Current Events This Week: December 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 November 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 U.S., including politics, disasters, science & technology, and military actions.
- Our Top Stories for the First Week of December 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Second Week of December 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Third Week of December 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Fourth Week of December 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Fifth Week of December 2023
Our Top Stories for the First Week of December, 2023
It’s been a busy week since the Israel-Gaza Ceasefire attack on Derek Chauvin in prison; 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.
Israel-Gaza Conflict
Photo Source: AP Photo/Adel Hana
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Ceasefire Between IDF And Hamas: On Friday, November 24, 2023, as the Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza began, hostage exchanges were carried out gradually with Hamas releasing 24 hostages and Israel releasing 39 Palestinians. As the Ceasefire deal progresses, Hamas will release up to 50 prisoners while the IDF will release 150 Palestinians. Another 300 trucks of humanitarian supplies will be allowed to cross into Gaza while the Ceasefire is in place.[1]
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Israel-Gaza Ceasefire extended: On Monday, November 27, 2023, Qatar officials confirmed that the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza is extended for 2 more days. The Red Cross and Israel defense forces confirmed that 11 Israelis were released on Monday bringing the total number of prisoners to 69. The truce is going to be extended for two more days because of the amount of hostages that are expected to be released. A total of 150 Palestinians are to be released while the Israelis are going to receive up to 50 prisoners as agreed in the ceasefire[2]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN
Violence
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Derek Chauvin Attacked In Prison: On Saturday, November 25, 2023, the Attorney General of the state of Minnesota confirmed that former police officer Derek Chauvin who was convicted of the murder of George Floyd in 2020 was attacked while in prison in Arizona Mr. Chauvin was currently serving sentence for violating civil rights law by kneeling on George Floyd; an event which caused a worldwide uproar related to racism. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the inmate who attacked Derek is currently unidentified and the employees of the prison commenced life-saving measures to conserve the life of Mr. Chauvin.[1]
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Gunman Shoots Three Students In Vermont: On Monday, November 27, 2023, Three college students of Palestinian origin were attacked in Vermont. The officials of the police force of the state are currently in search of the gunman who is responsible for the crime. The police confirmed that two of the victims are citizens of the United States while the third person is an illegal immigrant. The chief police of the town where the Crime occurred said in a statement that the department is now in touch with the federal investigation unit to prepare to find the assailant and bring them to justice.[2]
Source: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters
International Relations
Photo Source: Getty Images
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China To Strengthen Relations With Taiwan: On Sunday, November 26, 2023, China had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, and during the meeting it was concluded that the Republic of China will deepen trade ties with Vietnam. From the meeting, it was also decided that because of the increasing influence of the United States in southeastern Asia the nation of Vietnam would step up its ties with China for Strategic relationship. This meeting gives China a slight upper hand in their influence among Southeast Asian Nations.[1]
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EU Court Rules That Government Can Ban Religious Symbols: On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, a European Union Court ruled that the government of individual States can ban its employees from wearing any clothing that has symbolic significance to religion: For example, the Islamic hijab, to promote neutrality in the work environment. The judgment was requested after a Muslim girl in Belgium was told she could not wear a headscarf to work, she has subsequently stated that the ban is discriminatory and infringes on our right to freedom of religion.[2]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian
U.S. Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Dean Phillips Not Seeking Re-Election: On Friday, November 24, 2023, Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota confirmed that he would not seek reelection into Congress as he positions to challenge President Joe Biden for the next election. His challenge against the president came at a time that he described as “necessary to pass the torch to the Next Generation after three terms in Congress.” Mr. Phillips launched his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination last month in New Hampshire. Reflecting on Phillips' idea not to run for legislative office, Spokesman Andrew Bartes said the Democratic administration would miss him as a person always in support of President Biden’s policies.[1]
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Third Vote To Expel George Santos: On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Congress leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives have confirmed that a third vote is to be held to expel Congressman George Santos. The first two attempts to expel him failed but a new report from the Ethics Committee on his time in office shows that his removal is more likely than ever. Republicans including the newly elected speaker have encouraged Mr. Santos to resign however he has decided to stay in office even though he expects that the next round of votes will likely succeed.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Second Week of December 2023
It’s been a busy week from worsening tensions between Israel and Palestine to deadly floods in Tanzania; 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.
Politics Around The World
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Israel-Gaza Truce Ends: On Friday, December 1, 2023, After a seven-day truce, Israel attacked Gaza, killing more than a hundred Palestinians. The military verified that the truce ended since Hamas had not released the other female detainees and launched attacks on 200 locations, including Khan Younis. Eylon Levy, the spokesperson for Israel, chastised Hamas for clinging to Israeli women.[1]
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Putin Orders Expansion Of Russian Military: On Saturday, December 2, 2023, As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its 22nd month, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, has ordered the military to expand its force strength by 170,000, bringing the total to over 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops. The defense ministry ascribed the increase to rising threats such as the Ukraine crisis and NATO expansion. The increase will be implemented through a recruitment drive, the second such command issued since the war began.[2]
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Alberto Fujimori Released From Jail: On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Alberto Fujimori, Peru's former president, was released from prison after the country's top court concluded that he should be awarded a humanitarian pardon. Despite a request from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to suspend his release, he was released. Fujimori was released from the Barbadillo police station and prison by his lawyer and two of his children. In 2022, the court upheld its appeal to reinstate a contentious humanitarian pardon given to Fujimori in 2017. [3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] The Guardian
African News
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Burkina Faso And Niger Republic Withdraw From G5: On Sunday, December 3, 2023, Burkina Faso and Niger have left the G5 international force tasked with combating Islamists in the Sahel region. Because of the coups, the three countries have formed their mutual defense pact, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Burkina Faso and Niger believe that the G5 force has undercut their desire for independence and dignity by not making the Sahel region safer.[1]
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Heavy Flood Kills 47 In Tanzania: On Monday, December 4, 2023, A major flooding and landslide in northern Tanzania killed 47 people and injured 80 more. President Samia Hassan has dispatched national security officers to assist with rescue efforts. Flooding is Tanzania's most severe natural disaster, affecting tens of thousands of people each year. East Africa encountered similar issues in 2023 as a result of El Nino weather.[2]
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Army Airstrike Hit Worshiping Civilians In Nigeria: On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, during an Islamic festival, an air attack killed at least 85 civilians in Kaduna state. Uba Sani, the governor, claimed the civilians were accidentally killed by a military drone. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the event but did not specify how many people were killed. Witnesses reported numerous casualties, including women and children, and another bomb was detonated while residents were attempting to recover the deceased.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC [3] BBC
United States Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
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George Santos Expelled From Congress: On Friday, December 1, 2023, Geoge Santos was removed from the House of Representatives after being charged with criminal corruption and theft of campaign funds. The result was 311-114, which was more than the two-thirds majority required for expulsion. Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders rejected Santos' expulsion, but other members urged that voters in his district decide his fate in November.[1]
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McCarthy To Leave Congress At Year’s End: On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Kevin McCarthy, the former House Speaker, announced his resignation from Congress, effective at the end of the year. This comes two months after the dismissal as speaker and will weaken the House Republicans' narrow majority. McCarthy, who has been in the Senate for 17 years, has received plaudits from Majority Leader Steve Scalise.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Third Week of December 2023
It’s been a busy week from hospital fires in Rome to a Biden impeachment Inquiry; 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.
Violence And Disasters
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Hospital Fire In Rome Kills Four People: On Saturday, December 9, 2023, A fire near the San Giovanni Evangelista hospital in Tivoli resulted in four deaths and 200 evacuations, according to Italy's fire department. Seven children and newborn babies were injured in the incident, which was possibly caused by wiring and stored chemicals. After five hours of fighting, firefighters will hunt for more victims.[1]
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14 People Killed In Mexican Gang Clash: On Saturday, December 9, 2023, A violent battle between a criminal gang and a tiny rural community in Mexico killed 14 people and injured seven others. Governor Delfina Gomez and local officials criticized the violence, attributing it to regional violence. According to officials, ten of those killed were gang members, while the remaining four were village inhabitants. The cops did not identify the group.[2]
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Fatal Storm Disrupt Livelihood Tennessee: On Sunday, December 10, 2023, severe storms, and tornadoes killed six people and caused considerable damage in Tennessee, leaving tens of thousands without electricity. Wes Golden, the county's mayor, expressed his condolences and prayers for those affected. Over 80,000 people were left without electricity, and some homes in Clarksville were damaged. Dresden emergency services reportedly reported damage to trees, electricity lines, and houses. During the incident, officials are urging people to stay off the roadways.[3]
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Militant-Army Clash In Mali: On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Militants attacked a military barracks and village in central Mali, killing around 20 soldiers and 5 civilians. The militants took control of the camp and demolished it, killing 30 troops and injuring five residents. Mali is confronting a jihadist insurgency that arose in its arid north in 2012 after hijacking a Tuareg revolt. The conflict has spread across the Sahel area, where al Qaeda and Islamic State factions have taken control of territory.[4]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian [3] The Guardian [4] Reuters
International Events
Photo Source: Getty Images
- Putin Ready To Run For Fifth Term: On Friday, December 8, 2023, Following his triumph in the full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, has reaffirmed his decision to seek for a fifth term in office. The announcement follows the presidential election, which is planned for March 15-17, 2024. Putin has been in power since Josef Stalin and has a clean slate to run again next year, having been handed over authority at the end of 1999 by his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.[1]
- Polish Parliament Forms New Government: On Monday, December 11, 2023, The Polish Parliament mandated former Prime Minister Donald Tusk to form a new coalition government, effectively ending the Nationalist Law and Justice Party's (PiS) eight-year tenure. After the election, the PiS, led by Mateusz Morawiecki, was the largest party, but it struggled to create a majority in parliament. President Andrzej Duda will swear in the new administration on Wednesday.[2]
- United Nations Votes For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza: On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, The United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, despite the United States blockage of such requests in the Security Council. The vote, which took place during an emergency special session, is political but morally significant and nonbinding. Following an October 7 strike that killed 1,200 people, Israel has threatened to continue its military campaign until Palestinian group Hamas removes Gaza.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC [3] CNN
U.S. Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
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New York Court Orders Congressional District Redrawn: On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, The state's top court ordered a redrawing of the state's congressional map, giving Democrats a huge victory in the 2024 election. The new plan will be created by the bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission, which might help Democrats flip several Republican-held seats. This judgment overturns the previous map, which helped Republicans flip four seats and secure a House majority.[1]
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Impeachment Inquiry Against Biden Authorized: On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Despite Republicans' failure to prove that Biden benefited financially from his family's business, the US House of Representatives authorized an impeachment investigation into President Biden. Hunter Biden, President Biden's son, disobeyed a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition. Biden called the Republicans' efforts unfounded and chastised the House for launching the investigation without a formal vote.[2]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian
Our Top Stories for the Fourth Week of December 2023
It’s been a busy week from Border Crises around The world to constitutional crises in the U.S.; 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.
Border Crises
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Arizona Governor Deploys National Guard To State Border: On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Due to the shutdown of the US's Lukeville port of entry, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs sent National Guard troops to the Mexican border, resulting in a humanitarian situation. The troops will be stationed at the southern border, near the ports of entry at Lukeville and San Miguel. The Lukeville crossing was closed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to redirect resources to illicit migrant smuggling.[1]
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Migrants Crossing Libya Involved In Shipwreck: On Sunday, December 17, 2023, The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that more than 60 migrants died in a disaster off the coast of Libya, leaving 86 people on board. According to the organization, over 2,200 people have drowned this year while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, with most who died being from Nigeria, Gambia, and other African countries. 25 survivors have been moved to a Libyan prison center for medical treatment.[2]
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Texas Signs Bill To Arrest Illegal Crossing Migrants: On Monday, December 18, 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved legislation allowing police the authority to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering the United States. The Republican-controlled legislature passed legislation that permits local judges to order their deportation back over the US-Mexico border. The Mexican government condemned the idea, claiming that it would result in family breakup and racial profiling. Migrants apprehended in Texas can either leave or face accusations of illegal entrance.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] BBC [3] The Guardian
International Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
- Local Ukrainian Councilor Uses Grenade In A Meeting: On Friday, December 15, 2023, A Ukrainian village councilor threw grenades at a council meeting, injuring 26 people. The event occurred in the Keretsky village council headquarters when a vote on the 2024 budgets and the awarding of a bonus to the council chief took place. After 90 minutes, the councilor fled, recovered grenades, and tossed them into the center of the room, causing them to explode.[1]
- Brazil To Eliminate Budget Deficit In 2024: On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Brazil's Congress approved a bill outlining fiscal standards to eliminate the main deficit by 2024. President Lula da Silva underlined the significance of prioritizing projects and investing in construction. According to the Finance Ministry, a minimum increase of 0.6% is required. Following the government's new structure, the law will not limit allocations, resulting in budget cuts of roughly 23 billion reals ($4.59 billion) in 2024.[2]
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Prime Minister Sacked By President In Guinea-Bissau: On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, Geraldo Martins, the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, was removed a week after being re-appointed by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Rul Duarte de Barros, a former Prime Minister, has been named as the new Prime Minister. Embalo dismissed parliament after a failed coup and accused the administration of inaction. De Barros, previously the economy minister, served as the West African Economic and Monetary Union's commissioner.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] Reuters
U.S. Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Ohio Court Disallows Effort To Enforce Abortion Ban: On Saturday, December 16, 2023, The Ohio Supreme Court denied a state challenge to a judge's order, prohibiting the state from enforcing its near ban on abortions for the next 14 months. Following voters' adoption of abortion rights in the constitution, the state's abortion clinics urged that the provision be repealed. The bill, signed into law in 2019 by Republican governor Mike DeWine, bans most abortions after the first detected embryonic heartbeat.[1]
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Donald Trump Declared Ineligible On Colorado State Ballot: On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Due to the 14th Amendment's insurrectionist restriction, the Colorado Supreme Court banned former President Donald Trump from the state's ballot in 2024. The decision will be stayed until the United States Supreme Court issues its opinion in January 2024. Due to the GOP primary list deadline on January 5, the case must be resolved by that date. The court dismissed Trump's free speech claims, ruling that his January 6 address was not protected by the First Amendment.[2]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN
In Other News
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Emir Of Kuwait Dies At 86: On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, died at the age of 86. He was the country's ruler for three years and the defense minister during the Gulf War. He then served as Interior Minister and Social Affairs Minister. The Kuwaiti government stated in 2020 that Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, 83, will be crowned the new Emir of Kuwait.[1]
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Volcanic Eruption In Iceland: On Thursday, December 21, 2023, a recent volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula following a series of earthquake swarms. Last month, 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik because of the pollutants. Although volcanologists predict the disturbance will be less severe than the 2010 eruption, residents are concerned. The Icelandic foreign minister pledged that the event would not interfere with flights or other activities.[2]
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X Outage Sparks Outrage: On Thursday, December 21, 2023, X, formerly Twitter, experienced a global outage, forcing thousands of users to report problems. Downdetector, a website that analyzes online outages, has over 30,000 reports in the United Kingdom and 260,000 in the United States. The site has had significant challenges since Elon Musk took command in October 2022, with the workforce cut from 7,500 to about 2,000. Users were unable to view postings and were greeted with a message rather than "Welcome to X."[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] BBC [3] The Guardian
Our Top Stories for the Fifth Week of December 2023
It’s been a busy week from factory disaster in Indonesia to fast-paced electoral changes in the U.S.; 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.
Fatal Events
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Gunman Commits Suicide To Avoid Arrest: On Friday, December 22, 2023, Police in Prague verified that the gunman who killed 14 people at Charles University's Faculty of Arts building committed suicide after being encircled by police. The attack is often regarded as the worst in Czech history. There were 25 people involved in the incident, including a Dutch citizen and two UAE citizens. The gunman, known as Dabid Kozak, 24, is thought to have slain his father at a different site.[1]
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911 Caller Fatally Shot By Police: On Friday, December 22, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff from Los Angeles County shot and killed a 27-year-old woman after she reported being attacked by her ex-boyfriend. Three years prior, the constable had killed someone in a similar situation. Finlayson, the victim, brandished a knife and threatened her partner, prompting the constable to open fire. Although the LASD has not received any official claims from the victim's relatives, body-camera footage will be released next week.[2]
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13 Workers Killed In Indonesian Factory Blast: On Sunday, December 24, 2023, a furnace explosion at a Chinese nickel business in Indonesia killed at least 13 workers and injured 38 more. Tsingshan, a Chinese steel and nickel conglomerate, owns the factory, which is active in the nickel mining sector in Indonesia. The explosion occurred during a furnace repair operation and was caused by an explosive-inducing liquid residue at the bottom. Indonesia is the world's top nickel exporter and a copper, cobalt, and bauxite producer.[3]
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40 People Killed In Fuel Disaster In Liberia: On Friday, December 29, 2023, Over 40 people were killed and scores more were severely injured when a fuel truck exploded in central Liberia. The car crashed into a ditch in Totota, about 80 miles from Monrovia. The death toll has grown from the initial estimate of 15 dead and 30 injured by police. The victims' extensive burns have made establishing the death toll more difficult. President George Weah extended his condolences to the victims' families and promised that emergency services would continue for those injured.[4]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian [3] CNN [4] The Guardian
Russian Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
- Yekaterina Dunsova’s Candidacy Annulled: On Saturday, December 23, 2023, the Russian electoral committee rejected former TV journalist Yekaterina Dunsova's candidature in the 2018 presidential election against President Vladimir Putin. According to the commission, the denial was based on 100 errors in her form. Dunsova intends to challenge the verdict to the Supreme Court since it is not legal. Putin is the sole registered contender among the 29.[1]
- Russian Opposition Leader Found In Remote Prison: On Monday, December 25, 2023, Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who was sentenced to nearly three decades in prison after launching a widespread political opposition against President Vladimir Putin, was located in a remote prison colony above the Arctic Circle. Navalny vanished from a prison in the Vladimir region near Moscow on December 6, and three of his lawyers had already been seized by Russian police. He had already been poisoned in Russia in 2020 and jailed on fraud allegations in 2021.[2]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian
U.S. Politics
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Wisconsin Supreme Court Overturns Redrawn Legislative Map: On Saturday, December 23, 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ordered that a legislative map drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature be redrawn, handing Democrats a victory. The ruling favored Law Forward, which had filed to have the maps declared unlawful. According to analysts, the new map will make two Republican seats more competitive. This ruling is comparable to a legal struggle in Georgia over congressional maps that Republicans allege were improperly changed.[1]
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Michigan Rules That Trump Will Remain On Ballot: On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court rejected a petition to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's 2024 primary ballot, enabling him to run despite allegations of insurrection against the United States. The challengers raised section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which forbids those who have engaged in insurrection from holding government office. Trump applauded the ruling, saying it "rightfully denied Democrats' attempts to take him off the ballot in the great state of Michigan."[2]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] 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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