Current Events This Week: August 2024

Updated November 21, 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 August 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 August 2, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of August 9, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of August 16, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of August 23, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of August 30, 2024

It’s been a busy week from several Israeli attacks to a massive flood in China. 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.

Israeli Conflict

The United Kingdom Won’t Challenge The ICC Warrant For Netanyahu: On Friday, July 26, 2024, Following the transition from a Conservative to a Labour government, the British government has not rejected the International Criminal Court's (ICC) request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The judgment is consistent with the Labour Party's position that the ICC should settle such issues. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, intends to obtain arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commanders.^[1]
Biden Grants Deportation Reprieve To Lebanese: On Friday, July 26, 2024, US President Joe Biden provided deportation respite and work permits to 11,500 Lebanese nationals in the US, who are referred to as Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries, in response to increased tensions in the area. Hezbollah's clash with Israel, which led to substantial deaths, prompted the decision to relocate. Vice President Kamala Harris has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement a ceasefire in Gaza.^[2]
Israel Strikes Lebanon: On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Israeli fighter aircraft conducted aerial bombardments in the southern region of Lebanon in response to a missile assault that resulted in the deaths of 12 children in the Golan Heights. Hezbollah was accused of carrying out the strike, although they denied any involvement and instead attributed the incident to a failure in Israel's Iron Dome defense system. Prime Minister Netanyahu is calling for a security cabinet meeting to discuss the current situation.^[3]
Israel Retaliates Against Hezbollah: On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Israel conducted a military operation in Beirut, Lebanon, intending to eliminate a high-ranking Hezbollah officer as a response to a lethal assault in the Golan Heights. The assault resulted in the death of one individual and caused injuries to other others. Fu'ad Shukr, an advisor to Hezbollah, managed to survive the attack. Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defence Minister, expressed disapproval of Hezbollah's conduct, while the Iranian Embassy and many NGOs denounced the attack.^[4]

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

United States Politics

Anita Dune Leaves White House: On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Anita Dunn, a prominent counselor to President Joe Biden, will be departing from her position in the White House to join a high-profile political action group that is actively endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for the presidency. Dunn's resignation comes after a heated spat between Biden and Trump, further raising concerns about Biden's ability to lead. Biden conveyed appreciation for Dunn's accomplishments and expressed thanks to Biden and Harris for their tenure in the government.^[1]
Texas Allowed To Keep Its Floating Barrier: On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, A US appeals court decided that Texas may keep its 1,000-foot floating barrier in the Rio Grande, which is meant to impede illegal crossings from Mexico. The verdict overturns a lower court's injunction ordering the barrier's removal. The decision is a defeat for President Joe Biden's administration, which had challenged the barrier as an illegal intrusion on federal immigration power and a breach of US environmental laws. Texas authorities, including Governor Greg Abbott, hailed the win.^[2]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters

Fatal Events

Nine People Killed In Congo Concert: On Sunday, July 28, 2024, A live performance at Kinshasa's Martyrs Stadium in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed and wounded nine people, including a 10-year-old kid. The concert, including gospel artist and preacher Mike Kalambay, was plagued by overcrowding and a fatal crush. Governor Daniel Bumba blamed the incident on excesses and crowd movements, while DR Congo's justice ministry launched an investigation into the activities of police officers and event organizer Maajabu Gospel. The stadium is closed till further notice.^[1]
Knife Attack Leaves Two Dead And Several Others Injured: On Monday, July 29, 2024, A knife assault at a Southport children's dance workshop killed two children and injured nine others, six of whom were critical. Two adults also suffered significant injuries while attempting to protect the youngsters. The incident, characterized as "ferocious" by Merseyside Police, was described as "horrendous" by witnesses. A 17-year-old teenager from Banks in Lancashire has been detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.^[2]
Flood Displaces Millions Of People In China: China has endured the most severe floods since 1998, as well as the hottest July since 1961. This year, 25 "numbered" occurrences were reported, with 3,683 river flood alerts and 81 mountain flood disaster warnings issued. nearly 5,000 reservoirs were diverted to avoid the migration of nearly 6.5 million people. China's climate has strayed from normal, with a 13.3% rise in rainfall and 30 sites breaking record highs. Four major rivers saw above-normal rainfall, with the Huaihe and Liaohe river basins getting twice the average.^[3]

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

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It’s been a busy week from the Sunderland riots to a fire disaster in California. 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

President Lam Becomes Communist Party Chief: On Saturday, August 3, 2024, President To Lam was selected as the next General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, following Nguyen Phu Trong, who died two weeks earlier. Lam, interim party head since Trong's illness, promised to honor Trong's legacy, preserve foreign policy, and continue the anti-corruption fight. Despite lacking an official supreme leader, Lam has tremendous authority, and observers believe he will concentrate on stabilizing the party before the 2026 Congress.^[1]
Unrest Forces Bangladeshi Prime Minister To Resign: On Monday, August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's Prime Minister, resigned after massive anti-government rallies, bringing an end to her two-decade leadership. She went to India, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin freed former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and removed the nationwide curfew. An interim administration is to be constituted, and fresh elections are expected. The demonstrations resulted in multiple fatalities and violence against the Hindu minority, spurred by the notion that India backed Hasina's government.^[2]
Hamas Appoints Sinwar As New Leader: On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas nominated Yahya Sinwar as the new head of its political bureau. Sinwar, a hardcore extremist and senior player in the October 7 raid on Israel, is said to be sheltering in Gaza's tunnels while managing over 120 Israeli captives. His promotion strengthens Hamas' internal authority and casts doubt on the possibilities for a truce since the recent assassinations of senior Hamas officials and persistent tensions between Israel and the United States exacerbate conflict resolution.^[3]
Tunisia’s Prime Minister Ousted From Office: On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Kais Saied, Tunisia's President, replaced Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani with Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri. Hachani, who had been in control since August, attracted criticism for tackling global issues. Saied believes that the water and energy shortages are part of a plan to destabilize his leadership and that the dams are full. Saied is preparing for the next presidential elections and is under fire for allegedly silencing the opposition and manipulating the electoral process.^[4]

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

Fatal Events

Sunderland Race Riots: On Friday, August 2, 2024, Sunderland saw catastrophic riots, which resulted in substantial destruction and bloodshed. Hundreds of people attacked police officers and property, leaving three cops hurt. The mayhem included vandalism, a fire at a Citizens Advice Bureau, and vehicle fires. Rioters flung bricks, beer cans, and bricks at police while destroying a mosque. The violence comes after the horrific deaths of three young girls in Southport. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has launched a nationwide initiative to increase police cooperation and information sharing.^[1]
Fire Storm Destroys Homes In California: On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, a rapidly spreading wildfire in California burned many homes and forced evacuations. The fire started at 3 p.m. in the Shandin Hills neighborhood and swiftly expanded to at least 100 acres. By 6 p.m., the fire had stopped spreading and was holding at 54 acres with 25% containment. The severe heat in the area aggravated the problem. Over 200 firemen responded to the situation.^[2]
Road Traffic Crash Kills Nine People In Florida: On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Nine people were killed and one injured after a 2023 Ford Explorer drove into a canal in south Florida. The vehicle, which was carrying 10 people, failed to maneuver a bend, collided with a railing, and overturned into the canal. Four individuals died on the spot, and five more died in the hospital. The driver was murdered, and the lone survivor was seriously injured. The accident is regarded as one of the most difficult for first responders.^[3]

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

United States Politics

Kamala Harris Becomes Democratic Nominee: On Friday, August 2, 2024, Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, earned the Democratic presidential nomination after clearing the needed delegate barrier of 2,350. She is the first Black and South Asian woman to head a major US political party ticket, and if she beats Republican candidate Donald Trump in November, she would become the country's first female president. Harris stood uncontested in the virtual roll call and raised more than $310 million in July, exceeding Trump's fundraising efforts.^[1]
Harris Selects Tim Waltz As Running Mate: On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz as her running partner in the 2018 presidential election. Walz, a former teacher and Army National Guard veteran was picked after a thorough screening procedure. He rose to prominence within the Democratic Party thanks to his wide appeal and solid backing from numerous groups. Despite Trump's campaign criticism, Walz's nomination is seen as a smart move to energize the Democratic base and boost the ticket's appeal. Walz's selection comes after a shortlist of contenders.^[2]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN

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It’s been a busy week from the fatalities along the English Channel to the Mpox Health Emergency in Africa. 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

Plane Crash In Sao Paulo: On Friday, August 9, 2024, a small airliner operated by Voepass crashed near São Paulo, killing all 62 passengers. The ATR 72-500 turboprop lost touch and dropped from 17,000 feet to the earth in one minute. Social media video showed the rapid plunge before crashing and setting flames. Initial reports indicated 61 deaths, however, this was subsequently adjusted to 62. There were no casualties reported on the ground. The plane's last data transfer was captured moments before it crashed.^[1]
Two Lives Lost While Crossing The English Channel: On Sunday, August 11, 2024, two passengers died while crossing the English Channel in a dinghy, bringing the total death toll to nine since mid-July. French officials rescued 53 people, including the dead, who were discovered unconscious aboard. The most recent death was on July 28, when a lady suffocated. This year, 17 people have died while crossing the Channel, with heightened border procedures by the UK ascribed to the growing death toll.^[2]
Helicopter Crashes Into Australian Hotel: On Monday, On Monday, August 12, 2024, a Helicopter crashed into the Hilton Hotel DoubleTree in Cairns, Australia, leading to a widespread evacuation. The pilot died instantly, while two guests suffered minor injuries. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is now investigating the collision, which is still ongoing. The Australian Police are contemplating many scenarios, including theft or deliberate action. It is suspected that the helicopter departed from a hangar located at Cairns Airport.^[3]

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

Public Health Safety Concerns

Mpox Emergency Declared In Africa: On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was declared a public health emergency in Africa after the fast spread of a new strain. The virus has caused about 13,700 cases and 450 fatalities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it has spread to neighboring African countries. The Africa CDC intends to improve government cooperation while increasing medical supplies and assistance delivery to impacted areas.^[1]
Humanitarian Crisis In Sudan: On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, torrential downpours in Sudan resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals and the displacement of around 27,000 individuals. Experts are projecting that the country's humanitarian situation has reached a critical stage, characterized by a catastrophic and apocalyptic breaking point. They anticipate that there will be tens of thousands of unnecessary deaths in the next months. The nation is now facing the challenges of a civil war, with a population of 50,000 households residing in Jebel Marra.^[2]
Swedish Mpox Case Reported: On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the public health ministry of Sweden reported the first case of a more severe type of mpox outside of Africa. This individual became sick while visiting a location where a significant mpox outbreak is now occurring. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially designated the mpox outbreak in Africa as a public health emergency. Currently, WHO is engaged in negotiations with the health authorities of Sweden over the management of the first recorded case.^[3]

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

Military Actions

The U.S. Resumes Weapons Sales To Saudi Arabia: On Friday, August 9, 2024, President Biden's administration restored a restriction on selling offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, which was imposed three years ago to push the country to de-escalate its role in the Yemen crisis. The State Department will restart air-to-ground weapons supplies to Saudi Arabia, with sales perhaps beginning next week. The restriction was first established to address concerns about civilian fatalities and human rights problems, but as the conflict's dynamics have changed, support for restarting shipments has grown.^[1]
Ukraine Begins Incursion Into Russian Territory: On Saturday, August 10, 2024, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, declared that Ukrainian soldiers would conduct a cross-border operation into Russia's western Kursk area. The operation is the furthest Ukrainian foray into Russia since Moscow's invasion in February 2022. Russia has implemented a "counter-terror" regime in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk, resulting in more than 76,000 evacuations and continued violence. The operation is the deepest Ukrainian incursion since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.^[2]

Sources: [1] Reuters [2] BBC

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It’s been a busy week from Kamala Harris’ acceptance of presidential Nomination to fire in the Amazon forest. 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.

Politics In The U.S.

Newsom Cracks Down On Shoplifting And Theft: On Friday, Friday, August 16, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom of California enacted a set of ten bipartisan measures aimed at addressing property crimes, including offenses such as smash-and-grab robbery and shop theft. The law targets repeat criminals, boosts punishment for organized stealing rings, and strengthens prosecution efforts. Furthermore, it tackles the issue of cargo theft and car theft loopholes. However, while receiving bipartisan backing, several progressive Democrats express criticism of the package due to its perceived excessive punitiveness.^[1]
Bob Mendez Resigns: On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, resigned from the United States Senate after being convicted on 16 charges of bribery in July. He took huge sums in return for supporting the Qatari and Egyptian regimes. Menendez, who has maintained his innocence, intends to appeal his verdict. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is set to choose George Samir Helmy as a temporary substitute. Menendez has filed a request to overturn his conviction.^[2]
Harris Accepts Presidential Nomination: On Friday, August 23, 2024, Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential contender, gave a personal speech at the convention, offering to lead "for all Americans" and build an opportunity economy. Despite her triumph, surveys suggest that the race remains tight. Harris emphasized the significance of abortion rights, working-class aspirations, and lowering costs for necessities such as healthcare, housing, and nutrition. She also discussed Middle Eastern stability and the necessity for a Gaza ceasefire.^[3]

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

European News

Ukrainian Force Destroys Russian Infrastructure: On Friday, August 16, 2024, The Ukrainian military successfully demolished a crucial bridge over the Seym River in the Kursk area of Russia, resulting in a significant interruption to Russian military activities. President Zelensky has proposed that the seized regions may be used as a bargaining tool in bilateral discussions with Moscow. The operation is Ukraine's most extensive invasion of Russian territory during the previous two years, resulting in a total of more than 120,000 evacuations.^[1]
Fire At London Somerset House: On Saturday, August 17, 2024, A fire broke out at London's Somerset House, a famous cultural center with a gallery and creative activities. The fire, which began on the roof, was under control by early evening. The edifice, which was once a palace designed by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, was closed to the public after the fire, however, no artworks were harmed since it happened in an area without collections.^[2]
Chaos At German Music Festival: On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Chinese and Philippine warships clashed near the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, underlining continuing territorial disputes. China claims authority over practically the entire South China Sea, despite an international tribunal decision that such claims are invalidated. The Philippines accused Chinese warships of illegal and aggressive movements that caused structural damage to two coast guard ships. The Sabina Shoal, 140 kilometers off Palawan, has been a focus point for both countries.^[3]
Approved Alzheimer’s Drug Rejected By A U.K. Health Body: On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Lecanemab, a pharmaceutical agent with the potential to slow the course of Alzheimer's disease, was declined by the health authorities in the United Kingdom on the grounds of inadequate efficacy and stringent surveillance of adverse reactions. The medicine, which has received approval in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, and South Korea, exhibits the capacity to significantly decelerate cognitive deterioration over four to six months. Nevertheless, the long-term advantages continue to be constrained.^[4]

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

In Other News:

Biden’s Pipeline Safety Standard Invalidated By The Court: On Friday, August 16, 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overturned many natural gas pipeline safety rules enacted under President Biden's administration. The court decided that the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) failed to demonstrate that the advantages of the updated rules outweighed their significant costs. The court faulted the agency for failing to sufficiently assess the financial ramifications of the new rules.^[1]
Five Bodies Recovered From Shipwreck: On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Divers discovered the corpses of five of the six missing guests from the debris of the Bayesian superyacht off Sicily. The yacht, which is thought to have capsized due to a waterspout, sunk 700 meters offshore, plunging to a depth of 50 meters. Notable attendees included UK IT entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah Lynch, and Morgan Stanley Bank International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer. The Italian Coastguard is awaiting the return of all six victims before informing their relatives.^[2]
Fire Disaster In The Amazon Forest: On Thursday, August 22, 2024, Brazil sent 1,500 firefighters to the Amazon owing to extreme dryness, which has resulted in devastating fires in the Pantanal wetlands. Human-caused climate disruption has raised fire frequency and severity by 40%. Despite a reduction in deforestation, 59,000 forest fires have occurred since 2008, with more than one-third of the Amazon rainforest failing to recover.^[3]

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

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It’s been a busy week from the arrest of Pavel Durov to the typhoon In Japan. 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.

November Election

Democratic Nominees Set For Their Interview Season: On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will have their first joint CNN interview on Thursday, as Democrats seek to capitalise on the excitement from the Democratic National Convention. The interview, hosted by CNN's Dana Bash, will take place on a bus tour of Georgia, a vital battleground state. This is Harris' first in-depth interview since President Joe Biden dropped his reelection attempt.^[1]
New Election Charges Against Donald Trump: On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Donald Trump has been charged with trying to change the 2020 election results, but the new allegations center on his status as a political candidate rather than his acts as president. The Supreme Court concluded that previous presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for conduct committed within their constitutional authority. Trump has pleaded not guilty and referred to the prosecution as politically motivated. His legal team claims that the Supreme Court's decision should result in the lawsuit being dismissed.^[2]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] Reuters

International Trends

Pavel Durov Arrested In France: On Saturday, August 24, 2024, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was detained by French authorities, apparently without a warrant, on suspicion of failing to supervise illicit activity on the network. Durov started Telegram in 2013, after fleeing Russia owing to government pressure to shut down dissident organizations on his former network, VKontakte. The arrest has drawn condemnation from Russian authorities, the Russian Embassy in France, and individuals like as Edward Snowden and Elon Musk, who see it as an assault on free expression.^[1]
Stuck Astronauts To Return In February 2025: On Saturday, August 24, 2024, In response to safety concerns regarding Boeing's Starliner, NASA has taken the decision to repatriate astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to Earth in February of next year aboard a SpaceX Crew-9 voyage. The decision was reached subsequent to a comprehensive evaluation conducted at the agency level by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who underscored the requirement of doing more assessment prior to authorizing regular flights.^[2]
Six Palestinians Killed In West Bank: On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, An Israeli military operation targeting the Nur Shams refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has resulted in the deaths of a minimum of five individuals, including two minors. Incidence is a component of an upsurge in violence in the West Bank subsequent to the Gaza war, as well as the United Nations assessment indicating that 607 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7.^[3]
Typhoon Hits Japan: On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Typhoon Shanshan, Japan's strongest typhoon of the year, has made landfall in the southwest, bringing torrential rain and gusts of up to 252 km/h, inflicting structural damage. The storm is expected to approach southern Kyushu with extraordinary force by August 29. Its slow pace escalates the risk of serious damage, with tales of landslides and tens of thousands of people told to flee.^[4]

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

International Politics

Ukraine Bans Religious Groups Linked To Russia: On Sunday, August 25, 2024, Ukraine is fighting Russian influence by focussing on religious organisations, notably the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). President Zelensky approved legislation prohibiting religious organizations with links to Russia, requiring severance within nine months or court-ordered closures. However, the Ukrainian Security Service accuses UOC of promoting pro-Moscow propaganda and has filed legal action against over 100 clergy members.^[1]
Macron Refuses To Appoint Prime Minister: On Monday, August 26, 2024, France is in political instability after President Emmanuel Macron's refusal to confirm a prime minister from the New Popular Front (NFP), which won the most seats in the last legislative election. This decision provoked anger and calls for impeachment. Macron rationalized his decision by claiming that a government headed by the NFP would face a quick vote of no confidence, rendering it untenable. He intends to have more discussions and encourages political leaders to take responsibility for managing this dilemma.^[2]
Mexico Halts Relations With The U.S. And Canada: On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Mexico's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has suspended diplomatic contacts with the US and Canadian embassies after criticism of his planned judicial reform package. The pension and energy sector changes have cleared a legislative committee and must be approved by two-thirds of both houses of Congress. The halt applies to embassies, not nations, and contacts will restart once diplomats respect Mexico's sovereignty.^[3]

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

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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: July 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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