June Current Events 2023: U.S. 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 2023.
- Debt Ceiling Agreement Reached By White House And Republicans
- Ken Paxton Impeached After Vote In Texas House
- Minnesota Legalizes The Use Of Recreational Marijuana
- Debt Limit Deal Passed By The House, Heads To Senate
- Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors Signed By Texas Governor
- Debt Ceiling Deal Signed Into Law By President Joe Biden
- Two Killed And Five Others Injured In A Shooting At High School Graduation
- Mike Pence Launches Official Campaign For Republican Presidential Race
- Donald Trump Indicted On Seven Counts, Regarding Documents Probe
- Highway Collapse In Philadelphia, After Vehicle Was Engulfed By Fire
- Illinois Becomes The First State In The United States To Pass Law Preventing Book Bans
- Bill That Negates EPA Heavy Truck Pollution Cuts Vetoed By President Biden
- Visa Restrictions Imposed By United States On Uganda Officials After Anti-LGBTQ Law
- Officials Report The Bus Crash In Baltimore With At Least Leaves At Least 17 Injured
- Joe Biden’s Son, Hunter Biden, Set To Plead Guilty To Tax Charges
- United States Judge Blocks Arkansas Ban On Gender-Affirming Care
- Water Breaks Elimination Bill Signed By Texas Governor
- Order Which Protects Abortion Rights Issued By Governor Of Arizona
- Former President Trump Accuses Jean Carroll Of Defamation
- Federal Judges In Kentucky And Tennessee Blocks Ban On Transgender Youth Healthcare
- The US Supreme Court Repeals The Use Of Affirmative Action In College Admission
Debt Ceiling Agreement Reached By White House And Republicans
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Saturday, May 27, 2023 – Speaker of the United State House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, confirmed that an agreement had been reached by the White House and the House Republicans to raise the debt ceiling for two years and cap spending. The agreement moves the nation a step back from the brink of a historic default.
Mr. McCarthy reached an agreement with President Biden via a phone call. During a brief remark with the reporters, House Speaker McCarthy said, “After weeks of negotiation, they have come to agreement in principle. He said there is still much work to be done, but he believes the agreement is worthy of the American people.”
Also, the two-year deal would push the next fight over raising the debt ceiling until after the elections in 2024.
Source: CNN
Ken Paxton Impeached After Vote In Texas House
Photo Source: AP Photo/Eric Gay
Sunday, May 28, 2023 – The Texas House had the Attorney General, Ken Paxton, impeached. Paxton is a conservative firebrand and an ally of the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, who was accused of abuse of office. The vote in the 149-member House ended 121-23 to impeach Paxton after the house heard speeches from supporters and opponents of the impeachment.
Temporarily, Paxton will be removed from office until a trial is held in the Senate, where his wife, Angela Paxton, is a senator. The proceedings have been denounced by Paxton, calling it illegal, unethical, and profoundly unjust.
Part of the accusations in the 20 articles of impeachment released by the Republican-led House committee was that Paxton improperly aided a wealthy political donor, conducted a sham investigation against whistleblowers in his office whom he fired, and many other accusations.
Source: Reuters
Minnesota Legalizes The Use Of Recreational Marijuana
Photo Source: AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 – On Tuesday, the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed a bill into law, the bill legalizes the use of recreational marijuana in the state. Minnesota becomes the 23rd state in the history of the United States to legalize adult-use cannabis and the third state in the Midwest to do so.
After months of review since the introduction of the bill in January, the bill was passed by both the House and the Senate chambers of the state controlled by the Democrats through bipartisan support.
With the bill, residents of Minnesota who are 21 years and above, starting from August, will be allowed to possess up to two ounces of marijuana flower in public and two pounds at home. Also, legislation will set up an Office of Cannabis Management to oversee and regulate the sale of cannabis products in the state.
Source: CNN
Debt Limit Deal Passed By The House, Heads To Senate
Photo Source: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – The United State House of Representatives voted to pass a bill to put the nation’s debt ceiling on hold through January 1, 2025. The bill's final vote ended in 314-117 in favor of the bill. 149 Republicans and 165 Democrats voted for the bill, and 71 Republicans and 46 Democrats voted against it.
The bill will then be passed to the Senate before it can be finally sent to the president for his final signature. Any lawmaker can delay the vote in the Senate, and it is yet to be determined when the final vote will occur.
The bill faced significant hurdles from the far right and the far left, but it passed the House by a wide margin with significant bipartisan support.
Source: CNN
Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors Signed By Texas Governor
Photo Source: AP Images
Friday, June 2, 2023 – The Republican Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, signed a bill into law on Friday. The bill bans gender-affirming care for most minors in the state. With the law, Texas becomes the largest state in the United States to restrict transgender youth’s access to critical care.
In Senate Bill 14, healthcare providers are barred from rendering gender transition surgeries, puberty-blocking medication, or hormone therapies to those under 18 in Texas. The law is expected to take effect from September 1.
After the bill's passage in the legislature, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, and the Transgender Law Center vowed to file a legal challenge if the bill is signed.
Source: CNN
Debt Ceiling Deal Signed Into Law By President Joe Biden
Saturday, June 3, 2023 – The President of the United States, Joe Biden, signed a law that suspends the nation’s debt limit through January 1, 2025. The bill is set to avert a first-ever United States default.
White House and Republicans in the House struck the bipartisan deal to address the debt limit. In order to get the bill signed on time, lawmakers raced the clock ahead of June 5, the day the United States Treasury Department warned that it would no longer be capable of paying all the country's obligations in full.
There was a lot of pressure on the leadership of both parties, as the time frame to pass the bill through Congress was tight. The House passed the bill on Wednesday, and on Thursday, it was passed by the Senate.
Source: CNN
Two Killed And Five Others Injured In A Shooting At High School Graduation
Photo Source: AP Images
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 – A shooting that broke out during a high school graduation in Virginia left a student and his stepfather dead and five others injured. According to the police, the suspect was identified as a 19-year-old, and they also believe the attack was targeted.
During a news conference on Wednesday, officials confirmed that the suspect, Omari Pollard, was arraigned in court and faces two counts of second-degree murder. Police confirm that all five injured victims have recovered and are not in a life-threatening condition.
Families and graduates were on their way out of the theatre close to Virginia Commonwealth University's campus when at least 8 shots were fired. Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards said it is sad that someone decided to bring a gun to such an occasion that should have been a safe space.
Source: BBC
Mike Pence Launches Official Campaign For Republican Presidential Race
Photo Source: AP Images
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 – In a video posted very early on Wednesday, the former vice president of the United States, Mike Pence has officially announced that he will be running for the presidential nomination of the Republican. Later in the afternoon, he also addressed a crowd of supporters in Ankeny, Iowa.
Pence talked about his record in Congress and when he was the governor of Indiana. While governor, he supported legislation against abortion and expanded government spending. He also repeated the ideas in his campaign video released on Wednesday, addressing inflation, national debt, and issues at the US-Mexico border.
Pence talked about Trump and mentioned how proud he was to have served alongside him. He served as Trump’s vice in the White House for four years, from 2017 to 2021.
Source: The Guardian
Donald Trump Indicted On Seven Counts, Regarding Documents Probe
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Friday, June 9, 2023 – For the first time in the United States that a former President will face federal charges, President Donald Trump has been indicted on seven counts in the special counsel’s classified documents probe. It makes it the second time Mr. Trump has been indicted this year.
Trump’s attorney, Jim Trusty, confirms that Trump is facing a charge under the espionage act and charges of obstruction of justice, destruction or falsification of records, conspiracy, and false statements.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the Justice Department had duly informed him that he was indicted and was summoned to appear at the Federal Courthouse in Miami on Tuesday. Law enforcement has scrambled to prepare for the expected court appearance in Miami next week, and the Justice Department is moving additional resources there.
Source: CNN
Highway Collapse In Philadelphia, After Vehicle Was Engulfed By Fire
Photo Source: AP Photo/Office of Emergency Management
Sunday, June 11, 2023 – Officials confirm that a portion of a vital highway on the East Coast of the United States collapsed in Philadelphia. The highway collapsed after a gasoline tanker truck caught fire underneath an overpass. The investigators are still searching the collapse scene, but no deaths or injuries have been recorded.
During a press conference, the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, said rebuilding the roadway will likely take several months. Roughly 160,000 vehicles pass through the roadway daily. The governor also said he would sign a disaster declaration on Monday, freeing up federal funds and other help.
According to the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, the President of the United States was briefed on the collapse, and the White House has offered state and local officials assistance.
Source: Reuters
Illinois Becomes The First State In The United States To Pass Law Preventing Book Bans
Photo Source: AP Photo/State of Illinois
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – The democrat governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, signed legislation preventing the banning of books in public libraries. Such practice has increased in the United States as conservatives look to suppress some books on race, history, and LGBTQ topics. By so doing, Illinois became the first state in the United States to do so.
Under the new law, public libraries in Illinois can only access state grants if they adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. The law, however, stipulates that “materials should not be prescribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”
Utah, Missouri, and several other states in the United States have enacted a law that permits school administrations to restrict books they think are inappropriate for young readers.
Source: Reuters
Bill That Negates EPA Heavy Truck Pollution Cuts Vetoed By President Biden
Photo Source: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 – The President of the United States, Joe Biden, vetoed a measure approved by Congress to overturn his administration’s sharp new limit on emissions from heavy-duty trucks, which is responsible for significant soot and smog.
On Twitter, the President said the veto would preserve Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, “which will make the air cleaner and prevent thousands of premature deaths by limiting hazardous heavy duty-truck pollution.” The heavy vehicles include refuse haulers, transit, shuttle and school buses, and a tractor-trailer.
By 2045, the EPA estimates that the rule will result in up to 2,900 fewer premature deaths annually, 1.1 million fewer lost school days for children, and $29 billion in annual net benefits. In April, the EPA proposed cutting light-duty passenger car truck emissions by 56% over 2026 levels.
Source: Reuters
Visa Restrictions Imposed By United States On Uganda Officials After Anti-LGBTQ Law
Photo Source: AP Photo
Friday, June 16, 2023 – The United States Department confirmed that the U.S. had imposed a visa restriction on Uganda officials after the African country passed an anti-LGBTQ law that got condemnations from several countries and the United Nations. Considered one of the harshest in the world, the law was enacted in May and carried the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality.
However, no names were mentioned in the statement from the State Department on Friday, and neither did the number of officials that would be hit with the visa restrictions. However, it said the U.S. would make sure to hold those responsible for abusing human rights in Uganda accountable.
The State Department said, “The United States strongly supports the people of Uganda and remains committed to advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms in Uganda globally.”
Source: Reuters
Officials Report The Bus Crash In Baltimore With At Least Leaves At Least 17 Injured
Photo Source: AP Photo/Baltimore County Fire Department
Saturday, June 17, 2023 – Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed that at least 17 people were injured after a bus collided with two civilian vehicles. Director of communications f the Baltimore City Fire Department, Kevin Cartwright, said there were no life-threatening injuries at the incident.
Cartwright said, “They dispatched units to the location; upon their arrival they did confirm that there was a collision involving an MTA bus that collided into a building.” He also added that multiple patients were involved, and they escalated the situation to a level-one mass casualty.
The bus driver was removed from the bus by responders. He was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital, the same as the 16 others injured. Police said they are yet to discover the cause of the crash is.
Source: CNN
Joe Biden’s Son, Hunter Biden, Set To Plead Guilty To Tax Charges
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 – The United State Department of Justice confirms that the son of United States President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, is expected to plead guilty to two counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax.
Charges against Hunter Biden came up after an investigation by David Weiss, a United States attorney from the President’s home state appointed by former president Donald Trump. Weiss is expected to recommend probation for the tax charges, and Hunter Biden will appear at an arraignment in the coming weeks.
A statement from the White House said, “The President and the First Lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life.”
Trump and the Republicans have long been focused on Hunter and have accused him of wrongdoings in business dealings relating to Ukraine and China.
Source: The Guardian
United States Judge Blocks Arkansas Ban On Gender-Affirming Care
Photo Source: AP Photo/Stephen Groves
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – A judge in the United States has struck down an Arkansas law that prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery, to transgender minors. The judge's decision was a victory for families that sued to challenge the law.
Tim Griffin, the Attorney General of Arkansas, said in a statement that he plans to appeal the ruling. He added, "he is disappointed in the decision that prevents their state from protecting children against dangerous medical experimentation under the moniker of gender transition.”
In 2021, Arkansas became the first state in the United States to ban gender-affirming care for minors. The Republican legislature passed the ban over the veto of the former governor, who is also a Republican. A large number of states, led by Republicans, have since then passed similar laws.
Source: Reuters
Water Breaks Elimination Bill Signed By Texas Governor
Photo Source: AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Friday, June 23, 2023 – The Governor of Texas has signed a law that will eliminate local rules which require water breaks from workers. The law comes amid a dangerous heatwave that has brought blistering temperatures across the state.
The measure, set to take effect later this year, will nullify ordinances enacted by Austin Dallas. The ordinance gives a mandatory 10-minute break for construction workers every four hours. The law also prevents local governments from passing similar worker protection.
The law's passage has enraged workers’ advocates, who warn that heat-related deaths and illnesses will only increase. Texas already tallies the highest number of workers’ deaths due to high temperatures.
Advocates say that local protections are crucial because the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha) does not have a national heat protection standard.
Source: The Guardian
Order Which Protects Abortion Rights Issued By Governor Of Arizona
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Saturday, June 24, 2023 – The Democratic Governor of Arizona, Katie Hobbs, has issued an order which protects abortion rights. The order curtails the effect of a restrictive abortion law signed by her Republican predecessor.
The measure is expected to generate opposition from local prosecutors whose decision-making would be curtailed. The Republican Speaker of the House said that the legislative staff is reviewing the order to determine its legality.
Also, the governor gave state agencies a directive to refuse aid to any out-of-state investigation regarding abortion services that would be legal in Arizona. The executive orders were issued on the eve of the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling overturning abortion rights.
Dobb's Decision on June 24, 2022, struck down the 1972 Roe v. Wade ruling that had largely protected abortion rights in the United States.
Source: Reuters
Former President Trump Accuses Jean Carroll Of Defamation
Photo Source: AP Photo/Craig Ruttle
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 – The former President of the United States, Donald Trump, sued Jean Carroll for defamation, saying that she falsely accused him of rape after a jury in a civil trial found that he sexually abused her. With Trump’s filing, it is unlikely that the legal battle between both parties will end soon.
The former President is seeking a retraction and unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the lengthy battle between Donald Trump and the New York writer. Carroll's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mr. Trump, who is contesting to re-enter the white house in 2024 and has a comfortable lead over his rivals in the Republican party, has denied raping Carroll. He also appeals against the civil verdict, which says he must pay $5m in damages.
Source: The Guardian
Federal Judges In Kentucky And Tennessee Blocks Ban On Transgender Youth Healthcare
Photo Source: AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley
Thursday, June 29, 2023 – State laws that prohibit the use of puberty-blocking drugs and hormones for transgender children have been blocked by federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee. The obstruction from the federal judges will stop the state law from taking effect while lawsuits that challenge the bans proceed.
Federal courts in Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana have blocked several lawsuits of similar cases. The lawsuits are fighting back against legislation that was passed in 20 states. The lawsuits passed banned certain healthcare procedures for transgender youths.
Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, vetoed the Kentucky law, but the legislature, which Republicans control, overrode the veto. The Attorney General of Kentucky criticized the Judge’s ruling. Daniel Cameron, saying the law protects the children in Kentucky from unnecessary medical experimentation.
Source: Reuters
The US Supreme Court Repeals The Use Of Affirmative Action In College Admission
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Thursday, June 29, 2023 – The United States Supreme Court ruled that race cannot be considered in university admissions. The momentous decision upends decades-old US affirmative action rules, commonly known as positive discrimination. As one of the most divisive subjects in American education. Affirmative action entered policy in the 1960s and has been defended to increase diversity.
The decision resulted from two admissions cases at Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC). The court ruled 6-3 and 6-2 in favor of repealing affirmative actions in the case of Harvard and UNC, respectively.
The justices sided with a group called Students for Fair Admissions, formed by a legal activist named Edward Blum. Last October, the group contended in court that Harvard's race-conscious admissions strategy violated Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
The decision has sparked fresh debates along the political divide, but the affected colleges have promised to review their admission processes.
Source: BBC
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