Current Events This Week: May 2023

Updated May 26, 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 May 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 April 28, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of May 5, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of May 12, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of May 19, 2023

It’s been a busy week, from a Russian air strike in Ukraine to the Avian Flu epidemic in the U.K. 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

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Russian Air Strike On Ukraine: On Friday, April 28, 2023, an airstrike by Russia on Ukraine was reported, with at least 25 people dead, including a lady and her 3-year-old daughter in Dnipro and 23 in Uman. Residents were spotted attempting to gather their possessions while rescuers continued to work at the explosion locations. The attacks, according to the Russian defence ministry, were directed against Ukrainian army reserve forces. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, urged further international action to be taken against Russia.^[1]
The U.K. Extends Evacuation From Sudan: On Sunday, April 30, 2023, the British government announced an extra evacuation flight from Sudan. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has evacuated 2,122 persons from Sudan on 23 aircraft, making it the longest and greatest evacuation effort undertaken by any Western country.^[2]
President Biden Sends Troops To The Southern Border: On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, President Joe Biden's administration intends to send an extra 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border to bolster CBP's efforts for 90 days. The deployment has been approved by Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, and the White House has declared that Mexico will continue to accept migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela after May 11 on humanitarian grounds.^[3]

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

Mass Shootings

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Five People Killed In Texas: On Saturday, April 29, 2023, a man in Texas shot and murdered five people, including an eight-year-old kid, and injured three more. Greg Capers, the sheriff of San Jacinto County, announced that Francisco Oropeza is facing five murder charges. Capers believes they've cornered the culprit in the woods. Oropeza was ordered by family members to stop shooting shots in his yard, but he refused and marched to the neighbor's front door with the rifle.^[1]
Nine People Killed In Serbian School: On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, a 13-year-old fellow student killed eight students and a security guard in Serbia. Veselin Milic, the commander of Belgrade police, claimed the assailant had two pistols and two petrol bombs and had meticulously prepared his attack. Serbia's President, Aleksandar Vucic, has declared a ban on new gun licenses other than those for hunting. The suspect surrendered to authorities, and his father and mother were detained.^[2]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] Reuters

International Matters

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Shavkat Mirziyoyev Voted To Continue His Tenure: On Sunday, April 30, 2023, Uzbekistan voted on constitutional revisions that will reset President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's term count to zero and increase his presidential term from five to seven years. The Central Election Commission pronounced the referendum lawful once the turnout exceeded 50%. A 62-year-old voter stated that their lives have improved under Mirziyoyev and that they hope this trend continues. The Central Election Commission pronounced the referendum lawful once the turnout exceeded 50%.^[1]
First Chinese Male World Chess Champion Crowned: On Monday, May 1, 2023, Ding Liren won the men's global chess championship after defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi. After 14 first-round games, the 30-year-old won a rapid-play tiebreaker at the World Chess Championship in Kazakhstan. Ding replaces Magnus Carlsen of Norway, who felt unmotivated to defend his championship. The prize money of €2 million ($2.2 million) will be split 55-45 between the two players.^[2]
Avian Flu Epidemic In The U.K.: On Friday, May 5, 2023, official reports showed that the H5N1 virus has caused the worst and most rapid loss of birds in decades, wiping out 10% of Yorkshire's largest black-headed gull colony's 2,000 breeding pairs. Statistics reveal that more than 36,000 birds perished in Scotland from avian flu, while just 7,300 died in England. Rare species such as arctic terns, black-headed gulls, and common terns were particularly vulnerable.^[3]

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

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It’s been a busy week, from X to X. 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.

Middle Eastern News

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Syria Re-Enters The Arab League: On Sunday, May 7, 2023, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League after being suspended for over a decade. This implies that Syria may resume its participation in Ara League meetings immediately, and it asks for a settlement to the situation caused by Syria's civil conflict. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Arab League Secretary-General will create a ministerial contact group to work with the Syrian government to solve the issue. ^[1]
Imran Khan Placed On Arrest: On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, was detained after appearing in court in Islamabad to face corruption accusations. Protests have broken out around the country, with the army being accused of organizing his arrest. In Quetta, one demonstrator was killed by gunfire. Khan flew to Islamabad to seek bail on two corruption charges involving corruption, sedition, and terrorism.^[2]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian

Fatal Incidents

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Texas Mall Shooting: On Sunday, May 7, 2023, a gunman shot and murdered eight people at a mall north of Dallas, Texas. An eyewitness described a guy shooting at random at passers-by. After hearing shots, a nearby police officer shot and killed the shooter. Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the shooting "an unspeakable tragedy" and supported local authorities.^[1]
Car Crash At U.S. Border Town: On Monday, May 8, 2023, a vehicle slammed into a group of people outside a bus stop near a shelter for the homeless and migrants in Texas, killing eight people and wounding five more. The authorities are currently looking into whether the incident was unintentional or planned and whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the mayor of Brownsville, the suspect has been uncooperative with investigators.^[2]
Riots In Guinea: On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, a fight between riot police and anti-government protestors in Conakry, Guinea, killed two people and wounded many more. The riot is the most recent of multiple protests since the military takeover in 2021. Opposition groups, civil society organizations, and activists have called for a peaceful rally to liberate their nation. Smaller protests were also held in Nzerekore and Dabola.^[3]

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

In The United Kingdom

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Royal Coronation Ceremony: On Saturday, May 6, 2023, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned at Westminster Abbey, signaling the start of a new royal period in the United Kingdom. In a complex process not seen in Britain since 1953, the King was anointed with holy oil and swore the oath of kings. Following the swearing, Justin Welby placed Edward's crown on his head, and the congregation chanted, "God save the King!"^[1]
Baby With Three DNA: On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, after physicians completed a groundbreaking IVF treatment, the first baby in the UK was born with DNA from three individuals. The mitochondrial donation therapy (MDT) approach takes tissue from healthy female donors' eggs to make IVF embryos that are devoid of dangerous abnormalities that their mothers contain and are likely to pass on to their offspring. The study aimed to let women with malformed mitochondria have children without the danger of passing on hereditary disorders.^[2]

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

In Other News

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The Pandemic Is Declared Over: On Friday, May 5, 2023, Covid-19 is no longer classified as a worldwide health emergency, according to the World Health Organization. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus agreed at the 15th meeting of the worldwide Health Regulations Emergency Committees that the declaration of a public health emergency of worldwide significance should be lifted. Covid-19 is still spreading, according to WHO authorities, although at a lesser level of concern. The experts agree that the world has passed the Covid-19 emergency phase, but the illness is here to stay.^[1]
Trump Found Guilty In Rape Case: On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Donald Trump was found guilty of sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll in 1996 by a federal jury in Manhattan, and she was awarded $5 million in damages for abuse and slander. The complaint was brought under the New York State Adult Survivors Act, which allows for a look-back period for sexual assault accusations with extended statute limitations. Carroll stated that the win is for all women who have suffered from being disbelieved.^[2]
Wildfire In Siberia: On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at least 21 people have died in wildfires in Russia's Ural Mountains, which have been blamed on dry summers and high temperatures. Most of the fatalities happened in Yuldus, a hamlet in Kurgan province on the border between the Urals and Siberia. Kurgan province declared a state of emergency after over 5,000 buildings were burnt and destroyed. In Siberia, fires have burnt thousands of hectares in Sverdlovsk province, Omsk, and Tyumen districts.^[3]

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

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It’s been a busy week, from the TikTok Ban in Montana to the election run-off in Turkey. 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.

Social Media Network News

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Twitter Gets New CEO: On Friday, May 12, 2023, Elon Musk Linda Yaccarino, as Twitter's new CEO, six months after taking over the social media firm. She will be in charge of the site's commercial operations, which have been struggling to earn money. Elon Musk will continue to serve as executive chairman and chief technology officer. Yaccarino will be a rare example of a woman at the helm of a big technology company.^[1]
U.S. State Of Montana Bans TikTok: On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Montana became the first state in the United States to prohibit the TikTok app. TikTok has been suspected of having links to China, and the government feels it may threaten national security. The new law will go into effect on January 1, and any company that provides the opportunity to utilize it will be fined $10,000 per day. The penalty does not affect users.^[2]
Meta Confirms Blue Tick For U.K. Users: On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta started to roll out a paid verification service in the United Kingdom. For £9.99 each month, it provides Facebook and Instagram users a blue tick, and those authorized by Meta will obtain a verified badge. This represents a shift in Facebook and Instagram's approach to increasing popularity and discovering new platform monetization methods.^[3]

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

Disasters And Climate Crises

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New Zealand Create Fund For Cyclone Recovery: On Sunday, May 14, 2023, the New Zealand government set aside NZ$1.1 billion ($720 million) to help towns rebuild from cyclones and floods. This money is planned to support essential needs such as road, train, school reconstruction, and flood protection. The accident is expected to cost up to NZ$14.5 billion, making it the country's most expensive disaster. The government will not impose additional taxes to support recovery in this year's budget.^[1]
Fire Outbreak Kills Six In New Zealand: On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, six individuals were confirmed dead after a fire ripped through a Wellington hostel. Upon their arrival, Fire and Emergency New Zealand verified that the top level of the four-story structure was on fire. The hostel has 92 rooms, common areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities, and it is a short walk from Wellington Hospital. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins offered his condolences to the victims and their families.^[2]
Harsh Summer Heat Recorded In India: On Thursday, May 18, 2023, news reports show an exceptionally hot summer in India compared to last year's heatwave, which caused significant discomfort and harmed workplaces, informal workers, landless laborers, marginalized populations, agriculture, and the economy. Thirteen people died of heatstroke in April after being exposed to the open sun for hours during a government-sponsored event. According to the IPCC, India is expected to be among the countries most impacted by the consequences of the climate catastrophe.^[3]
Italy Experiencing Worst Flood In 100 Years: On Thursday, May 18, 2023, floods in northern Emilia-Romagna have taken the lives of 13 people. As a result of the disaster, which has caused 23 rivers to burst their banks and 280 landslides to engulf 41 cities and towns, an estimated 20,000 people have been displaced. Last September, 13 people were killed in floods in Marche, and 12 people died in a landslide on the island of Ischia in late November.^[4]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] CNN [3] Al Jazeera [4] The Guardian

International Matters

Photo Source: Getty Images

U.S. And EU In Joint Action Against China: On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the United States and the European Union announced they would meet in Lulea, Sweden, to coordinate export limits on semiconductors and other items. They will also work together to combat foreign information manipulation, such as China's amplification of Russian misinformation narratives regarding the Ukraine war. The EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is in its fourth year.^[1]
Changes At The Border As U.S. Scraps Title 42: On Sunday, May 14, 2023, Alejandro Mayorkas of the U.S. Homeland Security reported that repealing Title 42 restrictions and President Biden's stricter immigration policy has resulted in a 50% drop in border crossings. Border patrol personnel captured 6,300 migrants on Friday and 4,200 on Saturday, compared to 10,000 before Title 42 was repealed. President Biden has no immediate plans to visit the border.^[2]
Turkish Election Headed For Run-Off: On Monday, May 15, 2023, the Turkish Supreme Election Council has announced that President Recep Erdogan will face his competitor in a run-off election. Mr. Erdogan received 49.51% of the vote in the first round, whereas Kemal Kilocdaroglu received 44.88%. Mr. Erdogan needs more than half the vote to win the election outright. The second round of the election is scheduled for May 28, with Mr. Erdogan as the apparent favorite. Mr. Erdogan has been Turkey's president for nearly 20 years.^[3]
Zambia Raises Interest Rate To Curb Inflation: On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the Central Bank of Zambia hiked its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 9.50% due to high inflation. Since November 2021, the bank has held it at 9.0%. The country became the first African country to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID-19 era, and future delays in external debt restructuring are significant threats to the inflation forecast.^[4]

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

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It’s been a busy week, from X to X. 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.

Recent US Developments

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Nebraska To Restrict Abortion And Transgender Care: On Friday, May 18, 2023, the State of Nebraska passed legislation restricting transgender youth's access to gender-affirming medical care. The bill, which is awaiting the signature of Republican Governor Jim Pillen, prohibits abortion after 12 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, the bill prohibits gender-altering surgeries and limits hormone therapy and puberty-blocking drugs for transgender people under 19.^[1]
Treaty Over Colorado River: On Monday, May 22, 2023, seven states reach a new agreement over the Colorado River, which provides drinking water for 40 million people and irrigation for some of the country's most fertile farmland. Per the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of the Interior stated that Arizona, California, and Nevada would take 3 million acre-feet (3.7 billion cubic meters) less from the river until the end of 2026.^[2]
Governor DeSantis Launches Presidential Bid: On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on Twitter's audio platform. However, the announcement was delayed for approximately 25 minutes due to technical difficulties. During his announcement, he said the reason he is entering the race is so he can lead his great country's comeback. DeSantis, who registered with the Federal Election Commission earlier on Wednesday, said winning is the only option.^[3]

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

Fatal Incidents

Photo Source: Getty Images

12 People Dead In Stadium Stampede: On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Ooficials said that 12 people were killed due to the Stampede and ruckus at a stadium in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador. The event occurred at the Cuscatlan Stadium during a match between the local club, Alianza, and Fas. El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, characterized the occurrence as unusual and said it would be examined. According to reports, all of the victims were above the age of 18.^[1]
Three Dead In Nightclub Attack: On Sunday, May 21, 2023, three people were murdered and two more were wounded in a shooting at a Missouri nightclub, making it one of three mass shootings in the United States this weekend. The victims' identities have not been disclosed, however, friends and followers of prominent artist Jason McConnell have identified him as one of the fatalities. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this is the 230th mass shooting in the United States this year.^[2]
Guam Typhoon: On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Typhoon Mawar swept into the Pacific Islands, bringing severe rain, tree-shredding winds, and a storm surge that crashed through the coral reefs on the islands. According to the Guam Electricity Authority, tens of thousands of homes were without electricity on Thursday, although a complete blackout was averted. Authorities in Guam advised residents to stock up on supplies and seek shelter before Mawar's arrival, predicting a "direct hit" from the storm.^[3]

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

International Matters

Photo Source: Getty Images

Zelensky To Attend G7 Summit: On Friday, May 19, 2023, Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend the Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Japan in person, demonstrating confidence and Western cooperation. This is the first trip to Asia by the Ukrainian President since the invasion of Ukraine last year. Oleksii Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, feels Zelensky's physical presence is critical to defending Ukraine's interests and providing clear ideas and arguments on the country's events.^[1]
Largest African Refinery Built In Nigeria: On Monday, May 23, 2023, Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dangote commissioned the largest oil refinery ever built in Africa to ease persistent gasoline shortages. It can generate 650,000 barrels of petroleum product per day and is equipped with a power station, deep seaport, and fertilizer factory. The facility cost $19 billion to construct. Mr. Aliko Dangote, the refinery's owner, said the initial aim is to increase the production of diverse goods to meet the country's needs this year.^[2]
Paralyzed Man Walks With Help Of Brain Chip: On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, doctors inserted a "digital bridge" device that analyzes his brain waves and transmits commands to his spine to engage the right muscles, enabling Gert-Jan Oskam to stand and walk with assistance. According to Oskam, the implant allowed for more natural movements than previously but did not provide rapid, fluid steps. The gadget also seems to help with recovery, as Oskam regained some control of his legs after more than 40 training sessions.^[3]

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

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