Current Events This Week: July 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 July 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 June 28, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of July 5, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of July 12, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of July 19, 2024

It’s been a busy week from general elections in the U.K. suicide bombing in Nigeria. 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.

Violent Attacks

Suicide Bombings In Nigeria: On Saturday, June 29, 2024, at least 18 people were killed and 30 wounded in coordinated attacks in Gwoza, Nigeria, which were thought to be carried out by female suicide bombers. The assaults targeted a wedding, burial, and hospital. President Bola Tinubu denounced the attacks as acts of terror and promised to seek justice against those responsible. The bombs underline the region's continued security risks, including a 15-year insurgency that has uprooted millions of people and killed tens of thousands.^[NUMBER]
Mass Shooting At Wedding Reception: On Sunday, June 30, 2024, a shooting during a wedding celebration in Thionville, France, killed one person and injured five others. The event is thought to be related to a drug trafficking dispute rather than a deliberate assault. Outside the reception hall, three heavily armed terrorists opened fire on a gathering of individuals. The incident comes after similar shootings in Villerupt, when warring gangs shot five individuals in May 2023.^[NUMBER]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian

Disasters

Road Traffic Crash Kill Nine In Seoul: On Monday, July 1, 2024, a man crashed his vehicle into a gathering of pedestrians in Seoul, killing at least nine people and injuring numerous more. The accident happened when the car collided with two other vehicles and hit people at a traffic stop. Police are investigating the event and warn that casualty statistics may climb. South Korea has higher speed limits to promote road safety.^[NUMBER]
Stampede Kills Dozen In India: On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, a Hindu religious gathering in northern India's Hathras area ended in a stampede that killed 116 people, primarily women and children, as thousands of devotees fled. A dust storm blinded guests, resulting in mayhem and a deadly tragedy. Relief operations now focus on giving medical care to more than 80 wounded people. The incident underlines repeated issues with crowd control at religious gatherings in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and local officials giving compensation and demanding a probe.^[NUMBER]
Hurricane In The Caribbean: On Thursday, July 4, 2024, Hurricane Beryl, which killed hundreds in Jamaica, is now battering the Cayman Islands, wreaking havoc throughout the Caribbean. With gusts hitting 120 mph, 60% of the population is without power or water. At least nine people have died in the afflicted nations, and the UN has allocated $4 million from its emergency response budget to help Jamaica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.^[NUMBER]

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

In Other News

Court Blocks Biden’s Pay Rule: On Saturday, June 29, 2024, US District Judge Sean Jordan temporarily delayed a Biden administration regulation that would expand required overtime compensation to 4 million paid workers in Texas. The regulation would have forced firms to pay overtime to salaried employees earning less than $1,128 per week who worked more than 40 hours. The court criticized the guideline for prioritizing money above employment responsibilities. The Biden administration may seek a review of the verdict.^[NUMBER]
Supreme Court Rules On Jan 6: On Monday, July 1, 2024, Donald Trump applauded the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling on his presidential immunity claim as a "big win for our constitution and democracy." The court set high criteria for prosecutors, provided immunity to Trump's presidential responsibilities, and imposed stringent restrictions on admissible evidence. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that, although presidents are not above the law, their acts deserve close judicial examination to prevent excessive interference with executive branch duties.^[NUMBER]
Labour Wins U.K. Election: On Friday, July 5, 2024, Labour won the UK general election with more than 400 seats, while the Conservatives received 108. The Liberal Democrats made considerable gains, while the Scottish National Party lost most of its seats. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, was elected to Parliament for the first time, while former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn won as an independent. The former deputy Westminster leader of the Scottish National Party called the result "cataclysmic".^[NUMBER]

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

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It’s been a busy week from French Parliamentary elections to military strikes in Ukraine. 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.

Elections

Labour Party Takes Over Majority Rule In Downing Street: On Friday, July 5, 2024, The Labour Party emerged victorious in the UK general election, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative governance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to implement changes and rejuvenate the country. The Conservative Party had a significant decline in their election results, resulting in the resignation of Rishi Sunak. Notwithstanding their political differences, both leaders showed reciprocal esteem throughout the transfer of power, signifying a momentous occasion in the annals of British political history.^[NUMBER]
Iran Elects New President: On Saturday, July 6, 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian was victorious in Iran's presidential election, winning 53.3% of the vote and defeating his conservative opponent, Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian's campaign focused on promoting cohesion, resolving Iran's international seclusion, and reinstating the 2015 nuclear agreement. Pezeshkian's triumph in Iran's political scene indicates a change in the electorate's aspirations and reveals differences, although facing criticism for disqualifying candidates.^[NUMBER]
French Parliamentary Elections Emerge With New Majority: On Sunday, July 7, 2024, In the French legislative elections, the New Popular Front won the most seats (182), followed by Macron's centrist Together coalition (163). Despite taking an early lead, the far-right National Rally won 143 seats. France confronts political uncertainty because no party has secured the requisite 289 MPs. Leaders from diverse factions, notably Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Raphaël Glucksmann, are jockeying for places, highlighting the parliament's broken nature and the importance of collaboration.^[NUMBER]

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

Wildlife

Water Temperature On The Rise In New Zealand: On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, New Zealand's water temperatures have broken records, surpassing global averages three times in one place, prompting worries for marine life and ecosystems. Since 1982, oceanic sea-surface temperatures have increased by 0.16 to 0.26 degrees Celsius every decade, with coastal seas experiencing temperatures ranging from 0.19 to 0.34 degrees Celsius. The rate of warming is twice the global per decade average, with the Chatham Rise three times warmer than the global standard.^[NUMBER]
Pilot Whales Stranded Ashore: On Thursday, July 10, 2024, New Zealand's water temperatures broke records, surpassing global averages three times in one place, prompting worries for marine life and ecosystems. Since 1982, oceanic sea-surface temperatures have increased by 0.16 to 0.26 degrees Celsius every decade, with coastal seas experiencing temperatures ranging from 0.19 to 0.34 degrees Celsius. The rate of warming is twice the global per decade average, with the Chatham Rise three times warmer than the global standard.^[NUMBER]
AI Used To Explain Whale Communication: On Thursday, July 11, 2024, Researchers employed artificial intelligence to investigate sperm whale communication patterns, discovering that they live in multi-level matrilineal societies that include daughters, mothers, and grandparents. Males visit these groups to reproduce. Sperm whales are noted for their deep-diving ability, and they communicate via rhythmic click sequences known as codas. After examining over 9,000 recordings, researchers discovered 156 distinct codas and a "phonetic alphabet specific to sperm whales," giving a novel method of comprehending their behavior.^[NUMBER]

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

Military Conflicts

Thirty-Six People Killed In Russian Missile Attack: On Monday, July 8, 2024, Western and UN officials criticized Russia's missile strike on Kyiv's main children's hospital, Okhmatdyt, which claimed 36 lives and caused widespread turmoil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for reprisal, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres requested an emergency Security Council meeting. The assault badly damaged the hospital's toxicology unit, necessitating the evacuation of minors. Despite Russian denials, evidence points to their culpability, raising tensions ahead of a NATO conference.^[NUMBER]
Twenty-Nine People Killed In Israeli Missile Attack: On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, An Israeli air attack on a tent camp near the al-Awda school in Abasan al-Kabira, southern Gaza, killed at least 29 Palestinians and injured many more. The strike targeted a Hamas military wing member implicated in a previous assault on Israel, prompting criticism from both the European Union and Germany. Despite schools and residential structures, the region was devastated by the disaster. The event underlines humanitarian issues and rising tensions in the area.^[NUMBER]
Russia To Discharge Indians In Its Ranks: On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, India received a pledge from Russia to free Indian citizens who were duped into joining its military to fight in Ukraine. Russia's recruitment of foreigners, notably Indians, has been a difficult topic, with allegations of fraud and pressure. During his visit to Moscow, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the subject, underlining the urgent necessity to repatriate these persons.^[NUMBER]

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

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It’s been a busy week from Trump's attempted assassination to Israeli airstrike on 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.

Military Actions

Ninety Palestinians Killed In Israeli Strike: On Sunday, July 14, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 90 Palestinians in southern Gaza, including Hamas' military leader, Mohammed Deif. Around 300 individuals were wounded, with women and children constituting the bulk of the casualties. The strike decimated hospitals, and the usage of US-made bombs, especially the Joint Direct Strike Munition (JDAM), was discovered despite the confusion surrounding the killings of Deif and his deputy, Israel's Prime Minister stated that he authorized the attack.^[NUMBER]
Germany Halves Its Aid To Ukraine: On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Germany announced plans to reduce military funding to Ukraine by almost half, from €8 billion to €4 billion next year, according to a government-approved draft budget. Finance Minister Christian Lindner reassured Ukraine that its financial assistance is safe, thanks to a G7 plan that generates $50 billion in interest on frozen Russian assets. Despite the drop, Germany intends to boost its total defense spending by €1.3 billion to €53.25 billion in 2025.^[NUMBER]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] BBC

United State Politics

Trump Escapes Assassination: On Sunday, July 14, 2024, Former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in injuries in attendance. Secret Service personnel rapidly neutralized the intruder, who was hiding on a neighboring roof. One person was murdered, while two were badly wounded. Despite his injuries, Trump proudly raised his fist and was successfully removed. The incident comes soon before Trump accepts the Republican nomination for the 2024 race, showing rising tensions in American politics.^[NUMBER]
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Trump: On Monday, July 15, 2024, District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Donald Trump's criminal case against him, ruling that special counsel Jack Smith was wrongly appointed and had constitutional jurisdiction to prosecute. This judgment varies from prior court decisions that supported the employment of special prosecutors, such as those in the Watergate crisis. Prosecutors intend to appeal the judgment to the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and if the decision is rejected, they may seek a new federal judge.^[NUMBER]
Biden Tests Positive For COVID: On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while in Las Vegas, despite being vaccinated and boosted. Despite minimal symptoms, Biden has begun self-isolation and canceled a planned address. This comes in a difficult political environment, with pressure from his party to reconsider his re-election campaign due to worries about his age and performance. Despite the setback, Biden intends to continue carrying out his presidential responsibilities while secluded.^[NUMBER]

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

Homicide

Dead Bodies Found In A Dump In Kenya: On Monday, July 15, 2024, Kenyan police apprehended a serial murderer accused of killing nine women, whose corpses were discovered in a disused quarry. The guy admitted to murdering 42 women since 2022, including his wife. The victims, aged 18 to 30, were all slain in the same manner. The revelation comes as Kenyan police are accused of abductions and deaths during a recent demonstration.^[NUMBER]
Six People Dead In Thai Luxury Hotel: On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, A total of six individuals, including two Vietnamese Americans, were discovered dead in a high-end hotel suite at the Grand Hyatt in Bangkok. Their failure to check out within a period beyond 24 hours prompted the investigation. The police eliminated robbery or self-inflicted injuries as possible explanations; however, they discovered cups with remnants of white substance and uneaten food. Authorities are still searching for an additional individual who is considered a suspect.^[NUMBER]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] CNN

In Other News

New British Government Plans To Introduce More Bills: On Saturday, July 13, 2024, The next administration in Britain, under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, plans to submit more than 35 measures that will primarily concentrate on promoting economic expansion. Important law encompasses stringent expenditure regulations and heightened supervision by the Office of Budget Responsibility. The Finance Minister, Rachel Reeves, intends to enhance the building of houses, accelerate infrastructure projects, and encourage private investment.^[NUMBER]
Businesses Shut Down In The U.S. Due TO Flood: On Thursday, July 18, 2024, The occurrence of floods in the US is becoming more common due to climate change, which is jeopardizing the survival of more than 25% of small businesses. Local governments might reap advantages by allocating resources towards enhancing infrastructure. The issue is worsened by the hardships caused by COVID-19, mounting debt, and the exorbitant expenses of flood insurance. Small firms have financial challenges in procuring insurance to mitigate the impact of future disasters, as cautioned by experts.^[NUMBER]
Life May Exist On Venus: On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Researchers at the Hull National Astronomy Conference discovered compelling evidence of phosphine, a toxic gas, on Venus, and detected the presence of ammonia, a substance often produced on Earth. The finding occurred simultaneously with the planet's diurnal cycle. The surface temperature of Venus is 450 degrees Celsius, while the atmospheric pressure is 90 times higher than that of Earth's surface.^[NUMBER]

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

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It’s been a busy week from Joe Biden’s resignation from the Presidential race to Boat Mishap in the Falklands. 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.

United States Politics

Joe Biden Withdraws Form Race: On Sunday, July 21, 2024, President Biden resigned from the presidential re-election contest, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic contender. Biden's decision comes despite pressure from Democratic leaders and donors who feel his candidacy might jeopardize Donald Trump's re-election. In response, Harris praised Biden's leadership and promised to win the nomination to unify the party and the country against Trump's agenda. This action represents a substantial change in the forthcoming election dynamics.^[NUMBER]
Secret Service Chief Resigns: On Tuesday, July 23, 3034, Kim Cheatle, the head of the US Secret Service, resigned in response to criticism for security failings during an assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump. Cheatle, who had worked with the agency for 27 years, emphasized that her departure was in the organization's best interests. President Joe Biden acknowledged Cheatle's decades of public service while calling for an impartial investigation to avoid repeat instances. The Secretary of Homeland Security has named Ronald Rowe as interim director.^[NUMBER]
Senator Menendez Resigns: On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Senator Bob Menendez announced his retirement owing to corruption allegations, including bribery and serving as an agent for the Egyptian government. Menendez, who has represented New Jersey since 2006 and led the Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted on all 16 criminal charges, including obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and extortion. The accusations came from claims that Menendez and his wife accepted cash incentives for leveraging his influence to help the businesspeople involved.^[NUMBER]

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

Military Disputes

Gaza Aid Agency Gets Continued Funding From The U.K.: On Friday, July 19, 2024, following a suspension due to allegations of staff involvement with terror groups, the United Kingdom will re-establish funding for UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees. Foreign Secretary David Lammy reassured MPs of UNRWA's neutrality, emphasizing its critical role in Gaza's humanitarian aid and reconstruction endeavors. The management reforms will be supported by the £21m annual funding.^[NUMBER]
Six Yemeni Killed In Israeli Strike: On Sunday, July 21, 2024, six individuals were killed and injured as a consequence of Israeli airstrikes that targeted Houthi militants in Yemen. The incident was identified as Israel's initial direct military operation in Yemen. Mohammed Abdulsalam, the spokesperson for the Houthis, accused Israel of exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis by targeting civilians. Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, underscoring the escalating tensions and the potential for a protracted conflict.^[NUMBER]
Zelensky Seeks Supply Of Long-Range Weapons: On Sunday, July 21, 2024, after a major assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the need for long-range weaponry to fight Russian drone and missile assaults. The military destroyed 35 out of 39 drones and two cruise missiles fired by Russia on Kyiv. Zelenskiy called for strong international assistance and urged Western partners to lift limits on Ukraine's use of donated weaponry. The situation continues severe, with Russia firing missiles and destroying infrastructure in Ukraine's Sumy area.^[NUMBER]

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

Fatal Events

Six People Dead In Falklands Boat Mishap: On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, a fishing vessel, the Argos Georgia, sank off the Falkland Islands owing to uncontrolled flooding, necessitating a rescue effort. Fishing patrol boats rescued the 27 crew members, who were from Spain, Russia, Indonesia, Uruguay, and Peru. Despite early difficulty in inflating lifeboats, people were rescued, and numerous remains were found. Despite the inclement weather, the Falkland Islands administration and foreign aid, notably British Royal Air Force aircraft, continue to monitor and coordinate search operations.^[NUMBER]
Landslide In Ethiopia: On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, heavy rains triggered landslides in a remote mountainous part of Gofa zone, Ethiopia, killing 229 people. The local administration is diligently hunting for survivors, but the death toll may yet grow. Hundreds gathered at the location, as others searched through the earth in search of trapped victims. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported heavy rains and flooding in southern Ethiopia.^[NUMBER]
Fatal Explosion At A Mexican Tequila Factory: On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, a tequila manufacturing explosion in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico killed six workers and wounded two more. The explosion ignited three tank cars, each containing 219,000 liters. The reason is still being investigated, and around 40 firefighting and civil protection personnel reacted. Casa Cuervo, famed for labels like as Jose Cuervo and Tequila 1800, is working with authorities to improve security measures. The next morning, another fire broke out in a storage room, but it was soon contained.^[NUMBER]

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