Greek Wildfires. July was set to be one of the hottest months on record across the world, but this quickly turned disastrous in Greece when on July 17th wildfires started across the country killed 28 people and injuring 75 people. International aid came with 13 countries sending firefighters and firefighting planes to help combat the quickly spreading fires.
Nahel Merzouk Riots. France came face to face with its systemic racist issues in July when protestors started a seven-day riot across France in response to French police officers killing Nahel Merzouk as a result of racial profiling. Perhaps the most significant day of the riots was the White March in which over 6200 people led by Merzouk’s mum marched through a particularly disadvantaged part of Nanterre.
Huw Edwards Scandal. The Sun newspaper created quite the storm when it released information stating that a high profile BBC presenter gave a 17-year-old more than £35,000 for ‘sordid images’. Huw Edwards’ wife later revealed that it was Edwards himself who was accused and he was suspended from work whilst an investigation took place. Police found that nothing illegal had taken place but Edwards has not been reinstated at the BBC since.
Doctors strike. Junior doctors continued the fight for better pay from Thursday 13 July to Tuesday 18 July 2023 (junior doctors) and Thursday 20 July to Saturday 22 July (consultants). Strikes have continued throughout the year as doctors have earned as little as £14 an hour and work more than 50 hours a week.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand. The tournament of the summer kicked off with hosts New Zealand beating Norway 1-0 on the 20th July. The tournament was monumental for numerous reasons. No one expected USWNT to be sent home in the round of 16, with standout performances from Nigeria and Jamaica. But most notably it invited a huge overhaul in women’s football as the Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales was forced to resign after kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent.
Alcarez winning Wimbledon. Carlos Alcarez snatched the win from Novak Djokovic in a tense five set thriller which saw Alvarez deny Djokovic from equaling Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam wins. This was only Alcarez’s second grand slam win ever which made the match all the more thrilling.
Benjamin Mendy found not guilty. The Manchester City footballer was cleared of allegations made against him by six women. Mendy said he had to completely rebuild his life after the case. He now plays for FC Lorient and has sued Manchester City for unpaid wages.
