us-event
June 25: In an unanimous vote, the Supreme Court rules that police need a warrant to search the cell
June 25: In an unanimous vote, the Supreme Court rules that police need a warrant to search the cellphone of anyone that they arrest. The decision is for two cases on the same issue that the Court heard back in April, Riley v. California and United States v. Wurie.
Jan. 16: In response to recent massacres, including the killing of 20 first graders in Newtown, Conn
Jan. 16: In response to recent massacres, including the killing of 20 first graders in Newtown, Conn., and 12 moviegoers in Aurora, Colo., President Barack Obama introduces proposals to tighten gun-control laws. His plan includes universal background checks for gun sales, the reinstatement and strengthening of the assault weapons ban, limiting… Read more
Feb. 27: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoes a bill that would have allowed businesses in the state to de
Feb. 27: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoes a bill that would have allowed businesses in the state to deny service to gays and lesbians in the name of religious beliefs. The bill has sparked controversy and outrage from the LGBT community as well as civic leaders, even Sen. John McCain urged Brewer to veto the bill.
Feb. 24: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announces that the Pentagon will be shrinking the U.S. Army t
Feb. 24: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announces that the Pentagon will be shrinking the U.S. Army to the smallest size it has been since before World War II. The cuts come as the Pentagon prepares for nearly a trillion dollars in spending reductions over the next decade.
April 15: Multiple bombs explode near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. At least three people are killed. One is an eight year old boy. More than 170 people are injured. Apr. 18: The FBI releases photos and video of two suspects in the hope that the public can help identify them. Just hours after the FBI releases the images, the two suspects… Read more
Nov. 12: Hawaii becomes the 16th state to recognize same-sex marriages when the Senate passes a gay marriage bill, which had already passed in the House. Beginning December 2, gay couples who are residents of Hawaii as well as tourists can marry in the state.
Nov. 5: Illinois becomes the 15th state to recognize same-sex marriages when the House of Representa
Nov. 5: Illinois becomes the 15th state to recognize same-sex marriages when the House of Representatives approves the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which passed the state Senate in February 2013. The new law will be implemented on June 1, 2014.
Sept. 16: Former Navy reservist Aaron Alexis, 34, kills 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard, near the U.S. Capitol. Alexis, who had been employed at the base by a military subcontractor, is killed in a shootout with police.
July 13: A jury in Florida finds George Zimmerman not guilty of murdering Trayvon Martin. The verdic
July 13: A jury in Florida finds George Zimmerman not guilty of murdering Trayvon Martin. The verdict sparks outrage on the internet and protests in cities throughout the U.S., but no riots or extreme violence are reported.
June 26: The Supreme Court rules that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. I
June 26: The Supreme Court rules that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. In a 5 to 4 vote, the court rules that DOMA violates the rights of gays and lesbians. The court also rules that the law interferes with the rights of each state to define marriage. It is the first case ever on the issue of gay marriage for the… Read more
June 25: In Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court strikes down Section 4 of the Voting Rights A
June 25: In Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court strikes down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, which established a formula for Congress to use when determining if a state or voting jurisdiction requires prior approval before changing its voting laws. Currently under Section 5 of the act nine-mostly Southern-states with a history of… Read more
June 24: In Fisher v. University of Texas, the Supreme Court allows universities to continue conside
June 24: In Fisher v. University of Texas, the Supreme Court allows universities to continue considering race as a factor in admissions to achieve diversity, but it does tell them that they must prove that "available, workable race-neutral alternatives do not suffice" before considering race. The ruling is considered a compromise between… Read more
May 13: In Minnesota, the State Senate votes 37 to 30 in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. The vote comes a week after it passes in the House. Governor Mark Dayton, a supporter of same-sex marriage, says he will sign the bill the following afternoon. Gay couples will be able to marry in Minnesota in August 2013.
May 7: Governor Jack Markell signs the Civil Marriage Equality and Religious Freedom act, legalizing
May 7: Governor Jack Markell signs the Civil Marriage Equality and Religious Freedom act, legalizing same-sex marriage for the state of Delaware. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2013.
May 2: After same-sex marriage legislation passes in both houses of the state legislature, Governor Lincoln Chafee signs it into law. The new law, legalizing same-sex marriage, goes into effect in Rhode Island on August 1, 2013.
March 26: The Supreme Court begins two days of historical debate over gay marriage. During the debat
March 26: The Supreme Court begins two days of historical debate over gay marriage. During the debate, the Supreme Court will consider overturning Proposition 8, the California initiative banning same-sex marriage, and the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law passed during the presidency of Bill Clinton, which defines marriage as between a man… Read more
March 1: Congress and President Obama do not reach an agreement in time to stop the large budget cut
March 1: Congress and President Obama do not reach an agreement in time to stop the large budget cuts to federal spending. As the cuts go into effect, Congressional leaders pledge to end the disagreements over the federal budget that have threatened to shut down the government for the last two years.
June 6: The Guardian receives information that reveals that the National Security Agency (NSA) is us
June 6: The Guardian receives information that reveals that the National Security Agency (NSA) is using PRISM to spy on the web activities, including email, of U.S. citizens. Through PRISM, a clandestine national security surveillance program, the NSA has direct access to Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Google, Apple, Yahoo and other websites. June 7:… Read more
Oct. 21: In an unanimous vote, the New Jersey Supreme Court rejects a request by Gov. Chris Christie
Oct. 21: In an unanimous vote, the New Jersey Supreme Court rejects a request by Gov. Chris Christie to delay the implementation date of same-sex weddings. Immediately same-sex couples begin to marry, making New Jersey the 14th state to recognize same-sex marriages.
Jan. 10: The Obama administration announces that the federal government will recognize the marriages
Jan. 10: The Obama administration announces that the federal government will recognize the marriages of the 1,300 same-sex couples in Utah even though the state government has currently decided not to do so. With federal approval, same-sex couples will be able to receive spousal benefits, like health insurance for federal employees and filing… Read more
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