August 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 August 2024.
- Recent Labor Department Fiduciary Rule Blocked By United States Judge
- U.S. President Grants Deportation Reprieve To Lebanese Due To Tensions Between Israel And Hezbollah
- Anita Dune, Biden’s Campaign Adviser Leaves White House
- Texas Allowed To Keep River Barrier Against Border Crossing
- Kamala Harris Officially Becomes Democratic Presidential Candidate
- Pentagon Chief Revokes Plea Deal For Accused 9/11 Plotters
- Kamala Harris Selects Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz As Running Mate
- SUV Rams Into Canal Killing Nine People And Leaving One Injured
- United States to Resume Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia
- Court Extends Block On President Biden's Student Loan Relief Plan
- Judge Blocks Rule In Missouri Curbing Socially Conscious Investing
- Montana Rules Out Law Which Requires Minors to Seek Parental Consent For Abortion
- Gavin Newsom Signs Bill To Crack Down On Shoplifting And Car Theft
- Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Standard Dismissed By United States Appeals Court
- Following Bribery Convictions, Senator Bob Menendez Resigns
- FAA Refers Additional 43 United States Airline Passengers To FBI
- Kamala Harris Accepts Democrat Presidential Nomination
- Judge Dismisses Machine Gun Possession Case, Calls Ban Unconstitutional
- Anthony Fauci Making Excellent Recovery After Being Hospitalized For West Nile Virus
- Harris And Walz Set To Have Their First Joint Interview With CNN
- Donald Trump Faces New Set Of Charges In Election Subversion Case
Recent Labor Department Fiduciary Rule Blocked By United States Judge
Friday, July 26, 2024 – A judge in the United States has temporarily blocked the Department of Labor's new "Retirement Security Rule," which was set to expand the definition of fiduciaries for retirement advisers. This rule, introduced in April, aimed to ensure that those providing retirement savings advice act in the best interest of clients rather than their financial gain.
According to the Department of Labor, the rule was crucial for protecting retirement investors, particularly in cases involving fixed index annuities, which are often sold by insurance companies and can come with high costs.
The rule faced opposition from insurance groups, who argued it conflicted with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by designating as fiduciaries those who give one-time recommendations, such as rolling over investments into individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Source: Reuters
U.S. President Grants Deportation Reprieve To Lebanese Due To Tensions Between Israel And Hezbollah
Friday, July 26, 2024 – United States President, Joe Biden announced that the White House will grant deportation relief and work permits to an estimated 11,500 Lebanese nationals currently in the country. The measure, known as Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), will allow these individuals to stay in the United States for 18 months and may be extended.
The move follows heightened tensions in the region, with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, engaging in conflict with Israel after Hamas's attack on October 7, which triggered a military response from Israel. The violence has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including over 100 Lebanese civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, as well as casualties among Israelis.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been more vocal on the issue, pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a Gaza ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Source: Reuters
Anita Dune, Biden’s Campaign Adviser Leaves White House
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – Anita Dunn, a key adviser to President Joe Biden and a significant figure in his 2020 election campaign is leaving the White House to join a super political action committee backing Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid. Dunn’s departure marks the first major staff change following a contentious debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump, which intensified doubts about Biden’s ability to effectively lead.
Dunn, who has a long history in Democratic politics, including roles in President Barack Obama's administration and various campaigns, was also involved in the debate preparation, where her husband, Bob Bauer, played Trump. Biden expressed deep appreciation for Dunn’s contributions and pledged continued reliance on her expertise as he completes his term.
Dunn reflected on her service as a "privilege" and thanked both Biden and Harris for the opportunity to be part of their administration.
Source: Reuters
Texas Allowed To Keep River Barrier Against Border Crossing
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – A United States appeals court has ruled that Texas can maintain its 1,000-foot floating barrier in the Rio Grande, intended to deter illegal crossings from Mexico. This decision by the full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a lower court's injunction that had required the removal of the barrier.
The ruling serves as a setback for President Joe Biden's administration, which had challenged the barrier as an unlawful encroachment on federal immigration authority and a violation of U.S. environmental laws. Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, celebrated the ruling as a victory.
Abbott praised the decision on social media, vowing that the barrier would remain in place. The Biden administration had argued that the barrier, which is in a shallow area of the river where ferries and government vessels operate, was built without federal approval required for obstructions in navigable waters.
Source: Reuters
Kamala Harris Officially Becomes Democratic Presidential Candidate
Friday, August 2, 2024 – The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination after surpassing the required delegate threshold of 2,350. This milestone marks her as the presumptive nominee ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago later this month.
Harris, who is both the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major United States political party's ticket, would become the first female president if she defeats Republican nominee Donald Trump in November. Harris ran unopposed in the virtual roll call, following President Joe Biden's decision to step down and endorse her.
Despite criticism from some Republicans about the process and the lack of a traditional campaign press conference, Harris has been actively campaigning and fundraising. Her campaign raised over $310 million in July, significantly outpacing Trump's fundraising efforts and marking the largest haul of the 2024 election cycle.
Source: BBC
Pentagon Chief Revokes Plea Deal For Accused 9/11 Plotters
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – The Secretary of Defence of the United States, Lloyd Austin has revoked a plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants, reinstating them as death-penalty cases. The decision overturned a preliminary agreement reached by Susan Escallier, who was overseeing the war court proceedings. The plea deal was criticized by some victims’ families and Republican lawmakers.
Escallier had negotiated the deal after 16 years of stalled prosecution, but Austin's memo emphasized the gravity of such decisions and asserted that the final authority rested with him. Victim families like Terry Kay Rockefeller, whose sister was killed in the 9/11 attacks, expressed disappointment, viewing the deal as undermining justice.
The original plea deal, which was blocked by President Biden last year due to concerns about solitary confinement and trauma care for the accused, had promised a resolution to the long-delayed cases.
Source: The Guardian
Kamala Harris Selects Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz As Running Mate
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris has selected the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz as her running mate for the upcoming presidential election. Walz, a former teacher, and Army National Guard veteran was chosen after a rapid and intensive vetting process.
Walz’s appointment was confirmed after a shortlist of candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. He quickly rose to prominence within the Democratic Party due to his broad appeal and strong support from various factions.
Before entering Congress, Walz was a high school teacher, and football coach, and served in the Army National Guard, rising to the rank of command sergeant major, one of the highest titles an enlisted soldier may obtain.
The Trump campaign has criticized Walz, labeling him as too liberal and accusing Harris of catering to the far left. Despite this, Walz’s selection is seen as a strategic move to energize the Democratic base and strengthen the ticket’s appeal.
Source: CNN
SUV Rams Into Canal Killing Nine People And Leaving One Injured
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – In a tragic accident in South Florida, nine people were killed and one was seriously injured when an overloaded 2023 Ford Explorer lost control and crashed into a canal. The vehicle, which was carrying ten people, was traveling south on Hatton Highway near Belle Glade when it failed to navigate a curve, hit a guardrail, and flipped into a canal.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and five more died at the hospital. The driver was among those killed. The sole survivor, a 26-year-old man, is in serious condition. Initial reports indicate that five of the deceased were minors.
The 2023 Ford Explorer, which is designed to hold a maximum of seven passengers, was significantly overloaded. This accident is noted as one of the most challenging scenes experienced by first responders.
Source: The Guardian
United States to Resume Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia
Friday, August 9, 2024 – The administration of President Biden has announced it will lift a ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, reversing a policy implemented three years ago to pressure the kingdom to de-escalate its involvement in the Yemen conflict. The State Department confirmed that it would resume transfers of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia.
This decision follows a briefing to Congress earlier this week, with sales potentially resuming as soon as next week. The administration noted that Saudi Arabia has fulfilled its commitments, prompting the United States to honor its part of the agreement.
The ban was originally put in place due to concerns about civilian casualties in Yemen and human rights issues. However, support for resuming sales has increased due to changes in the conflict's dynamics, which includes a cessation of Saudi airstrikes since a truce that was brokered by the United Nations.
Source: Reuters
Court Extends Block On President Biden's Student Loan Relief Plan
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Saturday, August 10, 2024 – A federal appeals court has extended an injunction blocking President Joe Biden's student debt relief plan, which aims to reduce monthly payments for borrowers and expedite loan forgiveness. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis granted a request from seven Republican-led states for this injunction, which halts the implementation of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan.
The court’s decision, which builds on a previous temporary block issued on July 18, prevents further action on the plan while the appeal is pending. However, it will not affect any loans that have already been forgiven under the program.
Secretary of Education of the United States, Miguel Cardona expressed strong disagreement with the court's decision, asserting that it would lead to higher monthly payments for millions of borrowers.
Source: Reuters
Judge Blocks Rule In Missouri Curbing Socially Conscious Investing
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – A federal judge in Missouri has invalidated a state rule that restricted financial professionals from incorporating environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors into their investment advice. The rule, introduced by Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in 2023, required investment advisers who consider ESG objectives to disclose these considerations to their clients and obtain their consent.
U.S. District Judge, Stephen Bough in Kansas City ruled that the state’s rule was invalid because it imposed requirements that are not present in federal law and violated the free-speech rights of investment advisers. He described the rule as unconstitutionally vague and unenforceable.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), a trade group that challenged the rule, argued that it was unnecessary and disrupted the uniform regulation of the securities market under federal law.
Source: Reuters
Montana Rules Out Law Which Requires Minors to Seek Parental Consent For Abortion
Thursday, August 15, 2024 – The Supreme Court of Montana ruled that a 2013 law requiring minors to obtain parental consent for an abortion is unconstitutional, upholding a challenge by Planned Parenthood. The court, in a unanimous decision written by Justice Laurie McKinnon, emphasized that a minor's right to make reproductive decisions is among the most fundamental rights protected under the state constitution.
The state failed to demonstrate that the law was necessary to protect minors, leading the court to strike it down. Planned Parenthood of Montana praised the ruling, with its president, Martha Fuller, stating that it affirms the right to privacy and the fundamental rights of Montanans.
The law, passed in 2013, has never been enforced due to the immediate legal challenge. It included a provision allowing minors to seek a judicial waiver if they could not obtain parental consent.
Source: Reuters
Gavin Newsom Signs Bill To Crack Down On Shoplifting And Car Theft
Friday, August 16, 2024 – The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom signed a comprehensive package of 10 bipartisan bills aimed at tackling smash-and-grab robberies and other property crimes. This legislation, designed to address the rising issue of retail theft, includes measures to target repeat offenders, increase penalties for organized theft rings, and improve prosecution efforts.
The new laws enable law enforcement to aggregate the value of stolen goods from multiple incidents to impose stricter penalties and use video evidence or witness statements for arrests. Additionally, the package addresses cargo theft and closes legal loopholes related to auto theft.
While the package has bipartisan support, some progressive Democrats have criticized it for being overly punitive. This legislative push comes as Democratic leaders attempt to demonstrate their commitment to addressing crime.
Source: The Guardian
Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Standard Dismissed By United States Appeals Court
Friday, August 16, 2024 – The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit invalidated several natural gas pipeline safety standards implemented by President Joe Biden's administration. The court ruled that the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) failed to sufficiently justify why the benefits of the revised standards outweighed their substantial costs.
The standards, finalized in 2022, introduced stringent requirements for addressing issues like thinning, corrosion, and cracks in pipeline walls. Despite initial support from the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA), the trade group sued to challenge five specific standards, arguing they were excessively costly.
Judge Florence Pan, writing for the three-judge panel, found that PHMSA's cost-benefit analysis was inadequate and inconsistent. The court criticized the agency for not adequately addressing the financial implications of the new requirements.
Source: Reuters
Following Bribery Convictions, Senator Bob Menendez Resigns
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – Bob Menendez, a long-serving New Jersey Democrat, officially resigned from the U.S. Senate on Tuesday following his conviction on 16 counts of bribery in July. The charges involved accepting substantial bribes, including gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz, in exchange for assisting the Qatari and Egyptian governments.
Facing a potentially lengthy prison sentence, Menendez has maintained his innocence and intends to appeal the conviction. Initially resisting calls to step down, Menendez ultimately decided to resign to avoid distracting the Senate from its work. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is expected to appoint George Samir Helmy, as a temporary replacement until a new senator is elected.
Menendez, who served in the House of Representatives since 1993 and was appointed to the Senate in 2006, filed a motion to overturn his conviction, claiming that the evidence was insufficient to justify the guilty verdict.
Source: BBC
FAA Refers Additional 43 United States Airline Passengers To FBI
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it has referred 43 unruly passengers to the FBI for criminal investigation over the past year, as part of its ongoing zero-tolerance policy for serious onboard incidents. Since early 2021, the rate of unruly passenger incidents has decreased by over 80%, following a dramatic spike during the pandemic.
The FAA has referred a total of 313 cases for criminal investigation since late 2021. This crackdown, initially driven by mask-related confrontations, became permanent in 2022, even after the mask mandate ended.
The number of reported unruly passenger incidents soared to 5,981 in 2021, with 4,290 related to masks, but has since dropped to 1,375 in 2023. The FAA imposed $5 million in fines in 2021 and $7.5 million in 2022.
Source: Reuters
Kamala Harris Accepts Democrat Presidential Nomination
Friday, August 23, 2024 – Kamala Harris received the Democratic nomination for president of the party at the convention in Chicago. In a deeply personal headline address, Harris promised to lead "for all Americans" and establish an "opportunity economy". Democrats have been riding a wave of excitement since Harris became their contender, but polls show the contest remains very close.
Important issues were safeguarding the right to abortion, togetherness, and working-class aspirations. Harris aims to cut the expenses of "everyday needs" such as healthcare, housing, and food. She mentioned abortion rights, framing them as a method of maintaining freedom, which has been a frequent subject at the Democratic Convention. She also touched on the topic of stability in the Middle East and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Republican challenger Donald Trump posted a constant commentary on social media, asking: "Why didn't she do anything about the things she complains about?"
Source: BBC
Judge Dismisses Machine Gun Possession Case, Calss Ban Unconstitutional
Friday, August 23, 2024 – A federal judge in Wichita, Kansas, has dismissed charges against Tamori Morgan, a man accused of illegally possessing a machine gun and a “Glock switch,” a machine gun conversion device. U.S. District Judge John Broomes, appointed by former President Donald Trump, ruled that prosecutors failed to prove the constitutionality of the federal ban on machine guns.
This decision is notable as it may be the first time a court has deemed such a ban unconstitutional following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. That ruling expanded gun rights by establishing that firearms restrictions must align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. Judge Broomes found that the government did not provide a sufficient historical precedent to justify the machine gun ban under this new standard.
Source: Reuters
Anthony Fauci Making Excellent Recovery After Being Hospitalized For West Nile Virus
Saturday, August 24, 2024 – Anthony Fauci, the prominent immunologist who led the U.S. government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is recovering at home after being hospitalized with West Nile virus. The 83-year-old was admitted around 11 days ago with symptoms including fever, chills, and fatigue, likely contracted from a mosquito bite in his garden.
He has since been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while most people infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, about one in five may develop illness, and it can be fatal in rare cases.
There is no vaccine for the virus. Dr. Fauci, who retired from public service in 2022, has faced significant public scrutiny and threats, particularly related to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: BBC
Harris And Walz Set To Have Their First Joint Interview With CNN
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 – United States Vice President, Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are set to participate in their first joint interview with CNN on Thursday, as Democrats aim to build on the momentum generated by last week’s Democratic National Convention. The interview, conducted by CNN’s Dana Bash, will air at 9 p.m. ET and takes place during a bus tour through Georgia, a key battleground state.
This marks Harris’ first in-depth interview since President Joe Biden withdrew his re-election bid and endorsed her on July 21. While Harris’ campaign has seen growing enthusiasm, her lack of formal interviews has drawn criticism from Republicans.
The upcoming interview signals a new phase in Harris’ campaign as she faces increased scrutiny ahead of early voting and prepares for a September 10 debate against former President Donald Trump.
Source: CNN
Donald Trump Faces New Set Of Charges In Election Subversion Case
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 – Donald Trump faced a revised federal indictment accusing him of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. This updated indictment by U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team narrows its focus after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken within their constitutional powers.
The revised charges maintain the same four counts as the previous indictment but now concentrate on Trump’s role as a political candidate rather than his actions as president. Trump has pleaded not guilty and criticized the case as a politically motivated effort to block his return to power.
Trump’s legal team has argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling should lead to the dismissal of the entire case. The indictment continues to allege a conspiracy by Trump to block the certification of his election defeat to President Joe Biden.
Source: Reuters
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