Daily News Recap (4-23-15)

Compiled by Holly Henrichsen
Assistant Web Content Manager

The Senate approved Loretta Lynch to be attorney general today. She is the first African-American woman to hold the position. According to the New York Times, Lynch was confirmed as the new United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York with a 56 to 23 vote, with 10 Republicans voting for her. Her confirmation did take a few months as republicans longed to replace former attorney Eric Holder. It was agreed that Lynch was qualified for the position but Republicans also opposed her because she defended President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.
-Eryka Villarreal

U.S. officials announced yesterday that a CIA drone strike that took place in January that was aimed at an al-Qaeda gathering accidentally killed two hostages, including an American. The CIA had been monitoring the al-Qaeda gathering from along the Afghanistan border and determined that no non-combatants were present. President Obama has ordered a full review of the strike. U.S. officials use drone footage to monitor terrorist and prisoner movements, so it is difficult to determine how they missed the presence of two civilians. As of right now there is no decision to shut down or suspend the CIA drone program.
-Matthew Hamill

The parents of Mike Brown filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Ferguson today. The lawsuit alleges the Ferguson officer, Darren Wilson, violated Brown’s civil rights. According to the Washington Post, the family is seeking at least $75,000 in compensation for damages.
-Nathalie Cohetero

Democratic Senator Patty Murray plans to introduce a bill that gradually increases the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 by 2020. According to New York Times, the bill has considerable support within the party. The Senate bill would raise the minimum wage to $8 an hour in 2016, then $1 annual increments until 2020. Senator Murray’s effort is in light of the country’s increasing income inequality.
-Nathalie Cohetero