June 19 top stories
It is June 19. Here are today’s top stories.
Juneteenth holiday
Today is Juneteenth, which is a federal holiday that marks the day on June 19, 1865 when a Union Army general told enslaved people in Galveston, Texas that they had been liberated about two months after the end of the Civil War. This day became an official federal holiday under the Biden administration in 2021.
The U.S. Postal Office is closed today and will not deliver mail. Several major banks and the stock market are closed today. Federal offices and schools are closed today. At least 28 states recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday and state government employees receive a paid day off.
Titanic tourist sub goes missing
A tourist submersible that takes people deep into the Atlantic Ocean to look at the Titanic wreckage is missing with five people onboard. The Boston Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard are looking for it.
It costs about $250,000 to pay for a 10-day trip to go to the Titanic site and down into submersibles. The tour company is called OceanGate. One of the missing tourists is Hamish Harding, a billionaire.
The submersible can operate for up to 96 hours underwater, so there is hope that the missing will be found alive.
Xi and Blinken meets in China
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping today in Beijing.
Reuters said both sides agreed to stabilize their intense rivalry so it doesn’t veer into conflict, but that both sides appeared to be entrenched in their positions over everything from Taiwan to trade and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The U.S. wanted to set up military-to-military communications, but China declined.
Blinken said he and the U.S. hope for better communications and better engagement going forward.
—----
[Sponsored Video from Sorenson: www.sorenson.com]
—--------
[Advertisement from CSD (Event)]
Building Healthier, Safer Communities: Join us for a day of fun and learning at our exciting event! Date: June 24, 2023. Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Location: Austin Deaf Club, 8818 Cullen Rd, Austin, TX 78748
Discover post-COVID insights and learn how to stay safe. A dedicated team of Austin Public Health Educators will be onsite to answer your questions and provide valuable information. We have ASL Interpreters, Deaf Interpreters, LSM Deaf Interpreters, and Protactile Interpreters available throughout the event. Take advantage of our FREE COVID Vaccines for ages six and older. Don't miss out on the chance to win some amazing giveaways, including cooler bags, water bottles, UV umbrellas, and cooling towels! Stay cool and prepared this summer. Our Kids' Zone will be filled with excitement, featuring face painting, balloon artists, a waterslide, bouncy house, and shaved ice. Let the little ones have a blast! Satisfy your taste buds with delicious BBQ and crepes from local Deaf-owned businesses!
—-------
Migrant boat disaster
CNN said more than 300 Pakistani nationals have been killed in the sinking of an overcrowded fishing boat off the coast of Greece.
The U.N. said about 750 men, women and children were on the packed boat when it capsized last week. Many migrants had hopes of a better life in Europe.
Pakistani authorities have arrested over 10 people suspected of human trafficking — those who charge migrants money to illegally take them to Europe.
Five women in Minneapolis killed by speeding driver
Five young women were tragically killed in Minneapolis on Friday when the vehicle they were in was hit by a speeding driver that was going almost 100 mph on a 55-mph road and ran a red light.
The five young women were on their way home from a mall after preparing for a wedding on Saturday. Their ages ranged from 17 to 20. The five were described as “young Muslim sisters” that were “shining stars of hope for our future.”
The driver tried to escape on foot but was arrested. The driver’s name is Derrick John Thompson (27). He was tested for drugs and alcohol. He may face charges tomorrow. A news report said he previously served time in prison for striking and injuring a pedestrian during a police pursuit in 2018.
6.1 Tropical depression in Atlantic may turn into hurricane
The National Hurricane Center said a tropical depression in the central Atlantic Ocean will likely become a hurricane on Wednesday. The storm currently has sustained winds of 35 mph. It may turn into a tropical storm named Bret today.
It is too early to tell what kind of impact the storm will have on the U.S. Weather forecasters are urging those who live in the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to monitor the storm closely and be prepared for a hurricane or a severe storm.
That is all the top stories for today. See you tomorrow and stay with the light.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/18/business/what-open-closed-juneteenth-2023/index.html
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/blinken-wrap-up-rare-visit-china-may-meet-xi-jinping-2023-06-18/
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/18/asia/pakistan-deaths-migrant-boat-disaster-greece-intl-hnk/index.html
https://nypost.com/2023/06/19/video-shows-car-slamming-into-suv-killing-5-minnesota-women/