifepristone, an abortion medication. A federal court in Washington state granted a restraining order, preventing federal authorities from changing access to the same abortion medication. The Biden administration, as has the US Department of Justice, has indicated that it would submit an emergency appeal. The judgment by Judge Kacsmaryk is a preliminary injunction that would prohibit the sale of mifepristone while the lawsuit brought before him by an anti-abortion group is still pending.[2]
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Expelled Lawmaker Returned In Tennessee: On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Memphis city authorities agreed to reinstate the second of two Democratic state lawmakers who were ousted last week. Nashville city councilors decided unanimously to reinstate Justin Jones on an interim basis, and he has already been sworn back in. On Wednesday, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners met in Memphis and restored Justin Pearson. Pearson stated that "they cannot expel hope" and is scheduled to return to the Tennessee state Capitol on Thursday.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] Reuters
Our Top Stories for the Week of April 14, 2023
It’s been a busy week as Germany is set to shut down its nuclear plants and Florida approves strict abortion laws. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
European Trends
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Germany To Shut Down Nuclear Stations: On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Germany announced it would shut down its last three nuclear power plants. This is 12 years after Japan accelerated its withdrawal from atomic energy due to the Fukushima tragedy. The facilities that will be shut down include those at Neckarwestheim in Baden-Wurttemberg in the southwest, the Isar 2 facility in Bavaria, and Emsland, in Lower Saxony, in the north.[1]
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Macron Signs New Pension Age: On Saturday, April 15, 2023, the pension reform proposed by the French government was approved by President Emmanuel Macron. The change boosts retirement eligibility from 62 to 64. Following the council's decision, demonstrators set fire to several locations across Paris, arresting 112 persons. According to President Macron, the changes are necessary to save the pension system from imploding. Without a referendum in March, the administration invoked extraordinary constitutional authority to impose the amendments.[2]
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Italian Authorities Intercepts Cocaine: On Monday, April 17, 2023, a sizable shipment of cocaine was found by Italian authorities off the coast of Sicily. The medications were coupled to a signaling light gadget in 70 waterproof containers. The haul is considered worth $440 million on the open market. To assure the security of the participating officers, boats from the Sicilian municipality of Catania were sent, and air support was offered.[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] BBC [3] CNN
Fatal Events
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Four People Dead In Alabama Shooting: On Sunday, April 16, 2023, Four individuals were reported dead and several more wounded in a shooting at a birthday celebration in Dadeville, Alabama, according to an Alabama law enforcement agency. The Fifth Circuit District Attorney's Office, the FBI, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were at the site to assist with the investigation. Kay Ivey, the governor of Alabama, shared her sorrow with the residents of Dadeville and her fellow citizens.[1]
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Seven People Dead In Mexican Gunmen Attack: On Sunday, April 16, 2023, at least seven fatalities were reported, according to local officials in Mexico, at Cortazar, Guanajuato's public pool. According to witnesses, the assailants started shooting before damaging a store, a security camera, and a monitor. The attackers are the target of a search operation. One individual needed medical attention after suffering a significant injury. The incident happened at Cortazar, a city in Guanajuato's central region.[2]
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One Person Dead As Building Collapses In New York: On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, Authorities have reported that a four-story parking garage collapsed in lower Manhattan in New York City, killing at least one person and injuring five others. Due to the precarious situation, firefighters were removed from the collapsed building, but all casualties were located. According to John Esposito, the head of fire operations for the New York City Fire Department, firefighters were in a very perilous scenario. According to Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, the event was most likely a structural collapse.[3]
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Death Toll Stands At Two In U.S. Disaster: On Thursday, April 20, 2023, Storms and tornadoes smashed across the United States' central area, devastating homes and infrastructure; at least two people died result of the tragedy. The storms have left a trail of damage in central states such as Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa, with both deaths happening in McClain County. According to online reports, 16,000 Oklahomans were without power on Thursday morning. [4]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] CNN [3] Reuters [4] Al Jazeera
United States Policies
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Desantis Signs Six Weeks Abortion Law: On Friday, April 14, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approved the legislation prohibiting most abortions after six weeks. The House of Representatives adopted the measure, with 70 in favor and 40 against. A challenge made by an abortion facility is still being considered in Florida's top court. The statute also states that the six-week restriction will take effect only if the Supreme Court upholds the 15-week law.[1]
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U.S. House Of Rep. Bans Transgender Athletes: On Thursday, April 20, 2023, the United States House of Representatives enacted legislation prohibiting transgender women and girls from participating in school sports for women and girls. President Biden stated his objection and threatened to veto the bill. Greg Steube, the Republican Representative who presented the measure, said the Democrats have regressed and that women's sports must be protected. The White House has said that the law would restrict transgender pupils' access to sports.[2]
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U.S. Authorities Fine Tech Company: On Thursday, April 20, 2023, U.S. authorities fined Seagate $300 million for allegedly violating export restrictions by transferring hard drives to China's Huawei. According to the Department of Commerce, after export limits were imposed in 2020, Seagate Technology provided Huawei with equipment worth more than $1.1 billion. According to Washington, the Chinese military might use the technology to aid in human rights abuses or pose other concerns to U.S. national security.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] BBC
Our Top Stories for the Week of April 21, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from the G7 meeting in Japan to Biden’s re-election campaign. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
Asian Trends
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G7 Meets In Japan: On Sunday, April 23, 2023, after two days of meeting in Japan, the G7 emphasizes the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows for the export of Ukrainian grain since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The deal was brokered in July 2022 by the United Nations and Turkey, making it possible for 27 million Tons of grains to leave Ukrainian Ports to their various destinations.[1]
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Japan Approves Abortion Pill: On Monday, April 24, 2023, a panel from Japan's Ministry of Health has authorized the country's first abortion medication. This is viewed as a significant step forward for reproductive rights, coming years after other nations made abortion medicine readily available. It will now be forwarded to the Minister of Health for final clearance. The drug is a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol and is on the World Health Organization's list of Essential Medicines.[2]
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South Korea Enters Nuclear Arms Deal With The U.S.: On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the U.S. has guaranteed South Korea that it would provide more information about its nuclear plans in a new nuclear agreement between the two countries. The agreement also states that South Korea would not develop its own nuclear weapons. President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that in the case of a nuclear assault by North Korea, the two nations have committed to conducting bilateral presidential discussions and have vowed to respond immediately, massively, and decisively with the entire might of the alliance.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] CNN [3] Reuters
Fatal Incidents
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Ten Family Members Killed In South Africa: On Friday, April 21, 2023, police in South Africa verified that 10 members of the same family were shot and killed in an attack on their house. Two individuals were apprehended, and three guns were recovered. The shooters gained entrance into the residence by impersonating a police officer. This is the second mass shooting in KwaZulu-Natal province this week, following the deaths of four people on Thursday.[1]
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Restaurant Razed Down In Madrid: On Saturday, April 22, 2023, a fire at a Madrid restaurant killed two individuals and wounded twelve more. One of the victims was a client, while the other was an employee. The fire was started by a waiter attempting to flambé a pizza, which caught plastic flowers covering the restaurant's ceiling and column. Firefighters were able to arrive immediately and doused the fire as their station was very close to the restaurant.[2]
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Mass Shooting At School Prom: On Monday, April 24, 2023, a shooting at a teen party in Jasper County, Texas, injured nine people. The incident occurred at a private property where 250 Jasper High School students had congregated following their annual prom night. There is yet to be an arrest, and authorities are asking for the public's assistance. A 19-year-old female was shot twice in the hand, while a male soccer player was struck in the knee.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian [3] BBC
In The US
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Death Penalty Abolished In Washington State: On Friday, April 21, 2023, Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5087, which repeals the death sentence and other statutes, including one that made sterilization a crime. Republicans have blasted the law, calling it a tragic example of criminals' interests being prioritized over those of victims and their families. Washington state has carried out five executions since the Supreme Court reintroduced the death punishment in 1976.[1]
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Supreme Court Protects Access To Abortion Pills: On Friday, April 21, 2023, The United States Supreme Court overruled lower court orders that limited the use of the abortion medication mifepristone. This is a success for Biden's administration and its abortion rights friends. The case will be heard before a federal appeals court in New Orleans on May 17, 2023.[2]
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Biden Looks To 2024: On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Joe Biden revealed his ambition to run for President in 2024, requesting four years from American citizens to complete the task. He cautioned that anti-democratic forces unleashed by his predecessor continue to threaten the United States. Biden's re-election campaign began on the fourth anniversary of his return to politics. Biden's running partner will be Kamala Harris, the highest-ranking woman in U.S. politics.[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] CNN [3] The Guardian
Do you want to find out about the rest of the events that happened around the world in previous weeks?
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