A WEEK IN BRIEF
A Week in Brief: Volume XLIII
A Week in Brief: Sunday, 3 Dec. 2023 to Saturday, 9 Dec. 2023
Saturday, 9 Dec. 2023…
Disasters and Accidents…
A nationwide power outage, due to a system failure, occurred on Saturday, 9 Dec. 2023 in Sri Lanka.
International Relations…
The United Nations Security Council, on Saturday, 9 Dec. 2023, held a closed-door meeting on the ongoing crisis between Venezuela and Guyana over the Guayana Esequiba region. No immediate action is taken.
Sports…
The Columbus Crew, defeating the defending champions Los Angeles FC 2–1, won their third MLS Cup in franchise history.
Friday, 8 Dec. 2023…
Disasters and Accidents…
Three people were killed, on Friday, 8 Dec. 2023, during a fire at a hospital in Tivoli, Lazio, Italy. Dozens of patients and hospital staff were evacuated from the building.
International Relations…
The U.S. embassy in Guyana, amidst growing border tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, announced on Friday, 8 Dec. 2023 that the United States Southern Command will conduct joint flight operations with the Guyana Defence Force.
Politics and Elections…
The Guatemalan Attorney General’s Office, on Friday, 8 Dec. 2023, stated that the results of the election are void and should be annulled. Officials pointed to there being questionable counting anomalies in June’s first round.
Thursday, 7 Dec. 2023…
Armed Conflicts and Attacks…
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, on Thursday, 7 Dec. 2023, suggested Israel deliberately targeted journalists. One journalist when southern Lebanon came under fire, was killed. A further six journalists were injured. The organisations concluded the incident was likely a direct attack on civilians and should be investigated as a war crime.
Arts and Culture…
Baldur’s Gate 3, at The Game Awards, picked up the Game of the Year. The role-playing video game, developed and published by Larian Studios, based on the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Baldur’s Gate 3, for individuals wanting to explore the game, will find it available to play on Windows, PlayStation 5, macOS, and Xbox Series X/S.
Law and Crime…
Weiss special counsel investigation, on Thursday, 7 Dec. 2023, indicted U.S. first son Hunter Biden on nine tax-related charges, three felonies, and nine misdemeanours in California.
Wednesday, 6 Dec. 2023…
Health and Environment…
Authorities reported, on Wednesday, 6 Dec. 2023, that dengue fever is on the rise in Mali. Reports show, even though there have been an estimated 600 cases linked with the disease, there have been at least 21 deaths thus far.
International Relations…
The United States Senate, on Wednesday, 6 Dec. 2023, blocked a supplemental funding bill that included financial aid for Ukraine. It has been suggested Congress, after Republicans demanded stricter border regulations, is unlikely to approve more funding for Ukraine before the end of the year.
Politics and Elections…
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, on Wednesday, 6 Dec. 2023, formally announced he will resign from the United States House of Representatives at the end of the year.
Tuesday, 5 Dec. 2023…
Armed Conflicts and Attacks…
Israeli troops and tanks, on Tuesday, 5 Dec, 2023, were reported to have entered Khan Yunis. Khan Yunis, situated in the south of the Gaza Strip, is the capital of the Khan Yunis Governorate and home to approximately 205,125 people. Displaced families in the region are heading further south to Rafah. Rafah, a town on the Egyptian border, is a little under seven mile from Khan Yunis.
Health and Environment…
New Zealand conservationists, on Tuesday, 5 Dec. 2023, made the astonishing announcement that the first birth of kiwi birds in the wild area around Wellington. This had not occurred in New Zealand in over a century.
International Relations…
The U.S. State Department, on Tuesday, 5 Dec. 2023, announced via restrictions for extremist Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank would be implemented.
Monday, 4 Dec. 2023…
Disasters and Accidents…
It was reported, on Monday, 4 Dec. 2023, no fewer than thirteen hikers were found dead after the Mount Marapi’s eruption on Sunday. Another eleven hikers are still missing.
International Relations…
Niger’s government, on Monday, 4 Dec. 2023, formally announced the termination of its military missions with the European Union. The termination, amidst closer ties with neighbouring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, will directly impact EUCAP Sahel Niger.
Politics and Elections…
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum’s Republican presidential campaign, on Monday, 4 Dec. 2023, came to an end when he withdraw his candidacy for president. Burgum’s chances of going face-to-face against President Joe Biden, like the other candidates that aren’t former President Donald J. Trump, was next to zero.
Sunday, 3 Dec. 2023…
Armed Conflicts and Attacks…
Sunday, 3 Dec 2023 saw at least 700 Palestinians killed over a 24-hour-period during multiple Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Human rights groups, in no uncertain terms, have expressed objections to Israel’s increased attacks.
Meanwhile, in the Red Sea, the USS Carney and several civilian-owned commercial vessels came under attack from the Houthis. The United States Central Command reported that at least three cargo ships were hit by missiles.
Business and Economy…
Alaska Airlines, in a deal reported to be worth upwards of $1.9 billion, announced on Sunday, 3 Dec. 2023 their intentions to acquire Hawaiian Airlines. The new company, rather than flying under a single banner, will maintain separate operations. Both brands will remain the same.
Politics and Elections…
Former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon, having withdrawn his candidacy for president, has endorsed Katanga Governor Moïse Katumbi. Mapon served the People’s Republic of the Congo as the country’s prime minister from Wednesday, 18 April 2012 to Thursday, 17 Nov. 2016. Katumbi, the Katanga Governor from 2007 to 2015, seems likely to win the coming election.
