June 2022 Current Events: US Events
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the US news events you need to know so far for June 2022:
- Assault Weapons Should Be Banned, Kamala Harris Says
- Strike Ends, As Chevron California Refinery Workers Ratify Contract
- Depp-Heard Defamation Case Concluded As Jury Reached A Verdict
- Speaker Pelosi Considers Legislative Ban On Assault Riffles
- Multiple People Injured In A Mass Shooting At Phoenix Strip Mall
- Biden Safe After Private Plane Scare In Rehoboth Beach
- Armed Suspect Arrested Near Justice Kavanaugh's Home
- Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested For Charges Relating To January 6 Riot
- New Mexico Wildfire Sparked By Federal Causes
- For The First Time In US History, Gasoline Average Price Tops $5
- Republican Congressman Loses Out In The Next Congressional Race
- The Committee Moves To Postpone January 6 Hearing
- Biden Uninjured After Falling From Bike
- Congress To Show Trump's Involvement In Fake Elector Plot
- The US Presidency Plan To Reduce The Amount Of Nicotine In Cigarettes
- US Prosecutors Recommend A Sentence Of 30 Years For Ghislaine Maxwell
- The United Kingdom Will Join Other G7 Nations To Ban Russian Gold
- Ukraine’s Capital, Kyiv Hit By A Russian Missile
- More Than 22 People Were Reported Dead At A Local South African Bar
- Supreme Court Justice Breyer Announces Retirement From Active Duty
- United States Court Sentences Singer, R. Kelly To 30 Years In Prison
Assault Weapons Should Be Banned, Kamala Harris Says
Photo Source: AP Images/Patrick Semansky
Saturday, May 28, 2022 - United State Vice President, Kamala Harris, speaking at the funeral for the oldest victim of the Buffalo mass shooting earlier this month, has called for the ban on assault weapons in the US and the passage of much-delayed gun control legislation.
While speaking with the reporters, Harris called upon lawmakers to pass an assault weapons ban after giving remarks at the service of Ruth Whitefield, the oldest person killed during the shooting at the grocery store two weeks ago.
She urges everybody to stand up and agree that this should not happen in our country. She also stated that President Joe Biden would be visiting Uvalde, Texas, on Sunday, the site of Tuesday's mass shooting where 21 people, including 19 children, were killed.
Harris also called for universal checks on gun purchases, which she claimed is a law long blocked but Republicans in the US Senate.
Source: The Guardian
Strike Ends, As Chevron California Refinery Workers Ratify Contract
Photo Source: AP Images/Eric Risberg
Sunday, May 29, 2022 - The striking union workers at Chevron corporations, Richmond, California refinery voted to ratify the company's latest contract to end a 10-week strike without achieving their goal of additional pay to counter health care costs.
The strike, which began on March 21, has about 500 workers represented by the United Steelworkers union local 12-5 in a dispute over pay to match the rising cost of health care over the past few years in the San Francisco Bay area where the refinery is located
The strike against Chevron was filed on May 13 by the USW with the US National Labor Relations Board, and the company was alleged to have changed its terms of employment, and also engaged in coercive actions, including surveillance, and refused to bargain with the union
The refinery was kept in operation by managers, supervisors, and workers who crossed the picket line.
Source: Reuters
Depp-Heard Defamation Case Concluded As Jury Reached A Verdict
Photo Source: AP Images/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 - After about seven weeks of trial, Jurors in the defamation case of Johnny Depp against Amber heard have reached a final verdict. After more than 24 hours of deliberation, the conclusion came to find Amber Heard guilty of the charges.
Mr. Depp was awarded $15m from the lawsuit. However, he was also found guilty of one of the three counterclaims against him by Ms. Heard's counsel. He will therefore be paying $2m as compensation to Ms. Heard.
Polls have suggested that the case got more attention from the American public than the Ukraine conflict or the local abortion ruling in recent times.
Following the verdict, both parties have released statements to address the judgment.
Ms. Heard said that she believed the Jury ignored evidence that supported her case. She was sad and heartbroken about the judgment. Mr. Depp, however, said he is happy to have gotten justice and humbled to have gotten his life back.
Source: BBC
Speaker Pelosi Considers Legislative Ban On Assault Riffles
Photo Source: AP Images/Eric Risberg
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - As the United States House of Representatives moves to settle Gun violence, the House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, mentioned that she intends to bring legislation banning assault rifles.
She emphasized that they are looking to take a decisive and effective step to create a bill passing the House and Senate. Last year, the Democratic-led House enacted legislation to improve background checks; still, the Senate has yet to act on the bill.
The "Protecting our Kids Act," debated by the Judiciary Committee, would certainly pass the House but be hampered in the Senate by a Republican-led filibuster. The Senate is debating gun legislation that is less stringent than the House Judiciary Committee's plan, such as improving background checks.
Some Senators are also considering increasing state rules that allow police to seize guns from those regarded as a threat, often known as red flag legislation.
Source: CNN
Multiple People Injured In A Mass Shooting At Phoenix Strip Mall
Photo Source: AP Images/Sean Rayford
Saturday, June 4, 2022 - After an altercation between multiple parties in Phoenix escalated early Saturday morning, nine people were shot, one of whom was fatally wounded, according to police.
At about 1 a.m. in Phoenix, the shooting occurred at a strip mall, inside the building, and in a nearby parking lot and roadway area.
Police also confirm that the incident left one 14-year-old girl dead. Phoenix police Sgt. Andy Williams told reporters that nine people he characterized as young adults were taken to hospitals after the late-night shooting that sent people running.
Williams claims that it appeared a handgun was used after an argument erupted among those gathered for what he termed “some sort of party.” Williams said no suspects were immediately identified. Arrests are yet to be made as authorities piece together witness accounts.
Officials announced that a road near the strip mall would be closed while processing the area and looking for witnesses and evidence.
Source: USAToday
Biden Safe After Private Plane Scare In Rehoboth Beach
Photo Source: AP Images/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Saturday, June 4, 2022 - United State President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were evacuated for a short time from their vacation home after a small private plane unknowingly entered the restricted airspace over Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, according to White House reports
Anthony Guglielmi, United State Secret Service spokesman, said the aircraft was immediately escorted out of the restricted airspace. He also said the pilot, who was not identified.
Guglielmi said It was discovered that the pilot was not on the proper radio channel. After an initial investigation was carried out, the pilot was not following the NOTAMS (Notice to Airmen) that had been filed and was not following flight guidance
The incident happened shortly before 1 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) and caused confusion in downtown Rehoboth Beach on a busy weekend. The presidential motorcade raced through town before returning to Biden's residence.
Precautionary measures were taken, but there was no significant threat to the United State President.
Source: Reuters
Armed Suspect Arrested Near Justice Kavanaugh's Home
Photo Source: AP Images/Jacquelyn Martin
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 - An armed suspect identified as Nicholas John Roske was arrested close to the Maryland home of Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Roske, from California, was arrested and found with a gun, a knife, and pepper spray after calling 911 to report himself. According to reports, he is being charged with attempting to murder a SCOTUS Justice in a federal court in Maryland.
According to the existing affidavit, two US Marshals spotted Roske earlier on Wednesday, dressed in black and carrying a backpack and a suitcase as he walked down the street of Kavanaugh's county home. He later put a call through to the Montgomery County Emergency Communication Center to identify himself and his aim.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the issue and condemned the act. He further emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable, and people who do such will be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
Source: Fox News
Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested For Charges Relating To January 6 Riot
Photo Source: AP Images/Scott Applewhite
Thursday, June 9, 2022 - GOP gubernatorial candidate of the State of Michigan, Ryan Kelley, was arrested on misdemeanor charges resulting from the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021. He was arrested in Allendale and is scheduled to appear in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
According to his website, Kelley was a real estate broker in 2020. He led rallies against the lockdown and counter-protests against the BLM rallies. Earlier this year, he spoke to a gathering of President Trump's supporters demanding a forensic audit of the 2020 presidential election at the Michigan State Capitol.
Kelley's arrest comes amid a chaotic republican primary and after two other GOP candidates have been disqualified from running in the August primaries.
According to the FBI field office in Detroit, a search warrant was obtained for his residence in addition to the arrest made.
Source: CNN
New Mexico Wildfire Sparked By Federal Causes
Photo Source: AP Images/Rincon Valley Fire District
Saturday, June 11, 2022 - United State President Joe Biden arrived in New Mexico amid Anger and frustration from the wildfire survivors. His visit to the state was to review efforts to fight the biggest blaze in the state’s record, which was started by federal officials.
Ella Arellano, whose family lost hundreds of acres of forest around the village of Holman, said, “This is not a natural disaster. This was man-made by a government entity”. He also said it is a big mess that will take generations to recover from.
Communities are preparing for mudslides, ash flows, and flooding with over 320,000 acres of mountains blackened by the Hermit Peak Calif Canyon fire.
More than $3m has been given out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to more than 900 households. The damages incurred by each house are likely worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, but maximum FEMA payouts of around $40,000 for destroyed houses are sometimes not enough to cover damages.
Source: The Guardian
For The First Time In US History, Gasoline Average Price Tops $5
Photo Source: AP Images/Jae C. Hong
Saturday, June 11, 2022 - AAA data showed that US gasoline prices averaged more than $5 a gallon for the first time on Saturday. This extends a surge in fuel costs that is driving rising inflation.
On June 11, AAA data showed that the national average price for regular unleaded gas rose from $4.986 to $5.004 a gallon.
United State President Joe Biden has made various moves to lower prices. This includes a record release of barrels from US strategic reserves, waivers on rules for producing summer gasoline, and leaning on major OPEC countries to boost output.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the gasoline product supplied, a proxy for demand, was 9.2 million barrels per day, mainly in line with five-year seasonal averages.
The overall US refining capacity has fallen, with at least five oil-processing plants shutting during the pandemic. But currently, refiners are utilizing about 94% of their capacity.
Source: Reuters
Republican Congressman Loses Out In The Next Congressional Race
Photo Source: AP Images/Alex Brandon
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - Tom Rice, a five-term incumbent in South Carolina, was defeated in a primary election by a Trump-backed challenger, Russell Fry. Mr. Rice had been a steadfast Trump supporter until the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. He was one of ten Republicans who later joined Democrats in impeaching the outgoing president for inciting insurgency.
Former President Trump was acquitted of the political charge in the Senate.
Mr. Rice acknowledged that his impeachment vote could end his political career, but he insisted that he acted on his conscience.
In contrast, congresswoman Nancy Mace who Trump didn’t endorse, won her re-election bid. Ms. Mace passed the 50% vote threshold, securing her candidacy for the midterm election. Ms. Mace didn’t vote in favor of impeaching the previous president; however, she was critical of his statement during the Capitol Riots.
Source: BBC
The Committee Moves To Postpone January 6 Hearing
Photo Source: AP Images/J. Scott Applewhite
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 - The US House of Representatives has given final congressional approval to a bill to strengthen Supreme Court security, ahead of an expected ruling restricting abortion rights and in light of the arrest of a man charged with attempting to murder Brett Kavanaugh, a member of the court’s conservative majority.
The bill, which will increase police protection for justices’ and senior court officials’ families, had already passed the Senate and was approved by the House on a vote of 396-27.
House Democrats wanted to include safeguards for the families of clerks and other court employees. Senate Republicans, however, objected.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said, “The security issue is related to supreme court Justices, not the nameless staff that no one knows.”
The federal judiciary also calls for separate legislation to provide more protection for judges who, according to the United States Marshals Service, faced 4,511 threats and inappropriate remarks.
Source: The Guardian
Biden Uninjured After Falling From Bike
Photo Source: AP Images/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Saturday, June 18, 2022 – The United States President, Joe Biden, fell from his bike when he stopped to greet supporters during a weekend trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were rounding up a morning bike ride in the Gordons Pond area on the Delaware shore. Biden and his wife marked their 45th wedding anniversary on Friday.
The White House confirmed that the president did not require medical attention.
One of the White House officials who did not wish to be named said, "according to the president, his foot got caught on the pedal while dismounting, and he is fine.”
Later, Saturday, when he was asked how he felt while emerging from the church, the President did a series of hops before entering his vehicle.
Source: Reuters
Congress To Show Trump's Involvement In Fake Elector Plot
Photo Source: AP Images/J. Scott Applewhite
Sunday, June 19, 2022 – The United States House of Representatives panel to investigate the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol is set to present this week. It will present evidence that former President Donald Trump was involved in a failed bid to have slates of fake electors submitted to overturn the 2020 election.
In an interview with CNN earlier this year, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco ascertained that the department had received referrals about slates of alternative fake electors that were sent to the National Archives and said the referrals were duly followed.
In March, copies of the said fake electoral slates were published by a non-profit watchdog group American Oversight, assembled by Trump supporters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
In many of his campaigns, President Trump continues to insist that the 2020 election was stolen.
Source: Reuters
The US Presidency Plan To Reduce The Amount Of Nicotine In Cigarettes
Photo Source: AP Images/Alex Brandon
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 – As a priority of President Joe Biden’s administration, the White House is proposing plans to significantly cut cancer mortality by reducing the amount of nicotine in cigarettes to very low and non-addictive levels. The project comes after the Biden administration announced aims in February to reduce cancer deaths by at least 50% over the next 25 years as part of his Cancer Moonshot program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is still the biggest cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for 480,000 deaths annually.
However, the tobacco industry is expected to oppose the legislation.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that proposals for a new product standard will set a maximum nicotine content in cigarettes and some other tobacco products. According to the FDA commissioner, “Making cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products minimally addictive or non-addictive would help save lives.”
Source: BBC
US Prosecutors Recommend A Sentence Of 30 Years For Ghislaine Maxwell
Photo Source: AP Images/Richard Drew
Thursday, June 23, 2022 – Ghislaine Maxwell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28 after being found guilty for participation in the late billionaire and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse of children as young as 14, whom she recruited into his sphere.
According to federal prosecutors in court files, Ghislaine Maxwell should receive at least 30 years in jail for sex trafficking when she is sentenced next week for aiding Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse of adolescent girls. “Ghislaine Maxwell sexually abused young girls for many years.” It’s difficult to overestimate the gravity of her actions and the devastation she wreaked,” they wrote in court files.
Maxwell’s lawyers said her incarceration conditions were terrible in their request for leniency. They also claimed that Epstein’s influence was influenced by her emotionally tortured background at the hands of an extremely volatile father.
Source: The Guardian
The United Kingdom Will Join Other G7 Nations To Ban Russian Gold
Photo Source: AP Images/Martin Meissner
Sunday, June 26, 2022 – The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, stated that the United Kingdom is focused on “attacking Putin’s military machine.” He added, “We must starve the Putin regime of funding.”
Other G7 countries will also be involved in the Russian Ban. In one of President Biden’s tweet, he stated, “France, Germany, and Italy would join the G7 to announce an import ban on gold from Russia.”
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and other nations have sanctioned more than 1,000 wealthy individuals, banks, businesses, and state-owned enterprises.
London is a major gold trading center, so the British government argued that the move would hinder President Putin’s ability to raise funds. In 2021, the United Kingdom report showed that gold exports were worth $15.4 billion to Russia.
The latest measure will affect Russian exports worth $13.5 billion.
Source: BBC
Ukraine’s Capital, Kyiv, Hit By A Russian Missile
Photo Source: AP Images/Nariman El-Mofty
Sunday, June 26, 2022 – In Kyiv, a Russian missile attack on a residential apartment tower killed one person and injured at least six others. Volodymyr Bondarenko, the city’s Deputy Mayor, said four injured had been brought to hospitals as search and rescue activities continue.
He added that a 7-year-old child was among those injured in the residential complex. Her mother, Katerina, 35, was pulled from the wreckage and loaded into an ambulance. She is a Russian national who has lived in Kyiv for a long time.
The Ukrainian State Emergency Service said “enemy shelling” caused the 300-square-meter fire in a 9-story residential building with damaged 7th, 9th, and 9th floors. The same neighborhood was targeted in March and May.
According to an air force spokesman, “strategic bombers” launched “four to six missiles” at the capital. He also stated that Russia launched an attack on Ukraine from Belarusian airspace on Saturday.
Source: CNN
More Than 22 People Were Reported Dead At A Local South African Bar
Photo Source: AP Images
Sunday, June 26, 2022 – At least 22 young people were discovered dead in a famous East London pup, the Enyobeni Tavern. According to provincial health officials and the president, the fatalities are being investigated. According to the national broadcaster SABC, the deaths may have been caused by a stampede. However, the specific reason for death is yet unknown.
According to Siyanda Manana, a spokeswoman for the Eastern Cape province’s health department, the remains will be transported to state morgues, where the family will assist in identifying both male and female fatalities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sympathies to the victims’ families. He also expressed concern about how young kids, probably under 18, were permitted to assemble at the bar.
A 17-year-old girl named “Lolly” who lived near the bar told Reuters that it was a popular hangout for youths before the tragedy but that the neighborhood wanted it closed down.
Source: Reuters
Supreme Court Justice Breyer Announces Retirement From Active Duty
Photo Source: AP Images/Supreme Court
Wednesday, June 26, 2022 – Justice of the Supreme Court Stephen Breyer stated that he would resign from active duty as the highest US court Justice.
In January, Breyer informed President Biden of his intention to retire at the conclusion of the current term. In a letter, he briefed the president on the Supreme Court’s decision to release its final decisions. “Tomorrow at 10 a.m., the Court will issue all remaining opinions for the current term. My retirement under 28 USC 371(b) will become effective at noon on June 30, 2022,” Wrote Breyer.
This statute allows justices who reach a particular age and serve a set number of years to retire from active service while retaining their title.
Since 1994, Breyer, age 83, has served on the Supreme Court. President Bill Clinton nominated Breyer to the Supreme Court, making him the second-longest serving active judge prior to his retirement.
Source: Fox News
United States Court Sentences Singer, R. Kelly To 30 Years In Prison
Photo Source: AP Images/Galaxy/STAR MAX/IP
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 – Celebrity singer R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in jail for leveraging his stardom to abuse minors and women sexually. The R&B singer, 55, was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking in New York in September.
According to US District Judge Ann Donnelly, he used sex as a weapon, compelling his victims to perform horrific things and infecting them with sexually transmitted illnesses.
Jurors heard how he sexually abused and trafficked women and children between several US states with the help of managers, security guards, and other members of his entourage for two decades.
Federal prosecutors urged that Kelly be sentenced to more than 25 years in prison, sighting the “need to safeguard the public from similar crimes”. However, his lawyers requested a sentence of 10 years.
The singer is scheduled to go on trial again in Illinois and Minnesota on allegations of a child sex image, sex abuse, and obstruction.
Source: BBC
For anyone curious about more US statistics, cities, and states, check out Infoplease's US Overview.
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