June 23 top stories
It is June 23. Here are today’s top stories.
Tropical Storms Bret and Cindy
There are two Tropical Storms churning in the Atlantic Ocean right now, but neither storm is considered a threat to the U.S.
Tropical Storm Bret is now in the Caribbean Sea after passing the Windward Islands. The storm is projected to weaken and dissipate on Saturday or Sunday.
The second one — Tropical Storm Cindy — is churning well east of the Windward Islands and is expected to move north and not threaten the U.S. coast.
It is the first time that two tropical storms have formed in this area during the month of June.
San Antonio Spurs draft Victor Wembanyama with first pick
On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs selected the 7’5 Victor Wembanyama as the No. 1 draft pick. Wembanyama is a 19-year-old basketball star from France and there is a lot of hype surrounding him because of his height and basketball skills.
In this image, you can see the NBA commissioner Adam Silver shaking hands. Silver is 6'3 tall.
Wembanyama said being drafted is one of the best feelings in his life and that it’s a dream come true. He promised that he would give his 100 percent to the Spurs team. He will start playing in the NBA Summer League.
Judge says Florida transgender Medicaid ban violates federal law
A federal judge said Florida’s bans on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming health care for transgender individuals is a form of discrimination, is unconstitutional, and violates federal law.
Axios said the judge directed the state of Florida to resume coverage of hormone therapy and puberty blockers for the two adult and two minor plaintiffs in the case.
The judge said Medicaid coverage decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis just like all health procedures.
Axios said this is the latest win for transgender people and advocates. A federal judge in Arkansas struck down the state’s ban on medical care for transgender youth this week. Last week a federal judge in Indiana did the same, blocking a ban on gender-affirming care for minors that was set to begin on July 1.
—----
[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!
—--------
[Advertisement from CSD’s ASL Now COVID Hotline] Our dedicated team of ASL-fluent customer service representatives is ready to provide accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19. Whether you have questions about symptoms, testing, vaccination, or any other concerns, we're here to help.
The ASL Now COVID Hotline offers: Accessible communication in ASL, information on COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and safety measures, guidance on testing options and vaccination resources, and support for individuals and families affected by the pandemic.
Visit our website or contact the ASL Now COVID Hotline through VP at (737) 304-6560 or visit covid.csd.org/atx. Stay safe, stay connected!
—--------
3M to pay $10 billion to settle lawsuits over “forever chemicals”
AP News reported that chemical manufacturer 3M Co. will pay at least $10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over the contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially harmful compounds used in firefighting foam and other consumer products.
The money would help water providers to deal with pollution by a class of chemicals called PFAS, short for per- and polyfluorinated substances. It is called “forever chemicals” because they don’t degrade naturally.
The chemicals may cause health problems such as liver and immune system damage or some cancers. 3M said it would halt all PFAS production by the end of 2025.
Supreme Court sides with Biden administration on deportation policies
CBS News said the Supreme Court, in an 8-1 vote, sided with the Biden administration on its directive that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should focus its deportation efforts in the U.S. on immigrants with serious criminal convictions and those who may be a threat to national security.
Texas and Louisiana challenged the Biden administration, arguing that the directive limited ICE agents from fully enforcing immigration laws. But the Supreme Court said, “no,” explaining that states can’t try to change federal law enforcement through the judiciary.
CBS News said the Biden administration’s policy generally shields undocumented immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for years from being arrested by ICE if they did not commit serious crimes.
Philadelphia I-95 to reopen 2 weeks after collapse
About two weeks ago in the Philadelphia area, an elevated section of I-95 collapsed after a tractor-trailer carrying gasoline crashed and burst into flames. The driver was killed. It was thought that the damage would cause months of delays, but the roadway is open again as of today.
Crews worked around the clock to build a temporary six-lane roadway to keep traffic flowing. A NASCAR jet dryer, which is typically used to dry out race tracks after rain delays, was brought in to speed up the construction process for the roadway.
AP News said crews used about 2,000 tons of lightweight glass nuggets to fill the underpass and bring it up to surface level, then paved it over. There was a livestream of the construction process.
Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro said it is a “moment of civic pride for Philly.”
There will be permanent bridges built on either side of the temporary roadway, which is a process that may take months.
That is all the top stories for today. I will be out of the studio for the next two weeks. Renca Dunn will cover top stories next week and we’ll be all off on the first week of July. I’ll see you later and stay with the light.
https://www.axios.com/2023/06/22/florida-transgender-medicaid-ban-ruled-unconstitutional
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/sports/basketball/victor-wembanyama-spurs-nba-draft.html
https://apnews.com/article/pfas-forever-chemicals-3m-drinking-water-81775af23d6aeae63533796b1a1d2cdb
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/22/weather/tropical-storm-bret-lesser-antilles-thursday/index.html
https://twitter.com/TMainolfiWESH/status/1672152836673601536/photo/1
https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
https://www.thedrive.com/news/nascar-jet-dryer-deployed-to-help-rebuild-i-95-in-pennsylvania