April Current Events 2024: U.S. News
World News | Disaster News | Science & Technology News | Current Events This Week
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 U.S. news events you need to know so far for April 2024.
- Police Department In New York Fined $17.5m Over Hijab Mugshot Row
- Schumer Confirms Senate Can Make Progress On TikTok Bill
- Supreme Court In Arizona Reinstates Near-Total Abortion Ban
- Police Confirm Shooting In Washington DC, Killing One Person
- Former NFL Star, OJ Simpsons Dies At The Age Of 76
Police Department In New York Fined $17.5m Over Hijab Mugshot Row
Image Source: AP Images/Peter K. Afriyie
Friday, April 5, 2024 – The New York Police Department has agreed to pay $17.5 million in a class action case led by two Muslim women, Jamilla Clark and Arwa Aziz, who were compelled to remove their hijabs for mugshots in 2018. Over 3,600 people are eligible for compensation under the settlement, pending approval by a federal judge.
The policy changed four years ago to permit hijabs, and the city views the case as prompting positive reform. Clark expressed feeling exposed and violated during the ordeal and hopes for justice for others. Lawyers argued the policy violated privacy and religious freedoms.
The city’s law department stated the settlement balances respect for religious beliefs with law enforcement needs. Payments are expected to range from $7,000 to $13,000 per individual, benefiting those arrested between March 2014 and August 2021.
Source: BBC
Schumer Confirms Senate Can Make Progress On TikTok Bill
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Friday, April 5, 2024 – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted a busy agenda for the upcoming Senate session, emphasizing the potential for progress on TikTok legislation. This follows the House of Representatives' vote to give TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, six months to divest its U.S. assets or face a ban.
While Schumer did not specify his stance on TikTok, he mentioned the opportunity for bipartisan advancement on various issues, including children's online safety, rail safety, internet subsidies, cannabis banking, and competing with China. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell hinted at a possible public hearing on TikTok regulation.
TikTok, used by about 170 million Americans, opposes a ban, asserting it would violate First Amendment rights. Concerns over national security risks persist, with lawmakers and the Biden administration wary of potential data sharing with China, despite TikTok's assurances of data protection efforts.
Source: Reuters
Supreme Court In Arizona Reinstates Near-Total Abortion Ban
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 – The Arizona Supreme Court has upheld a nearly 160-year-old near-total abortion ban, allowing the state to enforce the law except in cases where the mother's life is at risk. This ruling, preceding Arizona's statehood, could potentially close all clinics in the state and impact women's healthcare and the upcoming election.
However, Arizona voters may be able to overturn the decision through a November referendum. The court's decision follows extensive legal debate over the enforcement of the pre-statehood law, with the Alliance Defending Freedom and anti-abortion activists celebrating the ruling.
Governor Katie Hobbs has promised that Arizonans will not be prosecuted for seeking or performing abortions, labeling the law "draconian." The decision has drawn criticism from the White House, Democrats, and some Arizona Republicans, including Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake.
Source: BBC
Police Confirm Shooting In Washington DC, Killing One Person
Photo Source: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Thursday, April 11, 2024 – A shooting in Washington DC resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, including two children. The gunman fled the scene, prompting a public alert from the police. Details are still emerging, but officials confirmed the incident occurred in the city's northeast around 6:10 pm, with possibly two shooters at large. Those injured were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The police issued a lookout for a light blue Toyota sedan believed to be carrying the suspects. Police Chief, Pamela A Smith, offered condolences and assured ongoing efforts to address the surge in violence, despite a 22% decrease in homicides and violent crime compared to last year.
She emphasized the collaborative efforts with federal agencies to remove illegal firearms from the streets, noting a recent uptick in gun-related incidents in the district.
Source: The Guardian
Former NFL Star, OJ Simpsons Dies At The Age Of 76
Photo Source: AP Photo/Lois Bernstein
Thursday, April 11, 2024 – OJ Simpson, the former American football star, actor, and famed alleged double killer, died of cancer at the age of 76. His family announced a post on X. According to a statement from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Simpson died in Las Vegas after undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer, which he disclosed two months ago.
Simpson's career with the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, as well as his Hollywood roles following retirement in films like The Naked Gun, were eventually eclipsed by the 1994 murders, allegations, court cases, and their aftermath. The trial, nicknamed "the trial of the century" which lasted 11 months, brought to prominence colorful individuals like Judge Lance Ito, lawyers Johnnie Cochran and Robert Kardashian, and Simpson's "house guest" Kato Kaelin.
Despite the not guilty judgment, three years after his criminal trial, Simpson was held responsible in a civil action filed by the victims' families and sentenced to pay $33.5 million. In 2008, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a failed robbery in Las Vegas.
Source: The Guardian
Are you fascinated by U.S. history? Check out our quiz on Who Were the Youngest U.S. Presidents to discover more. And if you enjoyed this article, why not drop a line to let us know, or share it with others who might be interested in U.S. events!
About the author
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
