Major Events of 2018: Key Historical Moments You Need to Know

Every year brings its own set of pivotal moments that leave a lasting mark on history. From political shifts and technological advancements to cultural breakthroughs, these events shape the world and influence the future. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the most significant occurrences from 2018, highlighting key moments that continue to impact our lives today.

Major Events of 2018 - Historical Moments That Defined the Year | TakeMeBack.to

01 Jan Trump-Pakistan Diplomatic Tension: U.S. President Donald Trump tweets criticism of Pakistan, accusing the country of being a 'safe harbor' for terrorists and questioning the effectiveness of billions in U.S. assistance.
02 Jan Korean Peninsula Diplomatic Overture: South Korean President Moon Jae-in responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's New Year's address by proposing a meeting to discuss the Winter Olympics and North Korea's nuclear program, signaling potential diplomatic engagement.
03 Jan Major Computer Security Vulnerabilities Discovered: Security researchers revealed two significant hardware vulnerabilities: Spectre, affecting most modern processors, and Meltdown, primarily impacting Intel chips, raising serious cybersecurity concerns.
04 Jan North and South Korea Agree to High-Level Talks: North Korea accepted South Korea's offer for formal talks, scheduled for January 9th to discuss potential participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics. These discussions marked the first high-level dialogue between the Koreas in over two decades.
05 Jan Publication of 'Fire and Fury': Michael Wolff's controversial book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' was published by Henry Holt and Company, offering an insider's perspective on the early Trump administration.
06 Jan Sanchi Oil Tanker Disaster: A catastrophic maritime collision between the Iranian oil tanker MV Sanchi and the Chinese cargo ship CF-Crystal off China's east coast resulted in 32 sailors' deaths. The oil tanker, carrying 136,000 tonnes of cargo, was ignited during the collision, creating a significant environmental and human tragedy.
07 Jan Malaysian Election Dynamics: In a surprising political development, the Pakatan Harapan alliance nominated 92-year-old former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as their candidate. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, set to be released from prison on June 8, will join forces with Mahathir for the upcoming general elections.
08 Jan India's Supreme Court Reviews Anti-LGBTQ Law: The Supreme Court of India initiated a review of Section 377, a colonial-era law criminalizing consensual sexual relations between men. This review followed the Court's 2017 landmark ruling on privacy rights, signaling potential progress in LGBTQ+ rights.
09 Jan Inter-Korean Diplomatic Meeting: First inter-Korean meetings in two years were held at Panmunjeom's 'Truce Village' in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Both nations agreed to ease tensions, discuss military talks, and North Korea committed to participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
10 Jan Korea Tension Reduction Talks: North and South Korea agreed to hold talks on reducing military tensions and cooperate during the Winter Olympics. The two nations restored military communication lines, marking a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
11 Jan Trump's Controversial 'Shithole Nations' Remark: In a private meeting, President Donald Trump reportedly referred to El Salvador, Haiti, and African countries as 'shithole nations', causing international diplomatic controversy and sparking widespread criticism.
12 Jan India Launches 100th Satellite: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 100th satellite, along with 30 additional satellites, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, showcasing India's growing space capabilities.
13 Jan Trump Extends Iran Nuclear Deal Sanctions Relief: U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would extend sanctions relief to Iran one more time, seeking to allow Europe and the U.S. to address what he called 'terrible flaws' in the nuclear agreement. Iran's Foreign Ministry firmly rejected any potential modifications to the existing deal.
14 Jan Israel-Gaza Border Tunnel Conflict: The Israel Defense Forces reported destroying an underground tunnel dug by Hamas beneath the Kerem Shalom border crossing. In response, Israel closed the crossing after bombing the tunnel's opening.
15 Jan North Korea Crisis Meeting in Vancouver: A high-stakes diplomatic meeting in Vancouver brings together senior officials from countries that supported South Korea during the Korean War. The primary objective is to discuss enhanced sanctions implementation to pressure North Korea into abandoning its nuclear weapons program. Notably, China and Russia, historical supporters of North Korea who have since accepted UN sanctions, will not be attending this critical meeting.
16 Jan Mueller Subpoenas Steve Bannon in Russia Investigation: Special Counsel Robert Mueller subpoenaed Steve Bannon to testify before a grand jury. After Bannon's testimony, the House Intelligence Committee issued a second subpoena, with the White House directing Bannon not to answer questions about his White House tenure.
17 Jan Two Koreas to March Together at 2018 Winter Olympics: The South Korean Ministry of Unification announced that North and South Korea would march together under the Korean Unification Flag at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics, symbolizing a potential diplomatic breakthrough in inter-Korean relations.
18 Jan Macron-May Diplomatic Meeting: French President Emmanuel Macron met with British Prime Minister Theresa May at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, likely discussing bilateral relations and potential post-Brexit cooperation strategies.
19 Jan Seven journalists covering the economic protests in Khartoum this week were arrested by the Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service. The charges against the journalists are not clear.
20 Jan U.S. Federal Government Shutdown: The U.S. federal government shut down at midnight EST due to legislative gridlock over immigration policy, specifically disputes surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and border wall funding.
21 Jan Turkish Military Intervention in Afrin: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a military ground operation in Afrin, Syria. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stated the objective was to establish a 30-kilometer safety zone, marking a significant escalation in the Syrian conflict.
22 Jan U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem Announcement: U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence announced plans to open the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in 2019, earlier than initially expected, solidifying the United States' recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and potentially escalating regional diplomatic tensions.
23 Jan Marshall County High School Shooting: A tragic school shooting at Marshall County High School in Draffenville, Kentucky, leaves two people dead and 19 others injured. The suspect was promptly arrested, drawing national attention to ongoing issues of school violence in the United States.
24 Jan Larry Nassar Sexual Abuse Sentencing: Former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40-175 years in prison after being found guilty of systematically sexually abusing hundreds of female gymnasts over decades, many of whom were minors. His actions represented a profound betrayal of trust within the athletic community.
25 Jan Doomsday Clock Update: The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to two minutes before midnight, the closest to potential global catastrophe since 1953, citing unaddressed nuclear tensions and climate change risks.
26 Jan Turkey's Military Offensive in Syrian Civil War: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced an expanded military offensive in Syria, declaring that operations would shift eastward towards Manbij and extend to the Iraqi border, signaling escalating Turkish involvement in the complex Syrian conflict.
27 Jan 2018 Kabul Ambulance Bombing: A devastating suicide bombing occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan, where a bomber detonated an explosive-laden ambulance near the former interior ministry building, resulting in at least 102 fatalities and 158 injuries. This tragic terrorist attack highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
28 Jan Russian Opposition Protests and Navalny's Arrest: During the 2017-2018 Russian protests, police arrested Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition politician, at a Moscow protest rally. The arrest followed a police raid on the headquarters of his unregistered Progress Party, which appeared to be an attempt to disrupt online opposition rallies against Vladimir Putin. Police claimed they were searching for a bomb. Navalny was released from police custody late Sunday but was required to appear in court.
29 Jan Andrew McCabe Resigns from FBI: Andrew McCabe, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, resigned amid escalating tensions with President Donald Trump. His departure highlighted the significant political pressures and internal conflicts within the U.S. federal law enforcement and executive branches during the Trump administration.
30 Jan Trump's First State of the Union Address: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural State of the Union address to the 115th United States Congress in the House of Representatives, marking a significant moment in his presidency.
31 Jan Afghanistan War Territorial Control: A BBC study revealed the extensive territorial influence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, with the insurgent group controlling or having a presence in 70% of the country's territory. Specifically, they fully control 14 districts (4% of Afghanistan) and maintain an open militant presence in 263 additional districts.
01 Feb Major Archaeological Discovery in Maya Civilization: Archaeologists used Lidar technology to uncover thousands of previously undetected structures in the Mayan lowland civilization of Guatemala. The discovery suggests a significantly larger population of approximately 10 million people, revolutionizing our understanding of Mayan urban development and societal complexity.
02 Feb US Nuclear Posture Review Update: The United States released its first nuclear weapons policy update since 2010, proposing the addition of two new weapon types to its arsenal: low-yield submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and cruise missiles (SLCM), signaling potential shifts in military strategy.
03 Feb Russian Military Aircraft Shot Down in Syria: A Russian Sukhoi Su-25 aircraft was shot down over Idlib Governorate by unidentified rebel groups. The pilot was killed after parachuting from the aircraft while attempting to avoid capture. The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed these details.
04 Feb Super Bowl LII: The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII, winning their first NFL championship.
05 Feb E.U.. met with David Davis, Secretary of State for the Exiting the European Union and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May in London. Michel Barnier, chief negotiator, calls for the United Kingdom's decision on its future relationship with the European Union following Brexit.
06 Feb SpaceX Falcon Heavy Maiden Flight: SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon Heavy, a super heavy launch vehicle, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration. The rocket carried Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster as payload, which played David Bowie's 'Life on Mars' and is expected to remain in an elliptical solar orbit for hundreds of millions of years. Both side boosters were successfully landed, though the core booster was lost near the drone ship.
07 Feb US Military Intervention in Syria: The United States Central Command reported a significant military engagement, conducting self-defense strikes that resulted in over 100 pro-government troop casualties. The operation was strategically located eight kilometers east of the Euphrates de-confliction line, reportedly coordinated with Russian military leadership.
08 Feb US Military Presence in Syria Challenged: Syria and Russia declared the United States' military presence in Syria illegal, with approximately 25% of Syrian territory now under control of US-backed forces, escalating tensions in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
09 Feb Historic Inter-Korean Diplomacy at Olympics Opening Ceremony: The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics opening ceremony became a landmark diplomatic moment, with North and South Korea marching under a unified flag. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, attended and shook hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, symbolizing a potential thaw in tensions.
10 Feb Israeli F-16 Shot Down Over Golan Heights: Following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria, the Syrian Air Defense Force successfully shot down an Israeli F-16 flying over the Golan Heights. Both Israeli pilots managed to parachute to safety, marking a significant military engagement.
11 Feb India's Massive Healthcare Initiative: The Indian government announced an ambitious healthcare plan to provide free medical coverage to 500 million people, representing one of the largest healthcare initiatives in global history aimed at improving access to medical services for a significant portion of the population.
12 Feb Trump Submits 2019 Budget and Infrastructure Plan: President Donald Trump sent a $4.4 trillion budget proposal to Congress and presented a $1.5 trillion federal infrastructure plan to mayors and governors at the White House.
13 Feb Israeli Police Recommend Netanyahu Indictment: Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for corruption and bribery charges, which Netanyahu strongly denies.
14 Feb Parkland School Shooting: A tragic mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, resulting in 17 fatalities and 17 injuries. The shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former student, was arrested. This event is considered one of the deadliest school massacres in American history.
15 Feb Parkland School Shooting: A tragic mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida, where a 19-year-old ex-student, Nikolas Cruz, killed 17 people and wounded at least 16 others using an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle.
16 Feb Parkland School Shooting Vigil: Approximately 8,000 people attended a vigil in Parkland, Florida, to mourn the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The suspected shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, confessed to the rampage that killed 17 people and was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.
17 Feb Death Sentence for Zainab Ansari's Murderer: Imran Ali was sentenced to death by the Anti-Terrorism Court of Lahore, Pakistan, for the rape and murder of 7-year-old Zainab Ansari. The victim's family demanded public execution, reflecting the severe public outrage over the heinous crime.
18 Feb Syrian Government Offensive in Eastern Ghouta: As part of the ongoing Syrian Civil War, government forces initiated a new military offensive in the Eastern Ghouta region, escalating the conflict and potentially causing significant humanitarian concerns.
19 Feb Boko Haram Kidnaps 110 Girls in Nigeria: In a horrific incident in Dapchi, Yobe state, Nigeria reported that 110 girls were presumed kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists after an attack on a school, continuing the group's pattern of targeting educational institutions.
20 Feb Van der Zwaan Pleads Guilty in Mueller Investigation: Attorney Alex van der Zwaan pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court to making false statements during the FBI's special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, specifically regarding his interactions with Rick Gates and an unidentified Ukrainian associate of Paul Manafort.
21 Feb Humanitarian Crisis in Syria's Eastern Ghouta: A UN official described the bombing in Syria's Eastern Ghouta as 'beyond imagination', with at least 250 people killed, including 50 children, and approximately 1,200 injured. The Syrian government continues military operations against the last major opposition stronghold near Damascus.
22 Feb Syrian Civil War: Russian Diplomatic Obstruction: Russia blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution proposing a 30-day ceasefire in Syria, effectively prolonging the ongoing conflict. Simultaneously, the Rif Dimashq offensive resulted in over 400 deaths in Eastern Ghouta since February 18, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
23 Feb Rick Gates Plea in Mueller Investigation: Rick Gates pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the Special Counsel investigation into potential conspiracy against the United States, marking a significant development in the ongoing probe into Russian election interference.
24 Feb UN Security Council Syria Ceasefire Resolution: The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria, aiming to provide humanitarian relief and potentially create an opportunity for diplomatic negotiations in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
25 Feb China Removes Presidential Term Limits: The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China proposed a constitutional amendment to eliminate term limits for the President and Vice-President positions. This strategic move was widely interpreted as President Xi Jinping's deliberate effort to consolidate and potentially extend his political power indefinitely.
26 Feb Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Students Return After Shooting: Thousands of students, parents, and teachers returned to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, for an orientation session following the tragic February 14 shooting that killed 17 people. Grief counselors were present to support students, and memorial crosses adorned with flowers and stuffed animals marked the site. The school planned a phased reopening, with full schedule resumption expected by March 5, and administrators were working to restructure class schedules after the loss of the three-story building where the shooting occurred.
27 Feb Trump 2020 Presidential Campaign Launch: President Donald Trump officially announced his intention to run for re-election in 2020, making the declaration an unprecedented 980 days before the election.
28 Feb Retail Chains Respond to Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting: In response to the Parkland school shooting, Dick's Sporting Goods and Walmart raised the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21 and stopped selling semi-automatic rifles with military-style designs.
01 Mar Senate Intelligence Committee Text Message Leak Controversy: A Senate Intelligence Committee report alleged that a Republican House Intelligence Committee member leaked text messages between Senator Mark Warner and a Russian-connected attorney regarding an attempt to contact Christopher Steele, author of the Trump-Russia dossier. The leak report was later denied by Committee Chairman Richard Burr.
02 Mar 2018 Ouagadougou Terrorist Attacks: A coordinated terrorist attack targeted the French Embassy and Military Headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, leaving 28 people dead and over 50 injured. This attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
03 Mar Roger Bannister, Legendary Athlete, Dies: Roger Bannister, the pioneering English neurologist and athlete who became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in sports history.
04 Mar Skripal Novichok Poisoning Incident: Former MI6 spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury, England, causing a significant international diplomatic crisis that led to mass expulsions of diplomats from multiple countries. The incident heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations, sparking global condemnation of the suspected state-sponsored assassination attempt.
05 Mar Sergei Skripal Poisoning Incident: Former MI6 spy Sergei Skripal, who was granted UK refugee status in 2010 after a spy exchange with Russia, was hospitalized after exposure to an unidentified substance in Wiltshire, UK, sparking an international diplomatic crisis.
06 Mar North Korea Opens to US Denuclearization Talks: South Korea announced that North Korea expressed willingness to engage in diplomatic discussions with the United States regarding the potential denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, signaling a potential breakthrough in international relations.
07 Mar Florida Passes Gun Safety Legislation: In response to the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Florida's House of Representatives passed a significant gun safety bill. The legislation raises the minimum firearm purchase age from 18 to 21, bans bump stocks, and establishes a program to arm select teachers, marking a notable policy response to gun violence.
08 Mar North Korea-United States Summit Developments: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reported 'potentially positive signs' from North Korea. President Donald Trump accepted an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to discuss denuclearization by May.
09 Mar China Removes Presidential Term Limits: China's National People's Congress approved the removal of presidential term limits, effectively allowing Xi Jinping to remain president indefinitely, marking a significant shift in Chinese political governance.
10 Mar Post-Stoneman Douglas Gun Control Developments: In the aftermath of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, significant gun control measures were initiated. The NRA sued Florida over a proposed law to raise the minimum gun purchase age, while the U.S. Department of Justice moved to ban bump stocks, a modification enabling faster firing.
11 Mar China Removes Presidential Term Limits: China's National People's Congress approved the removal of presidential term limits, effectively allowing President Xi Jinping to potentially remain in power indefinitely, marking a significant shift in Chinese political governance.
12 Mar Trump's School Safety Proposal: U.S. President Donald Trump proposed arming some teachers and school staff as a potential solution to prevent school shootings, while declining to raise the minimum age for firearm purchases. The controversial proposal sparked intense national debate about gun control and school safety.
13 Mar Trump Administration Cabinet Shake-up: President Donald Trump dismissed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo as his replacement, with Gina Haspel selected to succeed Pompeo at the CIA.
14 Mar UK Expels Russian Diplomats After Skripal Poisoning: The United Kingdom expelled 23 Russian diplomats and cut diplomatic ties in response to the Novichok nerve agent attack on Yulia and Sergei Skripal. Prime Minister Theresa May characterized the incident as an "unlawful use of force" by Russia.
15 Mar Florida International University Pedestrian Bridge Collapse: A pedestrian bridge under construction at Florida International University in Miami collapsed, resulting in at least six fatalities and eight flattened cars. Nine people were rescued and taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center, with two requiring immediate surgery and others sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
16 Mar Murder of Nikolai Glushkov in UK: A coroner confirmed that Nikolai Glushkov, a Russian businessman living in exile in the United Kingdom, was murdered. The killing occurred eight days after the poisoning of Yulia and Sergei Skripal, raising significant geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom.
17 Mar Cambridge Analytica Data Breach Investigation: Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey launched a significant investigation into Cambridge Analytica's alleged unauthorized harvesting of Facebook user profiles, which were potentially used in Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, raising critical questions about data privacy and electoral manipulation.
18 Mar A bushfire causes the destruction of dozens buildings in Tathra (New South Wales), Australia.
19 Mar Last Male Northern White Rhino Dies: Sudan, the world's last male northern white rhino, died in Kenya at the age of 45, marking a critical moment for the subspecies and global conservation efforts.
20 Mar North Korea Diplomatic Meeting: Delegations from North Korea, South Korea, and the United States met in Helsinki, Finland, potentially signaling a diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing tensions surrounding North Korea's nuclear program.
21 Mar African Continental Free Trade Area Established: Leaders from 44 African Union countries signed a landmark agreement in Kigali, Rwanda, to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, potentially transforming economic cooperation across the continent.
22 Mar US Imposes Significant Tariffs on Chinese Imports: President Donald Trump imposes $60 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese imports, significantly escalating trade tensions and potentially impacting global economic dynamics.
23 Mar US-China Trade Tensions Escalate: President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on approximately $60 billion of Chinese goods, causing significant market volatility. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 700 points, and China responded with retaliatory tariffs on US goods.
24 Mar March for Our Lives Protest: Students across the United States organized a massive nationwide protest demanding stricter gun control legislation in response to the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, marking a pivotal moment in youth-led activism against gun violence.
25 Mar Kim Jong Un's Surprise Visit to Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un began a surprise diplomatic trip to Beijing by train to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling potential geopolitical discussions.
26 Mar 2018 Kemerovo Fire Tragedy: Witnesses and Russia's Investigative Committee reported that the Winter Cherry complex's exits were obstructed and no alarms were functioning during this devastating disaster.
27 Mar Kim Jong-un's First International Visit: North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking his first travel outside North Korea since assuming office in 2011.
28 Mar North Korea's Denuclearization Pledge: During a surprise diplomatic visit to Beijing, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and pledged to pursue denuclearization, signaling potential progress in international negotiations.
29 Mar Saudi Arabia 9/11 Lawsuit Developments: In a significant legal proceeding, United States District Judge George B. Daniels rejected the Saudi Arabian government's request to dismiss lawsuits alleging their involvement in planning the September 11 terrorist attacks.
30 Mar Gaza Land Day Protests: The Israeli Army killed 17 Palestinians and wounded approximately 1,400 during the Land Day protests in Gaza, marking a significant and violent confrontation at the Israeli-Gazan border.
31 Mar Syrian Civil War: Eastern Ghouta Offensive: The Syrian Army declared significant territorial gains in the Eastern Ghouta region, expelling rebel fighters from key villages around Damascus, with Douma remaining under an ultimatum.
01 Apr Syrian Civil War: Rebel Evacuation from Douma: Rebel fighters began evacuating Douma, the last rebel stronghold in Eastern Ghouta, Syria, using government-provided buses to relocate to Idlib Governorate.
02 Apr US-China Trade Tensions Escalate: The White House condemned China's retaliatory decision to impose tariffs up to 25% on 128 U.S. imports, including pork and wine, in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports.
03 Apr Trump Invites Putin to White House: The Kremlin reported that President Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the White House, a controversial move given ongoing tensions over election interference allegations.
04 Apr First ICC Indictment of Malian War Criminal: Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud became the first Malian to be indicted before the International Criminal Court. He is accused of serious war crimes in Timbuktu, including desecration of religious shrines, rape, torture, and sexual enslavement during the conflict in Mali.
05 Apr US-China Trade Tensions Escalate: President Trump ordered officials to examine an additional $100 billion in potential tariffs against China, compounding the existing $50 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese imports. This action significantly heightened trade tensions between the two economic superpowers.
06 Apr Humboldt Broncos Bus Tragedy: A devastating bus collision occurred in Saskatchewan, Canada, involving the Humboldt Broncos junior ice hockey team. The bus collided with a semi-truck near Tisdale, resulting in 16 fatalities and 13 serious injuries. This tragic accident shocked the Canadian sports community and led to widespread national mourning.
07 Apr Douma Chemical Attack: During the Eastern Ghouta offensive of the Syrian Civil War, Syrian government forces conducted a chemical weapons attack in Douma, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties.
08 Apr 2018 Douma Chemical Weapons Attack: A devastating chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, reportedly killed at least 70 people. The White Helmets claimed the attack occurred, while Russia and the Syrian government denied any chemical weapons usage. U.S. President Donald Trump strongly condemned the attack, referring to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as 'Animal Assad' and warning Russia and Iran about their support.
09 Apr 2018 Douma Chemical Attack: Human Rights Watch condemned the Douma chemical attack in Syria as a potential war crime, suggesting that Russia and Syria could be criminally responsible. The attack in Idlib resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen people, including children and civilians, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the Syrian Civil War.
10 Apr Syria Chemical Attack International Response Preparations: Anonymous U.S. officials revealed potential plans for a multilateral military response to Syrian government forces following the Douma chemical attack. Experts suggested potential involvement from France, the United Kingdom, and Middle Eastern allies. Eurocontrol simultaneously warned airlines about potential airstrikes in the Mediterranean region.
11 Apr Yemeni Crisis Missile Interception: During the ongoing Yemeni Crisis, the Royal Saudi Air Defense successfully intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen over Riyadh, causing panic among residents. Houthi rebels claimed to have launched multiple Burkan-2 missiles targeting Saudi Arabian oil facilities, with two additional Qasef-1 drones being shot down near the border.
12 Apr Syrian Civil War: Eastern Ghouta Falls: Syrian government forces successfully expelled rebels from Douma, completing their recapture of Eastern Ghouta, a significant former rebel stronghold.
13 Apr Ecuadorian Journalists Killed by Colombian Rebels: The Government of Ecuador confirmed that three Ecuadorian journalists, previously kidnapped on March 26 by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, have been killed. In response, President Lenin Moreno ordered military operations at the Colombian border and offered a US$100,000 reward for capturing the killers.
14 Apr US, France, and UK Missile Strikes in Syria: On Saturday morning, the United States, France, and Britain launched coordinated missile strikes against chemical weapons sites and military facilities in Syria. This was a direct response to the chemical attack in Douma. Russia immediately called for an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council to discuss potential retaliatory measures, including plans to supply S-300 missile systems to Syria.
15 Apr Trump Warns Syria on Chemical Attacks: U.S. President Donald Trump warns Syria that the United States is 'locked and loaded' and prepared to strike again in response to potential chemical attacks, escalating tensions in the region.
16 Apr Syrian Civil War: Chemical Weapons Investigation: Amid ongoing tensions, Russia denied interfering with the chemical weapons attack site in Douma, Syria. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a nine-member team, was granted permission to visit Damascus to investigate the incident. Syrian state media reported missile interceptions at Shayrat Airbase, with the U.S. denying any involvement.
17 Apr Barbara Bush Passes Away: Barbara Bush, former First Lady of the United States and wife of President George H.W. Bush, died at the age of 92.
18 Apr End of Castro Era in Cuba: Miguel Diaz Canel was elected as Cuba's new president, marking the first time since the Cuban Revolution that a non-Castro family member leads the country. Raul Castro prepared to resign, concluding decades of Castro family governance.
19 Apr Nuclear Risk in Donbass: Ukrainian ecology minister Ostap Semerak warned of a potential nuclear catastrophe if pro-Russian separatists proceed with plans to flood a mine where small nuclear weapons were tested in the 1970s. Semerak appealed for international intervention to prevent a possible environmental and security disaster.
20 Apr North Korea Halts Nuclear Testing: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced the cessation of missile and nuclear testing, agreeing to close down nuclear test facilities, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
21 Apr Syrian Civil War Developments: The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons collected samples from a chemical weapons attack site in Douma, Syria. Simultaneously, Qalamoun rebels began evacuating the region after agreeing to surrender to the Syrian government. Sweden hosted a rare United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the Syrian conflict.
22 Apr Kabul Suicide Bombing: A devastating suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan resulted in 57 fatalities and 119 injuries, marking a significant terrorist attack in the ongoing Afghanistan conflict.
23 Apr Yemen Conflict Escalation: A Saudi-led coalition airstrike killed Saleh Ali al-Sammad, the president of Yemen's Supreme Political Council and a senior Houthi official. In a separate incident, another airstrike hit a wedding procession in Hajjah Governorate, resulting in 22-33 civilian casualties.
24 Apr Toronto Van Attack: Alex Minassian was charged in Toronto with ten murders and thirteen attempted murders after deliberately driving a van into pedestrians, causing significant loss of life and injury.
25 Apr Golden State Killer Arrest: Sacramento County Sheriff's Department arrested Joseph James DeAngelo in connection with the notorious Golden State Killer case.
26 Apr Major Trump Administration Personnel Changes: Two significant personnel changes occurred: Ronny Jackson withdrew his nomination for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Mike Pompeo was confirmed as Secretary of State with a Senate vote of 57-42.
27 Apr Panmunjom Declaration Signed: The Panmunjom Declaration was signed between North and South Korea, officially declaring their intentions to end the decades-long Korean conflict and work towards peace and potential reunification.
28 Apr Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza: Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes against Hamas targets in Gaza, including ships in the harbor and a building in Deir al Balah, in response to ongoing and sometimes violent protests.
29 Apr North Korea Nuclear Diplomacy: During a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un proposed shutting down the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site in May and indicated potential willingness to surrender nuclear weapons if the United States pledges not to attack.
30 Apr Nobel Peace Prize Suggestion for Trump: South Korean President Moon Jae-in suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, highlighting the diplomatic developments between North and South Korea.
01 May Ashley Judd Sues Harvey Weinstein: American actress Ashley Judd filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein, alleging sexual harassment and claiming that he deliberately sabotaged her potential casting in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, marking a significant moment in the #MeToo movement.
02 May North Korea Releases US Detainees: In preparation for a summit with US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un released three American detainees. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton announced this as a gesture of sincerity for upcoming diplomatic talks.
03 May 2018 Gaza Border Protests: Tensions escalated at the Gaza-Israel border with multiple incidents: An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation resulted in a Palestinian man's arrest and injury while attempting to breach the security fence. Palestinian teenager Anas Abu Asr died from protest-related injuries, bringing the total death toll to 40. The Israeli High Court controversially declared the protests a 'state of war', effectively suspending human rights protections.
04 May North Korea-South Korea Time Zone Alignment: North Korea synchronized its time zone with South Korea at 23:30 local time, which was interpreted by the North Korean agency KCNA as a 'first practical' step towards potential reunification. Simultaneously, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a planned meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
05 May NASA InSight Mars Lander Launch: NASA successfully launches the InSight Mars Lander from Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, marking the first interplanetary mission launched from the West Coast of the United States.
06 May Gaza Border Conflict Escalation: Tensions escalated at the Israeli-Gazan border when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire on three Palestinian men attempting to breach the border fence. The IDF also attacked a nearby Hamas outpost, alleging it was being used to launch incendiary devices aimed at burning Israeli agricultural fields.
07 May US Sanctions Against Venezuela: The United States imposed sanctions on three Venezuelans and 20 drug entities in response to trafficking activities. Vice President Mike Pence also called for the suspension of Venezuela's upcoming presidential elections, citing corruption concerns.
08 May Grenfell Tower Fire Aftermath: The Guardian reports on the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London, which claimed 71 lives. Investigations reveal that cost-cutting measures, including rejecting non-flammable cladding, potentially exacerbated the disaster.
09 May Malaysian General Election Historic Defeat: The historic defeat of Barisan Nasional, the governing coalition of Malaysia since the country's independence in 1957, occurred during the 2018 Malaysian general election. This marked a significant political transformation in Malaysia's democratic history.
10 May Trump-Kim Summit Announcement: US President Donald Trump announced a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, scheduled for June 12, 2018, in Singapore, marking a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
11 May Legendary Blood Donor Ends 60-Year Contribution: James Harrison, an 81-year-old Australian, made his final blood plasma donation after an extraordinary 60-year career. His unique blood composition was crucial in developing a treatment for Rh disease, saving over 2 million infants in Australia.
12 May North Korea Nuclear Test Site Dismantlement: North Korea announced plans to demolish the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site between May 23-25 in preparation for the upcoming Donald Trump-Kim Jong Un summit. They invited journalists from the U.S., South Korea, China, and Russia to report on the event.
13 May Surabaya Church Bombings: A family of six carried out three church bombings in Surabaya, Indonesia, killing at least 13 people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack, which resulted in over 40 injuries and highlighted the ongoing threat of religious extremism in the region.
14 May US Embassy Moved to Jerusalem: The United States officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding, marking a significant and controversial diplomatic shift.
15 May Deadly Gaza Border Protests: On May 15, 2018, a significant and tragic event occurred at the Gaza border, where 58 Palestinians were killed and 1,700 were hospitalized during protests marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem and Israel's 70th anniversary. The protests were met with severe military response from Israeli forces.
16 May North Korea Threatens to Cancel Trump-Kim Summit: North Korean authorities issued statements casting doubt on the potential Trump-Kim summit, challenging U.S. denuclearization demands and threatening to withdraw from negotiations if unilateral disarmament is insisted upon.
17 May Michigan State University Sexual Abuse Settlement: Michigan State University agreed to pay a landmark $500 million settlement to 300 survivors of sexual abuse involving former team doctor Larry Nassar, representing a significant moment in addressing institutional accountability.
18 May Santa Fe High School Shooting: A tragic school shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including 8 students and 2 teachers. An additional 12 individuals were injured during the incident.
19 May Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The historic wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, marking a significant moment in British royal history. The ceremony was a global media event, attracting an estimated 1.9 billion viewers worldwide. The couple was officially titled the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, symbolizing a modern and inclusive approach to the British monarchy.
20 May Spanish Constitutional Crisis Continues: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy maintained direct control over Catalonia, blocking the election of new councilors with support from Citizens Party and Workers' Party, further escalating the ongoing political tension.
21 May US Threatens Iran with Unprecedented Sanctions: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced potential 'strongest sanctions in history' against Iran, demanding an end to its nuclear program and withdrawal from the Syrian Civil War. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rejected these demands, with Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif accusing the U.S. of 'repeating past errors'.
22 May Syrian Government Declares Damascus Safe After Recapturing Key Areas: The Syrian government successfully recaptured Yarmouk Camp and Hajar al Aswad from ISIL, declaring Damascus and its surrounding areas completely secure for the first time in 11 years, signaling a major turning point in the Syrian conflict.
23 May Iran's JCPOA Conditions: Following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal), Iran outlined seven conditions for remaining in the agreement, including a demand for European banks to protect trade with Iran.
24 May Trump Cancels North Korea Summit: U.S. President Donald Trump canceled the planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing North Korea's 'tremendous anger' and 'open hostility'. He left open the possibility of future negotiations while warning of military preparedness.
25 May Ireland Votes to Repeal Abortion Ban: In a landmark referendum, Ireland votes to repeal the Eighth Amendment, effectively removing the constitutional prohibition on abortion and paving the way for more liberal reproductive rights legislation.
26 May Ireland Repeals Abortion Ban: Ireland's historic referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment passed with approximately 66.4% voting in favor, marking a significant watershed moment for women's reproductive rights.
27 May Israel Constructs Sea Barrier near Gaza: Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced the construction of a three-story high breakwater on Zikim beach, designed to block Gaza Strip residents from accessing the sea. The 'impenetrable' structure of stone and fence was planned for completion by year-end.
28 May Poland Seeks Permanent U.S. Military Presence: Polish Minister of Defence Mariusz Blaszczak discussed with U.S. officials the potential for permanent stationing of thousands of American troops in Poland, strategically aimed at deterring potential Russian aggression. This diplomatic engagement highlights Poland's ongoing concerns about regional security and its desire to strengthen military cooperation with the United States.
29 May US-China Trade Dispute Escalation: The United States government announced a significant 25% tariff on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods categorized as having 'industrially important technology'. The announcement included plans to publish a complete product list on June 15 and notify investors of investment restrictions and enhanced export controls by June 30.
30 May Harvey Weinstein Rape Indictment: A New York City grand jury indicts Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein for rape, marking a significant moment in the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct.
31 May US Imposes Steel Tariffs: The United States announced 25% tariffs on steel imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, marking a significant escalation in international trade tensions.
01 Jun North Korea-United States Summit Developments: Following a White House meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump officially confirms that the planned summit with North Korea will proceed as scheduled, signaling potential diplomatic progress in resolving tensions.
02 Jun Pedro Sánchez Becomes Spanish Prime Minister: Pedro Sánchez of the Spanish Socialist Party was sworn in as Prime Minister before King Felipe VI. In a historic moment, he took the oath without using a Bible or crucifix, marking a significant departure from traditional Spanish political ceremonies.
03 Jun Volcan de Fuego Eruption in Guatemala: Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupted catastrophically, killing at least 62 people, injuring 300, and causing significant destruction. The eruption forced the closure of La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
04 Jun Supreme Court Rules in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case, deciding in favor of the baker who sued on grounds of religious discrimination. The court also made a controversial decision regarding an immigrant teenager's abortion rights.
05 Jun Volcan de Fuego Eruption in Guatemala: The deadly eruption of Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala resulted in 75 confirmed fatalities, making it one of the most destructive volcanic events of 2018 and causing massive humanitarian challenges.
06 Jun Mexico Retaliates with Tariffs Against US Exports: In response to the Trump administration's tariffs, Mexico announced it would impose counter-tariffs on US exports, with targeted goods valued at $3 billion, escalating the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries.
07 Jun NASA's Curiosity Rover Discovers Organic Matter on Mars: NASA's Curiosity rover finds preserved organic matter in an ancient Martian lake bed, raising intriguing questions about potential past life on the planet, though no definitive conclusions can be drawn.
08 Jun 44th G7 Summit in Quebec: G7 leaders gathered in La Malbaie, Quebec to discuss international trade and geopolitical issues. U.S. President Donald Trump controversially called for Russia's reinstatement into the group, a proposal supported by Italy's Prime Minister but rejected by most other leaders.
09 Jun 44th G7 Summit: Trump's Controversial Statements: During the G7 Summit, President Donald Trump made provocative statements about trade, claiming the United States is a 'piggybank that everyone keeps robbing'. He also called for Russia's reinstatement to the group and later retracted support for the summit's final communique, creating diplomatic tension.
10 Jun 2018 North Korea-United States Summit: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrives in Singapore to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a historic diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions between the two nations.
11 Jun Spain Offers Refuge to Migrant Vessel: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that a migrant vessel carrying 629 people would be allowed to dock in Valencia, after Malta and Italy refused entry, highlighting the ongoing European Migrant Crisis.
12 Jun Historic US-North Korea Summit in Singapore: United States President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un held the first-ever meeting between leaders of their two countries in Singapore, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in international relations.
13 Jun South Korea Suspends Military Drills with US: South Korea announced the suspension of joint military exercises with the United States to facilitate denuclearization talks with North Korea, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough in regional tensions.
14 Jun Singapore Summit: Trump-Kim Meeting: Historic first meeting between a sitting U.S. President (Donald Trump) and North Korean leader (Kim Jong-un), marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in international relations.
15 Jun US-China Trade War Escalates: The United States imposed 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of intellectual property theft. In retaliation, China imposed a 25% tariff on $34 billion of U.S. goods, marking an escalation in the ongoing trade tensions.
16 Jun First VAR Usage in FIFA World Cup: Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was implemented for the first time in World Cup history, awarding France a penalty in their 2-1 victory over Australia in Kazan, marking a significant technological milestone in international football.
17 Jun Mexico Defeats Germany in FIFA World Cup: In a stunning upset at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Mexico defeated Germany 1-0, ending Germany's 36-year unbeaten streak in World Cup tournament matches.
18 Jun US Space Force Establishment: President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Defense to initiate the creation of a 'Space Force', establishing it as the sixth military branch of the United States Armed Forces, signaling a new era of military strategic planning.
19 Jun US Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council: The United States announced its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council, citing concerns about the organization's perceived bias and ineffectiveness in protecting human rights globally.
20 Jun Trump Administration Reverses Migrant Family Separation Policy: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to 'maintain familial unity' in response to global criticism of the administration's previous policy of separating migrant children from their families. The order confirmed a new approach to detaining immigrant families together when legally and logistically feasible.
21 Jun Trump Administration Family Separation Policy Protests: Protests erupted against the Trump administration's immigration policy, leading to the temporary closure of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in Portland, Oregon. First Lady Melania Trump visited the US-Mexico border to witness the immigration crisis firsthand.
22 Jun Supreme Court Landmark Privacy Ruling: In Carpenter v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement must obtain a search warrant to collect location data from cell phone companies, marking a significant privacy protection decision.
23 Jun Tham Luang Cave Rescue Operation: A dramatic international rescue mission was launched to save twelve boys and their assistant soccer coach who were trapped in the flooding Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Thailand. The complex 18-day operation captured global attention and showcased extraordinary international cooperation in a challenging rescue effort.
24 Jun Turkey's Presidential and Parliamentary Election: Turkey held a critical presidential and parliamentary election where incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced significant political challenges. The election was characterized by unusual opposition unity and potential shifts in Turkey's political landscape. Erdogan, who had claimed new powers and maintained a state of emergency since the 2016 coup attempt, sought to consolidate his party's parliamentary majority.
25 Jun European Parliament Challenges Hungary's Rule of Law: The European Parliament initiated a disciplinary process against Hungary, citing concerns about potential rule of law violations under Prime Minister Viktor Orban's administration.
26 Jun US Supreme Court Upholds Trump Travel Ban: In a controversial 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration's September 2017 travel ban, marking a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy.
27 Jun Trump Administration Family Separation Policy Halted: A federal judge ordered an immediate stop to family separations at the Mexico-US border and mandated the reunification of separated families, challenging the Trump administration's controversial immigration policy.
28 Jun Trump-Putin Summit Scheduled: A high-stakes summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was scheduled for July 16th in Helsinki, Finland. The meeting was set to address critical national security issues and the controversial topic of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
29 Jun NASA Discovers Potentially Habitable Exoplanets: NASA's research reveals that Kepler 186f and Kepler 62f exoplanets possess stable axial tilts, suggesting the potential for moderate seasonal variations and increasing the likelihood of habitability.
30 Jun Novichok Nerve Agent Poisoning in Wiltshire: Two members of the public are confirmed poisoned by the Novichok nerve agent in Wiltshire, England, with one fatality. Authorities suspect the poison is a remnant from the earlier attack on Russian spies Sergei and Yulia Skripal.
01 Jul Mexican Presidential Election 2018: Mexican voters elected Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as their new President in a significant electoral victory. The election also saw the selection of 128 senators and 500 deputies, marking a substantial political transformation in Mexico.
02 Jul Tham Luang Cave Rescue: A dramatic international rescue operation successfully retrieved all 12 boys and their soccer coach from Tham Luang Nang Non Cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand. After being trapped underground for 10 days, the group was found alive, sparking global relief and admiration for the complex rescue efforts.
03 Jul Catholic Sexual Abuse Case in Australia: Philip Wilson, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, was sentenced for covering up child sexual abuse from the 1970s. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Gregory O'Kelly as Apostolic Administrator with limited powers.
04 Jul Najib Razak Corruption Charges: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak faced multiple charges including abuse of power and criminal breach of trust. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and claimed the government was seeking 'political revenge', marking a significant moment in Malaysia's political corruption investigations.
05 Jul US-Iran Tensions over JCPOA: Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran emerged after the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran threatened to close the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz to shipping if the US reimposed sanctions, signaling potential geopolitical confrontation.
06 Jul Corruption in Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif Sentencing: A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to 10 years imprisonment and an 8 million pound fine. His daughter Maryam Nawaz Sharif received a seven-year term and 2 million pound fine, while his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar Awan was sentenced to one year in prison.
07 Jul North Korea-US Diplomatic Tensions: North Korean state media sharply criticized high-level talks between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean officials, describing the negotiations as 'regrettable' and accusing the United States of making 'unilateral and gangster-like' demands for denuclearization, further highlighting the complex diplomatic relations between the two nations.
08 Jul Eritrea-Ethiopia Summit: In a historic meeting, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmad and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki convened in Asmara, pledging to restore diplomatic relations and potentially ending decades of conflict between the two nations.
09 Jul Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Conflict Resolution: Leaders from Eritrea and Ethiopia officially declared an end to their 20-year-old border conflict, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Horn of Africa.
10 Jul Tham Luang Cave Rescue: A dramatic international rescue operation saved a group of 12 Thai school children and their soccer coach who were trapped in the Tham Luang cave complex for over two weeks. Despite the successful rescue of all 12 children and their coach, one heroic Thai Navy SEAL diver tragically lost his life during the complex underwater rescue mission.
11 Jul 2018 FIFA World Cup: Croatia Advances to Final: In a thrilling match, Croatia defeated England 2-1 in extra time during the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final, securing their first-ever World Cup final appearance against France on July 15.
12 Jul Argentina Seeks Arrest of Iranian Official: Argentina formally requested Russia's assistance in arresting Ali Akbar Velayati, a former Iranian foreign minister and Ali Khamenei's adviser, in connection with the 1994 Jewish centre bombing.
13 Jul Russian Intelligence Officers Indicted for Election Interference: Twelve Russian intelligence officers were indicted by the Special Counsel in connection with hacking the Democratic National Committee, Hillary Clinton's campaign, and state election systems during the 2016 US Presidential election.
14 Jul DOJ Indicts Russian Officials for DNC Hacking: The U.S. Department of Justice indicted 12 Russian intelligence officials for their involvement in hacking the Democratic National Committee's computer networks during the 2016 presidential election, a significant development in election interference investigations.
15 Jul 2018 FIFA World Cup Final: France won its second World Cup title by defeating Croatia 4-2 in an exciting football match. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across France, but also led to significant public disorder, with two people killed, 45 injured, and 292 people arrested during the festivities.
16 Jul 2018 Helsinki Summit: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a controversial bilateral meeting in Helsinki, Finland, sparking international diplomatic discussions.
17 Jul Afghanistan Conflict: ISIL and Taliban Attacks: In a series of violent incidents in Afghanistan, an ISIL suicide bomber killed 20 people, including a Taliban commander. Subsequently, the Taliban attacked an Arghistan police checkpoint in Kandahar province, resulting in nine police officers killed, seven injured, and 25 Taliban fighters killed in the ensuing battle.
18 Jul Google Fined by European Commission for Antitrust Violations: The European Commission imposed a record €4.34 billion fine on Google for violating EU antitrust regulations. The commission claimed that Google abused Android's dominant market position to promote its search engine, effectively stifling competition. Google immediately announced its intention to appeal the decision.
19 Jul Table Rock Lake Duck Boat Tragedy: A devastating duck boat accident at Table Rock Lake results in at least 17 fatalities, raising serious questions about maritime safety and tourist vessel regulations.
20 Jul Park Geun Hye Sentenced for Corruption: Former South Korean President Park Geun Hye received an additional eight-year sentence for violating election laws and abusing state funds. This sentencing is part of the ongoing legal proceedings following her impeachment, marking a significant moment in South Korean political accountability.
21 Jul White Helmets Rescue Operation in Syria: Israel Defense Forces, at the request of Canada and the United States, evacuate 98 White Helmets rescue workers from southwestern Syria into Jordan, with some offered refuge by the UK, Germany, and Canada.
22 Jul White Helmets Evacuation from Syria: Israeli military, at the request of the U.S. and European countries, evacuated 422 White Helmet volunteers and their families from the Syria-Israel border to Jordan. These rescue workers, who have saved over 100,000 lives, were fleeing advancing Syrian government troops who consider the group a terrorist organization.
23 Jul Deadly Attica Wildfire in Greece: A catastrophic wildfire in East Attica, Greece, resulted in the tragic loss of 102 human lives. This event was recorded as the deadliest wildfire in Greek history and the second-deadliest wildfire of the 21st century globally, surpassed only by the 2009 Australian bushfires which claimed 180 lives.
24 Jul Discovery of Ancient Sauropod Species: Researchers from Imperial College London discovered the Lingwulong genus, a subgroup of Sauropods that lived in China approximately 174 million years ago, pushing back the known timeline of this dinosaur group by 15 million years.
25 Jul Liquid Water Discovery on Mars: Scientists from INAF announced the groundbreaking discovery of a liquid water lake beneath a polar cap on Mars, using the MARSIS radar instrument aboard the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter. This finding has significant implications for understanding potential extraterrestrial life.
26 Jul Facebook Stock Market Crash: Facebook experienced an unprecedented stock market loss, dropping 20% and losing US$118 billion in a single trading day, marking the first time a stock has lost over $100 billion in one day.
27 Jul North Korea Returns US Soldier Remains: In a diplomatic gesture on the 65th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, North Korea returned the remains of 55 U.S. soldiers who died during the Korean War, following an agreement between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un at their June summit.
28 Jul Mass Death Sentence in Egypt: An Egyptian court sentenced 75 supporters of former president Mohammed Morsi to execution in a massive legal case involving over 700 individuals.
29 Jul Ahed Tamimi Released from Israeli Prison: Ahed Tamimi, a prominent Palestinian teenage activist, was released from an Israeli prison during the ongoing Gaza Border Protests, drawing international attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
30 Jul Massive Citizenship Crisis in Assam, India: Four million people were excluded from the Assam National Register of Citizens, raising serious concerns about potential deportation and loss of citizenship, highlighting complex issues of identity and belonging in the region.
31 Jul California Wildfires of 2018: Devastating wildfires swept across California, resulting in at least eight fatalities. The state's emergency funds were significantly depleted, with approximately one-quarter exhausted in the first month of the fiscal year, highlighting the severe environmental and economic impact of the fires.
01 Aug Grenfell Tower Management Announcement: Following the devastating Grenfell Tower fire that claimed 72 lives, the English government announced that the Ministry of Housing would manage the tower after the completion of the comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident.
02 Aug Apple Becomes First $1 Trillion Public Company: Apple Inc. achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first publicly traded company to reach a market capitalization of US$1 trillion, signaling the company's unprecedented growth and dominance in the technology sector.
03 Aug First Successful Bio-Engineered Lung Transplant: Galveston University Medical Branch achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully transplanting bio-engineered lungs. The procedure involved creating a protein scaffold from a donor animal and gradually replacing it with the patient's own cells over a month.
04 Aug North Korea Nuclear Program Controversy: The United Nations Security Council released a report concluding that North Korea had not halted its nuclear program and was attempting to sell military supplies to Libya, Sudan, and Yemen. Simultaneously, North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho stated that denuclearization would only occur if the United States takes reciprocal steps.
05 Aug Lombok Earthquake Disaster: A devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Lombok, resulting in at least 460 fatalities and displacing approximately 350,000 people.
06 Aug US Sanctions on Iran: The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran three months after withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. In response, the European Union announced a blocking statute to protect European companies and encourage continued trade with Iran.
07 Aug US-China Trade War Escalation: The United States Trade Representative published a finalized list of 279 Chinese products valued at $16 billion, which will be subject to a 25% tariff starting August 23, further intensifying the ongoing trade tensions.
08 Aug China-US Trade War Escalation: China announced 25% tariffs on an additional US$16 billion worth of US imports, effective August 23, in direct retaliation to previous US trade measures, further intensifying the ongoing trade tensions.
09 Aug Gaza-Israel Conflict Escalation: Intense hostilities erupted with Hamas militants firing over 180 rockets and mortars into Israel, causing injuries. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on 150 targets in Gaza, resulting in three fatalities, including an 18-month-old child. A ceasefire was subsequently reported.
10 Aug Romanian Anti-Government Protests Turn Violent: A massive anti-government rally in Bucharest escalated into a riot when Romanian Gendarmerie members violently attacked approximately 100,000 protesters gathered in front of the Victoria Palace. The confrontation resulted in 452 recorded injuries. Authorities claimed the crowd was infiltrated by hooligans who provoked attacks against law enforcement.
11 Aug NASA Launches Parker Solar Probe: NASA successfully launched the Parker Solar Probe, its groundbreaking first mission designed to study the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, marking a significant milestone in solar exploration.
12 Aug NASA Launches Parker Solar Probe: NASA successfully launched the Parker Solar Probe, an unpiloted spacecraft designed to study the Sun, marking a significant milestone in solar and space exploration.
13 Aug Turkey's Financial Crisis Impacts Global Markets: Turkey's escalating debt and currency crisis triggered significant financial instability, causing Asian stock markets to fall amid fears of potential economic contagion spreading to other emerging economies.
14 Aug Ponte Morandi Bridge Collapse in Genoa, Italy: On August 14, 2018, the Ponte Morandi viaduct catastrophically collapsed on the A10 motorway in Genoa, Italy, resulting in a massive infrastructure and human tragedy. The disaster involved 35 vehicles and three large trucks, causing 38 confirmed deaths, 16 severe injuries, and 5 missing persons. Additionally, 632 people were displaced, and numerous homes were damaged, making this one of the most significant infrastructure failures in recent Italian history.
15 Aug Tragic Suicide Bombing and Taliban Attack in Afghanistan: On August 15, 2018, Afghanistan experienced two devastating incidents. A suicide bomber attacked an education center in Kabul, killing at least 48 people, predominantly students, and injuring 67 others. Simultaneously, the Taliban launched an attack on two Afghan security force units in the Baghlan-e-Markazi District of Baghlan Province, resulting in the deaths of 39 soldiers and police officers. The Taliban denied involvement in both incidents.
16 Aug Many newspapers in the United States have published coordinated editorials to defend press freedom. They refute President Donald Trump's repeated claims that news media reports are "fake news" or that journalists are "enemies for the people".
17 Aug Imran Khan Elected Prime Minister of Pakistan: Imran Khan, chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, marking a significant political transition in the country's governance.
18 Aug Genoa Bridge Collapse Tragedy: The Ponte Morandi bridge in Genoa, Italy, collapsed, resulting in the tragic loss of 43 lives and causing significant infrastructure damage.
19 Aug Venezuelan Migration Crisis Intensifies: Tensions escalated as Brazilians attacked Venezuelan migrants in a border camp, prompting military deployment. Multiple South American countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, tightened immigration controls as over 7% of Venezuela's population had fled within two years.
20 Aug Pope Francis Addresses Sexual Abuse Scandal: Pope Francis released a powerful letter to all Catholics, condemning sexual abuse atrocities and clerical cover-ups, acknowledging the church's failure to protect vulnerable individuals.
21 Aug Michael Cohen Pleads Guilty: Michael Cohen, former lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to eight felony financial charges. He admitted to receiving $150,000 in hush money with the intent of influencing the 2016 presidential election. He was released on $500,000 bail, with sentencing scheduled for December 12.
22 Aug Michael Cohen Pleads Guilty, Implicates Trump: Michael Cohen, President Trump's former lawyer, pleaded guilty to several charges and directly implicated President Trump in a federal investigation. Simultaneously, Paul Manafort was convicted of 8 counts of fraud, marking a significant moment in the Trump administration's legal challenges.
23 Aug US-China Trade Dispute Escalates: The United States imposed 25% tariffs on $16 billion worth of Chinese goods, with China immediately responding with equivalent retaliatory tariffs, further intensifying the ongoing trade war between the two economic superpowers.
24 Aug Australian Prime Minister Leadership Change: In a significant political upheaval, Malcolm Turnbull loses the Liberal Party leadership spill and resigns as Prime Minister of Australia. Treasurer Scott Morrison wins the second leadership contest with 45 votes against 40 for Peter Dutton, becoming the new Prime Minister.
25 Aug Death of Senator John McCain: U.S. Senator John McCain, a prominent political figure and 2008 Presidential Nominee, passed away at the age of 81. McCain was known for his long congressional career, military service, and reputation as a political maverick who often crossed party lines.
26 Aug Death of Senator John McCain: Senator John McCain passed away at age 81 after a thirteen-month battle with brain cancer. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, torture survivor, and two-time presidential candidate, McCain was known for his maverick political stance and significant contributions to American politics. He died surrounded by friends and family, leaving behind a complex and influential legacy.
27 Aug UN Report on Myanmar Military Crimes: A United Nations Human Rights Council report, based on 875 interviews, recommends investigating Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing for genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya population.
28 Aug Scientific Breakthrough in Particle Physics: Scientists observe the Higgs Boson decaying into bottom quarks for the first time, confirming a prediction in the Standard Model of particle physics.
29 Aug Germany Returns Namibian Remains: Germany returned human remains of Herero and Nama tribespeople, acknowledging the atrocities committed during the German Empire's colonial period from 1904 to 1908, when thousands were killed in a tragic genocide.
30 Aug US-EU Trade Tensions Escalate: European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom proposed zero import tariffs for the EU if the United States reciprocates, while President Donald Trump simultaneously threatened to withdraw from the World Trade Organization, signaling ongoing trade tensions.
31 Aug Lula da Silva Barred from 2018 Brazilian Presidential Election: Brazil's Superior Electoral Court ruled that former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cannot run for presidency due to ineligibility under the Clean Slate law. The court also prohibited the Workers Party from running political advertisements featuring Lula.
01 Sep Memorial Service for Senator John McCain: A national memorial service was held at the Washington National Cathedral to honor the late Senator John McCain, with various dignitaries gathering to pay tribute to his life and legacy of public service.
02 Sep Catastrophic Fire at Brazil's National Museum: A massive fire completely destroyed the Paço de São Cristovão, home to the National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. The devastating blaze resulted in the loss of irreplaceable archaeological and ethnological artifacts, including the remains of Luzia Woman, Marajoara vase, and Egyptian mummies.
03 Sep Reuters Journalists Sentenced in Myanmar: Two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, were sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the Official Secrets Act while investigating reports of mass graves in Inn Din, sparking international condemnation of press freedom restrictions.
04 Sep Typhoon Jebi Devastates Japan: Typhoon Jebi, the strongest typhoon to hit Japan in 25 years, caused significant destruction, killing at least 11 people and injuring over 300.
05 Sep Anonymous Trump Administration Official Criticizes President in NYT Op-Ed: The New York Times published an anonymous editorial by a senior Trump administration official, criticizing President Donald Trump and alleging that unnamed officials were working internally to stabilize the administration despite the president's perceived challenges.
06 Sep Hokkaido Earthquake Disaster: A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Hokkaido, Japan's largest island, causing significant destruction. The disaster resulted in 16 confirmed deaths, 120 injuries, and 26 people reported missing, highlighting the region's seismic vulnerability.
07 Sep Basra Protesters Storm Iranian Consulate: Demonstrators in Basra, Iraq, stormed the Iranian consulate in a dramatic protest against political corruption. Protesters damaged consulate offices, shouted anti-Iranian slogans, and briefly took workers hostage at a nearby oilfield, highlighting deep political tensions.
08 Sep Hokkaido Earthquake Tragedy: The devastating 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake's death toll rises to 39, with numerous people still reported missing. The earthquake caused significant destruction and loss of life in the region.
09 Sep Les Moonves Resigns from CBS: CBS Corporation CEO Les Moonves resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations. As part of the resolution, CBS will donate $20 Million to Me Too movement organizations, potentially funded from Moonves' severance package.
10 Sep Hurricane Florence Intensifies: Hurricane Florence escalated to a Category 4 hurricane, posing a significant threat to the U.S. East Coast, particularly the Carolinas. Preparations included the potential evacuation of approximately 1 million South Carolina residents in anticipation of a potentially catastrophic landfall.
11 Sep 9/11 Memorial Commemoration: An official ceremony was held to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event emphasized the values of liberty and freedom, and recognized the dedication of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees in ensuring aviation safety.
12 Sep Suicide Bombing in Afghanistan: A devastating suicide attack in eastern Afghanistan targeted protesters, resulting in 68 fatalities and over 120 injuries. The attack occurred amid escalating violence, with authorities warning of potential intensification as parliamentary elections approach.
13 Sep French President Acknowledges Algerian War Torture: French President Emmanuel Macron officially acknowledged systematic torture during the 1950s-60s Algerian War of Independence and called for opening archives related to disappeared individuals, including activist Maurice Audin.
14 Sep Paul Manafort Pleads Guilty in Mueller Investigation: Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman for Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to money laundering and foreign lobbying charges brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. As part of the plea agreement, Manafort agreed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
15 Sep Hurricane Florence Impacts North Carolina: Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina on September 14, 2018, continuing its destructive path on September 15, causing widespread flooding and extensive damage across the region.
16 Sep US Prepares New Tariffs on Chinese Goods: President Trump was expected to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports, targeting $200 billion in goods with approximately a 10% tax rate, escalating the ongoing trade tensions.
17 Sep US Escalates Trade War with China: The United States announced a 10% tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, set to increase to 25% by year's end, with potential additional tariffs of $267 billion if China retaliates.
18 Sep US-China Trade War Escalation: China added US$60 billion of US products to its import tariff list in retaliation for recent US tariffs on Chinese imported goods worth US$200 billion, further intensifying the ongoing trade tensions between the two economic superpowers.
19 Sep Najib Razak Corruption Scandal: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested for allegedly transferring RM2.6 billion (approximately $681 million) into his personal bank accounts, marking a significant moment in Malaysia's fight against high-level political corruption.
20 Sep Sinking of MV Nyerere in Lake Victoria: A tragic ferry disaster occurred on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, where at least 161 people lost their lives when a vessel capsized near Ukara Island. The incident highlights the critical need for maritime safety improvements in the region.
21 Sep Deadly Clashes in Tripoli: The Libyan Civil War escalated with intense fighting in Tripoli, resulting in 444 deaths and 16 people missing. The conflict, which began on August 26, 2018, underscores the ongoing instability in Libya.
22 Sep Hayabusa2 Robots Land on Asteroid Ryugu: The Japanese space agency JAXA announced a remarkable achievement: a pair of 18-cm tall robots successfully landed on the asteroid Ryugu. This milestone in space exploration demonstrates Japan's advanced technological capabilities in planetary exploration and robotics.
23 Sep Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court Nomination Controversy: A second woman accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct, intensifying the already contentious confirmation process. However, the witnesses she identified denied the allegations, creating further complexity and controversy around his nomination.
24 Sep Russia's Military Response in Syria: Russian officials announced plans to deploy S-300 air-defense missile systems to Syria following the downing of Russian planes. They also declared intentions to jam satellite and radar signals from Mediterranean-based aircraft attacking Syrian territory.
25 Sep Brexit Political Developments: The UK Labour Party announced plans to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Chequers Agreement and expressed openness to a potential second Brexit referendum, adding complexity to the Brexit negotiations.
26 Sep Skripal Poisoning Investigation: Bellingcat, an investigative website, released information identifying Anatoliy Chepiga, a decorated Colonel from the Main Intelligence Directorate, as a suspect in the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal.
27 Sep North and South Korea Plan Third Summit: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed to hold their third summit in Pyongyang, signaling continued diplomatic efforts towards peace and potential denuclearization.
28 Sep 2018 Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami: A devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami that caused widespread destruction, resulting in 4,340 deaths and 10,679 injuries. The catastrophic event led to significant humanitarian challenges and infrastructure damage.
29 Sep Trump Orders FBI Investigation into Kavanaugh Allegations: President Trump directed the FBI to conduct a limited, week-long investigation into sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, following a request by Senator Jeff Flake. Mark Judge, Kavanaugh's high school friend allegedly present during the incident, agreed to cooperate confidentially.
30 Sep Canada Joins New North American Trade Agreement: Canada agreed to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), effectively replacing the previous North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This marked a significant milestone in North American trade relations and economic cooperation.
01 Oct USMCA Trade Deal Replaces NAFTA: The United States, Canada, and Mexico agreed to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a new comprehensive trade deal that would replace the long-standing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
02 Oct Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi: Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was brutally assassinated inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, marking a significant international diplomatic incident that drew global condemnation of Saudi Arabia's actions.
03 Oct United States Withdraws from Iran Treaty: The United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The International Court of Justice ordered the U.S. to lift sanctions against Iran related to humanitarian goods and civil aviation safety. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared an end to the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran.
04 Oct Russian GRU Intelligence Hacking Indictment: The U.S. Justice Department indicts seven Russian GRU intelligence officers for extensive cyber hacking targeting 250 athletes and anti-doping organizations worldwide, revealing significant international cyber espionage activities.
05 Oct Sulawesi Tsunami and Earthquake Disaster: A devastating earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia resulted in 1,571 confirmed deaths, causing massive destruction in Sulawesi and highlighting the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
06 Oct 2018 Sulawesi Tsunami and Earthquake: The devastating tsunami and earthquake in Sulawesi, Indonesia, resulted in 1,649 confirmed deaths, with over 265 people still missing, highlighting the region's significant seismic vulnerability.
07 Oct Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami: Indonesia suffered a devastating double earthquake and tsunami, with the national disaster agency confirming 1,944 confirmed deaths. An additional 5,000 people remained missing and were presumed dead, highlighting the catastrophic scale of the natural disaster.
08 Oct UN Climate Change Report: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a major report warning that the planet will warm 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) by 2040, with potentially dire global consequences.
09 Oct Erdogan Demands Proof in Khashoggi Disappearance: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan challenged Saudi Arabia to provide evidence that missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul voluntarily, escalating tensions in the diplomatic crisis.
10 Oct Hurricane Michael Devastates Florida Panhandle: Hurricane Michael made catastrophic landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 5 hurricane, causing unprecedented destruction. The storm resulted in 57 fatalities across the United States, with 45 deaths in Florida alone, and caused an estimated $25.1 billion in comprehensive damage.
11 Oct Soyuz MS-10 Emergency Space Mission Abort: The Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft, intended to launch a crew to the International Space Station (ISS), experienced an in-flight rocket failure, forcing an emergency abort. Despite the critical situation, the crew successfully landed safely in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the effectiveness of spacecraft emergency protocols.
12 Oct Jamal Khashoggi Murder Investigation: Turkish officials claimed to have audio and video evidence proving that Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, was tortured and killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. This revelation sparked a major international controversy and raised serious questions about diplomatic relations and human rights.
13 Oct Infant Remains Discovered in Detroit: Michigan state inspectors made a disturbing discovery after receiving an anonymous tip, finding the remains of 11 infants in a ceiling in Detroit. The incident prompted a criminal investigation and raised serious questions about potential criminal activity.
14 Oct Pope Francis Canonizes Oscar Romero and Others: Pope Francis officially canonized Oscar Romero, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Salvador who was assassinated during Mass in 1980, along with five other individuals. This ceremony recognized Romero's significant contributions to human rights and social justice in El Salvador. Pope Paul VI was also among those canonized.
15 Oct California Wildfire Prevention Measures: Pacific Gas and Electric Company took preemptive action by shutting off power to 60,000 customers across 12 Northern California counties due to extreme wildfire risks. Red flag warnings were issued to 22 million state residents, highlighting the growing climate crisis.
16 Oct Khashoggi Disappearance Diplomatic Crisis: A significant diplomatic tension emerged as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Saudi King Salman regarding journalist Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance. Senior U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham directly accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of murder, calling for his removal, which marked a critical moment in U.S.-Saudi relations.
17 Oct Kerch Polytechnic College Massacre: A devastating mass shooting and bombing occurred at the Kerch Polytechnic College in Crimea, resulting in 21 fatalities, including the 18-year-old perpetrator, and injuring 70 others. The attack was reportedly motivated by the student's deep-seated hatred towards the technical school and a desire for revenge against teachers.
18 Oct Assassination of Afghan General Abdul Raziq Achakzai: During a high-level meeting at the governor's compound in Kandahar, Afghan General and Police Chief Abdul Raziq Achakzai was assassinated by one of his own bodyguards. The incident occurred in the presence of U.S. General Austin S. Miller, who remained unharmed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for this strategic and shocking attack, which highlighted the ongoing instability in Afghanistan.
19 Oct Russian Social Media Election Interference Charges: The United States Justice Department charged Elena Khusyaynova, a 44-year-old from Saint Petersburg, with conspiring to defraud the United States by financing a social media troll operation through the Internet Research Agency.
20 Oct US Withdrawal from Nuclear Treaty with Russia: President Donald Trump announced the United States' intention to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia, signaling a significant shift in international arms control and diplomatic relations.
21 Oct American General Wounded in Afghanistan: A NATO spokesperson confirmed that Brigadier General Jeffrey D. Smiley was wounded by gunfire during the attack that assassinated Abdul Raziq Achakzai, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
22 Oct Pipe Bomb Sent to George Soros: A pipe bomb was discovered at George Soros' residence in New York, marking the first in a series of politically motivated bomb threats targeting prominent Democratic figures. This incident highlighted escalating political tensions and potential domestic terrorism risks in the United States.
23 Oct Jamal Khashoggi Murder Diplomatic Fallout: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan publicly rejected the Saudi Arabian government's official account of Jamal Khashoggi's murder in a speech before the Turkish parliament. Simultaneously, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would revoke visas for Saudi Arabian officials implicated in Khashoggi's killing.
24 Oct Jamal Khashoggi Murder Diplomatic Fallout: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman prepares to address a global audience following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. US President Donald Trump acknowledged the potential involvement of the Crown Prince, stating that 'the prince runs things over there,' highlighting the international diplomatic tensions surrounding the incident.
25 Oct Pipe Bomb Attacks Targeting Democrats: Multiple pipe bombs were intercepted by authorities, addressed to prominent Democratic figures including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Brennan, and others. The packages were considered a potential act of terror, targeting political personalities often criticized by right-wing groups.
26 Oct 2018 United States Mail Bombing Attempt: The FBI confirmed additional suspicious packages targeting U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, as well as James Clapper and Tom Steyer. Suspect Cesar Sayoc was taken into custody in Plantation, Florida.
27 Oct Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting: A gunman carried out a deadly anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing 11 worshippers and injuring six people, including four police officers. This tragic event was one of the deadliest attacks on the Jewish community in U.S. history.
28 Oct Brazilian Presidential Election 2018: Jair Bolsonaro was elected president of Brazil, winning 57 million votes and defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad. This marked the first time in 16 years that a Workers' Party candidate was not elected president, signaling a significant political shift in Brazil.
29 Oct Lion Air Flight 610 Tragic Crash: On October 29, 2018, Lion Air flight JT 610 crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff near Jakarta, Indonesia, resulting in the tragic loss of all 189 passengers and crew members on board. The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft plummeted into the ocean close to Karawang, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents of the year.
30 Oct Trump's Birthright Citizenship Controversy: U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States to illegal immigrants, sparking a constitutional debate. Most legal authorities believe birthright citizenship is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment's Citizenship Clause.
31 Oct Jamal Khashoggi Murder Investigation: Turkish chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan officially accused Saudi Arabia of premeditated murder, stating that Jamal Khashoggi was strangled and dismembered immediately upon entering the Istanbul Saudi consulate.
01 Nov NASA's Dawn Spacecraft Mission Concludes: After an impressive 11-year mission, NASA's Dawn spacecraft exhausted its hydrazine propellant and entered uncontrolled motion around the dwarf planet Ceres, effectively ending its groundbreaking exploration of the asteroid belt.
02 Nov Assassination of Taliban Ideologue: Maulana Samiul-Haq, a prominent Pakistani senator known as the 'Father of the Taliban', was assassinated by unknown attackers at his residence in Rawalpindi.
03 Nov Colten Treu Charged with Vehicular Homicide: Colten Treu was charged with vehicular homicide and drug-related offenses after driving into a Girl Scout group collecting trash, killing three scouts and a mother. Treu claimed his passenger was 'huffing Dust Off' and grabbed the steering wheel, causing the accident.
04 Nov 2018 Minya Bus Attack: Egyptian Police Neutralize Militants: Egyptian security forces killed 19 Islamist militants responsible for a deadly attack on Coptic Christians in central Egypt. The operation was a direct response to a terrorist incident that occurred two days prior, targeting a vulnerable religious minority.
05 Nov Voyager 2 Enters Interstellar Space: NASA's Voyager 2 probe made history by becoming the second human-made object to leave the solar system and enter interstellar space, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and human technological achievement.
06 Nov 2018 United States Midterm Elections: The 2018 United States Midterm Elections were held for all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, 39 state governorships, and numerous state and local races. This election was widely seen as a referendum on President Trump's administration.
07 Nov 2018 U.S. Midterm Elections Results: Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives, while Republicans maintained their Senate majority. Nancy Pelosi promised increased oversight of President Trump and defense of key social programs.
08 Nov Deadliest California Wildfire in History: The Camp Fire began in Plumas National Forest and rapidly spread through Butte County, completely destroying the town of Paradise and resulting in at least 88 fatalities. This catastrophic event marked the most destructive and deadly wildfire in California's recorded history.
09 Nov California Wildfires: Devastating wildfires swept through California, specifically the Camp Fire in Butte County and the Hill Fire in Ventura. The catastrophic event resulted in at least 11 fatalities and the evacuation of over 150,000 residents, marking one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in California's history.
10 Nov California Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire Devastation: The town of Paradise, California, suffered catastrophic damage during the Camp Fire, with over 6,700 buildings destroyed. This became California's most destructive wildfire in recorded history. The Camp Fire's death toll rose to 23, while the Woolsey Fire claimed two additional lives.
11 Nov World War I Centenary Commemoration in Paris: Around 70 world leaders gathered in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, commemorating the end of World War I and honoring the sacrifices of soldiers.
12 Nov Camp Fire: California's Deadliest Wildfire: The Camp Fire in Butte County became California's most deadly wildfire in history, with 42 confirmed deaths and 228 people reported missing, highlighting the devastating impact of climate-related disasters.
13 Nov California Camp Fire Tragedy: The devastating Camp Fire in Butte County, California, claimed 48 lives, with numerous people still reported missing. This was one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California's recent history.
14 Nov California Camp Fire Tragedy: The devastating Camp Fire in California claimed 56 lives, with the statewide total reaching 59 fatalities. Authorities released names of 130 missing persons, many elderly, raising concerns about potential additional undiscovered casualties.
15 Nov Khashoggi Murder Sanctions: Saudi Arabia accused five officials of murdering and dismembering journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In response, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on 17 Saudi officials, though notably excluding Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, signaling a complex diplomatic response to the international incident.
16 Nov California Camp Fire Tragedy: The devastating Camp Fire in California continued to claim lives, with the death toll rising to 71 statewide. Over 1,000 people remained missing or unaccounted for, making this one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California's history.
17 Nov Yellow Vest Protests Erupt in France: Massive demonstrations by the Gilets jaunes (Yellow Vest movement) against fuel taxes swept across France, with hundreds of thousands blocking roads. The protests turned violent, resulting in one fatality and over 200 injuries.
18 Nov Escalating Ebola Crisis in Congo: The Ebola outbreak in Congo continued to worsen, with the death toll rising to 213 and 358 confirmed cases. Health workers faced significant challenges in accessing infected areas due to increasing violence in the region.
19 Nov NASA Selects Jezero Crater for Mars 2020 Rover Landing: NASA has chosen the Jezero crater on Mars as the landing site for its 2020 Mars rover mission. This scientifically significant location was once a large lake and potentially contains crucial evidence of ancient microbial life, making it a prime target for exploring Mars' potential past habitability.
20 Nov Yellow Vest Protests in France: The fourth day of France's Yellow Vest protests against fuel taxes saw approximately 10,000 demonstrators blocking roads throughout the country, reflecting significant public discontent with government economic policies.
21 Nov Yemen's Humanitarian Crisis: Save the Children released a harrowing report estimating that 85,000 children have died from starvation as a consequence of the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, underscoring the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
22 Nov Brexit Negotiations Progress with Potential Complications: European Council President Donald Tusk announced an agreement in principle on a political arrangement for Brexit. However, Spain has threatened to vote against the agreement unless new guarantees regarding Gibraltar are provided, potentially complicating the negotiation process.
23 Nov Karachi Chinese Consulate Attack: A coordinated terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, Pakistan resulted in four fatalities. Three attackers were also killed during the assault. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the incident, highlighting ongoing regional tensions and separatist movements.
24 Nov Brexit Negotiations: Gibraltar Agreement: The UK and Spain reached a significant agreement regarding Gibraltar, with Spain lifting its threat to boycott the Brexit summit. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed 'sufficient guarantees' for future decisions on Gibraltar.
25 Nov Brexit Deal Approved by EU Leaders: European Union leaders officially approved the Brexit withdrawal agreement during a summit held in Brussels, marking a significant milestone in the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union.
26 Nov Kerch Strait Incident: Tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine as Russia requested an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting. The Kerch Strait was reopened for commercial shipping, and Ukraine declared martial law in 10 oblasts for 30 days following a maritime confrontation.
27 Nov Serial Killer Samuel Little Linked to 90 Additional Murders: Convicted murderer Samuel Little was confirmed to be connected to 90 more murders of women after providing detailed confessions, revealing the extensive scope of his criminal activities.
28 Nov Tehran Conference of World War II Leaders: On November 28, 1943, a pivotal World War II meeting began in Tehran, bringing together U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Josef Stalin to discuss war strategy and post-war global arrangements.
29 Nov Russia-Ukraine Maritime Tensions: Escalating maritime tensions between Russia and Ukraine emerged as Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan reported that Russian forces were blocking Ukrainian ports in Berdiansk and Mariupol. President Petro Poroshenko requested NATO intervention to patrol the Sea of Azov.
30 Nov Death of President George H.W. Bush: Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush passed away at 10:10 PM CST due to complications from Parkinsonism, marking the end of a significant political era and honoring a statesman who played a crucial role in late 20th-century global politics.
01 Dec Death of President George H.W. Bush: Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, prompting national mourning and tributes from political leaders.
02 Dec US-China Trade War Truce: At the G-20 meeting in Argentina, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a temporary truce in their ongoing trade war.
03 Dec George H. W. Bush State Funeral Preparations: Former U.S. President George H. W. Bush's body was transported via Special Air Mission from Houston to Washington, DC, landing at Joint Base Andrews. In honor of the late president, the United States Postal Service announced the suspension of mail deliveries, retail services, and administrative activities on December 5, as part of President Trump's declared national day of mourning.
04 Dec UK Parliament Finds Government in Contempt over Brexit: In an unprecedented move, the UK House of Commons found the government in contempt of Parliament by a vote of 311 to 293, triggered by Prime Minister Theresa May's refusal to publish complete legal advice regarding the Brexit withdrawal plan.
05 Dec George H. W. Bush State Funeral at National Cathedral: The state funeral for former President George H. W. Bush was held at the National Cathedral, attended by multiple former US presidents, international leaders including Angela Merkel and Prince Charles, marking a significant moment of national mourning.
06 Dec French Yellow Vests Movement Escalates: The French police union Vigi called for an indefinite strike starting December 8, supporting anti-government protesters. Major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were expected to close amid anticipated widespread demonstrations.
07 Dec Charlottesville Car Attack Verdict: James Alex Fields was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing Heather Heyer during a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017.
08 Dec French Protests Escalate: Massive protests erupted across France with approximately 125,000 demonstrators confronting 89,000 police officers. The protests resulted in 1,385 detentions, 135 injuries, and widespread use of pepper spray and tear gas.
09 Dec Protests in Delhi for Hindi Temple Construction: Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Delhi, India, demanding the construction of a Hindi temple at a contentious religious site in Ayodhya.
10 Dec Brexit Developments: The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that an EU member state can unilaterally revoke Article 50. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Theresa May announced the postponement of the crucial Brexit withdrawal vote, signaling significant political uncertainty.
11 Dec Arctic Experiencing Unprecedented Warmth: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported unprecedented Arctic warming directly linked to human-caused climate change.
12 Dec Michael Cohen Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Payments: Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to U.S. President Donald Trump, was sentenced to three years in prison for making illegal hush money payments to two women with whom Trump allegedly had affairs. He received a concurrent two-year sentence for making false statements to Congress regarding a potential Trump Tower sale in Russia.
13 Dec UN-Brokered Ceasefire in Yemen: A significant diplomatic breakthrough occurred as the UN mediated a ceasefire in Al Hudaydah, Yemen. Both warring factions agreed to evacuate the port city within three weeks to facilitate humanitarian aid in the war-torn country.
14 Dec Kosovo Votes to Create National Army: The Assembly of Kosovo voted to transform the Kosovo Security Force into a proper military, with eleven minority Serb deputies boycotting the vote. The United States supported the decision, while NATO and Serbia expressed disapproval.
15 Dec UN Climate Change Conference Establishes Paris Agreement Rulebook: Representatives from 196 countries reached a landmark agreement on implementing and monitoring the Paris Climate Change Agreement, establishing comprehensive rules for global climate change mitigation efforts.
16 Dec Sri Lankan Political Reinstatement: Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn back into office two months after being removed by President Sirisena, highlighting political turbulence.
17 Dec Poland Resolves Supreme Court Judge Dispute: Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a law reinstating Supreme Court judges who were previously forced to resign, effectively resolving a long-standing dispute with the European Union regarding judicial retirement ages.
18 Dec U.S. Bans Bump Stocks: The U.S. Department of Justice issued a final regulation prohibiting bump stocks, semi-automatic rifle attachments that can increase firing rates to match automatic weapons. The ban, which became effective March 21, 2019, was largely influenced by the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, aiming to enhance public safety.
19 Dec US Troop Withdrawal from Syria: The Pentagon officially began withdrawing U.S. military forces from Syria, marking a significant shift in American military strategy. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that coalition forces had successfully liberated territories previously held by the Islamic State (ISIL), though they emphasized that the military campaign against extremist groups is not yet fully complete.
20 Dec After drones were seen flying above Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, England on Wednesday night, Gatwick Airport has been shut down intermittently. It is believed that it was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the airport. It has affected hundreds of thousands of passengers.
21 Dec James Mattis Resigns as Defense Secretary: Defense Secretary James Mattis announces his resignation, citing fundamental disagreements with President Trump's foreign policy, particularly regarding troop withdrawals and treatment of international allies.
22 Dec Anak Krakatau Tsunami in Indonesia: A devastating tsunami triggered by the volcanic eruption of Anak Krakatau struck the coast of Indonesia's Sunda Strait, causing massive destruction and loss of life. The natural disaster resulted in at least 430 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, highlighting the destructive power of volcanic activity and resulting tsunamis.
23 Dec Mattis Resignation and US Government Partial Shutdown: In a significant political event, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced his resignation on December 21, 2018, citing disagreements with President Trump over troop withdrawal from Syria. President Trump subsequently announced that Mattis would be replaced by Patrick Shanahan on January 1, despite Mattis initially agreeing to work through February. Simultaneously, the US government entered a partial shutdown after Congress rejected President Trump's budget proposal for a border wall.
24 Dec Sunda Strait Tsunami Devastates Indonesia: The Anak Krakatau volcano eruption triggered a devastating tsunami in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia. The disaster resulted in at least 429 deaths, 1,459 injuries, and 150 people missing, highlighting the destructive power of volcanic and seismic events.
25 Dec Pope Francis's Compassionate Christmas Message: Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt Christmas message emphasizing global compassion, praying for protection of persecuted Christians, battered women, trafficked children, and calling for peace in conflict zones and dignity for refugees.
26 Dec Martial Law Lifted in Ukraine: One month after an attack on three Ukrainian Navy vessels, martial law in Ukraine was lifted, signaling a potential de-escalation of tensions.
27 Dec U.S. Government Shutdown Continues: The partial U.S. government shutdown entered its sixth day, with over 400,000 federal employees working without pay and 380,000 furloughed. President Trump remained firm in demanding $5 billion for border wall funding, indicating the shutdown could potentially extend into mid-January.
28 Dec Leicester Shop Explosion Murder Conviction: Three men were convicted of murder for causing a fatal explosion in a Leicester shop in February 2018. The devastating blast killed five people and destroyed both the shop and the flat above it. The perpetrators were additionally found guilty of conspiring to commit insurance fraud with one of the victims.
29 Dec Hodeida Port Control Dispute in Yemeni Civil War: In the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, Shiite rebels claimed to have transferred control of Hodeida port to local coast guard and officials, a claim immediately disputed by the Yemeni government.
30 Dec 2018 Bangladeshi General Elections: Bangladesh held parliamentary elections to select 299 members, marked by violent clashes that resulted in seventeen deaths. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, won the election, securing her third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
31 Dec Bangladesh Election: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling alliance secured a decisive victory in Bangladesh's national election, winning with a substantial majority and extending her leadership into a third term. The election was marred by violence, with at least 17 people losing their lives in election-related incidents.

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