Current Events This Week: March 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 March 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 February 24, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of March 3, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of March 10, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of March 17, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of March 24, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of February 24, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from more Brexit deals to Nigerian elections. 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.
Out Of Africa
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Explosion In Cameroon: On Saturday, February 25, 2023, nineteen Cameroonian athletes are being treated for bomb injuries sustained during a race in the country's western region, where English-speaking separatists are fighting government forces. The authorities in the city where the explosions occurred did not comment immediately on the situation; however, the armed wing of the Ambazonia Governing Council, one of the separatist militia organizations, has claimed responsibility for the explosions.[1]
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Elections In Nigeria: On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in the recently concluded presidential election in Nigeria, Bola Tinubu placed first with 37% of the vote, while his primary opponent, Atiku Abubakar, received 29%. Tinubu is one of Nigeria's wealthiest politicians. He ran a campaign based on his record in Lagos, where he once served as governor. He underlined the necessity for nation-building and advocated for healing. The voter participation rate was the lowest since the end of the military administration in 1999, at 27%.[2]
Across America
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States Sue To Expand Abortion Pills: On Friday, February 24, 2023, twelve Democratic-led states in the United States alleged that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricted access to recognized abortion medication. The medication, mifepristone, was licensed in 2000, with several restrictions to guarantee its safe use. In the complaint, the States asserted that there is no evidence to warrant the drug's restrictions and that the limits on the medications have made it more difficult for physicians to prescribe and for pharmacists to complete prescriptions.[1]
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The U.S. Unveils New Plans For Cybersecurity: On Thursday, March 2, 2023, the White House launched a new cybersecurity policy after a series of high-profile hacking events by both local and international entities against the United States. According to the plan, China and Russia pose the greatest cyber danger to the United States. Among other things, the strategy asks for an upgrade in the standards for fixing vulnerabilities in computer systems.[2]
Asian Occurrences
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Cough Syrup Kills Children In Indonesia: On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, around 200 children in Indonesia died after taking cough medication. About 116 drugs from six companies have been recalled due to dangerously high diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol levels. Twenty-five parents have filed a class action lawsuit for the death and suffering of their children against Indonesia's health ministry, food and drug agency, and eight pharmaceutical companies, including some raw material suppliers.[1]
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Biden Approves Missile Sale To Taiwan: On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the Biden administration authorized a $619 million possible weapons sale with Taiwan. The purchase will include F-16 fighter planes but will heighten the high tensions between the United States and China. China has long claimed that the Taiwan Strait, a democratically governed island with a population of 24 million, is part of its sovereign territory, although it never governed Taiwan.[2]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN
Experiences in Europe
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Boat Wreck Off Italian Coast: On Sunday, February 26, 2023, a boat believed to be transporting refugees sank off the coast of Italy, killing 59 individuals, including infants and minor children. Some victims were discovered in the water, while others washed up on a popular beach near Steccato di Cutro. According to a government official, 81 individuals survived, and 20 were hospitalized.[1]
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U.K. And EU Agree On Trade: On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the European Union and the United Kingdom reached an agreement on new trade regulations for Northern Ireland in an effort to address the post-Brexit dilemma in Europe and Northern Ireland. At a news conference in Windsor, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the new agreement, dubbed the "Windsor Framework," will facilitate commerce inside the United Kingdom and maintain Northern Ireland's place in the U.K. and its sovereignty.[2]
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Trains Collide In Greece: On Wednesday, March 2023, two trains crashed in central Greece, resulting in at least 40 deaths and several injuries. Many individuals remain missing as a result of the catastrophe. After the catastrophe, it was stated that more than 50 persons could not be located. The Greek transportation minister, Kostas Karamanlis, resigned following the disaster out of respect for the victims' memories.[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] The Guardian
Our Top Stories for the Week of March 3, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from news of the measles outbreak in Kentucky to the refugee camp disaster in Bangladesh. 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 Incidents
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Refugee Camp Destroyed By Fire: On Sunday, March 5, 2023, hundreds of shelters were burned when a fire raged through a crowded Rohingya Muslim refugee camp in southern Bangladesh. The blaze began in Camp 11 in Cox's Bazar. The camp is claimed to house over a million refugees. He further stated that the fire destroyed over 2,000 shelters, leaving approximately 12,000 Myanmar refugees homeless. The cause of the fire is unknown, and no deaths have been reported.[1]
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Suicide Bombing In Pakistan: On Monday, March 6, 2023, police officers were on their way back to Quetta after a policing festival in Balochistan province when a suicide bomber detonated a device. According to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, those behind the attack aimed to destabilize the country. While it is unknown who is behind the new attacks, the government and separatists in the Balochistan province have been at odds for decades.[2]
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Two Americans Found Dead Along The Mexican Border: On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, officials announced that two of the four Americans kidnapped near the northern Mexican border were discovered dead, while the other two were discovered alive. The four Americans traveled from Texas to Matamoros, where unknown assailants attacked and fired at them. The Mexican president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, stated that the Americans crossed the border in search of medicine.[3]
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Gun Attack In Los Angeles: On Thursday, March 9, 2023, three Los Angeles police officers were shot and injured. The suspect was pronounced deceased, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). During a search, police officers discovered the suspect unresponsive. According to anonymous police sources, the three cops who were shot were members of a canine team and were searching for a suspect when they were shot at.[4]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] BBC [3] The Guardian [4] Reuters
International Policies
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Top Court Overrule Monetary Policy In Nigeria: On Friday, March 3, 2023, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that the old banknotes would be legal tender in the country until the end of the year. The justices claimed the public was not given adequate notice before the old notes were withdrawn. It is unclear whether the reversal will have an immediate impact as Nigerians struggle to withdraw cash from banks and cash machines.[1]
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China Decides On Economic Target: On Saturday, March 4, 2023, China set an official economic growth target of around 5% for 2023 as they attempt to revitalize the world's second-largest economy following a period of relatively weak growth due to economic precautions. The defense budget will be increased by 7.2% as well. Those data were announced at the start of the annual National People's Congress, which will bring together 3,000 delegates in Beijing for eight days.[2]
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Netherlands Restrict Chip Export: On Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Dutch government limited the country's microchip technology exports, citing the need to protect national security, mirroring a similar move by the U.S. This action will include components from ASML, a major player in the global high-end semiconductor supply chain, and China has objected. The restrictions only apply to ASML's "most advanced immersion DUV systems," although the company stated they would significantly impact its existing market position.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN [3] BBC
In Other News
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A Measles Case Confirmed In Kentucky: On Saturday, March 4, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert advisory warning clinics and public health authorities to look for measles after a case was identified at a big gathering in Kentucky. According to the CDC, on February 24, the Kentucky Department of Public Health found a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated individual with a history of overseas travel.[1]
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Women Sue Texas On Abortion: On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, five women who were denied abortions despite threats to their lives or the lives of their fetuses sued Texas. As a result, four of the five women were forced to go outside of Texas to get abortions to avoid major medical issues, while the fifth was admitted for complications. The case seeks a judgment from a state court in the state's capital, Austin, that shields a doctor from prosecution after an abortion if the practitioner understands the abortion was necessary.[2]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters
Our Top Stories for the Week of March 10, 2023
It’s been a busy week, with President Xi of China securing a third term and President Biden approving an oil drilling project, 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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President Xi Elected For Third Term: On Friday, March 10, 2023, China’s political elites officially supported the president of China, Xi Jinping, in securing an unprecedented third term as leader. Xi has been the country's longest-serving president since the Communist Party of China was established in 1949. The communist party's leadership was firmly established by Xi last fall, making his reappointment in Beijing seem like a formality.[1]
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AUKUS Pact Reach Nuclear Agreement: On Tuesday, March 14, the U.K., U.S., and Australia unveiled the details of their alliance. The United States will deliver Australia its first nuclear-powered submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement. According to US Vice President Joe Biden, the agreement aims to bring about peace in the area. With Australia becoming only the second nation after the United Kingdom to receive Washington's top-notch nuclear propulsion technology, the agreement represents a significant improvement for the Australian military.[2]
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Honduras Creates Ties With China: On Thursday, March 16, 2023, President Xiomara Castro of Honduras announced that she instructed her foreign minister to establish diplomatic ties with China. Taiwan only has diplomatic relations with 13 nations due to Honduras' relocation from Taipei to Beijing. Castro's action came a few weeks after her government, according to her, said it was in talks with China to construct the Patuca II hydroelectric dam.[3]
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Samsung Invest In Chip Production: On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Samsung Electronics plans to invest around $230 billion in South Korea's effort to become a global semiconductor hub. As part of the official plan, incentives like increased tax breaks and support for infrastructure will be offered to high-tech companies in exchange for their participation. Major disputes between China and the United States have centered on semiconductors, the lifeblood of modern electronics, prompting many countries, including Taiwan and South Korea, to increase on-shore chip production.[4]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] BBC [3] The Guardian [3] BBC
Fatal Incidents
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Religious Gathering Attacked In Germany: On Friday, March 10, 2023, police confirmed that when shooters opened fire on people inside a Jehovah's Witness meeting hall in Hamburg, Germany, seven people—including an unborn child—were killed. The gunman, who acted alone, left no note explaining why he had committed the shooting before killing himself. Four men and two women, all German citizens, were shot dead, according to the police's briefing.[1]
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Nineteen People Killed In Congo: On Sunday, March 12, 2023, an attack by alleged Islamist militants resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, according to confirmation. During their raid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's east, the attackers set fire to a medical facility. The attack took place early on Sunday morning, around one in the morning, not far from the village where 35 people were killed last week in an attack.[2]
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Eight People Dead In Boat Mishap: On Sunday, March 12, 2023, at least eight people were killed when one of two alleged smuggling boats capsized as it approached a San Diego beach, according to the authorities. According to a woman in one of the boats, the other boat had capsized, and she called 911. The coast guard and San Diego fire rescue crews pulled eight bodies from the water.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] The Guardian
In The U.S.
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Kansas Passes Law To Ban Transgender Athletes In Women’s Sport: On Friday, March 10, 2023, the Republican-led legislature of Kansas passed a bill that makes it illegal for athletes who are biologically male to compete in sports traditionally reserved for females. As a Democrat, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will likely veto the legislation. However, opponents of the bill argue that it is unnecessary because there are so few transgender students participating in interscholastic sports.[1]
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Biden Approves Oil Project: On Monday, March 13, 2023, the U.S. Interior Department stated that Joe Biden's administration had authorized a $7 billion oil and gas drilling Willow project in Alaska. Environmentalists have criticized the decision, while Alaskan officials and the oil sector have praised it. The United Nations has condemned the proposal, urging governments to accelerate the move away from fossil fuels.[2]
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Flood Warning Issued In California: On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the National Weather Service has issued a high-danger warning of heavy rain over California. Further flooding and mudslides are expected in areas already saturated by weeks of back-to-back rainfall, with major rivers overflowing in 16 different locations across the state. Around the state, at least 70 flood watches and warnings were in effect. The coastal districts south of the Bay Area may receive 3 to 6 inches of rain, while the San Francisco Bay region may receive 1.5 inches.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] The Guardian
Our Top Stories for the Week of March 17, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine to anti-LGBTQ laws in Uganda. 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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ICC Issues Arrest Warrant For Putin: On Friday, March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest order for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian official Maria Lvova-Belova. The two were accused of running an operation to relocate Ukrainian children to Russia. The court stated that there is sufficient evidence to think that Mr. Putin is guilty of the crimes charged, having committed them personally alongside others.[1]
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Russia And Ukraine Extend Grain Deal: On Saturday, March 18, 2023, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, confirmed the continuation of the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. Irrespective of the current conflict with Russia, Ukraine has negotiated a deal to export millions of tons of grain across the Black Sea. It is unclear how long the agreement will endure since Ukraine wants 120 days and Russia wants 60. Ukraine is one of the world's leading grain producers.[2]
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Putin Visits Mariupol: On Sunday, March 18, 2023, Vladimir Putin, Russia's President, conducted a surprise visit to the occupied Ukrainian coastal city of Mariupol, which surrendered in May of last year. The visit comes only days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him on allegations of war crimes. Russian official media published a video of the president visiting Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine for the first time since the invasion began.[3]
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Xi Jinping Meets Putin On Diplomatic Talks: On Monday, March 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. This is the Chinese leader's first visit to Russia since Putin's invasion of Ukraine last year. Both nations discussed the Ukrainian conflict in the early hours of their meeting, and it is anticipated to remain a major topic of conversation throughout Xi's stay. United States diplomat Antony Blinken says that Sais Xi's visit suggests China is prepared to overlook the recent ICC directive to arrest Putin.[4]
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Ukraine Secures IMF Funding: On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the IMF confirmed that an agreement on funding worth $15.6 billion (£12.8 billion) had been reached with Ukraine. This will be the organization's first loan to a war-torn country, expected to be approved in the coming weeks. According to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, an adequately conditioned IMF program is important to back Ukraine's reform drive.[5]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] BBC [3] The Guardian [4] CNN [5] BBC
American Disasters
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Church Destroyed By Massive Fire: On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, a large church in Burlington, New Jersey, was destroyed by a fire where over 100 firemen were said to be battling the flames. According to Russell Hodgins, a senior pastor at the church, the tragedy was a significant loss. There have been no reports of casualties, and so far, it is unclear what caused the fire.[1]
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Rare Tornado In California: On Thursday, March 23, 2023, a tornado swept through a small community just south of Los Angeles, throwing debris and startling witnesses. Wind gusts reached 110 mph, the highest in Los Angeles County since 1983. This was the second tornado to hit southern California in two days, as severe weather elements have hit the state. The tornado destroyed 17 buildings in town, 11 of which were declared “too dangerous to occupy.”[2]
In Other News
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More Senators Back TikTok Ban: On Friday, March 17, 2023, six additional senators approved bipartisan legislation that would give President Joe Biden the authority to prohibit TikTok unless its Chinese owners divest their stakes in the company. Twelve senators, led by Democrat Mark Warner and Republican John Thune, unveiled legislation sponsored by the White House to allow the Commerce Department to regulate TikTok.[1]
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Uganda Criminalizes LGBTQ: On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Ugandan lawmakers enacted anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The measure criminalizes homosexuality, making it a capital felony punishable by execution. Just one politician out of 389 voted against the anti-homosexuality measure, which now includes execution and life jail terms for gay intercourse. The measure is the latest defeat for advocates of LGBTQ+ rights in Africa, where homosexuality is prohibited in most nations.[2]
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England Moves To Market Gene-Edited Crops: On Thursday, March 23, 2023, gene-edited food may now be commercially marketed in England, eliciting contrasting viewpoints from supporters and opponents. The law was only passed in England, but it has yet to be approved by the Irish and Scottish legislatures. Critics are worried that the process of validating the goods may introduce toxins into the commercial line of crops and that gene-edited crops would enter areas of the UK where they are not currently permitted.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian [3] BBC
Our Top Stories for the Week of March 24, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from tornadoes in the Mississippi to the visit of King Charles to Germany, 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 Disasters
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Chocolate Factory Explodes: On Saturday, March 25, 2023, an explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company plant at West Reading exploded, which claimed the lives of two people. Following emergency search and rescue, the authorities confirmed that seven people were injured and transported to local hospitals, with five others missing. The company involved has announced that they will be making inquiries into the explosion while contacting the families of those affected.[1]
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29 People Dead Off The Coast Of Tunisia: On Sunday, March 26, 2023, the Tunisian Coast guards confirmed the death of 29 immigrants when their boat sank while attempting to cross the Mediterranean sea. Before discovering the bodies, the coast guards had intercepted and prevented 80 boats from crossing into Italy within four days. They were able to rescue 11 people from the sinking boats. The tally of those migrating to Italy is 12,000 in 2023 instead of 1,300 in 2022.[2]
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Storm In The Mississippi: On Sunday, March 26, 2023, Joe Biden proclaimed a Federal Emergency for swaths of Mississippi that were struck by tornadoes. Rescue operations for survivors are still underway, with a current mortality toll of at least 26 persons caused by a devastating typhoon. The White House declared a big disaster early Sunday morning. The unlock money for four Mississippi counties was severely impacted. [3]
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Train Derails In North Dakota: On Monday, March 27, 2023, another railway accident struck in the U.S. while a train was transporting toxic chemicals. The Canadian Pacific freight train was involved, and the derailment affected 31 of 70 cars. Part of the chemicals spilled included petroleum products used in making asphalt. The spill will be left to freeze to make cleaning easier.[4]
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Nashville School Shooting: On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, an armed 28-year-old entered a private Christian school in Nashville on a shooting spree. Six people were killed, including three children. Authorities have not been detailed on what the motive for the attack was. A detailed plan of the school including a manifesto from the attacker, has been found. The suspect, who identifies as a transgender, also resides in Nashville. The shooting has caused another round of heated gun debates in the media and the communities.[5]
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Fire Outbreak At Mexican Border: On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Officials at the Mexican border confirmed a fire outbreak at the migrant detention center. 38 people died in the outbreak. According to the migration Institute, the fire started in an accommodation area with about 68 men. The officials are still unsure of the names and nationalities of the victims, but most of them are said to have been from Central America.[6]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters [3] The Guardian [4] The Guardian [5] Reuters [6] CNN
International Diplomacy
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The U.S. And Canada Agree Over Asylum Seekers: On Friday, March 24, 2023, the United States and Canada came into new agreements regarding asylum seeking. The deal closes a loophole caused by an asylum arrangement signed in 2004. According to an unnamed U.S. source, as part of the new agreement, Canada is anticipated to establish a new refugee program for 15,000 migrants fleeing oppression and violence in South and Central America. United States President Joe Biden is in Ottawa, Canada's capital, to discuss economic, trade, and immigration problems with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[1]
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Honduras Break Ties With Taiwan: On Saturday, March 25, 2023, Honduras' ministry of foreign affairs stated on Saturday that the country is officially terminating diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China will have no diplomatic relations with any nation that acknowledges Taiwan. They have spent much of the last 40 years attempting to isolate the self-ruled island by removing political friends and offering economic assistance. China has increased military, diplomatic, and fiscal pressure on Taiwan under the guidance of Xi Jinping.[2]
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King Charles Visit Germany: On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, King Charles visited Germany for the first time since becoming monarch last year. At a state banquet by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, King Charles stated, "he has been impressed by the warmth of the relationship between the two countries." The King also praised the German people's generosity of spirit and the country's compassion in housing more than one million Ukrainian migrants.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN [3] Reuters
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