Our Top Stories for the Week of July 4, 2022

Updated July 8, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from many shifts in international politics to legal proceedings. 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.

Changes Within International Politics

Photo Source: iStock

Justice Brown Jackson Sworn Into The SCOTUS: On Thursday, June 30, Ketanji Brown Jackson became an Associate Justice of the US supreme court. She became its 116th member and the first black woman to be appointed to the court. Her confirmation was earlier in the year, following notification from Justice Breyer that he would resign from active duty. President Biden noted that her confirmation signals a "forward leap for the country."^[1]
President Biden Warns Against Republican-Led House: On Friday, July 1, President Biden held a virtual conference with Democratic governors where he warned of the changes that will come with a Republican-led House of Representatives in the coming mid-term elections. Central to his concerns is the right of women to privacy, autonomy, and abortions. He also emphasized the need to elect enough democratic lawmakers to the Senate to ensure that they have the numbers to pass laws without worrying about the filibuster.^[2]
Human Rights Lawyers Accuse Turkey Of Involvement In Genocide: On Wednesday, July 6, Helena Kennedy, along with a group of prominent human rights lawyers, made a report that accused Turkey of aiding in the genocide of the Yazidi people by the Islamic State. The same report also accused Iraq and Syria of failing to protect the lives of their citizens as they were being killed. The report accused mentioned that Turkey turned a blind eye to the sale, transfer, and enslavement of the Yazidi minority, However, the Turkish government dismissed the allegation as false, baseless, and unfair.^[3]
Ramen Chain Encourages Young Voters With Free Noodles: On Wednesday, July 6, Ippudo, a Ramen chain with 50 outlets in Japan, said it would be giving out free bowls of noodles to young voters who can show proof that they have voted in the upcoming Sunday elections to the upper house. The move is aimed at reducing the widespread political apathy among the youths of Japan, who think politicians focus more on the older population.^[4]
Abortion Ban Stands In Mississippi: On Wednesday, July 6, Judge Debra Halford rejected the request of an abortion clinic to block the abortion ban. During the court case, the abortion clinic pointed out that abortion is covered by the state constitution's right to privacy. The judge, however, said that the words in the constitution did not specifically say that abortion was covered. The abortion ban in the state will go into effect as scheduled with the clinic closing a day before.^[5]
Boris Johnson Resigns: On Thursday, July 7, Boris Johnson resigns as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In his resignation speech, which was delivered outside of Downing Street, Mr. Johnson blamed “herd instinct” for his resignation. He reflected majorly on his accomplishments while in office, including Brexit, the stand-off against Russia, and the vaccines against COVID-19. He said he would, however, remain in office until the new government is formed.^[6]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] Fox News [3] The Guardian [4] The Guardian [5] BBC [6] BBC

Justice Pursued And Crises Handled

The figure of justice in front of a court

Photo Source: iStock

British Mercenaries Charged By Separatist Region: On Friday, July 1, the Russian-backed Donetsk Peoples Republic accused two more Britons of being mercenaries and they will face the same charges as the previously convicted mercenaries who were sentenced to death. The United Kingdom Foreign Office criticized the move as political exploitation and noted that it would take up the issue with the Russian authorities.^[1]
Ukraine Reclaims Snake Island: On Monday, July 4, the Ukrainian military re-entered Snake Island and will raise the Ukrainian flag following the Russian army's withdrawal. Ukraine held that the island was a strategic location in the war against Russia, stating that it would ease the embargo on its southern ports. Since Russia took over the island in February, multiple and continuous efforts have been made to regain the island. Russia said it left the island as a gesture of goodwill toward the UN to support its humanitarian efforts.^[2]
The Independence Day Shooter Appeared Virtually In Court: On Wednesday, July 6, Robert Crimo, the 21-year-old suspected Independence Day shooter, appeared in an Illinois court. He is being charged with 7 counts of murder following the attack in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade. Authorities reported that Crimo had fired more than 80 rounds and he was caught with more magazines. A state attorney said if convicted, Crimo faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole.^[3]
Insurgents Raid Nigerian Prison: On Wednesday, July 6, the Islamic State Insurgents claimed responsibility for an attack on a correctional facility in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. According to reports, Boko Haram raided the prison to free their members. Of the 879 inmates that fled the facility, 443 had not been caught. Four inmates died and 16 were injured during the attack.^[4]
Israel Shot Down Drone Attack On Its Oil Rig: On Saturday, July 2, Israeli officials said they shot down an enemy drone that was headed for one of Israel's oil rigs in the Mediterranean. The drones were allegedly fired from Lebanon, which Hezbollah has acknowledged. The fight over the oil rig comes from a disagreement over the Karish oil fields. Israel says that the Karish oil fields are an exclusive economic zone, but Lebanon also claims parts of it.^[5]
An Earthquake Kills Five In Iran: On Saturday, July 2, Hormozogan, a southern Iranian province, was hit by a powerful earthquake. According to government media, the earthquake killed five people, and the Sayeh Kosh Hamlet was destroyed in the disaster. The earthquake had two aftershocks which were felt as far as the United Arab Emirates. The region lies on large geological fault lines.^[6]
Flood Threatens Communities In Australia: On Sunday, July 3, thousands of people were forced to leave their communities after a storm and severe flooding ravaged homes in the region. The State Emergency Service responded to more than 1,400 help requests in a 24-hour period along with 29 water rescues. According to authorities, the storm will not reduce as much heavy rain is expected.^[7]
Apple Launches A Spyware Blocker: On Wednesday, July 6, Apple announced the launch of its new software that will protect its high-risk users from spyware cyber-attacks. “Lockdown Mode” will be available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The software will restrict phone calls from unidentified callers and prevent certain functions. The move is happening at the same time that the tech giant is suing an Israeli spyware company for breaking Apple users' privacy.^[8]