1. Essential Facts for June 19: Hurricane Forecast, Immigration Updates, Middle East Developments, Baseball Legend Willie Mays, and Starliner Spacecraft Updates
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1. Hurricane Season
A tropical storm alert is active in parts of Texas and Mexico as a predicted hyperactive hurricane season begins. The system that's threatening the southwestern Gulf Coast has been labeled Potential Tropical Cyclone One by the National Hurricane Center and is anticipated to transform into a tropical storm by the day's end. A flood risk level 3 out of 4 is in place for most of South Texas today. Excessive rainfall is expected to elevate the flood risk, not only in the USA, but also in parts of Mexico and Central America. Although rain is essential in the drought-stricken region, the onslaught could inundate parched soil that can't absorb water as swiftly as it falls, resulting in perilous flooding.
2. Immigration
On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced an executive action allowing certain undocumented spouses and children of US citizens to apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country. The president introduced the action during a White House event commemorating the 12th anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. To be eligible for the program, the person must have lived in the US for at least 10 years and be legally wed to a US citizen. The application process will commence by the end of the summer. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has promised to deport over 10 million people if he is elected for a second term. Biden states that Trump’s mass deportation policy would “tear spouses and children from their families, homes, and communities and lock them up in detention camps.”
3. Middle East
Israel warned Hezbollah of the possibility of a full-blown war after the Lebanese militant group released a 9-minute video, supposedly recorded by a drone, showcasing Israeli military and civilian locations in various Israeli cities. The publication of the video follows months of escalating cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ensuing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The US and its allies have for months cautioned Hezbollah — an Iran-backed Islamist movement boasting one of the most powerful militaries in the Middle East — against heightening the conflict in Israel. Hezbollah, however, has said in the past that it will only cease firing on Israel if Israel stops the war in Gaza.
4. Willie Mays
Baseball icon Willie Mays, one of the game's most exhilarating players who performed a dramatic catch in the 1954 World Series, passed away on Tuesday. He was 93. Mays died peacefully and was surrounded by loved ones, his son, Michael Mays, said in a statement. In 23 major league seasons, mostly with the New York Giants and the San Francisco Giants, Willie Mays finished with 660 career home runs — the second most at the time behind Babe Ruth. Among myriad achievements, Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. “One of baseball’s most colorful and thrilling stars excelled in every aspect of the game,” his plaque reads.
5. Starliner
Two NASA astronauts will lengthen their stay on the International Space Station as teams on the ground work to comprehend the issues with the Starliner spacecraft that transported them into orbit. Since the historic crewed launch on June 5, the astronauts have navigated various problems with the Boeing-built vehicle — including malfunctioning thrusters and a series of helium leaks. Boeing and NASA stated on Tuesday that Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore — who arrived at the space station on June 6 for a projected weeklong visit — will not return home before June 26. The mission aims to further research and increase the United States’ options for transporting astronauts to the space station in conjunction with private industry partners.
MORNING BROWSE
Farthest spacecraft from Earth sends data from unknown territories NASA technicians have reestablished a continuous flow of essential scientific data from Voyager 1 as it investigates interstellar space closer than 15 billion miles from Earth.
Aliens or jokers? Another ‘mysterious’ monolith appears A shiny silver pillar has been spotted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, giving rise to speculation about its origins.
Justin Timberlake arrested for DWI, a mug shot is released The pop star has been charged with driving under the influence. Fresh video appears to depict Timberlake driving minutes prior to being pulled over.
Nintendo astonishes fans with a new Zelda game Nintendo announced a new Zelda title where gamers will finally be able to play the titular princess from the legendary fantasy series.
The American consumer is cutting back Evidence is mounting that US consumers are dialing back as they confront challenging economic obstacles. Sales dropped the most at gas stations and furniture stores last month, data shows.
TODAY’S NUMBER
29 This is the amount of active large fires burning across the US, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, with 10 of those reported in California. In New Mexico, the governor has announced a state of emergency due to raging wildfires this week that have compelled thousands of residents to evacuate.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“The public may now resume contacting 911 for emergencies.”
— Massachusetts authorities confirming a statewide 911 service disruption has been rectified following a collapse lasting over an hour on Tuesday. The department is currently probing the origins of the glitch.
TODAY'S WEATHER REPORT
Catch up on your local weather predictions here>>>
IN THE SPOTLIGHT TODAY...
The creator of the viral stuffed chocolate bar unveiled in Dubai has sparked a worldwide craze. Get to know the woman behind the internet phenomenon.
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1. Despite the flood risk warning, the essential rain is needed in the drought-stricken region, but it might lead to hazardous flooding due to the inability of the soil to absorb the water swiftly.
2. In contrast to the Biden administration's policy, Trump had promised to deport over 10 million people if he was re-elected, acknowledging that such a mass deportation would reverse the family situations of the targeted individuals.
