July 2017 Current Events: U.S. News

Updated September 25, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

Disaster News | Science & Technology News | World News

There's always something going on in the United States, and trying to keep track of it all can be a nightmare. Luckily, Infoplease has got your back. Here are the top 10 U.S. news events you need to know for July 2017:

  1. Chris Christie Lambasted for Using Closed Beach During Shutdown
  2. New Photo Suggests Amelia Earhart Might Have Survived
  3. Trump Jr. Seemingly Gathers Intel on Clinton from Russian Lawyer
  4. Congressman Files for Impeachment
  5. CBO Releases Grim Prognosis for Trump Budget
  6. Senate Fails to Replace the Affordable Care Act
  7. Burundi Robotics Team Goes Missing in D.C.
  8. O. J. Simpson Granted Parole
  9. Sean Spicer Resigns as Press Secretary
  10. President Trump Announces Plan to Bar Trans Americans from Military

Chris Christie Lambasted for Using Closed Beach During Shutdown

Governor Christie Says He’ll End Shutdown

On Jul. 1, Governor Chris Christie oversees a government shutdown in the state of New Jersey. This leads to the temporary closures of many public spaces and public services. During the crisis, Christie is seen with his family enjoying the July 4 weekend on a beach that was closed to the public due to the shutdown. This does little to improve his approval rating, which sits at a record low for governors. Christie announces on Monday, July 3 that he will sign a budget to resolve the situation. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Mel Evans

Return to Top of Page

New Photo Suggests Amelia Earhart Might Have Survived

The Suspect Photo

On Jul. 5, a photo is recovered from the National Archives that suggests Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan may have survived their final flight. The supposedly undoctored photo offers evidence that the two may have been held captive by the Japanese in the Marshall Islands. Many experts remain dubious of this argument, however, and do not consider the photo sufficiently compelling evidence. (The New York Times)

Photo Source: Office of Naval Intelligence/U.S. National Archives via AP

Return to Top of Page

Trump Jr. Seemingly Gathers Intel on Clinton from Russian Lawyer

Donald Trump Jr. Defends Himself

On Jul. 11, marking a major turn in the investigation against the Trump campaign, emails surface between Donald Trump Jr. and Rob Goldstone. In the emails, Trump Jr. discusses meeting with a Russian contact to conduct opposition research against candidate Hillary Clinton. Trump Jr. is called in to testify before Congress. The testimony is given behind closed doors. (The Guardian)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Richard Drew

Return to Top of Page

Congressman Files for Impeachment

Brad Sherman Listens to James Comey

On Jul. 12, California Representative Brad Sherman begins the long process of attempting to impeach President Donald Trump. It is important to note that an impeachment must pass through a system of congressional approval. Even if it is passed, an impeachment is only an accusation or charge of wrongdoing, and the President must still face trial and be convicted before any potential removal from office. No president has ever been impeached and convicted. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File

Return to Top of Page

CBO Releases Grim Prognosis for Trump Budget

Money

On Jul. 13, the Congressional Budget Office releases its most recent estimate on the effect of the White House’s proposed budget. Although the administration claims that their cost-cutting measures will lead to a $16 billion surplus within a decade, the CBO is much less optimistic. The non-partisan office predicts that Trump’s fiscal policy will result in a budget shortfall of $720 billion in the same timeframe. This notably sets back attempts to get funding from Congress for Trump’s major campaign promises.

Photo Source: Bigstock, File

Return to Top of Page

Senate Fails to Replace the Affordable Care Act

Senator McCain Leaves the Floor

On Jul. 18, the Republican-held Senate fails to pass a bill that would replace the core of Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act. Many senators share concerns about the predicted mass loss of health care coverage. The Senate later attempts to pass just a repeal bill. After a contentious debate, Senator John McCain (recovering from surgery) returns to the Senate to open the bill for debate, and then votes it down in short order. (The New York Times)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Cliff Owen

Return to Top of Page

Burundi Robotics Team Goes Missing in D.C.

The Burundi Team Stands Right

On Jul. 20, the six members of Burundi’s FIRST Robotics team goes missing after the global robotics competition in Washington D.C. The competition drew attention last month for the challenges surrounding the Afghani all team. There is no evidence of foul play, but the disappearance of foreign nationals (while under significant global scrutiny) is a significant diplomatic matter. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Return to Top of Page

O. J. Simpson Granted Parole

Simpson Receives the Ruling

On Jul. 20, 70-year-old former NFL superstar O. J. Simpson is granted parole after almost nine years in prison. Simpson is most remembered for his widely televised murder trial in 1995, dubbed the trial of the century. Simpson was acquitted, though later arrested on unrelated armed robbery charges. The O.J. Simpson case has endured in the public consciousness, spawning several recent television programs, and his parole will undoubtedly reignite discussion on the ’95 trial. (The Washington Post)

Photo Source: Jason Bean/The Reno Gazette-Journal via AP, Poo

Return to Top of Page

Sean Spicer Resigns as Press Secretary

Spicer Approaches the Oval Office

On Jul. 21, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer announces his imminent resignation following Donald Trump’s appointment of Anthony Scaramucci to the position of Communications Director. Spicer has been one of Trump’s most prominent staff members, and his loss comes as a surprise to many. He is to be replaced in August by Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Following this, some White House interns claim to see Spicer steal a minifridge, though this is unsubstantiated. (New York Times)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Return to Top of Page

President Trump Announces Plan to Bar Trans Americans from Military

Trans Veteran Alaina Kupec and Her Wife

On Jul. 26, President Trump sends out a tweet (apparently without consulting the Joint Chiefs of Staff) saying that he intends to completely bar transgender Americans from military service. The president claims that the inclusion of trans people into the military will cost too much in health care and reduce battle-readiness. Trans people were only recently allowed to serve openly, following a long investigation into the potential costs. (The Hill)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Return to Top of Page

Sources +