May Current Events 2024: 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 May 2024.
- United States Announce Long-Term Aid Package For Ukraine
- Police Arrest Several Pro-Palestinian Protesters On University Campuses In The United States
- Lawmakers In The United States Strike Deal To Boost Aviation Safety
- Police Confirm The Death Of Four Police Officers In North Carolina
- Bid To Repeal United States Labour Board Rule Vetoed By President Biden
- Man Dies After Crashing Into Gates Of The White House
- Biden Administration Sued Over New Transgender Healthcare Rule
- Bill To Cancel Medical Debt Revealed By Bernie Sanders And Ro Khanna
- Attorney General Of Oklahoma Fires Legal Team
- Trump Confirms Nikki Haley Is Not Being Considered As Running Mate
- Importation Of Russian Uranium Banned Following Bipartisan Bill Signed By President Biden
- Voting Map Including Two Black-Majority Districts Approved By The Supreme Court
- Power Demand In Texas To Hit Record High For May
- Standoff Between Police And A Father Leaves Son With Multiple Gunshot Injury
- Gender Identity Case In Maryland School District Will Not Be Heard By Supreme Court
- Bill To Restrict Abortion Pills Passed By Louisiana House
- Pentagon Confirms That Defence Secretary Is Set To Undergo Non-Surgical Procedure
- Louisiana Becomes The First State To Classifies Abortion Pill As Controlled Substance
- Appeals Court In The United States To Hear Challenges To Potential TikTok Ban
- Bill Prohibiting Adults From Helping Minors Get Abortion Signed By Tennessee Governor
- New York Court Finds Donald Trump Guilty Of All Charges of Felony
United States Announce Long-Term Aid Package For Ukraine
Friday, April 26, 2024 – Defence Secretary of the United States, Lloyd Austin, revealed a $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine, the largest ever, enabling the purchase of new American defense equipment. It includes interceptors for air defense systems, counter-drone systems, artillery ammunition, and air-to-ground munitions.
The announcement comes after a $1 billion package from United States stocks, initiated after President Biden signed a $95 billion aid bill. Biden assured swift aid delivery, with shipments beginning shortly. However, the $6 billion package involves procurement through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), requiring longer delivery times.
Unlike drawdown packages, which use existing United States stock, the USAI contracts with industry for equipment supply, ensuring a sustained provision of weapons and gear. Austin emphasized expediting delivery depending on procurement and industry production capabilities.
Source: CNN
Police Arrest Several Pro-Palestinian Protesters On University Campuses In The United States
Saturday, April 27, 2024 – Pro-Palestinian protests erupted at various United States universities, resulting in arrests. At Indiana University, 23 protesters were arrested for pitching tents on campus, violating policy. The protests, sparked by events at Columbia University, call for a ceasefire in Israel's conflict with Hamas, divestment from companies tied to Israel's military, and an end to United States military aid to Israel.
University leaders, while defending free speech, have enforced campus policies against hate speech and camping. Massachusetts State Police cleared a protest camp at Northeastern University, arresting 102. Arizona State University saw 69 arrests after a non-campus group set up an encampment.
University officials at Northeastern and Arizona State cited non-affiliated organizers infiltrating student demonstrations. Protesters in addition to the ceasefire also demand that their schools divest from companies involved with Israel’s military seeking.
Source: Reuters
Lawmakers In The United States Strike Deal To Boost Aviation Safety
Monday, April 29, 2024 –United States House and Senate negotiators have reached a deal to enhance air traffic controller staffing and avert runway close-call incidents in the country. The bill won't raise the airline pilot retirement age to 67, as previously proposed. The FAA's authorization has been extended temporarily, with a new $105 billion, five-year deal in progress.
The bipartisan proposal prohibits airlines from charging seat selection fees for families and mandates acceptance of vouchers for five years. It requires cockpit recording devices and advanced airport technology for collision prevention. The bill also increases civil penalties for airline consumer violations and addresses a shortage of air traffic controllers.
However, it doesn't establish minimum seat size requirements, leaving it to the FAA, and adds five daily direct flights from Washington Reagan National Airport. Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell emphasizes the importance of aviation safety and consumer standards.
Source: Reuters
Police Confirm The Death Of Four Police Officers In North Carolina
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – In Charlotte, North Carolina, four law enforcement officers were killed, and four others wounded during a gun battle while serving a fugitive arrest warrant. The fugitive opened fire as officers arrived, resulting in his death and the arrest of two others after a standoff.
United States President, Joe Biden, was briefed on the incident and spoke with Governor Roy Cooper. Chief Johnny Jennings identified the fallen officers, including Joshua Eyer, a six-year veteran. One of the slain officers was a deputy United States marshal. They were serving a warrant for possession of a firearm by a felon.
In response to the shooting, President Biden called for action to combat gun violence, urging Congress to enact measures like banning assault weapons, universal background checks, and a national red flag law.
Source: Reuters
Bid To Repeal United States Labour Board Rule Vetoed By President Biden
Friday, May 3, 2024 – President Joe Biden vetoed a Republican-backed measure aimed at repealing a United States labor board rule treating companies as employers of their contract and franchise workers, requiring bargaining with their unions. President Biden also added that “Republicans are siding with union-busting corporations over the needs of workers and their union.
The rule, which a federal judge blocked in March, faces an uncertain fate pending appeal. Biden argued that the rule prevents employers from evading legal obligations by indirectly controlling workers through contractors. Republicans criticized the rule, fearing it could disrupt business operations and the franchise model, particularly impacting underrepresented groups.
The rule's delay and blockage stemmed from concerns over its treatment of companies as employers despite limited control over working conditions, as stated by United States District Judge J. Campbell Barker, a Trump appointee.
Source: Reuters
Man Dies After Crashing Into Gates Of The White House
Sunday, May 5, 2024 – A motorist crashed into the gates of the White House for the second time since January, resulting in the death of the driver. The incident deemed a traffic crash rather than an intentional act, occurred around 10:30 pm. Authorities clarified that there was no threat to the White House or public safety.
Officers implemented security protocols and attempted to aid the deceased driver, identified as a male adult, and are investigating the crash solely as a traffic incident. The crash happened approximately 1,000 feet from the White House at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue.
This incident follows a similar crash in January, which involved a driver experiencing mental health issues. In previous incidents, individuals have crashed into White House security barriers, with motives ranging from impaired driving to ideological extremism.
Source: The Guardian
Biden Administration Sued Over New Transgender Healthcare Rule
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 – Florida's Attorney General, Ashley Moody, and the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over a new healthcare rule prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity. The rule, based on the Affordable Care Act, mandates doctors to provide gender transition care, including puberty blockers and surgeries, regardless of their judgment.
The plaintiffs argue it exceeds anti-discrimination laws and violates doctors' rights, citing a Florida law against such treatments for minors. They claim the rule infringes on states' rights and are asking the court for an order blocking its enforcement.
While medical organizations support gender-affirming care, Republican-led states oppose it, passing laws targeting transgender individuals. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal battle between conservative states and the Biden administration over transgender rights.
Source: Reuters
Bill To Cancel Medical Debt Revealed By Bernie Sanders And Ro Khanna
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna have introduced a bill aimed at eradicating medical debt, which was co-sponsored by Jeff Merkley and Rashida Tlaib. The legislation proposes a federal grant program to clear existing patient debt and prevent creditors from collecting past medical bills.
It also seeks to update billing requirements for medical providers and prevent credit agencies from reporting unpaid medical bills. Sanders emphasized the bill's necessity, citing over 100 million Americans grappling with healthcare debt. Khanna believes that the medical debt cancelation bill could mark one important step in re-energizing youth ahead of November.
Khanna highlighted stories of individuals facing financial devastation due to medical bills, underscoring the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. The bill reflects Sanders' campaign promise to eliminate medical debt and his ongoing efforts to ensure healthcare as a human right.
Source: The Guardian
Attorney General Of Oklahoma Fires Legal Team
Friday, May 10, 2024 – Oklahoma's Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, announced the dismissal of the outside legal team responsible for defending a state law prohibiting state pension systems from working with firms that restrict investments in the oil and gas sector. This decision followed a judge's temporary block on enforcing the law, which was issued earlier in the week.
Drummond criticized the Plaxico Law Firm, chosen by State Treasurer, Todd Russ to defend the law, for failing to secure a favorable ruling. He also stated his intention to remove Russ from any future decision-making regarding the legal defense.
The judge's injunction was based on a lawsuit arguing that the law violates the state constitution and lacks clarity. Drummond expressed disappointment over the setback, emphasizing the importance of defending Oklahoma's stance against environmental, social, and governance policies.
Source: Reuters
Trump Confirms Nikki Haley Is Not Being Considered As Running Mate
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Donald Trump has refuted a report by Axios stating that Nikki Haley was being considered as his running mate in the November election. Trump clarified on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Haley is not under consideration for the Vice President slot.
Axios had suggested that Trump might consider Haley if he believed she could aid his re-election bid, help him avoid legal issues, and cover his extensive legal bills. Haley, a former South Carolina governor and United States ambassador to the United Nations ended her bid for the Republican presidential nomination in March.
While she hasn't endorsed Trump, she acknowledged his status as the Republican nominee. Other potential VP candidates include Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, J.D. Vance, and Elise Stefanik. Trump's advisers indicate he's not rushing the VP selection process, with the formal nomination expected at the Republican convention in July.
Source: Reuters
Importation Of Russian Uranium Banned Following Bipartisan Bill Signed By President Biden
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – United States President, Joe Biden has signed a bipartisan bill into law. The bill prohibits the import of enriched uranium from Russia, aiming to further pressure Russian President, Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine invasion. The ban, effective in 90 days, permits waivers until 2028 for supply concerns.
Russia, a major uranium supplier, provides 24% of United States nuclear fuel. Initially delayed due to United States dependence, the law aims to enhance domestic fuel capacity. It seeks to diminish reliance on Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear firm, aiding United States energy and economic security.
The legislation unlocks $2.7 billion for U.S. uranium industry expansion. Allied nations will assist in alternative sourcing. Concerns over Rosatom's military support reinforce the need to halt funding to the enterprise. The move aligns with efforts to curb Russian influence amid the ongoing conflict.
Source: The Guardian
Voting Map Including Two Black-Majority Districts Approved By The Supreme Court
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – The Supreme Court of the United States has reinstated a Louisiana electoral map featuring two Black-majority congressional districts, a move with potential implications for House control. The decision temporarily halts a federal panel's ruling that struck down the map, citing race-based influence. The decision of the panel was the latest development in a legal fight over the boundaries of United States House districts in Louisiana.
Republicans hold a slim House majority, and ongoing redistricting battles across states could sway control. The map, approved by the GOP-led legislature, adds a second Black-majority district after a previous map was deemed discriminatory.
Challenges argued it violated the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. The ruling directs the legislature to redraw the map by June 3 or risk the panel imposing its map, a map that would not include a second majority-Black district.
Source: Reuters
Power Demand In Texas To Hit Record High For May
Friday, May 17, 2024 – Texas is bracing for record-breaking power usage in May due to an impending heatwave, following severe storms that left Houston in darkness. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) forecasts electric demand to surge next week, potentially surpassing previous May records.
ERCOT forecast that the electric grid would soar from 57,486 megawatts (MW) on Friday to 71,893 on May 20, 72,725 MW on May 21, and 74,346 MW on May 24. One megawatt can usually power close to 800 homes on a normal day, but as little as 200 homes on a hot day in Texas.
High temperatures in Houston are expected to spike into the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit. ERCOT spot market prices soar, with next-day power reaching a one-week high of $120 per megawatt-hour, compared to an average of $30 per MWh this year. Day-ahead prices hit $688 per MWh for one hour late on Friday.
Source: Reuters
Standoff Between Police And A Father Leaves Son With Multiple Gunshot Injury
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In a tragic incident in suburban Phoenix, a man suspected of taking his 6-month-old son and the child's mother hostage was found dead in the rubble of a home that caught fire during a SWAT standoff. The baby, critically injured but stable, was hospitalized.
The father allegedly broke into the home where the mother and child lived, holding them hostage for hours before the mother escaped and alerted authorities. Police, responding to gunfire, rescued the injured child. Despite SWAT teams being on-site, the house caught fire with the father inside.
Nearby residents evacuated as the fire engulfed the house. The mother, with minor injuries, managed to escape, but details of her escape remain unclear. The child sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Source: The Guardian
Gender Identity Case In Maryland School District Will Not Be Heard By Supreme Court
Monday, May 20, 2024 – The Supreme Court of the United States has declined to hear a case brought by parents in Maryland challenging a school district's policy on informing parents about their children's transgender or gender nonconforming identity. Represented by the National Legal Foundation, the parents contested a lower court ruling which denied them standing to challenge the policy.
The policy in question, implemented by the Montgomery County Board of Education, allows schools to develop gender support plans for students, ensuring their comfort in expressing their gender identity. It prohibits staff from disclosing these plans to parents without the student's consent.
While the plaintiffs expressed disappointment at the Supreme Court's decision, they anticipate future rulings addressing similar policies nationwide. The issue reflects the ongoing cultural debate over transgender rights, with conservative litigants contesting school policies that protect students' privacy regarding their gender identity.
Source: Reuters
Bill To Restrict Abortion Pills Passed By Louisiana House
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – Lawmakers in Louisiana have passed a bill that would tighten restrictions on two drugs commonly used in abortion procedures. Mifepristone and misoprostol would be reclassified as controlled substances, potentially leading to fines and jail time for unauthorized possession.
The bill awaits approval from the state Senate and the Republican governor. If enacted, Louisiana would be the first state to categorize these drugs as "controlled dangerous substances." The legislation would also criminalize their possession without a valid prescription, although pregnant women would be exempt from prosecution.
Originally aimed at penalizing those providing abortion pills without a woman's knowledge, the bill has broad implications for abortion access, as these drugs are integral to over half of all abortions in the United States. While anti-abortion groups support the bill, doctors express concerns over its impact on other medical uses of the medications.
Source: BBC
Pentagon Confirms That Defence Secretary Is Set To Undergo Non-Surgical Procedure
Friday, May 24, 2024 – Defence Secretary of the United States, Lloyd Austin will temporarily transfer his duties on Friday as he undergoes a non-surgical procedure related to a bladder issue. Mr. Austin has confirmed that he will not be able to perform his duties during these times. Pentagon confirms that Deputy Defence Secretary Kathleen Hicks will assume his responsibilities.
The Pentagon clarified that this issue is separate from Austin's prostate cancer diagnosis and has not affected his cancer prognosis. Austin was hospitalized in February to address the bladder issue, which was after he underwent surgery to treat prostate cancer in December.
Mr Austin however sparked controversy by not disclosing his surgery to the White House as well as his subsequent hospitalization. It was not until days later before President Biden was aware he was in the hospital.
Source: Reuters
Louisiana Becomes The First State To Classifies Abortion Pill As Controlled Substance
Saturday, May 25, 2024 – Louisiana's governor, Republican Jeff Landry, has signed a bill classifying two abortion-inducing medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, as controlled substances. The bill was passed by Louisiana’s House of Representatives and Senate by wide margins, before sending it to the governor’s desk.
This move, the first of its kind in the United States, comes amid ongoing efforts by Republicans to restrict abortion. Despite FDA approval of these medications for terminating pregnancies, they are now categorized alongside painkillers and mood-altering drugs, requiring special licenses for prescription and increasing difficulty in obtaining them.
Critics argue that this reclassification may hinder access to the drugs for other medical purposes such as inducing childbirth, treating miscarriages, and reducing the risk of serious bleeding for ulcers. Possession of the pills without a prescription is now a crime punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Source: Reuters
Appeals Court In The United States To Hear Challenges To Potential TikTok Ban
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 – An appeals court in the United States has expedited the consideration of legal challenges to a new law requiring ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to divest its United States assets by January 19 or face a ban. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia scheduled oral arguments for September.
This legal battle involves weighing evidence and testimony from the recent trial of a former United States president. TikTok creators sued to block the law, emphasizing its significant impact on American life. Under the appeals court's schedule, legal briefs are due by June 20 for the creators, TikTok, and ByteDance, and by July 26 for the Justice Department, with reply to briefs due by August 15.
TikTok aims to resolve the challenge without emergency relief and seeks a ruling by December 6 to potentially appeal to the Supreme Court if necessary.
Source: Reuters
Bill Prohibiting Adults From Helping Minors Get Abortion Signed By Tennessee Governor
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – The governor of Tennessee, Bill Lee, has signed into law two controversial bills aimed at restricting minors' access to abortion and gender-affirming care without parental consent. These laws, set to take effect on July 1st, make Tennessee the second state to enact legislation penalizing adults who assist minors in obtaining abortions without parental consent.
The bills also target adults who aid minors in receiving gender-affirming care without parental approval, making Tennessee the first state to do so. Supporters argue that parents have the right to be involved in their children's healthcare decisions, while opponents, including organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, contend that the laws are unconstitutional and overly vague.
Additionally, the laws do not provide exemptions for minors who may have been victims of rape by their parents or guardians. Tennessee also prohibits abortions at all stages of pregnancy, with exceptions for specific medical conditions.
Source: The Guardian
New York Court Finds Donald Trump Guilty Of All Charges of Felony
Friday, May 31, 2024 – Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 charges of falsifying company documents in his historic criminal trial in New York. This is the first time a previous or current US president has been convicted of a felony. He will be sentenced on July 11; the ex-president might face imprisonment, but legal experts think a fine is the most probable consequence.
Trump describes the decision as a "disgrace" and insults Judge Merchan, who ruled over the case. The judgment comes as he tries to beat Joe Biden in November's election—Trump can still run, despite the convictions. For six weeks, the court heard testimony from 22 witnesses, including Stormy Daniels, whose claimed sexual encounter with Trump was central to the case.
The New York Charges are among other pending court cases he has; in Georgia, Trump and 18 other defendants are charged with criminal conspiracy to reverse his close loss in the state in 2020. The trial has been postponed since Trump initiated a campaign to dismiss the chief prosecutor.
Source: The Guardian
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