June 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 June 2024.
- Plan To Hike Stamp Price In The United States To 73 Cents Approved By Agency
- Mass Shooting In Ohio Leaves One Person Dead And Dozens Injured
- Directive Which Limits Border Crossing Issued By President Biden
- United States Senate Fails To Pass Contraception Access Bill
- Lawmakers In New York Passes Bill To Protect Youths On Social Media
- Shark Attacks Three Swimmers In Florida Leaving Them Severely Injured
- Shipping Channel In Baltimore Reopens After Bridge Collapse
- House Votes To Hold Attorney General, Merrick Garland In Contempt Of Congress
- Ban On Gun Bump Stock Lifted By United States Supreme Court
- Armed Individual Opened Fire In A Water Park, Injuring Nine People
- Trump’s Appeal Of Gag Order Dismissed By New York Top Court
- Bill To Support Advanced Nuclear Energy Deployment Passed By The U.S. Senate
- Supreme Court Rule That No Gun For Domestic Abuse Suspects
- Shooting Breaks Out In Arkansas Supermarket, Killing Three People
- Families In Louisiana Files Lawsuit Against Displaying The Ten Commandments in Schools
- United States Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Narrowing Reach Of Federal Corruption Law
- Supreme Court Rule That No Gun For Domestic Abuse Suspects
- Shooting Breaks Out In Arkansas Supermarket, Killing Three People
- Families In Louisiana Files Lawsuit Against Displaying The Ten Commandments in Schools
- United States Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Narrowing Reach Of Federal Corruption Law
Plan To Hike Stamp Price In The United States To 73 Cents Approved By Agency
Friday, May 31, 2024 – The United States Postal Service (USPS) has received approval to increase the price of first-class mail stamps to 73 cents from 68 cents starting July 14, as announced in April. This plan, approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, will result in a 7.8% overall increase in mailing services product prices.
Additionally, USPS is seeking a 25% price hike for high-volume shippers entering packages for regional delivery through its Parcel Select service. USPS reported a $6.5 billion yearly net loss in November, attributed to declining first-class mail volume, the lowest since 1968.
Stamp prices have risen by 36% in the last four years. The postal service is implementing a 10-year restructuring plan aiming to eliminate predicted losses of $160 billion. This pricing adjustment is expected to generate $44 billion in additional revenue by 2031.
Source: Reuters
Mass Shooting In Ohio Leaves One Person Dead And Dozens Injured
Sunday, June 2, 2024 – A mass shooting in Akron, Ohio, left one person dead and at least 24 others injured. The incident occurred just after midnight during a gathering near Kelly Street and 8th Avenue. Witnesses reported gunfire erupting as approximately 200 people attended a birthday party.
No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing. Akron's mayor announced a reward of $22,500 (£19,656) for information leading to an arrest. Officers also confirmed that many of the victims’ injuries were non-life-threatening, however, some victims are in serious condition.
Mr. Malik, Akron’s mayor and Police Chief issued a joint statement on social media, and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, and urged the community to come forward with any information. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States.
Source: BBC
Directive Which Limits Border Crossing Issued By President Biden
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 – The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has signed an executive order to temporarily close the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers attempting to cross between lawful ports of entry when a daily crossing threshold is exceeded. The move, effective immediately, imposes stricter standards for asylum claims, except for specific groups like human trafficking victims and unaccompanied children.
Biden attributes the action to Republican obstruction, aiming to address border concerns amid public dissatisfaction. The order shuts down asylum requests when daily encounters hit 2,500, reopening after falling below 1,500 for seven consecutive days.
Scheduled border appointments through the Customs and Border Protection app are exempt. The directive mirrors Trump's 2018 policy, facing potential legal challenges from groups like the ACLU. The executive order is not expected to affect other border activity, such as trade or traffic.
Source: The Guardian
United States Senate Fails To Pass Contraception Access Bill
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – A bill aimed at safeguarding access to contraceptives fails to advance in the United States Senate, falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed for debate. The Right to Contraception Act, which garnered 51 votes in favor and 39 against, highlights the contentious issue of reproductive rights.
This vote follows heightened attention on the topic since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Senate Democrats emphasize the urgency for federal legislation, pointing to states where Republican governors vetoed efforts to protect contraception access.
Despite efforts by House Democrats to push the bill forward, chances in the Republican-controlled chamber remain slim. While some Republicans, like Representative Marc Molinaro, show support for the legislation, others criticize the focus on abortion in an election year.
Source: Reuters
Lawmakers In New York Passes Bill To Protect Youths On Social Media
Saturday, June 8, 2024 – Lawmakers in New York state have passed legislation to protect minors from potentially harmful content on social media platforms. The bills prohibit platforms from exposing users under 18 to "addictive" algorithmic content without parental consent and restrict the collection and sale of personal data from underage users.
Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign both bills into law, emphasizing their importance in addressing youth mental health concerns and creating a safer online environment. Social media giants like Meta Platforms, which includes Facebook and Instagram, could face revenue challenges due to these regulations.
Supporters reference studies linking excessive social media use to mental health issues among adolescents, while opponents, such as industry association NetChoice, criticize the legislation as an infringement on free speech and internet openness. Despite differing perspectives, the legislation represents a significant step in regulating social media use, particularly for minors.
Source: Reuters
Shark Attacks Three Swimmers In Florida Leaving Them Severely Injured
Saturday, June 8, 2024 – Beachgoers along the Gulf Coast of Florida have been urged to stay vigilant after three separate shark attacks occurred within a short timeframe. One incident involved a woman in Walton County who had part of her arm amputated after being bitten, while two teenage girls were attacked in another location.
Emergency responders airlifted the injured victims to hospitals. Authorities have intensified patrols along the shoreline, leading to temporary beach closures, with warning flags now signaling the presence of dangerous marine life. Despite these incidents, officials emphasize that such occurrences are not unusual and urge caution when swimming.
The University of Florida's International Shark Attack File notes that while shark attacks occur globally, the majority are unprovoked and rarely fatal. In Florida, requiem sharks, known for favoring warm waters, are frequently implicated in such incidents.
Source: BBC
Shipping Channel In Baltimore Reopens After Bridge Collapse
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – After 11 weeks, the Port of Baltimore shipping channel has fully reopened following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The United States Army Corps of Engineers confirmed the passage's safety, now restored to its original dimensions.
The incident occurred when the Dali ship collided with the bridge on March 26th, resulting in six fatalities. Removal of 50,000 tonnes of wreckage involved a massive effort with thousands of salvage responders and specialized equipment. While celebrating the restoration, Baltimore District Commander, Col Estee Pinchasin, emphasized remembrance for the lives lost and the impacted workers.
Investigations by the FBI and United States Coast Guard continue, with the National Transportation Safety Board attributing the collision to power failures on the Dali. Rebuilding the bridge is estimated to take over four years and cost up to $1.9bn.
Source: BBC
House Votes To Hold Attorney General, Merrick Garland In Contempt Of Congress
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – The House voted along party lines (216-207) to hold Attorney General, Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for withholding President Biden's interview audio in a classified-documents case. Garland is now the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress, though it's improbable that the Justice Department, overseen by Garland, will prosecute him due to the White House invoking executive privilege over the audio.
Republicans assert that the move is necessary to defend Congress's authority, while Democrats view it as politically motivated. The dispute stems from the Justice Department's refusal to release the full records of the investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents, which Republicans allege demonstrates a double standard.
Despite arguments from both sides, the broader implications of executive privilege and congressional oversight remain contentious.
Source: The Guardian
Ban On Gun Bump Stock Lifted By United States Supreme Court
Friday, June 14, 2024 – The United States Supreme Court has overturned a ban on bump stocks, accessories that enable semi-automatic rifles to fire rapidly, ruling 6-3 that the government exceeded its authority in categorizing them as machine guns.
The Trump administration initially imposed the ban following their use in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, which claimed 60 lives. The court's conservative majority, led by Justice Clarence Thomas, argued that bump stocks do not meet the legal definition of a machine gun under federal law because they do not fire automatically with a single trigger pull.
This decision has sparked dissent among liberal justices, who warn of potentially deadly consequences, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor highlighting the lethal capabilities and likening them to banned weapons. The ruling is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate over gun control in the United States.
Source: BBC
Armed Individual Opened Fire In A Water Park, Injuring Nine People
Sunday, June 16, 2024 – In a tragic incident near Detroit, an armed man opened fire at a water park, injuring nine people, including two children, before taking his own life when confronted by police. The attack, described as random by authorities, occurred at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
The suspect, a 42-year-old man, used a 9mm semiautomatic Glock to fire approximately 30 shots, critically injuring an 8-year-old boy and leaving his 4-year-old brother and their mother in critical condition as well. Six other victims, all adults, sustained injuries but were reported to be in stable condition.
The gunman was tracked to a nearby house where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This incident comes amidst ongoing concerns over gun violence, echoing previous tragedies in the region, including the 2021 Oxford High School shooting.
Source: Reuters
Trump’s Appeal Of Gag Order Dismissed By New York Top Court
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 – Former President Donald Trump faced a setback in his legal efforts to lift a gag order imposed during his trial involving Stormy Daniels and accounting fraud charges in New York. The state supreme court declined to hear his appeal, stating it found no substantial constitutional issues at stake.
Trump's lawyers argued that the gag order infringed on his right to political speech during his presidential campaign, but the court upheld the restriction, citing Trump's history of making inflammatory remarks about trial participants.
The gag order, imposed by Judge Juan Merchan after Trump's outbursts against court staff and witnesses, remains in effect as he awaits sentencing scheduled for July 11. Despite Trump's fine for repeated violations and his legal team's appeal efforts, the court's decision leaves the order in place for now.
Source: The Guardian
Bill To Support Advanced Nuclear Energy Deployment Passed By The U.S. Senate
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – The Senate of the United States recently passed the ADVANCE Act, aimed at accelerating the deployment of nuclear energy capacity in the country. The bipartisan bill, already approved by the House of Representatives, emphasizes speeding up permitting processes and providing new incentives for advanced nuclear reactor technologies.
Democrats support the expansion of nuclear power as crucial for decarbonizing the power sector and combating climate change, while Republicans see it as a means to ensure reliable electricity and create jobs.
Senator Tom Carper, a Democrat, highlighted the bill's passage as a significant win for climate action and energy security. Republican Senator, Shelley Moore Capito also emphasized bipartisan cooperation in recognizing nuclear energy's importance for America's future. The legislation includes provisions to reduce regulatory costs, establish prizes for successful next-generation reactor deployment, and expedite licensing for nuclear facilities at specific sites.
Source: Reuters
Supreme Court Rule That No Gun For Domestic Abuse Suspects
Friday, June 21, 2024 – The Supreme Court has upheld a 30-year-old law prohibiting individuals under restraining orders for domestic violence from owning firearms. The 8-1 decision marks a rare win for gun control advocates in the Court. Chief Justice John Roberts, in the majority opinion, emphasized that disarming those who pose a threat of physical violence aligns with common sense and does not violate the Second Amendment.
Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, arguing the decision jeopardizes Second Amendment rights. The case centered on Zackey Rahimi, who despite a restraining order, continued to possess firearms and was involved in shootings.
The ruling reinforces firearm restrictions for individuals deemed dangerous due to domestic violence, despite ongoing debates over constitutional interpretations and historical precedents. After the ruling, Rahimi filed an appeal against his conviction, arguing that it did not pass the new test of the Supreme Court.
Source: BBC
Shooting Breaks Out In Arkansas Supermarket, Killing Three People
Saturday, June 22, 2024 – In Fordyce, Arkansas, a shooting at the Mad Butcher grocery store resulted in three civilians killed and 10 others wounded, including two police officers. The suspect, engaged in a shootout with law enforcement, was also injured and taken into custody.
Arkansas State Police Director, Mike Hagar, confirmed the casualties and praised the quick response of law enforcement and first responders. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote on X platform that she was briefed about the incident expressed gratitude to the responders and offered prayers for the victims and affected individuals.
Mr. Hegar confirmed that the wounded police officers and the suspects were expected to survive. The incident unfolded in the small town located 70 miles south of Little Rock, leaving a range of civilian injuries from non-life-threatening to critical conditions.
Source: Reuters
Families In Louisiana Files Lawsuit Against Displaying The Ten Commandments in Schools
Monday, June 24, 2024 – Several Louisiana families, alongside human rights groups, have filed a federal lawsuit to block the state’s new law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments.
The suit, lodged in the United States district court in Baton Rouge, challenges HB71, signed by Governor Jeff Landry, which mandates that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in all public school classrooms. This legal battle, expected to escalate to the Supreme Court, is a significant test for the separation of church and state in the United States.
The plaintiffs, including rabbis and pastors, argue that the law is unconstitutional, violating Supreme Court precedent and the First Amendment's establishment and free exercise clauses. They contend that the law sends a divisive message, implying that students who do not adhere to the Ten Commandments are outsiders in their school community.
Source: The Guardian
United States Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Narrowing Reach Of Federal Corruption Law
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 – The Supreme Court of the United States ruled on Wednesday in favor of former Portage, Indiana, mayor James Snyder, overturning his corruption conviction in a decision that may complicate future federal corruption prosecutions against state and local officials.
In a 6-3 ruling, the conservative justices reversed a lower court's decision that upheld Snyder's conviction for accepting $13,000 from a truck company that was awarded over $1 million in city contracts during his tenure.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, clarified that federal law does not criminalize state and local officials from accepting gratuities such as gift cards, lunches, or plaques given as tokens of appreciation after official acts. The court's liberal justices dissented. Snyder was originally charged with corruptly soliciting a payment related to government contracts, a crime punishable by up to ten years in prison. Convicted by a jury, he was sentenced to one year and nine months.
Source: Reuters
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