July Current Events 2024: US News
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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 U.S. news events you need to know so far for July 2024.
- Court In Texas Blocks President Biden's Overtime Pay Rule
- Boy Carrying Replica Gun Killed By Police In New York
- Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Donald Trump Concerning Jan 6 Case
- Biden Rule Aiding Gender Identity Protection Blocked By Judge
- Cost Of United States Missile Program Rise To Around $160 Billion
- Common Abortion Procedure Rejected By Kansas’ Top Court
- United States Judge Losses Lawsuit Seeking Reinstatement
- Bill Concerning Non-Citizen Voting Approved By The United States House
- Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case Dismissed By New York Judge
- Assassination Attempt On President Trump Leaves Two People Dead In Pennsylvania
- Classified Document Case Against Donald Trump Dismissed By Federal Judge
- President Biden Tests Positive For COVID
- Power Plant Emission Rule Will Not Be Halted By United States Court
- President Joseph Biden Withdraws From Presidential Race
- Secret Service Director Resigns Over Trump Shooting Failures
- Following Corruption Conviction, Senator Bob Menendez Resigns
Court In Texas Blocks President Biden's Overtime Pay Rule
Saturday, June 29, 2024 – In Texas, United States District Judge, Sean Jordan temporarily blocked a Biden administration rule that aimed to extend mandatory overtime pay to 4 million salaried workers in the country. The rule, set to take effect soon, would have required employers to pay overtime to salaried workers earning less than $1,128 per week when they work more than 40 hours.
Judge Jordan's decision, responding to a legal challenge by Texas, criticized the rule for focusing on workers' wages rather than their job duties to determine eligibility for overtime pay.
The judge, appointed by former President Donald Trump, sided with Texas, agreeing that the U.S. Department of Labor had exceeded its authority by effectively altering federal law. The Biden administration may seek a review of the ruling in the conservative-leaning 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Source: Reuters
Boy Carrying Replica Gun Killed By Police In New York
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – In upstate New York, a 13-year-old boy named Nyah Mway was fatally shot by a police officer after fleeing from police and pointing a replica handgun at them. The incident occurred during a stop related to an armed robbery investigation, where Nyah Mway and another 13-year-old matched suspect descriptions.
Body camera footage released by the police shows Nyah Mway running and allegedly pointing the replica Glock handgun at pursuing officers before a single shot was fired during a struggle, hitting him in the chest. Despite immediate first aid, he succumbed to his injuries at Wynn Hospital.
The replica gun, later identified as non-lethal, closely resembled a real firearm. Officer Patrick Husnay, who discharged his weapon, and two other officers involved were placed on administrative leave. The shooting has sparked an outcry in Utica, particularly among the city's Karen community.
Source: The Guardian
Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Donald Trump Concerning Jan 6 Case
Monday, July 1, 2024 – After the Supreme Court issued its decision on Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity, Trump celebrated on social media, describing it as a "big win for our constitution and democracy" and expressing pride in being American.
The ruling provides enough to achieve his immediate goal of delaying another trial until after the upcoming November election. The 6-3 decision by the conservative justices dealt a significant setback to the federal criminal case against Trump for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election results.
It established high standards for prosecutors, granting immunity for official acts related to Trump's presidential duties and placing strict limits on admissible evidence. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that while presidents are not above the law, their official actions require substantial legal scrutiny to avoid undue interference in executive branch responsibilities as defined by the Constitution.
Source: BBC
Biden Rule Aiding Gender Identity Protection Blocked By Judge
Thursday, July 4, 2024 – In a recent development, a United States judge has halted the Biden administration's enforcement of a new healthcare non-discrimination rule pending further litigation. This rule, finalized by the Department of Health and Human Services in May, aimed to extend protections against sex discrimination under the Affordable Care Act to include gender identity.
However, 15 Republican-led states challenged the rule in court, arguing that it would compel their Medicaid programs to cover gender-affirming treatments, such as hormones and surgeries for transgender individuals, including minors. The judge, Louis Guirola, temporarily blocked the rule, agreeing with the states that the administration likely exceeded its authority by interpreting "sex" in federal law to encompass gender identity.
This decision marks a setback for the Biden administration's efforts to expand healthcare protections for transgender people, eliciting varied reactions from advocacy groups and state officials involved in the lawsuit.
Source: Reuters
Cost Of United States Missile Program Rise To Around $160 Billion
Friday, July 5, 2024 – The cost of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, managed by Northrop Grumman Corp, has surged to approximately $160 billion, a substantial increase from its 2020 estimate of $95.8 billion.
This rise, totaling around $65 billion, poses significant challenges to the Pentagon, potentially necessitating cuts in scope or delays in implementation. The escalating costs have triggered the Nunn-McCurdy Act, mandating the Pentagon to justify such increases to Congress. While the Air Force asserts the program's critical role in maintaining the country’s nuclear deterrence, the soaring budget has implications for other defense priorities.
Programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet, hypersonic weapons development, the B-21 bomber, and various space initiatives may face funding pressures as a result. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is expected to address these cost increases formally, amid ongoing evaluations and adjustments in defense spending priorities.
Source: Reuters
Common Abortion Procedure Rejected By Kansas’ Top Court
Friday, July 5, 2024 –The Supreme Court of Kansas in a significant ruling has permanently blocked the enforcement of a state law that sought to ban the most common second-trimester abortion procedure. The court's 5-1 decision, with one justice abstaining, reaffirmed its 2019 recognition of a right to abortion under the Kansas state constitution.
The law in question passed in 2015, prohibited dilation and extraction abortions with only a narrow exception for medical emergencies. Abortion providers swiftly challenged the law, arguing it violated constitutional protections. Despite appeals from the state, the court upheld a lower court's injunction against the law, emphasizing that the Kansas Constitution's Bill of Rights includes a fundamental right to personal autonomy.
The decision was hailed by reproductive rights advocates as a significant victory, ensuring continued access to abortion services in Kansas amid a broader national landscape of legal challenges and restrictions.
Source: Reuters
United States Judge Losses Lawsuit Seeking Reinstatement
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – Judge Pauline Newman, a 97-year-old serving on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, has lost a lawsuit challenging her suspension from the court due to concerns about cognitive and physical impairment related to her age. The lawsuit contested the constitutionality of the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980.
United States District Judge, Christopher Cooper ruled against Newman's claims, asserting that the law did not violate her due process rights. Newman, appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, remains a notable figure in patent law but has faced scrutiny over her fitness to serve.
Despite assertions of her capability by her chosen doctors, the Federal Circuit's judicial council suspended Newman last year, citing her refusal to undergo court-ordered medical evaluations. The court has now requested Newman to justify why her suspension should not be extended, citing ongoing non-cooperation with the council's inquiries.
Source: Reuters
Bill Concerning Non-Citizen Voting Approved By The United States House
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – The Republican-controlled United States House of Representatives has passed a bill titled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. The bill is aimed at preventing non-citizens from registering to vote in federal elections. This legislation mandates proof of citizenship for voter registration and requires states to purge suspected non-citizens from voter rolls.
Despite existing laws that already make non-citizen voting a felony and evidence showing it occurs rarely, Republicans argue the bill is necessary to safeguard election integrity. Democrats oppose the measure, viewing it as voter suppression targeting their constituencies and fuelled by former President Trump's unfounded claims of widespread election fraud.
The White House criticized the bill, asserting it would hinder eligible Americans from voting and increase voter roll purges. The bill faces dim prospects in the Democratic-led Senate, where it is expected to be rejected.
Source: Reuters
Rudy Giuliani’s Bankruptcy Case Dismissed By New York Judge
Friday, July 12, 2024 – A New York judge dismissed Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case, allowing two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss, to pursue recovering nearly $150 million Giuliani was ordered to pay them for defamation after the 2020 election. United States bankruptcy judge Sean Lane cited Giuliani's failure to meet financial reporting obligations and provide transparency as reasons for the dismissal.
This decision follows accusations from creditors that Giuliani concealed financial information. Initially seeking to convert to Chapter 7 bankruptcy for asset liquidation, Giuliani later requested dismissal, retaining control over his finances and the ability to appeal the defamation judgment.
Freeman and Moss welcomed the dismissal, aiming to enforce their judgment swiftly, while creditors had sought a trustee to manage Giuliani's finances. The case underscores broader legal challenges in using bankruptcy to evade accountability for spreading false information.
Source: The Guardian
Assassination Attempt On President Trump Leaves Two People Dead In Pennsylvania
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – Former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, while delivering his speech, Trump was suddenly shot in the ear, prompting him to drop to the ground as Secret Service agents rushed to protect him amidst ongoing gunfire.
The assailant, positioned on a nearby roof, was swiftly neutralized by agents, but not before causing casualties among rally attendees, where one person was killed and two people were critically injured. Despite his injuries, Trump defiantly raised his fist, eliciting cheers from the crowd, and was later safely evacuated to his vehicle.
The attack comes just before Trump was slated to accept the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election, underscoring heightened tensions in American politics. President Joe Biden condemned the shooting, labeling it as "sick," and later spoke with Trump to express solidarity in the aftermath of the harrowing event.
Source: CNN
Classified Document Case Against Donald Trump Dismissed By Federal Judge
Monday, July 15, 2024 – The criminal case against Donald Trump, concerning allegations of retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club, was dismissed by District Judge of the United States, Aileen Cannon on Monday. Judge Cannon, appointed by Trump himself, ruled that the special counsel, Jack Smith, who brought the prosecution, was improperly appointed and thus lacked the constitutional authority to prosecute.
She asserted that Smith's appointment did not comply with the requirements of the appointments clause, as he was neither appointed by the president nor confirmed by the Senate. Judge Cannon's decision diverged from previous court rulings that upheld the use of special prosecutors, including landmark cases such as those stemming from the Watergate scandal.
Prosecutors intend to challenge the ruling in the Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, potentially seeking a different federal judge if the decision is overturned.
Source: The Guardian
President Biden Tests Positive For COVID
Thursday, July 18, 2024 – The President of the United States, Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting Las Vegas, as confirmed by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Despite being vaccinated and boosted, Biden is experiencing mild symptoms and has begun self-isolating.
This development forced him to cancel a scheduled speech and board Air Force One for Delaware, where he intends to recuperate at his beach house over the long weekend. The diagnosis comes amid a challenging political climate for Biden, as he faces pressure from within his party to reconsider his re-election campaign due to concerns about his age and performance.
This sentiment was echoed recently by Congressman Adam Schiff and reflects broader skepticism among Democratic and independent voters about Biden's ability to continue in office. Despite the setback, Biden plans to continue fulfilling his presidential duties while isolated.
Source: Reuters
Power Plant Emission Rule Will Not Be Halted By United States Court
Friday, July 19, 2024 – In a recent decision, an appeals court in the United States allowed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce regulations mandating significant reductions in carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants and new natural gas plants. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected a request to delay the regulation, despite challenges from over two dozen Republican-led states.
The court reasoned that these states faced no immediate harm as the earliest compliance deadline isn't until 2030. The rule, a key component of President Biden's climate agenda, aims for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2032.
It has drawn opposition from states like West Virginia, supported by industry groups arguing that the required emissions control technologies are costly and not yet widely implemented. They also assert that the EPA exceeded its authority in creating the rule without explicit congressional approval.
Source: Reuters
President Joseph Biden Withdraws From Presidential Race
Sunday, July 21, 2024 – The United States President, Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the presidential re-election race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee instead. Citing the best interests of the party and the nation, Biden expressed his intention to focus on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term.
His decision follows pressure from Democratic leaders and donors who believed his candidacy posed challenges for the Democratic party against Donald Trump's bid for re-election. Biden's endorsement of Harris was swift, emphasizing unity within the Democratic Party to defeat Trump. Harris, in response, acknowledged Biden's leadership and pledged to earn the nomination, vowing to unite the party and the country against Trump's agenda.
The move marks a significant shift in the upcoming election dynamics, prompting reactions from various Democratic figures and speculation about potential challengers to Harris.
Source: The Guardian
Secret Service Director Resigns Over Trump Shooting Failures
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – Kim Cheatle, the director of the United States Secret Service, has resigned following criticism over security lapses during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Her resignation comes after contentious congressional hearings where lawmakers expressed frustration over her handling of the incident and her refusal to provide detailed answers. Cheatle, who had been with the Secret Service for 27 years before becoming director in 2022, emphasized that her decision to resign was in the best interest of the agency amidst intense scrutiny.
President Joe Biden acknowledged her decades of public service but emphasized the need for an independent review of the July 13 events to prevent such incidents in the future. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has appointed Ronald Rowe as the acting director of the Secret Service until a permanent replacement is named.
Source: BBC
Following Corruption Conviction, Senator Bob Menendez Resigns
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – United States, Senator Bob Menendez has announced his resignation following his conviction on corruption charges, including bribery and acting as an agent for Egypt's government. In a letter seen by Reuters, Menendez stated his intention to resign effective August 20, 2024.
Menendez, who has represented New Jersey since 2006 and previously chaired the Foreign Relations Committee, relinquished his leadership role after being charged last year. The 70-year-old senator was found guilty on July 16 by a federal jury in Manhattan on all 16 criminal counts, which also included obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and extortion.
The charges stemmed from allegations that Menendez and his wife received significant financial benefits in exchange for using his influence to benefit the businessmen involved, including steering United States aid towards Egypt and attempting to influence their legal cases.
Source: Reuters
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