This summer was full of important events that you might have missed! It is important to keep up-to-date with the world. Here is a list of summarized news stories that happened during the summer of 2024. 

May

Attack on Ascension

• Overview: Major healthcare systems divert ambulances from hospitals due to a cyberattack on the major network, Ascension. Ascension is a nonprofit network based in St. Louis that runs 140 hospitals in 19 states. They were attacked by ransomware, malware that is used to lock and steal data for different kinds of blackmail. This attack was made by Black Basta, a criminal group that has been attacking American and European healthcare sectors. Ascension made a statement that says, “We are actively supporting our ministries as they continue to provide safe, patient procedures, in which our workforce is well trained.” 

• Impact: US lawmakers’ tensions have been rising as this incident has raised questions about the security of the healthcare system. 

Harvard Walkout 

• Overview: Harvard students protest at Harvard’s commencement over 13 seniors barred for protesting opinions of the war in Gaza. The student body chanted “let them walk” attempting to cause favor toward an appeal of their ability to graduate. Not only were the students involved, but also some of the speakers. Shruthi Kumar, an undergraduate student speaker, spoke out and said, “Harvard, do you hear us?”. Another speaker, Maria Ressa, a veteran journalist, approached the problem head on, stating “protests give voice; they shouldn’t be silenced.”

• Impact: The previously barred students were reinstated by the faculty but as still not recognized by the board, as they overruled the faculties decision; however, the students may still appeal. 

2024 Varzaqan Helicopter Crash 

• Overview: Ebrahim Raisi, president of Iran, passed away at age 63 due to a helicopter accident. Raisi and 7 others, mostly foreign ministers, went down May 19, 2024. There were no survivors. Investigators believe that weather was a main conductor for the crash before they collided into a mountain. 

• Impact: Mohammad Mokhber assumed the position of acting president, as he was previously the vice president, and their top negotiator, Ali Bagherl, was appointed as acting foreign minister. 

June ☀

Man goes Missing in Californian Forest

• Overview: Lukas McClish vanished into Big Basin Redwoods State Park after attempting to find a granite outcropping. McClish was a seasoned hiker and was quite confident in his abilities until realizing that the land that he traveled had lost all familiarity due to the recent forest fires that plagued the area. McClish stated he was “just so astounded by being lost.” McClish survived with a night vision scope and scissors for 10 days. He survived by drinking 1.5 gallons of water everyday, slowly waiting to run out of stored up carbs. His family reported him missing on Father’s day, the fifth day of him being missing. His family was used to him going on long hikes but knew something was wrong when he missed Father’s day dinner.  On day 10, McClish was found by a drone, spending the night in the hospital. 

• Impact: This helps raise the awareness of how dangerous places can be even if you are extremely familiar with the land. McClish’s family has experienced fear that hopefully others will not have to experience after hearing his story. 

Hostage Rescue

• Overview: 4 hostages were rescued during an Israeli raid. Gaza has held over 70 hostages since Hamas’ October seventh attack, they are believed to be alive. During the Israeli operation 274 Palestinians were killed and approximately 700 were injured. 

• Impact: Israel, Hamas, and the Palestinaians are experiencing severe conflict  as more people are killed. These tensions are rising in other countries as well, shown by the massive waves of protests America is experiencing.

Trash Balloons

• Overview: North Korea sent thousands of balloons filled with trash toward South Korea’s through their borders. They were reacting to South Korea’s choice to broadcast Anti-North Korean propaganda over speakers on their borders. South Korea reacted to North Korea’s retaliation by sending over balloons filled with Anti- North Korean leaflets and prohibited items.

• Impact: Tensions are rising between South and North Korea. The conflict between these two nations derives from the Korean War and conflict between political agendas. 

July

Trump Assination Attempt 

• Overview: Thomas Matthew Crooks attempts to assassinate former president Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania. The gunman and another man were killed during the incident as two others were critically injured. Crooks was a 20-year-old male who attempted to kill Trump with a semi-automatic rifle, hitting him in the ear. Throughout the terror the gunman fired 8 shots hitting 3 people. Only one passed away, Corey Comperatore, a 50 year old firefighter. Comperatore was married and has two daughters who are mourning him. David Duteh, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74,  were the two other men who were shot. Duteh and Copenhaver both suffered traumatic injuries but have recovered. 

• Impact: Former president Trump gained a lot of following after the assassination attempt. Multiple families were heavily impacted. Two families lost family members and will forever be affected. 

Hurricane Beryl

• Overview: Hurricane Beryl devastated the land of Houston on July 8, 2024. The hurricane severely damaged homes, flooded the streets, and created days without power. In total, the hurricane took 36 lives. 

• Impact: The city has to rebuild and grow as they struggle with the losses and people the hurricane took from them. 

NATO 2024 Summit 

• Overview: This year’s summit marked 75 years of alliance for NATO. This year, 32 NATO allies met in D.C. to discuss the security situation as it is a dangerous environment. They met between 9-11 of July, 2024. The goal was to strengthen the alliances, gain defense strength and continue spreading their support for Ukraine. NATO welcomed other world leaders to their meeting from Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the European Union. 

• Impact: This meeting strengthened NATO’s alliance with multiple countries and their defense. They are brainstorming solutions to the current hostile world security situation. 

August

Paris 2024 Olympics 

• Overview: This year, the Olympics were held in Paris, France. The goal this year was to be more innovative. They wanted to create a more inclusive and youthful environment. The events occurred over July 26 to August 11, 2024. The United States won the most medals, the total coming in at 126, followed by China and Great Britain. The U.S. had 40 gold medals, 44 silver medals and 42 bronze medals. 

• Impact: Russia was banned from participating after invading Ukraine. The athletes were only able to compete as individuals, not as Russian nationals. This has resulted in Russia having a negative coverage of the Olympics this year, raising tensions. 

Democratic National Convention 

• Overview: This year at the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden passed down his campaign to his running mate, Kamala Harris. This has raised multiple new questions and possibilities. Kamala Harris is attempting to be the first female president and is supported by many of her peers. 

• Impact: This changed the course of the Democratic party for this election and has provided an opportunity for a woman to be president. This has also shifted a lot of the elections focus onto abortion rights as it is a passionate topic for today’s democrats. 

Mpox Outbreak

• Overview: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Mpox, a disease spread to humans through infected animals, as a global health emergancy in Africa. This is due to a deadlier strain of the disease that has sprung up in the Democratic Republic of Congo before spreading to Africa. 

• Impact: So far, no cases have been identified in the United States, but the spread is rapid and the situation of this disease is spreading. WHO says that there are concerns about the spread of this disease international and there will have to be a coordinated international repsonse.