July 2021 Current Events: 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 US news events you need to know so far for July 2021:
- Coronavirus Updates
- Florida Condo Collapse
- Violence Continues Around the US
- Former President Trump Sues Companies
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Top Official of the Social Security Administration Fired
- Firearms Seized in Denver
- Democrats Leave State
- Shooting in Texas
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- Violence Continues Across US
- Utah Sandstorm Crash
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
Coronavirus Updates
On July 6, Maryland announced it will extend pandemic unemployment benefits for another 10 days. Governor Hogan previously announced that he would end the order on July 3, but unemployed residents filed a lawsuit, later winning an extension. On July 7, the Delta variant caused a large rise in cases in Missouri. The government has released a Covid-19 team to the area in hopes of helping slow the occupancy of hospital beds. Hospitalizations are so high, patients have been sent to surrounding areas. In the past week, Missouri became the second highest caseload in the US. According to Johns Hopkins, Arkansas has become the highest. (CNN)
Photo Source: STRF/STAR MAX/IPx 2021 7/7/21
Florida Condo Collapse
On July 4, rescue efforts continued after the Miami condo collapse that occurred last week. At least 24 people have died. On July 4, the rest of the condo was demolished in an attempt to aid rescuers in their search mission. Clearing the debris may give them more room to search for survivors. Police are working overtime with the threat of Tropical Storm Elsa still looming. On July 13, the death toll reached 94 as rescue workers continued the mission to save potential survivors. At least 83 of the victims have been identified and nearly all families of been notified. Over 222 people have been accounted for and about 22 are still unaccounted for, according to the mayor. Officials have stated that they do expect numbers to change. On July 21, surfside rescue crews officially hit the bottom of all the debris. The city is mourning those lost in the tragic building collapse as rescue missions come to an end. On July 25, rescuers said their search ended, however there is still one victim unaccounted for. At least 97 people died in the building collapse.(CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
Violence Continues Around the US
On July 4, police arrested 11 suspects after an overnight standoff with police in Wakefield, MA. The men referred to themselves as militia, following the Moorish Sovereign Ideology. The standoff started at a routine police stop, blocking off a part of I-95 for the rest of the evening. The suspects have been charged with 8 counts, are between 17 and 40 years old, and come from various states. On July 5, pro golfer Gene Siller was gunned down at an Atlanta golf course. The police found the suspect’s vehicle still on the green, with two more dead bodies in the bed of the truck. The suspect is still at large. On July 7, two AFT agents and a Chicago police officer were shot while sitting in their car. The officers were in an unmarked car doing an undercover operation when they were shot. All injuries are non-life-threatening. On July 6, in response to rising violence, New York’s governor declared gun violence as a disaster emergency. The executive order will funnel $138.7 million into gun violence intervention and prevention programs. The state saw over 51 shootings the past weekend. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Former President Trump Sues Companies
On July 7, it was reported that former president Donald Trump sued Google, Facebook, and Twitter under claims of censorship. The lawsuit also targets the CEOs of the companies. The companies have yet to respond. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On July 12, it was reported that states with low vaccination rates have 3 times more cases of Covid than states with higher vaccination rates. Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas are the only three states with less than a 35% full vaccination rate. Vermont, on the other hand, has the highest vaccination rate at 66% and also the lowest rate of new cases. On July 14, Tennessee announced plans to halt all vaccine outreaches, including the Covid-19 vaccine, to children. The law allowed children aged 14-17 to obtain vaccinations without parental consent. Some officials in the Tennessee Department of Health who supported that law have also been fired since its halting. On July 16, the White House placed pressure on Silicon Valley to call out what they’re calling the “disinformation dozen,” a group of 12 people who are mostly to blame for the vaccine misinformation online. Officials are calling for Facebook and Twitter to shut down these pages. On July 16, Los Angeles County announced that it will be reinstating the mask mandate as cases have risen, as well as hospitalizations. The new mandate will require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. In the last few days, the county has seen roughly 2000 new cases, the highest since mid-March. That same day, Arizona’s governor stated that schools can longer force unvaccinated students to quarantine. He stated it was against state law, to which schools responded that they are following both the state law and CDC guidelines regarding unvaccinated children. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
Top Official of the Social Security Administration Fired
On July 9, President Biden fired Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul after he refused to resign per the president’s request. Biden asked two top officials to resign, with David Blake abiding by the request. Biden has appointed Kilolo Kijakazi as acting commissioner for the time being. Saul has questioned whether or not it was legal for the White House to remove him before his term ends in 2025. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Firearms Seized in Denver
On July 12, Denver police reported that they seized a dozen guns, cash, and drugs in a hotel right above Coors Field. The raid is significant due to the hotel’s proximity to where the All_star MLB game will take place. The occupant allegedly was set to leave before the game, but then asked to extend his stay, as well as be moved to a room above the stadium. Police have stated, however, that the incident is not being investigated as a potential terrorist attack. They also do not believe the suspect had any intentions of recreating the Las Vegas shooting that happened years ago. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Democrats Leave State
On July 16, Texas Democrats left the state in an attempt to block a voting bill. The bill, which had the majority vote, cannot be passed unless a majority of Congress is present. Dozens of lawmakers walked out, stalling the vote. Arrest warrants have been issued for the dozens who have walked out. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Eric Gay
Shooting in Texas
On July 16, a police officer was killed and four other people were wounded after a standoff in Levelland, Texas. Reports discussed the suspect loitering in a pickup truck, most likely as bait for incoming police officers. As police slowly approached, the suspect began to open fire. The 22-year-old suspect was later taken into custody. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Eric Gay
Coronavirus Updates (3)
On July 18, it was reported that two more House Democrats have tested positive for Covid. The two are part of the group that left Texas to go to Washington DC ahead of a voting bill vote. On July 18, experts warned that most unvaccinated people will contract the Delta variant of the virus. That same day, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schools require masks for all students older than 2. One main reason for this recommendation is because the vaccine hasn’t been approved for the majority of school-aged children. On July 19, it was reported that a US gymnast tested positive for Covid ahead of the Olympic games. The unidentified athlete has been sent to a hotel to quarantine. So far, 61 Covid cases have been linked to the Olympic games. On July 21, CNN reported that at least 34 states have introduced bills making it illegal to ask for proof/require a Covid vaccine for school-aged children. On July 25, Arkansas’ governor defended his decision to ban statewide mask mandates earlier this year. At the time, Arkansas had a low number of cases, but as they rise, the governor is still supporting his previous decision. On July 26, the White House announced that it will keep existing travel restrictions in place due to the increasing number of Delta variant cases. That same day, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it will require healthcare workers to get vaccinated. This is the first federal government area to make such a requirement. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/John O'Connor
Violence Continues Across US
On July 18, chaos ensued after shots were heard outside the Nationals Park (baseball stadium) in Washington D.C.. At least three people were injured outside the stadium, and some were injured as game goers rushed for cover once hearing the shots. In Chicago, there were 41 shootings over the weekend, killing at least 6 people and injuring more than 50. On July 19, a shooting at a Houston hotel left 2 people dead, as well as the shooter. Two more people were injured by the shooting that Houston police are currently investigating.On July 26, CNN reported that Seattle had four unrelated shootings over the weekend that left three people dead and another five injured. Police are still investigating each of the shootings. On July 26, a standoff in California left one sheriff’s deputy dead and another injured. They were responding to a call of a possible shooting. The two men were shot at by the suspect upon arrival at the home. The suspect was also shot and is currently at the hospital. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Nick Wass
Utah Sandstorm Crash
On July 26, at least 7 people died and many more were critically injured after a sandstorm caused a 20 vehicle pileup in Utah. A thunderstorm brought strong winds to the area, whipping around sand and reaching 51 mph winds. (CNN)
Photo Source: Utah Highway Patrol via AP
Coronavirus Updates (4)
On July 27, the CDC once again changed its guidelines, stating that even vaccinated people should wear masks in schools and other indoor settings. This new guideline is based on new information and science that has come to light with the variants. On July 27, it was reported that President Biden will soon announce a required vaccine for all federal employees and contractors. He did, however, state that the mandate will not be imposed on the military for the time being. On July 30, Florida’s government signed a new executive order directing schools to make masks a parent choice. The order came after schools were discussing mandating masks for students. On July 31, it was reported that staff in New Orleans is so inundated with Covid patients, the area can’t even field all the 911 calls it’s receiving. The Delta variant has caused a new spike in the area, creating a surge in hospital calls and patients. The children’s hospital in the area is also reaching capacity as the Delta variant is affecting younger people, as well. Only 18 children came to the hospital in June, a number that jumped to 62 in July. The Biden Administration has expressed frustration over misleading media coverage and irresponsible attitudes towards the new variant. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
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