Current Events This Week: June 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 June 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 May 26, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of June 2, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of June 9, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of June 16, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of June 23, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of May 26, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from Erdogan’s win in Turkey to the Bipartisan U.S. Debt ceiling lift. 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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Russian Missile Destroys Hospital In Ukraine: On Friday, May 26, 2023, a missile strike on a medical center in Dnipro, Ukraine, killed two individuals and injured 23 others. Twenty-one of the twenty-three injured are hospitalized, with three in critical condition. Russia has escalated its assault on Ukraine ahead of Ukraine's planned counteroffensive. Firefighters were spotted felling trees to access a mounted hose closer to the flame. Ukraine's authorities shot down 17 missiles and 31 drones launched by Russia overnight.[1]
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South Africa Grants Immunity To Brics Leaders: On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, South Africa issued diplomatic immunity to all Brics leaders who will attend the group's August meeting. This means that Russian President Vladimir Putin can travel to Johannesburg without fear of being arrested by an international criminal court. The Department of Foreign Affairs has supported the immunity, stating that it is common practice for all international conferences and summits hosted in South Africa.[2]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian
International Affairs
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Erdogan Wins In Turkey: On Sunday, May 28, 2023, Recep Tayyip Erdogan's presidency was extended after he defeated his competitor, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, in the presidential election. Erdogan's victory guarantees him another term in office and support for his populist political approach. Kilicdaroglu attempted to console his followers but made no indication that he would resign as opposition leader.[1]
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Four Dead Tourist In Italy: On Monday, May 29. 2023, a boat carrying over 20 persons, including tourists, sank on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy due to severe winds. Four individuals have been confirmed killed, while five others have been rescued. Helicopters and rescue divers were dispatched to assist with the search and rescue efforts, and numerous ambulances, including an air ambulance, were there. Due to the lousy weather, Italy's meteorological service has issued numerous thunderstorm warnings.[2]
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Brazil’s Former President Jailed For Corruption: On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, former Brazilian President Fernando Collor de Mallo was sentenced to eight years and 10 months in jail for corruption and money laundering by the country's Supreme Court. Collor was accused of accepting bribes for around 30 million reais ($6 million). He was Brazil's first democratically elected president, but he resigned owing to impeachment. His attorney claims that Collor is not guilty of any charges against him.[3]
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Earth Is Ill: On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, according to Earth Commission scientists, our globe faces increasing challenges with water availability, fertilizer loading, ecosystem management, and aerosol pollution. This puts life-support systems at risk and exacerbates socioeconomic inequalities. The study establishes a set of "safe and just" environmental requirements based on earlier research undertaken by universities and UN science bodies. The boundaries were established after reviewing earlier studies undertaken by universities and UN science bodies.[4]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] BBC [3] Reuters [4] The Guardian
In Other News
Photo Source: Getty Images
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More Worries Over Ai Advancement: On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, experts warned that artificial intelligence could lead to humanity's extinction, even though many believe this is overstated. On the Centre for AI Safety website, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Demis Hassabis, and Dario Amodei supported a declaration. Other experts concur that fears of AI wiping out humanity is exaggerated and serve simply to shift attention away from issues such as system bias. Artificial intelligence breakthroughs may result in an exponential increase in the amount and diffusion of misinformation, fracturing reality and undermining public trust.[1]
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U.S. House Vote To Raise Debt Ceiling: On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation that would lift the debt ceiling for two years while limiting spending. The law was voted 314-117, with 149 Republicans and 165 Democrats voting in favor and 71 Republicans and 46 Democrats voting against it. The bill will then be sent to the Senate, where any legislator can postpone it. The law drew tremendous opposition from the extreme right and far left but ultimately passed the House by a wide margin with strong bipartisan support.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Week of June 2, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from wildfire smoke in New York to mass casualties in India, 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.
In Europe
Photo Source: AP Images
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Prince Harry Testifies In Court: On Friday, June 2, 2023, Prince Harry has confirmed he will testify in court in his lawsuit against a newspaper group he accused of unlawful character. Prince Harry will be the first senior royal to testify in court since Edward VII did so in 1870 in a divorce dispute and again 20 years later in a slander prosecution over a card game. Over 100 persons have filed a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspaper (MGN), with Prince Harry and three others serving as test cases.[1]
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New UN Security Council Members Elected: On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and South Korea were elected to the United Nations Security Council by the General Assembly for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024. Belarus was denied a spot over its support for Russia. Four of the five countries ran unopposed for a seat on the 15-member board. Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates will be replaced by the five countries.[2]
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Pope Francis Undergoes Surgery: On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, The Vatican reported that Pope Francis underwent a successful three-hour abdominal surgery. According to the Vatican, the surgery was done to correct a hernia that was generating frequent, painful, and worsening symptoms. The pope is expected to recover fully, but his audiences have been canceled until June 18.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] CNN
In America
Photo Source: AP Images
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Biden Signs Debt Ceiling Deal: On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Joe Biden signed legislation suspending the nation's debt limit until January 1, 2025, preventing the country's first-ever default. The White House and House Republicans reached a bipartisan agreement to raise the debt ceiling, but lawmakers rushed to meet the deadline of June 5. The House passed the bill on Wednesday, and the Senate passed it on Thursday before reaching the table of the President.[1]
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Mike Pence Launches Campaign For Presidency: On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Mile Pence formally declared that he would run for the Republican presidential nomination. He spoke to a crowd of supporters in Ankeny, Iowa, discussing his record in Congress and as governor of Indiana. He also discussed inflation, the national debt, and border difficulties between the United States and Mexico. He also mentioned Trump and how glad he was to have served with him.[2]
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Us Engulfed In Smoke From Canada Fires: On Thursday, June 8, 2023, Over 400 fires are raging throughout Canada, displacing 20,000 people as the summer season gets underway. The smoke from these fires is now responsible for the polluted air across the eastern United States. The United States sent around 600 firefighters and support personnel to assist Canadian firefighters, and schools, athletic events, and air traffic were disrupted. This is shaping to be the worst wildfire season in the country's history.[3]
Sources:[1] CNN [2] The Guardian [3] The Guardian
In Asia
Photo Source: AP Images
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Mass Casualty From Train Crash In India: On Saturday, June 3, 2023, at least 288 people were killed, and 803 were injured, making it India's biggest train catastrophe in almost 20 years. According to Rajesh Kumar, South Eastern Railway's senior deputy commercial manager, the event was triggered by a change in the track of the Coromandel Express. Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting and offered aid to those affected. Ashwini Vaishnaw pledged a thorough probe into the cause of the accident.[1]
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80 School Pupils Poisoned In Afghanistan: On Monday, June 5, 2023, An investigation was launched in Afghanistan after reports that 17 female pupils were poisoned in one school and 60 others, largely girls, were poisoned in another. Rahmani stated that the pupil began experiencing dizziness, headache, and nausea after arriving at school in the morning. Most girls were hospitalized at local hospitals, but 14 were sent to a hospital in the provincial capital due to urgent situations.[2]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN
Our Top Stories for the Week of June 9, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from ceasefires in Sudan to immigration disasters. 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.
Transportation Mishaps
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Amazon Crash Victims Found Alive: On Saturday, June 10, 2023, four children in a plane crash in Colombia's Amazon Jungle, ages 13, 9, 4, and 1, were found alive. An engine failure caused the Cessna 206 aircraft to give a mayday signal, traveling from Araracuara to San Jose del Guavaire. Native Americans joined the search efforts, and messages from the children's grandmother were broadcast from helicopters to aid in finding them.[1]
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Gasoline Truck Fire Shuts Down Highway: On Sunday, June 11, 2023, authorities in Philadelphia reported that a section of a crucial highway on the east coast of the United States collapsed. No fatalities or injuries have been reported, although the location is still being searched. Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, declared a disaster on Monday to make money and other aid available from the federal government. State and municipal officials have also received aid from the White House.[2]
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78 People Killed As Migrant Boat Sinks: On Thursday, June 15, 2023, the Greek Coast Guard reported that at least 78 people died when a migrant boat carrying hundreds of passengers capsized off the country's coast. A total of 104 migrants from among those who were on the boats were plucked from the water and brought to Kalamata. The number of passengers aboard the ship at the time of its sinking is unknown; however, those who survived estimated there may have been as many as 750.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] CNN
Climate Change
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Flight Turbulence Rise With Climate Change: On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, researchers reported that severe turbulence increased by 55% between 1979 and 2020 on a typically busy North Atlantic route. They blame the increase on changes in wind patterns brought on by warmer air from high-altitude carbon emissions. According to the experts, the aviation industry suffers losses of between $150 million and $500 million annually in the US alone due to the consequences of turbulence, including wear and tear on aircraft.[1]
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Truck Pollution Cuts Vetoed By President Biden: On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Joe Biden vetoed a bill passed by Congress that would remove his administration's new restriction on heavy-duty truck emissions, which cause soot and smog. According to the EPA, the rule will result in up to 2,900 fewer premature deaths per year, 1.1 million fewer lost school days, and $29 billion in net yearly benefits. In April, The EPA suggested reducing light-duty passenger car truck emissions by 56% by 2026.[2]
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2023 May Be The Hottest Year On Record: On Thursday, June 15, 2023, global average temperatures for June were measured to be around one degree Celsius higher than averages for the same month dating back to 1979. Climate scientists believe it is part of a trend of intensifying global warming that might make this year the warmest on record, surpassing 2016. While people are feeling the heat on land, the seas are experiencing an even more unusual surge of heat, with a second month of record-high ocean surface temperatures.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] The Guardian
Law And Order
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Ceasefire Announced In Sudan: On Friday, June 9, 2023, the United States and Saudi Arabia announced a 24-hour ceasefire between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began on Saturday. A deal has been reached to allow humanitarian aid to be transported across Sudan. Volker Perthes has been labeled "persona non grata" by Sudan's foreign ministry.[1]
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Donald Trump Indicted: On Friday, June 9, 2023, Donald Trump was indicted on seven counts in the special counsel's classified materials investigation, the second time this year. Trump's counsel stated that he is charged with espionage, obstruction of justice, record deletion or falsification, conspiracy, and false statements. Law enforcement has been scrambling to prepare for the likely court appearance in Miami next week, and the Justice Department has moved additional resources there.[2]
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State Of Illinois Pass Laws That Prevent Book Bans: On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation to prevent book banning in public libraries, which has been on the rise in the United States as conservatives seek to restrict works on racism, history, and LGBTQ issues. The law states that items may not be prescribed or deleted because of party or doctrinal disagreement. Utah, Missouri, and several other states have also passed legislation allowing school administrators to limit books they believe are inappropriate for young readers.[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] CNN [3] Reuters
Our Top Stories for the Week of June 16, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from Hunter Biden’s court charges to the implosion of OceanGate’s Titan explorers. 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 Relations
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United Arab Emirates Lifts Lebanese Visa Ban: On Friday, June 16, 2023, Lebanon's foreign ministry announced that the UAE had lifted a visa ban on Lebanese nationals following a temporary suspension due to security concerns. According to an official in the UAE, the temporary limits are in place owing to security concerns and will be lifted very soon. Earlier on Thursday, Lebanon's ambassador to the UAE notified Lebanon's foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, that visa access for Lebanese would be restored the next day.[1]
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The U.S. Reacts To Ugandan LGBTQ Laws: On Friday, June 16, 2023, following the enactment of an anti-LGBTQ bill criticized by multiple countries and the UN, the U.S. imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials. For aggravated homosexuality, the law imposes the death penalty. The United States will hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable and support the people of Uganda. The United States remains dedicated to advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide.[2]
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Italy Blocks Chinese Control Of Pirelli: On Monday, June 19, 2023, Italy blocked Chinese state-owned corporation Camfin from acquiring Pirelli, a renowned tire manufacturing company, as part of measures to safeguard its independence. The government concluded that only Camfin, controlled by Pirelli's CEO, can nominate candidates for chief executive. The deal was reviewed in accordance with the "Golden Power Procedure" laws, which aim to preserve strategically significant firms.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] BBC
Legal Trends
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Estonia Approves Same-Sex Marriages: On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Estonia became the first ex-Soviet republic to legalize same-sex marriage. The modification to the Family Law Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, allows two mature individuals to marry regardless of their gender. Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, stressed the right of people to marry the people they love and the country's position as the only Nordic country with marriage equality.[1]
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Hunter Biden On Tax Charges: On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, several reports show that Hunter Biden is set to enter a guilty plea to two charges of willful failure to pay federal income tax. The attorney who uncovered the accusations, David Weiss, is anticipated to recommend probation, and Hunter will appear in court soon. A White House statement states, "the president and first lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life."[2]
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Arkansas Court Removes Ban On Gender Care: On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, a judge in the United States overturned an Arkansas statute that prevents doctors from giving gender-affirming care to transgender kids, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery. The judge's ruling is a triumph for the families who sued to challenge the statute. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin stated that he intends to appeal the ruling.[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian [3] Reuters
Fatal Incidents
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Militants Attack Schools In Uganda: On Saturday, June 17, 2023, attacks on a school in western Uganda by insurgents linked to the Islamic State Group (IS) murdered around 40 students. Officials affirm that five militants stormed Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe. Machetes assaulted 20 of the 37, and 17 were burned to death. Six pupils from the school were also kidnapped to transport the food the rebels seized from the school's store.[1]
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Bus Crash In Baltimore: On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed that at least 17 people were injured when a bus collided with two private vehicles. Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department, stated that no one was seriously injured in the event. Responders took the bus driver from the vehicle. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined, according to police.[2]
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OceanGate’s Titan Implodes: A vast debris field near the Titanic wreck site was discovered at St John's, Newfoundland, by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). According to the evidence, the five crew aboard the Titan submarine were most likely murdered in a catastrophic implosion during the descent. The organization acknowledged their deaths. British adventurer Hamish Harding, French veteran explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British-Pakistani merchant Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, and American co-founder Stockton Rush died in the OceanGate tragedy.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN [3] The Guardian
Our Top Stories for the Week of June 23, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from a U.S. top court declaring affirmative action unconstitutional to failed coup plot in Russia. 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.
Major Moves In Russia
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Wagner’s Rebellion Aborted: On Saturday, June 24, 2023, troops from Wagner mercenary organizations fled Rostov-on-Don after staging a mutiny to de-escalate the situation. The group's leader advised the team to return to Ukraine to avert bloodshed. Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko met with Prigozhin and agreed to withdraw the allegations against him. Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, was thought to have been flown out of Moscow, but his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said he was still in the Kremlin.[1]
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Nine Dead In Russian Air Strike: On Monday, June 26, 2023, at least 11 people were killed in Russian air attacks on Syria's Idlib region, as the UN raised alarm about the fighting. The attack, reportedly Russia's bloodiest this year, killed nine people in a market and two others near Idlib City. The Russian military did not respond, but their air campaign has been critical in assisting the Syrian government in shifting the tide of the 12-year civil war.[2]
American Court Cases
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Donald Trump In Fresh Defamation Lawsuit: On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Donald Trump sued E Jean Carroll for defamation, accusing her of falsely accusing him of rape after a civil tribunal found him to have sexually abused her. Trump and Carroll's legal battle is anticipated to continue, with Trump seeking a retraction and compensatory and punitive damages. Trump, seeking re-election in 2024, denies raping Carroll and is appealing the civil verdict, which calls for him to pay $5 million in damages.[1]
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Federal Judges Allow Gender-Affirming Care: On Thursday, June 29, 2023, federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee stopped state laws limiting puberty-blocking medications and hormones for transgender youth. This impediment will prevent the law from taking effect while legal challenges against it continue. This nature has halted cases in Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana. A Republican legislature overturned the Kentucky bill after Governor Andy Beshear vetoed it. Attorney General Daniel Cameron slammed the decision, claiming it shields minors from unwanted medical testing.[2]
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SCOTUS Blocks Affirmative Action: On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a recent ruling, blocked affirmative action policies in university admissions, allowing race to be disregarded. This ruling comes after the Supreme Court decided 6-3 and 6-2 to abolish affirmative action policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, respectively. Students for Fair Admissions claimed Harvard's race-conscious admissions process violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Fresh debates are emerging concerning the decision across the political divide.[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] Reuters [3] BBC
World Reports
Photo Source: Getty Images
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Migrant Boat Capsizes With 37 People Missing: On Friday, June 23, 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 37 migrants had gone missing after their boat sank between Tunisia and Lampedusa. Four survivors from Sub-Saharan Africa have been identified. In Tunisia, the boat carrying 46 migrants from Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast overturned. Some survivors were transferred to Lampedusa, while others returned to Tunisia.[1]
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President Maada Secures Second Term: On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Sierra Leone's President Maada Bio was sworn in for a second term. With nearly 1.6 million votes, the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) won 56.1%, while his nearest opponent, Samura Kamara, received 41%. Bio was sworn in at the State House and thanked the citizens for their trust and dedication. The election results, however, were challenged, prompting him to call the rejection a "frontal attack on the country's democracy."[2]
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WHO Set To Classify Aspartame As Carcinogenic: On Thursday, June 29, 2023, Aspartame, which is included in sweetened beverages such as Coca-Cola diet sodas and Mars' Extra chewing gum, will be designated as potentially carcinogenic to humans for the first time by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in July. The conclusions given by the IARC following a meeting of external experts try to establish if a substance is a potential hazard based on available facts. Substance classification is criticized for causing unneeded anxiety in the food and drug industries.[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] Reuters
Do you want to find out about the rest of the events that happened around the world in previous weeks?
Check out Current Events This Week: May 2023 to discover more and keep on top of the news. And if you enjoyed this article, why not drop a line to let us know, or share it with others who are curious about the events of this week!
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