The President ends the pandemic National Emergency; concerts by major artists give the economy a boost.

• The President has signed a bill to end the National Emergency declared during the pandemic.
• Concerts by Taylor Swift and Beyonce are noted to provide an actual boost to the US economy.

The summer is marked by strikes, AI importance, social media platform X's rise, and TikTok security concerns.

• Described as the 'summer of strikes,' the S after strike marks its first official day.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is highlighted as a crucial topic of discussion.
• Twitter's competitor, platform X, is gaining traction, with some referring to it as the 'Twitter killer'.
• Security concerns arise over TikTok's access to home Wi-Fi networks.

Hamas attacks Israel, resulting in significant casualties and a strict siege on Gaza by the Israeli military.

• Hamas launches its largest attack on Israel in years, leading to Israeli military action.
• The Israeli military claims over a thousand people were killed and states that a complete siege is being put on Gaza.
• No place in Gaza is considered safe amidst the conflict.

Record-breaking heat, widespread natural disasters, and COP28's fossil fuel discussions highlight climate challenges.

• 2023 is set to be the hottest year on record with dense haze affecting regions from New England to Washington DC.
• Hawaii faces some of the worst natural disasters in its history, and the death toll from fires is significant.
• COP28's team faces backlash for allegedly using climate meetings to negotiate fossil fuel deals.

Corporate America sees layoffs and banks fail as the government aims to curb inflation and living costs.

• Corporate America is experiencing widespread layoffs, with personal testimonies of job loss.
• The government is actively taking measures to reduce inflation and alleviate cost of living concerns.
• The banking sector is hit with major bank failures, signaling economic instability.

Conflicts in Ukraine, Brazil, and Sudan, along with earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, mark a year of turmoil.

• Ukraine's full-scale invasion by Russia continues, with a stark message that the war ends only if Russia leaves.
• Protests and government building occupations occur in Brazil, while Sudan faces intensified fighting.
• Natural disasters include earthquakes in Turkey and Syria with a death toll in the tens of thousands.

The US grapples with social justice issues, including gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, and the aftermath of police violence.

• Legislative inaction on gun laws is criticized in light of mass shootings in Kentucky and Tennessee.
• LGBTQ+ rights face both advances and setbacks with affirmative action ending and businesses being allowed to refuse service based on sexual orientation.
• Controversy surrounds the release of footage related to Tyrie Nichols' death and the subsequent arrest of five officers.

Notable political resolutions, advancements in space exploration, and victories in sports and human rights are highlighted.

• Deals are made to free hostages amid ongoing conflicts, while India celebrates its lunar mission.
• Human rights progress is seen in Mexico's Supreme Court ruling on abortion and global support for Palestinian people.
• Sports achievements include Spain winning the World Cup, and an individual celebrates an EGOT win.