January 2024 in Review
January 2024 in Review
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Gov. Hochul Delivers NY State of the State
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January 2024 in Review
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Gov. Murphy Delivers NJ State of the State
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January 2024 in Review
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Trump Wins Iowa Caucus
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January 2024 in Review
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Gov. Hochul unveils $233 billion budget
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January 2024 in Review
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Gov. Healey delivers State of the Commonwealth address
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January 2024 in Review
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Ron DeSantis Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race
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January 2024 in Review
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Trump wins New Hampshire Primary
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January 2024 in Review
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U.N. Court Orders Israel to Prevent Genocide
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January 2024 in Review
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Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million to E. Jean Carroll in Defamation Trial
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January 2024 in Review 📰 Gov. Hochul Delivers NY State of the State 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Gov. Murphy Delivers NJ State of the State 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Trump Wins Iowa Caucus 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Gov. Hochul unveils $233 billion budget 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Gov. Healey delivers State of the Commonwealth address 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Ron DeSantis Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Trump wins New Hampshire Primary 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 U.N. Court Orders Israel to Prevent Genocide 📰 January 2024 in Review 📰 Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million to E. Jean Carroll in Defamation Trial 📰
1/9 – Gov. Hochul Delivers New York State of the State
In her 2024 State of the State address, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an initiative aimed at making New York a global hub for AI innovation. She also focused on addressing mental health issues, public safety, and the climate. Hochul proposed expanding psychiatric care, initiatives targeting youth mental health, expanding the definition of hate crimes, enhancing measures against domestic violence and organized retail theft, and revamping the court system to address case backlogs. On healthcare, Governor Hochul's agenda included bolstering the workforce, enhancing cybersecurity for hospitals, expanding Medicaid for young children, and addressing maternal healthcare issues.
1/16 – Trump Wins Iowa Caucus
Donald Trump won in the Iowa Republican Caucuses with around 50% of the vote, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailed significantly with about 20%. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley struggled to expand her support within the party.
1/16 – Congress Passes Stopgap Funding to Prevent Shutdown
Congress averted a government shutdown with a temporary funding bill, but a long-term budget deal remains out of reach. The bill, known as a continuing resolution, maintains current funding levels but excludes policy conditions, angering far-right Republicans seeking cuts and conservative policy stipulations. Facing deadlines for appropriating funds for various agencies, the measure presents significant hurdles for GOP leaders in the upcoming year. They are tasked with unifying a fragmented party to reach a consensus on a sustainable budget agreement.
1/17 – Gov. Healey delivers State of the Commonwealth address
In her first State of the Commonwealth address, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey outlined her goals for 2024, focusing on affordable housing, childcare, infrastructure improvements, and education. Healey highlighted the State's strong economy, noting record job numbers and low unemployment, but also acknowledged the high cost of living and the struggles many families were facing. She identified affordable housing as a primary challenge, addressing the issue with a $4 billion housing plan to make it easier to find affordable housing in Massachusetts.
Governor Healey emphasized initiatives to improve access to childcare and early education, including plans to ensure every 4-year-old in gateway cities can enroll in a high-quality preschool program by 2026, increase eligibility for financial aid to help qualified families afford childcare, guarantee pre-K for all 4-year-olds, and invest $10 million in mental health care for vulnerable young people. Governor Healey also addressed the complexities of the migrant crisis, noting Massachusetts' efforts to find solutions, such as hosting state events to help newcomers obtain work permits.
1/27 – Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million to E. Jean Carroll in Defamation Trial
A Manhattan jury ordered former President Donald Trump to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carrol following the two-week-long defamation trial, which was marked by regular interruptions and online attacks from Trump. The decision came after Ms. Carroll accused Trump of rape decades ago, which he denied, calling her a liar. The jury awarded $65 million in punitive damages, recognizing that Trump acted maliciously, and $18.3 million in compensatory damages for Ms. Carroll's suffering. Ms. Carroll hailed the decision as a victory against bullies.
1/10 – Gov. Murphy Delivers New Jersey State of the State
In his State of the State address, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized defending abortion rights, enhancing AI’s economic potential, and tackling the State's affordability issues. He stressed the healthcare crisis for women in America, specifically following the Dobbs decision. Murphy reiterated his commitment to eliminating out-of-pocket costs for abortions in state-regulated health plans, a goal he has pursued since 2020. Addressing New Jersey's affordability concerns, Governor Murphy promised to sign a bill to ease the State's affordable housing obligations and proposed new legislation for transparent medical billing. He also highlighted plans to alleviate medical debt burdens. And he reaffirmed his commitment to his environmental goals.
1/16 – Gov. Hochul unveils $233 billion budget
Governor Kathy Hochul presented a $233 billion executive budget for the fiscal year 2025. This budget plan, which closes a $4.3 billion deficit, signals Hochul's fiscal caution, focusing on modest growth without raising income taxes or imposing additional burdens on New Yorkers. The budget benefits from an unexpected $2.2 billion increase in tax revenues, with a portion allocated to pre-payments for the upcoming fiscal year and reserves to address New York City’s migrant crisis.
Governor Hochul's budget allocated $2.4 billion for the migrant crisis, including funds for shelter, social services, and resettlement. Additionally, the budget proposes a record $35.3 billion in school aid, focusing on Foundation Aid and $10 million for training teachers in new reading methods. Other notable elements include a four-year extension of mayoral control of schools in New York City and addressing challenges in Medicaid spending. The budget also allocates $8.5 billion for public safety, mental health, and emerging technology programs, reflecting commitments made in Governor Hochul's State of the State address.
1/22 – Ron DeSantis Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination. The surrender followed a significant defeat in the Iowa caucuses, where DeSantis finished 30 percentage points behind Trump.
1/24 – Trump wins New Hampshire Primary
Donald Trump won the New Hampshire Republican primary with 54% of the vote, while Nikki Haley finished with 45%. Following his victory, Trump took a combative position, targeting Haley and emphasizing his determination to win the presidency. Haley's team said they were ready to continue, shifting focus to the former ambassador's home state of South Carolina.
1/27 – U.N. Court Orders Israel to Prevent Genocide
In response to a case brought by South Africa, the International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled that Israel must take measures to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip. The court did not conclude that Israel is currently committing genocide, nor did it demand a cease-fire. The ruling emphasizes Israel's responsibilities under the Genocide Convention, which include preventing and punishing any direct and public incitement to commit genocide. The court also ordered increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians and the release of hostages held by armed groups in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denied accusations of genocide.
