Current Events This Week: January 2024

Updated January 26, 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 January 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 December 29, 2023
Our Top Stories for the Week of January 5, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of January 12, 2024
Our Top Stories for the Week of January 19, 2024

It’s been an eventful New Year from bomb blasts in Iran to the Epstein files' release in the U.S. 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.

Middle East Unrest

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Israeli Court Denies Judicial Reform: On Monday, January 1, 2024, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a judicial reform that sparked public outrage last year and would have limited the Supreme Court's ability to overturn invalid laws. The "reasonableness bill" did away with the Supreme Court's ability to overturn government judgments. Eight of the fifteen judges ruled against the measure, prompting Minister of Justice Yariv Levin to criticize the decision.^[1]
Hamas Chieftain Killed In Lebanon: On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, Israel killed Hamas senior official Saleh al-Arouri in a drone attack in Beirut, posing a threat to Israel's war on Hamas and its struggle with Hezbollah. Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the assassination a "new crime" committed by the Israeli government, while Hezbollah called it a "serious attack on Lebanon." According to Israeli military spokesperson R Adm Daniel Hagari, the soldiers are ready for any scenario.^[2]
Fatal Bomb Blast In Iran: On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani's death, two bombs exploded near his mausoleum, killing 95 people. The incident, thought to be the deadliest in 42 years, was carried out near a mosque in Kerman. There have been no culpability claims, and Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised a stern response. ^[3]

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

Fatal Events

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Man Dies After Shark Attack: On Monday, January 1, 2024, a man was killed by a shark attack at a famous swimming and surfing site in Hawaii. After being taken back to shore by rescuers, the 39-year-old man died. First-response workers performed life-saving efforts before transporting the victim to Maui Memorial Medical Center for additional treatment before the man died from the sustained injuries.^[1]
Regions In England Engulfed In Flood: On Thursday, January 4, 2024, heavy rain and flood watches and warnings are in effect in portions of the United Kingdom, causing power disruptions and transportation delays. A Met Office yellow rain warning for the south of England will be in force until Friday. There are 246 active flood alerts in England, plus two in Wales. The Environment Agency encourages homeowners in flood-prone locations to take safeguards such as turning off gas, water, and electricity supplies.^[2]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] BBC

U.S. News

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California Allowed By Court To Ban Guns From Public: On Tuesday, January 2024, a federal appeals court allowed California legislation prohibiting the carrying of firearms in most public places to go into effect in 2024. On December 20, the 9th United States Circuit Court of Appeals suspended an injunction, claiming that the statute violated the Second Amendment. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the decision would enable California's common-sense gun legislation to continue in effect while the district court's decision is appealed.^[1]
Claudine Gay Resigns As Havard President: On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned in the wake of plagiarism allegations and outrage for her congressional testimony regarding antisemitism. Gay was forced to leave by the Jewish community and Congress, and the university's Havard Corporation accepted her departure. Alan Garber will serve as temporary president, and the university's governing board of 11 members has accepted her departure.^[2]
Impeachment Proceedings Against Homeland Secretary Begins: On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, Republicans in the House intend to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the border issue. The committee has done a substantial investigation and will have a hearing the following week. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Republicans are pursuing a pointless political exercise that has been rejected by both parties and failed on a bipartisan vote.^[3]
Epstein List Implicates Politicians And Celebrities Alike: On Friday, January 5, 2024, a new set of documents relating to businessman Jeffery Epstein's sexual abuse has been made public, comprising 19 more records totaling 300 pages. The documents, which include high-profile names such as Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and David Copperfield, were obtained for Giuffre's 2015 defamation suit against Epstein's former lover Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence in the United States for conspiring with Epstein to sexually assault children.^[4]

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

In Other News

Photo Source: Getty Images

Russian Drones Launched Against Ukraine In The New Year: On Monday, January 1, 2024, in the early hours of the new year, Russia fired 90 Shahed-type drones over Ukraine, killing a 15-year-old child and wounding seven others. The assaults come after Russia's 18-hour bombing on Friday, which killed 49 people. Ukraine also carried out an assault in Belgorod that killed 21 people. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the bombing a terrorist act and pledged additional attacks against Ukrainian targets.^[1]
Lee Jae-Myung Survives Knife Attack: On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Lee Jae-Myung, the head of South Korea's biggest opposition party, was stabbed in the neck while touring the Gadeokdo New Airport building site in Busan. Kwon Chil-seung, a Democratic Party spokeswoman, called the incident terrorist and a danger to democracy. Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea's President, expressed worry and directed the police to undertake an immediate inquiry into the occurrence.^[2]
Space X Launches New Mobile Technology: On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, the first set of Starlink satellites was launched by SpaceX, which will give network connectivity to phone customers in "dead zones" via Starlink. The satellites, which will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, will first have text messaging, followed by phone and data capabilities in the following years. T-Mobile intends to expand the experiment, with KDDI, Optus, One NZ, and Rogers collaborating with SpaceX to install direct-to-cell technology.^[3]

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

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It’s been a busy week, from train collisions in Indonesia to the Republican leadership crisis in the U.S. 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

Photo Source: Getty Images

Train Collision In Indonesia: On Friday, January 5, 2024, the police in Indonesia reported a train crash in West Java province that killed four persons and injured 42 others. The event killed 478 people, including crew members. Land accidents are widespread in Indonesia, with the worst disaster occurring in 2010 and 11 people killed in November because of train and minibus crashes.^[1]
Deadly Gas Explosion Injures People In Texas: On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at least 21 individuals were hurt in a gas explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, with one critically injured. The Fort Worth Fire Department is investigating the cause, but it is still under investigation. The hotel is collaborating with first responders to assist and support those harmed, while also ensuring that those impacted completely support them.^[2]
Riots In Papua New Guinea Over Police Strike: On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the local governor of Papua New Guinea reports deaths and flames in Port Moresby during a police strike. According to the governor, opportunists plundered property. More police and defense personnel are being sent. Police officers went on strike as their salary was lowered. The administration denies levying a new tax on police officers and vows to correct any administrative mistakes. ^[3]

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

U.S. Politics

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SCOTUS Ready Hear The Case Of Trump’s Candidacy: On Friday, January 5, 2024, the Supreme Court will hear a landmark lawsuit to determine whether former President Donald Trump may run for president again. The court will hear Trump's appeal of a Colorado decision to remove him off the ballot for 2024. The decision will be implemented countrywide and will be heard in February. Attorneys General from 27 states submitted a brief contending that anyone participating in insurrection or rebellion is barred from holding federal office under the 14th Amendment.^[1]
Michigan Republican Party Leader Deposed: On Saturday, January 6, 2024, party members of the Michigan Republican Party decided to dismiss Kristina Karamo as state party chairman owing to infighting and sluggish fundraising. Karamo has voiced worries about her leadership and said she would not honor the vote, perhaps paving the way for a legal struggle. Karamo ran for the party's presidency in 2022, seeking to break away from major contributors but falling short. Her lack of openness has also enraged admirers.^[2]
Florida Republicans Replace Chairman Following Rape Allegation: On Monday, January 8, 2024, the members of the Michigan Republican Party decided to dismiss Kristina Karamo as state party chairman owing to infighting and sluggish fundraising. Karamo has voiced worries about her leadership and said she would not honor the vote, perhaps paving the way for a legal struggle. Karamo ran for the party's presidency in 2022, seeking to break away from major contributors but falling short. Her lack of openness has also enraged admirers.^[3]

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

World Politics

Photo Source: Getty Images

Sheikh Hasina Re-Elected For A Fifth Term In Bangladesh: On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected for a fifth term by the governing Awami League. The Bangladesh National Party, which has been demoralized because of the numerous arrests, has called for a countrywide strike. The results of the election will be released on Monday. With at least 220 seats out of 300, Hasina's party won over three-quarters of the seats. She has encouraged people to believe in the democratic process.^[1]
French Prime Minister Resigns: On Monday, January 8, 2024, Elisabeth Borne, France's Prime Minister, resigned after less than two years in office. Borne will serve as Prime Minister until a new Prime Minister is nominated. The education minister Gabriel Attal is the favorite for the role, making him the youngest Prime Minister ever chosen in France. Borne's departure comes as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to replace his senior staff in preparation for the European Parliament election later this year.^[2]
Polish MPs Arrested In Presidential Palace: On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, former Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski and Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik were sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of authority in 2007. Even though they were wanted, they were invited to a ceremony to swear in Kaminski and Wasik as presidential advisors. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the situation "unbelievable" and alleged President Duda attempted to assist the individuals in evading prosecution.^[3]

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

Other News

Photo Source: Getty Images

Another Russian Airstrike On Ukraine: On Saturday, January 6, 2024, a Russian S-300 missile attack in Ukraine's Donetsk area killed 11 persons, five of whom were children. The biggest impact was in the Myrnohrad settlement on Pokrovsk and Rivne. The military government of the Donetsk area accused Russia of employing civilians and provoking additional trouble. Search and rescue operations are continuing, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed condolences to the victims' families.^[1]
The White House Set To Build EV Chargers: On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Joe Biden's government has committed $623 million in funding to expand electric car charging stations in the United States. The White House hopes to reach 500,000 chargers to aid in the transition to zero-carbon mobility. According to polls, one-third of prospective EV consumers are discouraged from buying due to a lack of charging infrastructure.^[2]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] The Guardian

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It’s been an eventful week from landslides in Colombia to Japan racing towards the moon; 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.

Asian Events

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Taiwan President Voted In For A Third Term: On Saturday, January 13, 2024, Taiwan's President William Lai secured an extraordinary third straight term, solidifying a trajectory that is progressively diverging from China. Although China asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory, Lai expressed his commitment to persist on the correct course and advocated for peaceful and stable relations with Beijing. Despite the adverse conclusion of the election, he upheld the status quo in cross-strait relations and pledged to safeguard Taiwan from Chinese threats.^[1]
Taiwan In Diplomatic Row With Nauru: On Monday, January 15, 2024, Nauru, Taiwan's last remaining diplomatic ally, terminated its relationship with the island nation in favor of Beijing, citing the election's outcome. Taiwan asserts that this determination resulted from China's reprisal against their democratic election and a provocation to the global order. Nauru is among the twelve nations that have kept diplomatic relations with Taiwan.^[2]
Qatar Brokers Medical Deal Between Israel And Gaza: On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Qatar facilitated an agreement between Israel and Hamas, enabling the transportation of medications to Israeli captives in Gaza in return for humanitarian assistance to Palestinian people. The agreement is being reached amidst Israel's escalated military operations in Gaza, resulting in a reported death toll of 24,285 Palestinians according to the Ministry of Health, since the commencement of the conflict. ^[3]
Japan Set To Achieve Moon Landing: On Thursday, January 18, 2024, Japan is on track to become the fifth country to successfully land on the moon, signaling a huge shift in its fortunes. The Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon (Slim) is scheduled to touchdown on the lunar surface at midnight on Friday, landing in a crater that might allow access to the moon's mantle. Accuracy is critical since the spacecraft will only have one opportunity to properly land on rough terrain.^[4]

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

Fatal Events

Photo Source: Getty Images

Landslide In Colombia: On Saturday, January 13, 2024, at least 37 persons were killed in landslides in Colombia's northern department of Chocó, with no injuries reported so far. Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curi expressed condolences and asked for information about family members. The tragedy caused the activation of Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, Colombian Civil Defense, National Army, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and Choco Police Department. At least 17 remains have been sent to Medellin for forensic examination.^[1]
Hot Air Balloon Crash In Arizona: On Monday, January 15, 2024, A fatality was reported and another was critically injured when a hot air balloon carrying thirteen adults, a balloon operator, four passengers, and eight skydivers crashed in the Arizona desert. Produced by Cameron Balloons, the A-160 passenger balloon was carrying thirteen adults, an operator, four passengers, and eight skydivers. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the cause of the crash.^[2]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] CNN

In Europe

Photo Source: Getty Images

The U.K. PM Promises Aid To Ukraine: On Friday, January 12, 2024, during his visit to Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak offered £2.5 billion for Ukraine's military. He committed to maintain his support despite the blocked US military assistance. Following meetings with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a new UK-Ukraine security pact was signed, ensuring prompt and persistent support in the event of Russian strikes. The newest military vow is for £2.5 billion in 2024-2025, which includes thousands of shells, long-range missiles, and military training.^[1]
Danish Queen Abdicates Throne: On Saturday, January 14, King Frederik X ascended to the Danish throne after Queen Margrethe II's resignation, signaling a dramatic transition in the country's history. The transition took place during a cabinet meeting at Christiansburg Palace in Copenhagen, where Queen Margrethe signed a declaration of abdication. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared the king's accession, and Frederik delivered a speech to his wife, Queen Mary, and their four children. ^[2]
King Charles To Undergo Surgery: On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles will be hospitalized to treat an enlarged prostate. The minor problem will be rectified next week, and all public appearances will be rescheduled for a brief recovery time. The revelation comes after the announcement that the King's daughter-in-law, Princess of Wales, is recuperating from stomach surgery and will be in the hospital for 10-14 days. The King is eager to communicate his diagnosis with others.^[3]

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

U.S. News

Photo Source: Getty Images

Judge Rules That Post Office Gun Ban Is Unconstitutional: On Saturday, January 13, 2024, a federal court in Florida decided that the US statute forbidding weapons in post offices is unconstitutional, citing a 2022 Supreme Court decision that expands gun rights. Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle dropped a portion of an indictment accusing a postal worker of unlawfully having a firearm in a government facility but declined to dismiss a second allegation of forcible resisting arrest. Ayala, the truck driver, had a concealed firearms permit.^[1]
Congress Agrees Not To Shutdown Government: On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Congress reached an agreement on a two-tranche interim budget package to keep the federal government financed until March, preventing a partial government shutdown that would begin next week. The deal was achieved shortly before certain government agencies' funding deadline of January 19, while others have till February 2. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schummer and House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled the $1.59 trillion budget agreement.^[2]
Senate Votes Against Sanders’ Resolution: On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, U.S. Senators blocked a measure sponsored by Bernie Sanders that would make military funding to Israel contingent on whether Israel violates human rights and international treaties. The measure, which required the State Department to disclose any human rights abuses committed using US weaponry during Israel's Gaza military assault, was rejected by 72 votes to 11. The White House has not supported the proposal.^[3]

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

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It’s been an eventful week, from landslides in China to the gold mine collapse in Mali. 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.

In Africa

Photo Source: Getty Images

DRC President Elected For Another Five-Year Term: On Saturday, January 20, 2024, Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was sworn in for a second five-year term after a landslide victory in the December presidential elections. Despite charges of vote stealing, Tshisekedi recognized the country's need for improved living circumstances and economic possibilities, pledging to generate more employment and restructure security and defense.^[1]
Police Rescue Abducted Sisters In Nigeria: On Sunday, January 21, 2024, Nigerian police freed five captive sisters who were abducted in Abuja earlier this month. The girls were kidnapped from their house, and another sister was executed. The kidnappers freed their father in exchange for a huge sum of money, but the 21-year-old daughter was murdered as a warning. The ransom for the girls' return was set at ₦65m ($68,000), prompting contributions from various Nigerians.^[2]
Gold Mine Collapses In Mali: On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, a tunnel collapsed at a gold mine in Mali's Koulikoro area, killing at least 40 workers. Initial estimates indicate over 70 deaths, however, local authorities verified 73 dead among more than 200 miners. Mali's mining ministry official indicates a preliminary death toll of more than 40. The government extends condolences to the families and Malian people since mining accidents are widespread owing to dangerous procedures by uncontrolled miners seeking gold.^[3]

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

In Europe

Photo Source: Getty Images

Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Depot: On Friday, January 19, 2024, a Ukrainian drone struck an oil storage station in southern Russia, starting a fire that extended over 10,000 square feet. The governor of Bryansk stopped the drone near Klintsy, but its bombs landed on the depot. This is the second assault on Russian oil installations in two days. Ukraine's air defense and electronic warfare systems are concentrated in this area.^[1]
Turkey Approves Sweden’s NATO Membership: On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the Turkish parliament approved Sweden's accession to NATO, advancing the Nordic nation's progress toward becoming a member of the Western military alliance. Sweden has made progress towards full membership in NATO, with 287 out of 346 Members of Parliament voting in favor. After receiving consent, Hungary is now the only nation left to approve Swedish membership.^[2]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] The Guardian

U.S. Politics

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Biden Cancels More Student Loans: On Saturday, January 20, 2024, President Joe Biden erased $5 billion in debts for 74,000 debtors, a majority of whom have been granted forgiveness after completing 10 years of public service. The Biden-Harris administration has granted debt forgiveness amounting to $136.6 billion to more than 3.7 million American individuals. The Department of Education is actively engaged in efforts to expand debt relief options, as stated by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.^[1]
DeSantis Declares For Donald Trump: On Sunday, January 21, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis terminated his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination and announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump, after a poor second-place result in the Iowa caucuses. DeSantis expressed his intention to persist if feasible, but he is unable to request his followers to make an unequivocal commitment to triumph. DeSantis' withdrawal leaves former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley as the only candidate.^[2]
Ohio Lawmakers To Override Governor’s Veto On Gender Care: On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the Ohio Senate successfully overridden Governor Mike DeWine's veto of a law that prohibits the provision of gender-affirming treatment to minors, including hormone blockers, surgical operations, and mental health therapies. House Bill 68 imposes limitations on transgender athletes' involvement in sports and will become effective after 90 days. This legislation aligns with the actions taken by North Carolina and Louisiana in implementing similar limits.^[3]

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

In Other News

Photo Source: Getty Images

Australia Terminates Visa Option For Wealthy Investors: On Monday, January 22, 2024, due to poor economic consequences, Australia discontinued its "golden visa" program, which permitted affluent foreign investors to reside in the nation. The program, which was launched in 2012, garnered enormous investment, with China accounting for more than 85% of successful applications. The government intends to replace it with skilled-worker visas, alleging that the program has failed to accomplish its fundamental goals by recruiting individuals with little business experience while receiving tax breaks.^[1]
Landslide Wreaks Havoc In China: On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, a landslip in Zhaotong City trapped 47 people, forcing President Xi Jinping to order an all-out rescue. Nearly 1,000 rescue professionals were sent, and more than 500 residents were evacuated. Most of the casualties were elderly or children. The landslip happened early in the morning, when many people were asleep, and it was loud and felt like a large earthquake. A similar landslip in the same county killed 18 people in January 2013.^[2]

Sources: [1] BBC [2] BBC

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: December 2023 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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