Current Events This Week: July 2023

Updated July 28, 2023 | Infoplease Staff

World News | U.S. News | Disaster News | Science & Technology News

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 July 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 Week of June 30, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of July 7, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of July 14, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of July 21, 2023

It’s been a busy week, from the U.S. top court declaring Biden’s student loan forgiveness unconstitutional to riots In France. 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.

Riots And Shootings

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Rioters Attack French Mayor’s Home: On Sunday, July 2, 2023, rioters attempted to set fire to the home of a suburban Paris mayor, forcing the official's wife and children to leave. The incident was regarded as intolerable by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. The mayor, Vincent Jeanbrun, was absent, but his wife suffered a fractured leg, and a kid was also injured. The French riots erupted after a policeman killed a teenager.^[1]
Two Dead In Baltimore Shooting: On Sunday, July 2, 2023, two people were killed, and 28 were injured in a mass shooting in Baltimore, with three critically injured. Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said that 30 patients were adults, with nine being transported by ambulance. Brandon Scott, the mayor of Baltimore, has told those responsible to cease until they are captured. The incident occurred on Brooklyn Day when hundreds of people were there.^[2]
Four Killed In Philadelphia Shooting: On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, a man wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire, killing four individuals and injuring two children in Philadelphia. The cops apprehended the man, who was already detained. The first suspect, a 40-year-old man armed with an AR-style rifle and a handgun, is being sought. The two children are in good health. The police have no idea what caused the gunshot, but they appreciate the quick response.^[3]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian [3] CNN

Accidents And Disasters

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Lorry Crash In Kenya: On Saturday, July 1, 2023, a vehicle carrying a cargo container was involved in a road accident in Kenya, resulting in 48 deaths and 30 injuries, including 30 critical injuries. Kenya's president, William Ruto, expressed sorrow for the young victims. Governor Dr Erick Mutai called the tragedy a "dark moment" for Kericho, Kenya and urged emergency personnel to respond.^[1]
Hottest Day In Recorded History: On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, new records show that the 2016 temperature record was beaten for two days in a row, with Tuesday, July 4, becoming the highest day temperature in recorded history. The average global air temperature on Tuesday was 17.18 degrees Celsius, according to statistics published by the US National Centres for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), shattering the previous record of 17.01 degrees Celsius set on Monday. Experts anticipate that July will be the warmest month on record, with more record-breaking temperatures possible before the end of the month.^[2]
Toxic Gas Poisoning In South Africa: On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Police in South Africa announced that 16 people died from hazardous gas leaks from a cylinder near Johannesburg. According to the emergency services, the leak was caused by unlawful mining activity. The country's high unemployment rate is attributed to increased illicit mining, which has collapsed due to depleted reserves, commodity prices, rising labor expenses, and unpredictable power sources.^[3]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian [3] The Guardian

Global Trends

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SCOTUS Blocks Biden’s Loan Forgiveness: On Saturday, July 1, 2023, the Biden administration faced a Supreme Court loss, which blocked President Biden's intention to eliminate $430 billion in student loan debt. The decision impacted 26 million borrowers who sought assistance after Biden revealed his plan in August 2022. The court ruled in favor of Six states, affecting 43 million people. Despite the court's decision, Biden intends to explore another option under the Higher Education Act.^[1]
Ukraine Officials Charged With Treason: On Monday, July 3, 2023, Ukraine's domestic intelligence agency accused former security employees of treason. Oleh Kulinich, the former chief of the SBU's Crimea directorate, was jailed in July for recruiting Russian-friendly operatives. Kulinich faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, lauded the arrest and announced that former SBU Director Andriy Naumov is being investigated.^[2]
The Taliban Shuts Down Salons: On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, all Afghan hair and beauty salons were ordered to close. The Taliban issued the decree, the most recent limitation imposed on women. According to a Vice and virtue ministry spokesman, firms have one month to comply with the directive. In response to the prohibition, an Afghan woman stated that the Taliban is robbing women of their most basic human rights in Afghanistan.^[3]
Meta Launches Threads: On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the successful launch of Threads, the company's new app that effortlessly connects 1 billion people. The software allows users to publish up to 500 characters and share links, images, and videos with a close link and verification using Instagram. On Threads, users can filter replies and block accounts. On the other hand, critics are tackling data usage issues such as health, financial, and browsing data linked to consumers' identities.^[4]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] BBC [4] BBC

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It’s been a busy week, from floods in India to the cabinet resignation in the Netherlands. 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.

NATO Relations

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The U.S. Supplies Weapons To Ukraine: On Friday, July 7, 2023, following months of deliberation, the United States agreed to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package. The bombs will be compatible with 155 mm howitzers supplied by the US, which have assisted Ukraine in regaining land. Dr. Colin Kahl, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, guaranteed Ukraine the weapons would not be utilized in civilian-populated urban areas.^[1]
Turkey Backs Sweden’s NATO Bid: On Monday, July 10, 2023, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg announced Turkey's support for Sweden's bid to join the military alliance on the eve of NATO submission. Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's president, indicated that Sweden could only join NATO after being admitted to the European Union. Stoltenberg stated that it was up to Turkey to make Sweden's membership official, and Erdogan pledged to bring the accession protocol to the Grand National Assembly as soon as feasible.^[2]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] CNN

International Politics

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Dutch Government Collapses: On Saturday, July 8, 2023, the Netherlands' Prime Minister Mark Rutte resigned, along with his cabinet, due to an irreconcilable schism within his four-party coalition over immigration restriction. The country will hold a general election for the lower house of parliament, which has 150 seats. According to Rutte, coalition partners have differing views on migration policy and must conclude that these differences are irreconcilable. Rutte will lead a caretaker administration until the election.^[1]
President Bongo Seeks Re-Election: On Sunday, July 9, 2023, Gabon's President Ali Bongo announced his desire to be re-elected in August, extending his family's 56-year reign. Since 2009, he has served two seven-year terms and is looking to extend his reign. Despite reservations about his re-election, Bongo declared his candidature in the aftermath of a stroke in 2018 and a coup attempt in his absence.^[2]
Thai Prime Minister Announces Retirement: On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced his resignation from politics, indicating that he will not run for re-election. Chan-o-cha, 69, became Prime Minister following a coup in 2014 and gained the most seats in parliament in 2019. His Progressive Move Forward Party won Thailand's most popular votes and seats.^[3]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] Reuters [3] CNN

United States Politics

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Court Reinstates Transgender Care Ban: On Saturday, July 8, 2023, a U.S. court of appeals determined that a Tennessee statute preventing doctors from providing medical care for transgender kids, such as puberty-blockers and gender-affirming surgery, can be promptly enforced. The tribunal voted 2-1 to overturn the lower court's ruling, enabling the statute to take effect. This decision is part of a rising trend among Republican politicians to limit medical care for transgender youth.^[1]
Trump Not Entitled To Immunity: On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in a lawsuit filed by former journalist E. Jean Carroll, the Justice Department reversed its decision to defend former President Donald Trump. The judgment might pave the way for a trial in January. The department decided that Trump was no longer functioning in his official role as president when he made the statement in 2019. Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages in a second complaint against Trump for comments made after leaving the White House.^[2]
Iowa Passes Abortion Ban: On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Iowa's legislature passed legislation prohibiting abortion after six weeks, which Republican Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to sign. State senators approved the law by a vote of 32-17. Abortion after six weeks of pregnancy is legal in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or life-threatening circumstances. Courts halted the 2018 abortion ban due to Roe v. Wade and state constitutional safeguards.^[3]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian [3] Reuters

Subtitle

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Texas Gunman Sentenced To Life In Prison: On Friday, July 7, 2023, a 24-year-old Texas gunman was sentenced to 90 years in federal prison for murdering 23 people at a Walmart in 2019. The shooting, regarded as one of the bloodiest mass shootings in U.S. history, occurred in El Paso, a town on the U.S.-Mexico border. The assailant specifically targeted Hispanic consumers, killing 23 and wounding 22. The shooter admits to driving 650 miles to attack Latinos. ^[1]
River Flood In India: On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the Yamuna River reached its highest level in 45 years, flooding major roadways in Delhi. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and traffic has been rerouted. Northern India's monsoon season has seen record rainfall, resulting in 88 deaths in Himachal Pradesh and severe flooding in Punjab and Haryana. Heavy trucks are prohibited in Delhi, and over 16,000 people have been shifted to relief tents beneath flyovers. Disaster relief teams have been mobilized, and rescue efforts in flooded areas are ongoing.^[2]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC

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It’s been a busy week, from Biden's cancellation of student loan debt to Russia striking down a grain deal. 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.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

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Ukraine To Get $150m From South Korea: On Saturday, July 15, 2023, Yoon Suk-Yeol, President of South Korea, committed to enhancing his country's humanitarian and non-lethal military support to Ukraine. This decision was made following a meeting with Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. South Korea, the world's ninth-largest arms exporter, has a long-standing policy of not supplying lethal weapons to active combat zones. In addition, humanitarian aid would be expanded to $150 million by 2023.^[1]
Russia Will Not Renew Grain Deal: On Monday, July 17, 2023, Russia confirmed that it will not renew its grain contract with Ukraine when it expires, accusing the West of failing to meet its responsibilities. However, if certain criteria are met, Russia will return to the accord. The deal, reached in July 2022 between the UN and Turkey, is slated to expire on Monday. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, blasted Russia for using the agreement as a weapon and warned that terminating the agreement would result in higher world grain prices.^[2]
Nicaragua Opposes Russia’s Censure: On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in their first meeting in eight years, the European Union could not convince Nations in Latin America and the Caribbean to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The meeting attempted to re-establish links between the two blocs by reducing dependency on Russia and China for energy and raw minerals. The European Union promised €45 billion to strengthen the collaboration.^[3]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] The Guardian

International Economy

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Biden Cancels $39bn Student Loan: On Friday, July 14, 2023, President Biden’s administration erased $39 billion in student loan debt for 804,000 borrowers on income-driven repayment plans even though the Supreme Court ruled that the move was unconstitutional. The Department of Education will contact qualifying people. The new alternative means of cancellation will also correct administrative errors that prevent specific borrowers' payments from being credited toward student loan relief.^[1]
U.S. House Authorizes Defense Bill: On Friday, July 14, 2023, the NDAA, or fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, was enacted by the House of Representatives to define the Department of Defense policy. With a vote of 219-210, the bill authorizes $886 billion in spending, including a pay boost for military soldiers, counter-China initiatives, and $300 million in help to Ukraine. However, the bill's future is questionable due to hardline Republican changes.^[2]
China’s Economy Grows: On Sunday, July 16, 2023, new economic indices showed that the Chinese economy expanded by 6.3% in the second quarter, with a 0.8% gain in GDP from April to June. Following removing limitations after the COVID-19 lockdown, the economy recovered, with a 4.5% increase in GDP. Industrial output increased by 4.4%, while fixed asset investment increased by 3.8%. In June, the young employment rate reached a new high of 21.34%, exceeding the previous high of 20.8% established in May.^[3]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] CNN

In Other News

Photo Source: Getty Images

Russia Bans Transgender Surgeries: On Friday, July 14, 2023, a newly passed Russian law prohibits reassignment surgery and gender changes on state documents. The bill must be approved by both the upper house and President Putin. It also includes laws prohibiting transgender people from adopting children and annulling marriages when one party has undergone gender reassignment. Supporters of LGBTQ rights claim that the law will impact the health of people who are denied care.^[1]
Two People Dead In Auckland Shooting: On Thursday, July 20, 2023, a shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, left two people dead and six injured, including two police officers. The event occurred just hours before the FIFA Women's World Cup started. The incident was not terrorism, according to New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, and the event will go forward as planned. FIFA is in contact with authorities and its condolences to the families of the dead.^[2]
Apple May Discontinue iMessage And FaceTime In The U.K.: On Thursday, July 20, 2023, Apple warned that British monitoring legislation could force the corporation to drop security protections, jeopardizing iPhone consumers' privacy. The laws will enable the UK government to monitor security changes, such as iOS software updates, which could jeopardize the End-to-end encryption feature. Apple is also concerned that this will prevent security features from being installed while a technical capability notification (TCN) is under review.^[3]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC [3] The Guardian

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It’s been a busy week, from the wildfires in Greece to a coup in the Niger Republic. 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

Photo Source: Getty Images

Zelensky Dismisses Ambassador To London: On Friday, July 21, 2023, Ukraine's ambassador to London, Vadym Prystaiko, was fired by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following a request from the West for further military help. Prystaiko and Zelenskiy's relationship deteriorated after Prystaiko questioned Zelenskiy's behavior. However, tensions with the West have lessened, with some Ukrainians claiming that troops fight for sovereignty while defending Western principles.^[1]
Parliament Limits Israeli Court Powers: On Monday, July 24, 2023, despite protests and pressure from the U.S. administration, Israel's parliament enacted a contentious law to seal the Judiciary on Monday. The law was approved by a 64-0 majority, with opposition party members exiting the house. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deprived the Supreme Court of the authority to overturn government decisions.^[2]
Chinese Foreign Minister Dismissed: On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Qin Gang, China's foreign minister, retired from public office after a long absence and replaced his predecessor to shake up foreign policy leadership. The removal was accepted by parliament, and the National People's Congress Standing Committee appointed Wang, the former foreign minister. Qi was last spotted with Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in public.^[3]
Coup In Niger Republic: On Thursday, July 26, 2023, Niger's military deposed President Mohamed Bazoum after armed troops surrounded his presidential mansion. Colonel Amadou Abdramane made the announcement, citing deteriorating security and poor governance. A national curfew was imposed, as well as the suspension of institutions. The United States recognizes Bazoum as a democratically elected president and demands his immediate release.^[4]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] CNN [4] The Guardian

Tragic Incidents

Photo Source: Getty Images

11 People Dead In A Mexican Bar Fire: On Saturday, July 22, 2023, authorities verified that an evicted patron set fire to a Mexican bar with a Molotov cocktail after he was kicked out of the pub for being disrespectful to the women who worked there. The prosecution also said he returned later and tossed a Molotov cocktail at the bar's doors. Four of the 11 people killed were women, while four others are being treated in hospitals for injuries incurred in the incident.^[1]
12 People Killed In Cameroon By Building Collapse: On Sunday, July 23, 2023, at least 12 people were killed when a building fell in Douala, Cameroon's largest city. The incident also resulted in the injuries of five others. There is no word on how many people were inside the structure as it collapsed into another residential building. The cause of the building collapse is unknown, but residents reported it appeared to have deteriorated. ^[2]
Intense Wildfire In Greece: On Monday, July 24, 2023, Rhodes Island in Greece experienced its largest-ever evacuation due to a continuous seven days of inferno. Firefighters battled flames, and authorities employed water-dropping planes to put out several of them. Around 2,466 people fled their houses in 17 communities along Corfu's northern shore, while hundreds fled Evia settlements. Infernos experienced the greatest evacuation in Greece’s history, with 19,000 people evacuated.^[3]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] BBC [3] The Guardian

In Other News

Photo Source: Getty Images

Trump’s Court Case Set For 2024: Friday, July 21, 2023, a federal judge has set the trial date for former President Donald Trump's confidential document case to begin in May 2024, with a pretrial hearing on May 14. The trial will proceed slower than the prosecution team's fast-paced plan, but a Trump adviser believes it will be postponed beyond the 2024 presidential election.^[1]
Federal Judge Blocks Biden’s Border Policy: On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, a federal judge ruled that President Joe Biden's policy restricting asylum access at the US-Mexico border is unconstitutional. California district judge Jon Tigar has placed the order on hold for 14 days, arguing that illegal border crossing should not prohibit asylum. The regulation's validity was maintained by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who stated that it would remain in effect awaiting an appeal.^[2]
Twitter Rebrands To X: On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Elon Musk changed the name and logo of Twitter to "X" to develop a "super app" named X. The new white X on a black backdrop replaces the blue bird on desktop and mobile versions, although mobile apps have yet to arrive. Experts worry this could be a competitive disadvantage in payment, shopping, and gaming services. Furthermore, rebranding raises security issues because it may allow phishing.^[3]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] Reuter [3] BBC

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