Current Events This Week: October 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 October 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 September 29, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of October 6, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of October 13, 2023
- Our Top Stories for the Week of October 20, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of September 29, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from the removal of McCarthy as U.S. Speaker of the House to souring India-Canada relations. 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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Fire Outbreak In Spanish Nightclub: On Sunday, October 1, 2023, a nightclub fire in Spain claimed the lives of at least 13 people, with four others injured. The fire is thought to be the deadliest in Spain in decades. The source of the fire, which broke out extremely early on Sunday, is unknown. Murcia's mayor said on X that three days of mourning had been designated in the city for those who died in the fire.[1]
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10 People Dead As Church Collapses In Mexico: On Monday, October 2, 2023, a church in northern Mexico collapsed, killing ten people and injuring 60 more. A suspected structural failure was blamed for the catastrophe. Ten persons were killed, according to the state security agency. At the time of the occurrence, there were roughly 100 individuals in the church. While rescue workers worked inside, Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico requested for donations and wood to help reinforce the roof.[2]
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21 People Dead In Venice Bush Crash: On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, a passenger bus near Venice, Italy, crashed through a bridge near Mestre, killing 21 passengers, two of whom were children. The bus was taking people from Venice to Marghera on its way home from work. The truck caught fire after crashing through an overpass wall and landing between a warehouse and Mestre station tracks. Authorities are currently looking into what caused the collision.[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian [3] CNN
International Relations
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India Wants Canada To Withdraw Diplomats: On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, India has ordered Canada to evacuate nearly 40 diplomatic personnel from its country. Those who remained after October 10 would lose their diplomatic immunity, according to India. Last month, Canada accused India of participation in the execution of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, an accusation India denied. Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, stated on Tuesday that he has no plans to escalate the conflict with India.[1]
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Ukraine To Receive Fresh Sets Of Ammunition From The U.S.: On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, the U.S. military revealed that it had supplied over 1 million rounds of ammunition captured from Iranians last year to Ukraine. The United States Central Command, in charge of military operations in the Middle East, revealed that about 1.1 million 7.62-millimeter rounds were delivered to Ukraine. However, considering that long-range weaponry and air defense systems are at the top of Ukraine's wish list, the ammunition is unlikely to make a significant difference on the battlefield.[2]
Political USA
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Congress Passes Bill To Avoid Shutdown: On Sunday, October 1, 2023, the House and Senate reached a short-term financial arrangement to avoid a federal shutdown. After overwhelming support, President Joe Biden signed the funding bill into law before the deadline. As many as 90 House Republicans opposed the plan, but more Democrats supported it. The bill's passing hurt a tiny number of right-wing Republicans who had stalled chamber deliberations with demands for spending cutbacks and no additional aid for Ukraine.[1]
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Kevin McCarthy Deposed As Speaker: On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Kevin McCarthy was impeached as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Less than a year after his victory, he was deposed by hard-right members of his own Republican party. McCarthy's departure marks the first time in United States history that a speaker has been removed from office. Matt Gaetz, a Republican congressman from Florida, submitted the motion to remove McCarthy.[2]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian
In Other News
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September Recorded As Hottest Month On Record: On Thursday, October 5, 2023, according to the EU Climate Service, the highest global temperatures ever recorded in September were 1.75 degrees Celsius, greatly above the previous record. Experts believe that both the El Nio weather event and continued emissions of warming gases are to blame for the heat. Because the Paris Agreement refers to decades, not months, the September result does not contradict the 2015 Paris Agreement to keep temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius.[1]
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Biden Plans Another Student Loan Relief: On Thursday, October 5, 2023, Joe Biden stated that his administration has approved an additional $9 billion in student debt relief for 125,000 borrowers. After the Supreme Court halted his plan to provide loan relief to Americans, the President confirmed that he would look into other options. With the President's recent announcement, Biden's administration's overall approved debt cancellation totals $127 billion for nearly 3.6 million Americans.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Week of October 6, 2023
It’s been a busy week, from a fatal bus crash in Mexico to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 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.
Humanitarian Disasters
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Israel Declares War Against Hamas: On Sunday, October 8, 2023, Israel declared war on Hamas and began planning a large military campaign in Gaza. Over 700 Israelis have been killed by Hamas, which also holds over 100 Israelis hostage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised reprisal and is bracing himself for a terrible conflict. Over 400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israel's airstrikes.[1]
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29 People Killed In Myanmar Refugee Camp: On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, an artillery strike on a displaced persons' camp in northeast Myanmar controlled by the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) killed at least 29 people, including children. The camp is part of a civil war that began in 2021 after a military coup. The junta was accused of complicity by the exiled National Unity Government.[2]
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Blackout And Blockade In Gaza Strip: On Friday, October 13, 2023, the Gaza Strip was bombarded by Israel, leading to a crisis that has escalated into a full-blown war. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has warned of a total blockade of food, water, fuel, and electricity supply. The crisis has resulted in 1,300 Israeli deaths, 1,500 Palestinian deaths, 338,000 displacements, and 19 healthcare facilities grounded. Over 50,000 pregnant women cannot access health services.[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] BBC [3] BBC
United States Politics
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Trump Backs Jim Jordan For Speaker: On Friday, October 6, 2023, former president Donald Trump stated on Friday that Jim Jordan would make an excellent House Speaker and that he has his full support. Mr. Jordan is one of Congress's most outspoken supporters of the ceremonial presidency. He is now serving his ninth term and has overseen the investigation for President Joe Biden's impeachment. Several notable conservatives have already backed Mr. Jordan's bid.[1]
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Gavin Newsom Vetoes Caste Discrimination Bill: On Sunday, October 8, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that was recently passed by the state legislature. The bill expressly prohibits caste discrimination; nevertheless, the Governor highlighted existing statutes that prevent ancestral discrimination, rendering the bill redundant. Governor Newsom's rejection is a major blow for campaigners who had been lobbying for the measure. Following a city council resolution earlier this year, Seattle became the first city in the United States to criminalize caste discrimination.[2]
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Steve Scalese Denied Speaker Spot: On Thursday, October 12, 2023, Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, selected Steve Scalise to replace Kevin McCarthy as speaker. Scalise defeated his opponent, Jim Jordan, in a secret ballot poll to gain his party's selection for president. Several Jordan supporters have stated that they will not vote for Scalise for House leadership. Scalise received 113 votes, while Jordan received 99 votes.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] Reuters [3] Reuters
Fatal Accidents
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Bus Crash Kills 16 People In Mexico: On Friday, October 6, 2023, A bus disaster in Oaxaca, Mexico, resulted in the deaths of 16 people, the majority of whom were migrants. The incident occurred after at least ten Cuban migrants, including a toddler, were killed in an overturned vehicle in southern Mexico. The accident's cause is still being studied. Venezuelan and Haitian migrants are fleeing insecurity and economic crisis in their home countries. The crash injured at least 27 persons.[1]
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Police Shoot Driver In Deadly Confrontation: Authorities announced that police killed the individual who smashed into the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. Within minutes of the incident, police arrived on the scene and confronted the driver in the lobby. After being shot, the driver was brought to the hospital, but he was subsequently pronounced dead. The Consulate General of China's spokeswoman denounced the disaster, claiming it damaged the structure and endangered many people.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Week of October 13, 2023
It’s been a busy week from more bomb blasts in Gaza to a Speakership election in the U.S. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
Israel-Palestine Conflict
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Landlord Stabs Muslim Tenant To Death: On Monday, October 16, 2023, Joseph Czuba, 71, was charged with murder and hate crimes after stabbing a Muslim six-year-old kid and injuring his mother in Illinois in an attack that was precipitated by the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. A federal hate crime inquiry has been launched by the US Department of Justice. President Joe Biden condemned the incident, saying it violated American and core values.[1]
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Airstrike Hits Gaza Hospital: On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, a major blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds, raising humanitarian worries over Israel's deprivation of the enclave's people of food, gasoline, and electricity. The hospital housed thousands of people who had been displaced by the attack. Palestinian officials believe the incident was caused by an ongoing Israeli airstrike. At the same time, Israel's defense forces deny any involvement and blame the attack on a failed rocket fire by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. For more than a week, Israel has been laying siege on Gaza.[2]
United States Politics
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Jim Jordan Nominated For Speaker: On Friday, October 13, 2023, Republican Jim Jordan was nominated as the new speaker contender in the United States House of Representatives, but more than 50 Republicans voted against him on the floor, leaving the party in disarray. Jordan will encounter stiff opposition, akin to Steve Scalise's failed effort. Jordan gained only 25 supporters since losing to Scalise on the House GOP vote, which ended 124-81. Since McCarthy's dismissal, the party has yet to nominate a speaker.[1]
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Jordan Falls Short Of Required Vote Needed For Speakership: On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Jim Jordan, who Trump endorsed, lost his second quest to become Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. With 22 Republicans and all 212 Democrats voting against him, he fell short of the requisite 217 votes. This resulted in fewer votes for Steve Scalise than he received in any previous round of voting. Since McCarthy's ouster, Republicans have struggled to rally behind a speaker candidate. Some Republicans are thinking about a backup plan.[2]
Criminal Attacks
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French Teacher Killed In Knife Attack: On Friday, October 13, 2023, a knife assault at Gambetta High School in Arras, France, killed an instructor and critically injured two others. The attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. local time, with the attacker yelling "God is greatest." The French prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into "murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise" and "attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise."[1]
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Swedish Citizens Killed In Brussels: On Monday, October 16, 2023, two Swedish nationals were killed in Brussels, and a third was injured, forcing the cancellation of a Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden. Swedish footballers informed UEFA that they would not play Belgium in the second half of March, which the Belgian squad agreed to. Federal prosecutors have begun an investigation into terrorism, and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo has extended condolences to Sweden's Prime Minister.[2]
In Other News
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New Zealand Labor Party Loses General Election: On Saturday, October 14, 2023, New Zealand voters backed the opposition National Party, rejecting the Labor government, a surprise for the Labor Party, which had a historic mandate three years ago. Christopher Luxon, the leader of the National Party, promised to build a new government with a libertarian party Act, focused on lowering living costs, restoring law and order, and enhancing healthcare and education. Jacinda Ardern, the leader of the Labor Party, congratulated Luxon on his election triumph.[1]
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China To Host Global Gathering: On Sunday, October 15, 2023, President Xi Jinping of China is poised to host a high-profile symposium in Beijing to commemorate the country's contribution in economic progress over the last decade. Over 140 leaders, representatives, and delegations from over 140 nations are anticipated to attend, including several from the Middle East and the Global South. The event is China's first international event after the country's epidemic isolation was lifted. Officials believe the meeting will help China provide a more comprehensive perspective of its global significance.[2]
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Amazon Develops Humanoids For Its Services: On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Amazon increased its use of robots. It developed a robotic arm capable of picking up goods last year and has begun utilizing drones for delivery in two U.S. states. Amazon is also testing Digit, a new robot that can move, grab, and handle objects like humans. According to the corporation, its robot systems have created hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and it now has over 750,000 robots that work together with human employees.[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] BBC
Our Top Stories for the Week of October 20, 2023
It’s been a busy week from the flash flood in the UK to the Speakership election in the U.S. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.
International Conflict
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Gaza Gets Aid Through Egypt: On Saturday, October 21, 2023, following extensive discussions involving the United States, Israel, Egypt, and the United Nations, the Rafah crossing point connecting Egypt and Gaza has been successfully reopened. The agreement permits the entry of 20 Egyptian trucks carrying medical goods into the specified zone. Israel has made a formal request for evidence about the delivery of aid by Hamas, while discussions over the verification procedures of the United Nations are still ongoing.[1]
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Enemy Missile Kills Six In Ukraine: On Sunday, October 22, 2023, a distribution center located in Ukraine was struck by a missile, resulting in the unfortunate death of six postal workers and causing injuries to 14 additional individuals. The strike occurred in Kharkiv, the city where the Nova Poshta sorting facility was situated. The age range of all those affected by the incident ranged from 19 to 42 years old. The Russian government has denied allegations of deliberately targeting civilians, although has refrained from providing any official statement so far.[2]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] BBC
World Politics
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Run-Off Elections To Be Held In Argentina: On Monday, October 23, 2023, the presidential election in Argentina is proceeding into a runoff phase subsequent to the victory of Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who garnered more than 36% of the total votes. Consequently, Massa finds himself in competition with Javier Milei. Nevertheless, none of the candidates managed to secure the necessary 45% of the vote, leading to the arrangement of a runoff election set to take place on November 19th. Patricia Bullrich, the former security minister, secured the third position with a vote share of 23.8%.[1]
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Women Emark On Equality Protest In Iceland: On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, many women in Iceland, including the Prime Minister, went on strike as part of a movement to improve gender equality in the country. The protest on Tuesday will be the seventh time women in Iceland have gone on strike for gender equality. Some schools in Iceland did not open their doors, and only one bank branch was reported to have opened on the entire island, according to Icelandic state television.[2]
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South Africa Gets $1 Billion Aid: On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the World Bank revealed that its board of directors has approved a $1 billion loan to assist South Africa in reforming its energy sector as it attempts to overcome frequent power outages that have hampered economic growth. South Africa's World Bank director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, stated last month that the loan was being discussed and might be approved soon. The World Bank also affirmed that its Development Policy Loan will help to reduce water and air pollution by lowering their reliance on coal for electricity generation.[3]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN [3] Reuters
Speaker Elections In The US
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Jim Jordan Loses Republican Support: On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the candidacy of Republican legislator Jim Jordan for the position of Speaker of the United States House of Representatives ended as a result of the withdrawal of support following his unsuccessful third vote. The House of Representatives will abstain from addressing President Biden's proposed $106 billion national security plan, averting a potential government shutdown. In the third round, Jordan obtained a total of 194 votes, falling shy of the minimum threshold of 200 votes required for his candidacy.[1]
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Mike Johnson Elected As Speaker: On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, Republican Mike Johnson was chosen speaker of the United States House of Representatives, bringing a three-week deadlock to a close. Johnson received votes from all 220 Republicans, while Hakeem Jeffries received votes from all 209 Democrats. He promised to reestablish confidence and regain the trust of the American people. Johnson defeated Bryon Donald of Florida to become the fourth Republican nominee in three weeks.[2]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian
Fatal Incidents
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Fog Accidents Caused 8 People’s Deaths in Louisiana: On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, a string of crashes along Interstate 55 in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, killed eight people and injured 63 others. The event comprised 168 automobiles as well as road debris, diesel, and chemicals. The northbound and southbound lanes of I-55 will be closed until the Department of Transportation and Development assesses the bridge at the crash site. Governor John Bel Edwards offered his condolences to the victims and urged people to exercise caution when traveling in affected areas.[1]
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Storm Babet Blows Through The U.K. Causing Flood: On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, resulting in deaths, food shortages, and price increases. Storm Babet recently generated torrential rainfall and flash floods, displacing hundreds, and killing seven people. In England, approximately 1,250 structures have been submerged, and 30,000 houses require flood protection. Flood and coastal erosion mitigation necessitates the active participation of farmers and land managers.[2]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian
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