Current Events This Week: October 2024
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 October 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 October 4, 2024
It’s been a busy week from the U.S. vice presidential debate to a flash flood in Thailand. 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 Politics
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Japan Elects New Prime Minister: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Shigeru Ishiba, a former Japanese defense minister, was named prime minister after securing the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba, 67, beat Sanae Takaichi, the economic security minister, in a runoff election. The LDP, which has controlled Japan since 1955, is seen as scandal-ridden. Despite internal criticism, Ishiba has won support from grassroots members and the public.[1]
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Austrian Elections: On Sunday, September 29, 2024, Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ) received the most votes in the election, making it the first time a far-right party has done so since the Nazi period. The FPÖ, both pro-Kremlin and anti-Islam, earned 29.2% of the vote, defeating the governing People's Party (ÖVP) by 26.5%. The Social Democratic Party recorded its lowest-ever result, garnering just 21%. The Greens, coalition allies, finished fifth with 8.3%.[2]
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Mexico Elects Female President: On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president, was inaugurated amid overwhelming support for her predecessor's social policies. Despite facing challenges such as high violence, a sluggish economy, unfinished projects, rising debt, and Acapulco recovery efforts, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of her presidency for women, pledging to control petrol and food prices, expand social programs, boost business investment, and support housing and rail construction.[3]
Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian [3] CNN
United States Politics
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Alabama Sued Over Voters Right: On Friday, September 27, 2024, the US Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Alabama, alleging that their voter roll elimination scheme violates federal law. The decision, made by Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, violates the "Quiet Period Provision," a federal provision that requires systematic voter removal efforts to be finished at least 90 days before federal elections. The Justice Department also revealed that certain native-born and naturalized individuals' voting registrations were dormant.[1]
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Jimmy Carter Turns 100: On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, former president Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday, making him the first US president to achieve the century mark. Carter, who has been in hospice for 19 months, hopes to vote Democrat Kamala Harris in the forthcoming election. The White House hosted a "Happy Birthday, President Carter" banner, reflecting Biden's admiration for Carter and commitment to making the nation a better place. Carter served from 1977 to 1981, facing obstacles such as rising inflation and the Iran hostage crisis.[2]
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VP Candidate Debate: On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Democrat Tim Walz and Republican J.D. Vance staged a peaceful vice-presidential debate, with an emphasis on presidential contenders Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. However, a heated discussion erupted when Vance skirted a question about disputing election results if Trump loses. Walz criticized Trump's phony allegations of voting fraud, as well as their involvement in the January 6 Capitol violence. Vance accused Harris of advocating for web control, notwithstanding Walz's query regarding Trump's 2020 election defeat.[3]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] The Guardian [3] Reuters
Science And Technology
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Space X Launches Space Rescue: On Saturday, September 28, 2024, SpaceX has begun a mission to rescue two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since June. The operation, which was scheduled to last eight days, was postponed owing to Hurricane Helene's influence. The Dragon spacecraft, carrying astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to return Wilmore and Williams home in February.[1]
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Research Doubts Efficacy Of Fluoridated Water: On Friday, October 4, 2024, Researchers from Manchester, Dundee, and Aberdeen universities discovered that fluoridation advantages have reduced since the 1970s, as fluoride toothpaste became more widely available. The research, which included 2,908 children from the UK and Australia, found that fluoridation may result in 0.24 fewer rotting baby teeth each child. However, the estimate is prone to error, implying that more modern schemes may not provide any advantages. The assessment also found inadequate evidence to back up the assertion that fluoridation decreases inequities in oral health outcomes.[2]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian
Fatal Events
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Twenty Children Killed In Bus Accident: On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, A bus transporting schoolchildren and instructors crashed and caught fire near Bangkok, Thailand. The bus, which ran on compressed natural gas, was returning from a journey to the north of the nation. Twenty children and three instructors were slain, with 19 others surviving. The driver attempted to extinguish the flames but escaped. Thailand's Transport Minister, Suriyahe Juangroongruangkit, expressed safety concerns and proposed prohibiting passenger cars from using such gasoline.[1]
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Flash Flood In Thailand: On Friday, October 4, 2024, Flash floods prompted approximately 100 elephants to be evacuated from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, necessitating immediate help. Authorities in Chaing Mai have issued flood warnings owing to dangerous water levels along the Ping River. The park, which shelters over 5,000 rescued animals, is facing the potential of having to relocate them for the second time. Many of the elephants are blind or have medical impairments, which complicates rescue efforts.[2]
Our Top Stories for the Week of October 11, 2024
It’s been a busy week from the devastation of Hurricane Milton to heightened tensions between North and South Korea. 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 Trends
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Mpox Vaccination Begins in DRC: On Saturday, October 5, 2024, following a 265,000-dosage contribution from the European Union and the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has started a vaccination campaign against the worldwide mpox outbreak. Comprising approximately 80% of Africa's Mpox cases and 99% of the continent's fatalities, the area has had 30,000 suspected cases and 859 deaths. With Japan anticipated to provide 3 million doses for children shortly, the present vaccination campaign targets adults, high-risk groups, and frontline workers.[1]
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Pope Francis Appoints New Cardinals: On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Pope Francis nominated 21 new cardinals, intending to make the Church more internationally represented and promote peace, particularly in conflict-ridden areas. Archbishop Dominique Mathieu of Tehran, a Belgian missionary, is among the newly appointed cardinals. The Pope has urged the world community to cease the cycle of bloodshed, citing the Middle East war and Iran concerns. Mykola Bychok, a 44-year-old Ukrainian bishop, will become the youngest cardinal.[2]
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Link Between North And South Korea To Be Cut: On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, North Korea severed ties with South Korea, shutting off all remaining roads and trains along the strongly guarded border. This follows the North Korean leader’s mandate to forsake peaceful reunification attempts. The General Staff of the Korean People's Army emphasized the importance of these initiatives in improving national security. Since January, North Korea has increased its border defenses, and Kim has raised his rhetoric against South Korea, referring to it as the North's "primary foe and invariable principal enemy."[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN [3] CNN
Fatal Events
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Scores Of Deaths In Haiti Gang Violence: On Friday, October 4, 2024, the Gran Grif gang recently carried out an assault in Pont-Sondé, Haiti, that killed at least 70 people, including children, and critically wounded 16 more. The group set fire to 45 residences and 34 cars, causing many people to leave for safety. The incident is one of several in recent years, as armed gangs have taken control of huge areas of the nation, committing crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and abduction.[1]
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Devastation Following Hurricane Milton: On Thursday, October 10, 2024, Hurricane Milton inflicted considerable property damage and left over 3.5 million homes and businesses without power in Florida. Over 125 homes were destroyed, and more than 60% of cities lost electricity. Rescue attempts have continued, with 340 humans and 49 pets recovered, including a 14-year-old child and a US Shore Guard member clinging to an ice chest off the coast.[2]
Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian
United States Judiciary
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Supreme Court Will Not Pause EPA Rule: On Friday, October 4, 2024, The US Supreme Court did not halt new federal air pollution restrictions proposed by the Biden administration, which tightened limitations on mercury and methane emissions. These Clean Air Act regulations seek to decrease toxic metals and dangerous pollutants from coal-fired power stations and oil and gas production facilities. A coalition of states and business organizations contended that the EPA exceeded its power.[1]
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Georgia Reinstates Six Weeks Abortion Ban: On Monday, October 7, 2024, The Georgia Supreme Court restored a nearly complete abortion prohibition after six weeks of pregnancy, permitting states to impose draconian abortion laws. The statute, which was first approved in 2019, was halted by the US Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. However, the court restored the prohibition while examining the state's appeal, citing infringement of women's rights to privacy and liberty under Georgia's constitution. The case was filed by the SisterSong Women of Colour Reproductive Justice Collective.[2]
Sources: [1] Reuters [2] Reuters
In Other News
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Tunisia Re-Elects President Saied: On Monday, October 7, 2024, Tunisian President Kais Saied won a second five-year term with 90.7% of the vote, despite a low participation of 27.7% in the 2022 municipal elections. Over a dozen candidates were disqualified during the election, leaving Saied with just two significant rivals: Ayachi Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui. The low participation reflects rising frustration with Tunisia's authoritarian regime, which saw Saied suspend parliament and enhance his powers via a referendum.[1]
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Trump Returns To Pennsylvania: On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Donald Trump addressed a big audience in rural Pennsylvania a month before the November 5 election, in the same location where he escaped assassination on July 13. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, joined Trump on stage, applauding his fortitude and encouraging voters to come out. The celebration also honored fireman Corey Comperatore, who died in the assault. Trump asked for a minute of quiet and rang a bell for the victims.[2]
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Meta Launches AI Glasses: On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Meta's AI assistant, which can generate text and visuals, is now accessible on its social media platforms in the UK and Brazil. Previously launched in the United States and Australia, the UK's introduction was postponed owing to rules and product testing. To access the AI chatbot, press an icon in the app or purchase Ray-Ban Meta frames. Users in the United Kingdom may fill out an objection form to prevent their postings from being used for AI model training.[3]
Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] Reuters [3] The Guardian
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: September 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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