Current Events This Week: April 2024

Updated November 20, 2024 | 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 April 2024.

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 5, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of April 12, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of April 19, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of April 26, 2024

It’s been a busy week from the Finland school shooting to the Heatwave in south-east Asia. 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 Events

Car Bombing In Syria: On Sunday, March 31, 2024, A vehicle explosion at the Azaz market in northern Syria killed at least seven people, including two children, and wounded many more. The town, controlled by pro-Turkish militias, is located close to the Turkish border. The incident happened during Eid al-Fitr shopping and resulted in corpses on the ground, destroyed houses, and a vehicle fire. Azaz has already been bombed, including an ISIS attack on a courtroom in 2017. The Syrian Interim Government claims lawful control of the nation.^[1]
Finland School Shooting: On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, A 12-year-old kid was murdered, and two others badly wounded in a shooting at the Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland. The suspect, also 12, left the scene but was subsequently apprehended. The event stunned the town, prompting a quick police reaction. Finnish authorities will handle the situation via social services. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, expressed astonishment and announced a day of grief. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo highlighted the mental health difficulties of young people.^[2]
Fire Disaster In Istanbul: On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, A fire at the Masquerade Club in Istanbul's Besiktas neighborhood killed 29 people and injured eight, seven of whom are in bad condition. The fire began about 1 p.m. local time and devoured the 16-story building on Gonenoglu Street. Eight people have been arrested, including the nightclub's management, accountant, and restoration personnel. Authorities are examining the cause, with an emphasis on workplace safety and fire prevention.^[3]

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

Legislations In The U.S.

Georgia Passes New Immigration Bill: On Friday, March 29, 2024, In reaction to the death of nursing student Laken Riley, Georgia's GOP-led legislature approved HB 1105, an immigration enforcement law. The measure requires immigration status checks on arrested or suspected offenders, with penalties for non-cooperation. Governor Brian Kemp is anticipated to approve the bill, which calls for stricter border restrictions and links crime to unauthorized immigration. Democrats reject the legislation, alleging prejudice and possible damage to immigrant communities. Similar measures are being used in other states.^[1]
Texan Court Blocks Probe Into Transgender Kids: On Friday, March 29, 2024, A Texas appeals court affirmed an injunction that barred the state from investigating parents who provide gender-affirming medical treatments to transgender children, a practice considered harmful by Governor Greg Abbott. The verdict, which benefits LGBTQ organizations, medical professionals, and civil rights supporters, rejects conservative attempts to criminalize such therapies for transgender youngsters. The ACLU and its affiliates represented a targeted transgender girl's family. Texas previously barred such care in 2023.^[2]
Tony Evers Vetoes Sports Bill In Wisconsin: On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers rejected legislation preventing transgender and intersex youth from participating in sex-segregated school sports teams. The law, enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature, would have classified sports teams based on their birth certificate gender classification. However, the measure did not get enough parliamentary support for a veto override, and Republican Representative Barbara Dittrich criticized the veto as disrespectful of biological females' concerns.^[3]

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

Israel-Gaza War

ICC Orders Israel To Allow Humanitarian Aid Into Gaza: On Friday, March 29, 2024, Despite Israel's denials that it is preventing food and blaming Hamas, the International Court of Justice has ordered it to let aid into Gaza to avoid hunger. South Africa asked the court to intervene, invoking the UN Genocide Convention. The court lacks enforcement authority and depends on the United Nations Security Council. Gaza is experiencing food poverty, hunger, and allegations of using starvation as a weapon of war.^[1]
Biden Approves Fighter Jet Sales To Israel: On Monday, April 1, 2024, President Biden's administration is nearly finalizing a $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, the biggest US foreign military purchase since the battle with Hamas. The transaction includes precision-guided munitions kits. Despite criticism of Israel's activities in Gaza, the United States continues to provide military backing. Democratic MPs have urged for aid limits until greater humanitarian assistance and better civilian protection are given. Concerns have also been raised about intelligence-sharing techniques and Israel's unwillingness to reform its policy.^[2]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN

Environmental Crises

Zimbabwe In Severe Drought: On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Zimbabwe declared a national calamity owing to severe drought induced by El Niño, requesting $2 billion in assistance to assist millions suffering starvation. Over 2.7 million people will likely face food shortages this year, with a grain crop that will barely meet half of the country's demands. The drought has lowered power generation and increased the danger of disease outbreaks. The United Nations resident coordinator in Zimbabwe is seeking to mobilize resources.^[1]
Heatwave Episode In Southeast Asia: On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Thousands of schools in the Philippines have canceled in-person lessons due to excessive heat. Prolonged dry weather in Indonesia has driven rice prices, while experts fear that high temperatures in Thailand's waterways would endanger coral. The heat is caused by human-induced climate change and the El Niño phenomena. The high heat has also harmed harvests, with Indonesian rice prices rising more than 16% in February compared to the previous year.^[2]

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

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It’s been a busy week from Britain’s Arms Deal with Ukraine to the death of OJ Simpson. 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 Events

Bus Crash Kills 45 People In South Africa: On Friday, April 5, 2024, A bus tragedy in South Africa's Limpopo province killed 45 worshippers, including an eight-year-old child, on their way to an Easter conference. The incident happened near the Mamatlakala mountain pass, and the bus caught fire. Twelve corpses have been discovered, some of which are charred beyond recognition. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga committed to return the corpses to Botswana, while President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his sympathies to the afflicted families.^[1]
Russian Dam Collapses: On Saturday, April 6, 2024, A dam broke in Orsk, Kazakhstan, evacuating about 4,200 people and affecting over 2,500 dwellings. Russia filed a criminal lawsuit for negligence in 2014, and Orenburg's regional governor blamed the dam's construction for the record rainfall. Authorities warned of unsafe flood levels on the Ural River and prepared for forcible evacuations. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described it as one of the biggest natural catastrophes in 80 years.^[2]
Boat Mishap In Mozambique: On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, a ferry boat carrying 130 passengers sank off Mozambique's northern coast, killing over 100 people. The ferry was overloaded and not authorized to take passengers. The travelers were escaping a cholera epidemic. Ten people were rescued, with almost 20 still missing. President Filipe Nyusi launched an inquiry and vowed government measures to reduce the incident's consequences. Mozambique has been dealing with cholera epidemics, with Nampula province alone responsible for 5,084 cases and 12 fatalities.^[3]
Industrial Explosion Kills Three People In Italy: On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, an explosion at a hydropower facility in northern Italy killed three people and left four more missing. Five people were flown to hospitals after receiving serious burns because of the incident. The dead were contractors aged 36 to 73 who were stranded under the surface, delaying rescue attempts. The event sparked worker safety worries and coincided with scheduled union strikes. The facility, operated by Enel Green Power, suspended operations, although there was no damage to the dam.^[4]
Public Shooting In Washington DC: On Thursday, April 11, 2024, A shooting in Washington, DC resulted in one death and several injuries, including two children. The shooter left the location, resulting in a public warning. Police are looking for a suspect's car. Police Chief Pamela A Smith offered sympathies and guaranteed continuous efforts to combat violence, despite a 22% drop in murders and violent crime from the previous year. She emphasized the need to collaborate with federal authorities to remove illicit guns from the streets.^[5]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian [3] CNN [4] BBC [5] The Guardian

United States Legislations

Democratic Senate Leader Hopeful On TikTok Moton: On Friday, April 5, 2024, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the prospect of a motion on TikTok legislation after the House of Representatives voted to give Chinese company ByteDance six months to sell US assets or risk a ban. He noted bipartisan progress in children's online safety, rail safety, internet subsidies, cannabis banking, and competitiveness with China. TikTok opposes the restriction, claiming First Amendment rights and national security concerns.^[1]
State Of Arizona Clamps Down On Abortion: On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, The Arizona Supreme Court affirmed a 160-year-old near-total abortion prohibition, enabling the state to execute the legislation except when the mother's life is in danger. This decision may shut all clinics, affecting women's healthcare and the forthcoming election. Arizona voters may be able to reverse the judgment via a November referendum. Governor Katie Hobbs has vowed that Arizonans would not be penalized for seeking or providing abortions.^[2]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] BBC

War Efforts

Israel Pulls Troops From Gaza: On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Israel removed all ground soldiers from southern Gaza, leaving two brigades in the northern part. The action comes as Hamas and Israeli representatives go to Egypt for cease-fire talks. The discussions try to achieve a cease-fire and a hostage release agreement, but prior negotiations have failed. Hamas seeks a lasting truce, the evacuation of Israeli troops, and a prisoner swap. The battle, started by Hamas, has resulted in substantial deaths and humanitarian issues.^[1]
The U.K. And Ukraine Sign New Arms Deal: On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Ukraine, and Britain signed a framework agreement to cooperate on military and arms manufacturing, intending to strengthen Ukraine's domestic weapons sector in the face of the current war. The first was signed during a military industry conference in Kyiv, attended by over 30 British defense manufacturers. Despite Russian threats, Ukraine is stepping up its attempts to create its weapons and recruit Western makers. BAE Systems will maintain and repair light weapons locally.^[2]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] Reuters

In Other News

New York Police Fined Over Hijab Mugshot: On Friday, April 5, 2024, The New York Police Department agreed to pay $17.5 million in a class action lawsuit brought against two Muslim women, Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz, who were compelled to remove their hijabs for mug pictures in 2018. The deal, which is still awaiting approval by a federal court, seeks to strike a balance between religious freedom and law enforcement concerns. The payouts, which are likely to range between $7,000 to $13,000 per person, will go to people arrested between March 2014 and August 2021.^[1]
OJ Simpson Dies At 76: On Thursday, April 11, 2024, OJ Simpson, a former American football star and reputed double murderer, died of cancer at the age of 76. Simpson's career was defined by the 1994 killings and legal trials, which resulted in a not-guilty judgment. He was eventually found liable in a civil case and ordered to pay $33.5 million. In 2008, he received a 15-year jail term for a failed heist in Las Vegas.^[2]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian

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It’s been a busy week from the stabbing spree in Australia to the flood in Dubai. 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.

Global Affairs

Criminal Goes On Stabbing Spree In Sydney: On Saturday, April 13, 2024, a horrific stabbing occurred at a Westfield retail complex in Bondi Junction, Sydney, killing six people and injuring dozens of others. A police officer fatally shot the attacker, a 40-year-old male. The tragedy killed a nine-month-old baby and her mother, Ash Good. The motivation is not thought to be terrorism-related. The shopping mall was evacuated and closed, and the neighborhood mourns its loss.^[1]

Iran Launches Drone Towards Israel: On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Iran's first direct attack on Israeli territory, which resulted in a catastrophic injury to a 7-year-old girl, has increased the likelihood of a larger regional battle. The United States has expressed strong support for Israel. Israel proposed that the UN Security Council censure the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and designate it as a terrorist organization. Tensions remain high, with the United States emphasizing its commitment to protecting its personnel and assisting Israel's defense.^[2]
Dubai Witnesses Massive Floods: On Thursday, April 19, 2024, Dubai had an unprecedented 48 hours of severe rain, with four huge storms dumping nearly twice the annual average of 25 centimeters in a single day. The storms, each fuelled by powerful jet streams, inundated most of the city's outdoor infrastructure. Dubai's meteorological apparatus was unprepared for the worst rains since 1949, forcing private enterprises and government workers to work from home and closing schools across the country. An old guy died in Ras Al Khaimah.^[3]

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

European Politics

Polish Lawmakers To End Abortion Ban: On Friday, April 12, 2024, Polish MPs are seeking to relax draconian abortion rules, including legalizing abortions for up to 12 weeks, in line with Western European countries. President Andrzej Duda, a member of the populist Law and Justice party, is anticipated to veto any proposed reforms. The current restriction, imposed in 2020, sparked outrage and contributed to Tusk's electoral success. The legislative process to ease the laws reveals tensions within Tusk's alliance.^[1]
Brawl In Georgia’s Parliament: On Monday, April 15, 2024, Georgian MPs fought in parliament over a bill forcing organizations that receive foreign funding to register as foreign agents or face penalties. The ruling party intends to adopt the legislation, which has been faced with Western condemnation and internal protests. The European Union and the United States are against the law, questioning its compliance with democratic norms. Georgia Dream defends it as important for countering foreign influence and promoting transparency.^[2]
House Of Commons To Ban Smoking For People Born After 2009: On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the UK Parliament passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will prohibit cigarette sales to anybody born after 2009. Despite Tory criticism, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins defended the proposal, emphasizing the need to combat addiction. The plan, modeled after New Zealand's previous legislation, aspires to establish a "smoke-free generation." Implementation is pending further legislative stages, which could be enacted before the 2019 general election.^[3]
EU Queries Tiktok: On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, TikTok was given 24 hours by the EU to perform a risk assessment of its new TikTok Lite function, which pays users with Amazon vouchers, PayPal gift cards, or TikTok Coins for completing "tasks". The Commission began an investigation into TikTok to see whether it violated the EU's Digital Service Act in areas such as minor protection, advertising transparency, and risk management. TikTok was previously fined €350 million for breaking privacy laws governing how children's data is handled.^[4]

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

In The U.S.

Biden Forgives More Student Loans: On Friday, April 12, 2024, President Joe Biden canceled $7.4 billion in student debt for nearly 277,000 people, fulfilling one of his administration's campaign promises. The assistance package includes funding for borrowers in repayment plans, income-driven repayment plans, and improvements to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The Department of Education will notify impacted borrowers, and relief is likely in the following weeks. The Biden administration is using existing measures to aid and modernize the student loan system.^[1]
Another Casualty From Baltimore Bridge Discovered: On Monday, April 15, 2024, a fourth person was discovered trapped in a submerged construction vehicle following the Baltimore bridge collapse. The FBI is examining the circumstances leading up to the shooting, and federal officials are present at the scene. Salvage efforts aim to recover remaining victims and bridge pieces, while the National Transportation Safety Board conducts a separate inquiry. Other considerations include the ship's data recorder and fuel pollution.^[2]

Source: [1] BBC [2] BBC

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It’s been a busy week from Harvey Weinstein’s conviction being overturned to dead Migrants along the English Channel. 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 Trends

The U.S. Removes Its Army From Niger: On Saturday, April 20, 2024, following a coup and a move toward Russia, the United States is removing all soldiers from Niger, thus ending its engagement in combatting Islamist terrorists. The withdrawal comes after conversations between US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. Niger's tilt toward Russia includes Russian military instructors and a new air defense system.^[1]
Russian Deputy Defence Minister Prosecuted For Bribery: On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Timur Ivanov, the Deputy Defence Minister of Russia, was formally accused of bribery, which is the most prominent corruption case in the country since President Putin's military intervention in Ukraine. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment. Ivanov, a trusted Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu associate, was removed from his post, indicating a potential wider effort to combat corruption inside the defense bureaucracy.^[2]
Harvey Weinstein Conviction Declared Unfair By New York Court: On Thursday, April 25, 2024, a rape conviction against Harvey Weinstein has been overturned by a court in New York, causing outrage among the Hollywood community. Weinstein was formerly convicted and sentenced to a term of 23 years in jail for committing two sexual offenses. The court of appeals considered the verdict to be unfair. Notable figures like as Rossana Arquette, Ashley Judd, and Tarana Burke have voiced their dissatisfaction and endorsement of the #MeToo campaign. Weinstein conveyed a sense of enthusiasm and hopefulness.^[3]

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

Fatal Events

Swedish Police Shoots Drugged Assailant After Stabbing Three Women: On Friday, April 19, 2024, in central Sweden, police reacted to a report of a man reportedly injuring three women aged 65 to 80. The victims were sent to a hospital. The suspect, who was carrying a knife and had a history of narcotics charges, was shot and injured. The two women were in serious but stable condition, and the suspect had a gunshot wound to the leg. The incident emphasizes the importance of taking fast action in such circumstances.^[1]
Motorsports Car Races Into Spectator Stand: On Sunday, April 21, 2024, a race car overturned during the Fox Hill Supercross competition in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka, killing seven people and injuring 21, including an eight-year-old kid. Four race officials and spectators were killed, and two drivers were jailed. The tragedy occurred after a car overturned on the track, prompting officials to slow down drivers using yellow lights. The absence of safety barriers at key spots has generated outrage on social media.^[2]
Helicopter Collision Kills 10 Malaysian Navy Crew: On Tuesday, April 3, 2024, two Malaysian Navy helicopters collided during a naval parade rehearsal, killing all ten crew members. The event occurred at the Lumut naval facility in Perak. The crash took place while the Royal Malaysian Navy was training for its 90th anniversary parade. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The military minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin, reported that the helicopters were flying in formation when one rotor collided with another.^[3]
Migrants Found Dead While Crossing The English Channel: On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, French officials confirmed that five individuals, including a seven-year-old child, died while crossing the English Channel. The boat ran aground after leaving Wimereux. Rescue operations continue, with 47 persons rescued and 57 continuing their journey to the UK under navy control. The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has underlined the importance of preventing perilous crossings and has established laws to expedite asylum petitions in Rwanda.^[4]

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

U.S. Legislations

Biden Signs Surveillance Bill: On Saturday, April 20, 2024, President Biden signed legislation to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence eavesdropping Act, preventing the controversial eavesdropping program from expiring. The Senate passed the bill 60-34, hoping to placate conservatives while allowing Trump to change the law if re-elected. Critics claim that Section 702 enables the government to collect massive amounts of information on foreign targets, including Americans. Despite bipartisan backing, there is ongoing discussion regarding the program's breadth and privacy issues.^[1]
Tennessee Passes Law To Allow Teachers To Carry Firearms: On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Following the tragic Nashville school shooting, Tennessee lawmakers enacted a bill allowing teachers to carry concealed firearms at school. The measure mandates 40 hours of school policing training for concealed carry, with people bearing the costs. The carrier's name is kept confidential, and school officials must approve permission for the person to carry a pistol.^[2]
Arizona Set To Overturn Abortion Ban: On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Arizona lawmakers voted to abolish an 1864 abortion ban, with three Republicans joining Democrats. The statute, which provides no exceptions for rape or incest, has come under increased criticism and pressure. The bill will now travel to the state senate and governor's desk. The Arizona Supreme Court recently reinstated a dormant provision that allowed abortions solely to save a patient's life, prompting concerns about medical punishment.^[3]

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

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Do you want to find out about the rest of the events that happened around the world in previous weeks?

For everything that happened around the world last month, check out Current Events This Week: March 2024 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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