The Titan submarine saga ended in tragedy after an implosion killed everyone on board, and this weekend marks one year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Friday, June 23, 2023.
Titan submarine implodes, all 5 on board dead
Coast Guard Officials confirmed Thursday, June 22 that all five people aboard the Titan submarine died after an implosion underwater. Five major pieces of debris from the submarine were discovered.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the families,” First Coast Guard District Rear Adm. John Mauger said Thursday. “I can only imagine what this has been like for them and I hope that this discovery provides some solace during this difficult time.”
The first piece was found about 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic on the sea floor. Before the implosion, the Titan submarine was making its way down to the remains of the Titanic on Sunday when it was reported missing.
The search and rescue effort that followed has now turn into an investigation and salvage mission. The Coast Guard said the investigation will take an indefinite amount of time.
Wyoming judge blocks state’s abortion pill ban
Just days before the abortion pill mifepristone was set to be banned in Wyoming, a federal judge ruled Thursday to stop the state’s ban on abortion pills. Wyoming was the first state to move to ban mifepristone, which has been used to carry out more than half of all U.S. abortions.
The state also passed an abortion ban, both of which are now tied up in litigation. The pill was set to remain legal in the state pending the outcome of a lawsuit.
Wyoming’s abortion ban was likewise temporarily blocked by a judge awaiting the outcome of its legal challenge in court. If the state’s abortion ban goes into effect, efforts to block the pill from being used would be largely symbolic.
Biden gets abortion rights endorsements ahead of Dobbs anniversary
Wyoming is one of many states that has moved to create abortion legislation. President Joe Biden has looked to build off of the backlash to said legislation after Democrats had major success in the midterms running on rights to an abortion.
Saturday, June 24 marks exactly one year since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Abortion measures on ballots during the 2022 midterm elections largely fell in favor of protecting abortion rights.
“It’s going to continue to be a big week. The administration is, you know, literally all four of the principals, the president, vice president, second gentleman and first lady are all engaged,” White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein said Wednesday, June 21. “And I really think you’re seeing that not only here in this administration, but really across the country. People are really galvanized and motivated.”
President Biden has received three major endorsements from abortion rights groups: Planned Parenthood, Naral Pro-Choice America, and Emily’s List. After the overturning of Roe V. Wade, 53% of Americans polled by The Associated Press disapproved of the court’s decision.
Whistleblowers: IRS, DOJ interfered in Hunter Biden tax case
A House committee has released transcripts of congressional interviews with two IRS whistleblowers. The whistleblowers alleged sweeping misconduct by the Justice Department, the FBI, and the IRS in the investigation into Hunter Biden.
According to the whistleblowers’ testimony, the government agencies interfered in Biden’s tax evasion case. The committee claimed the testimony reveals preferential treatment for the wealthy and politically connected.
One whistleblower said decisions in Hunter Biden’s case were influenced by politics. The whistleblower claimed the Justice Department delayed, divulged, and denied an ongoing investigation into Hunter’s alleged tax crimes.
Tropical storms form amid busy start to hurricane season
Three tropical disturbances are the latest developments in what has been a busy and unusual start to hurricane season, according to a hurricane specialist. The one closest to the United States is Tropical Storm Bret, bringing winds just under hurricane-strength as it passed near Barbados.
Behind Bret is Tropical Storm Cindy, with a track-forecast towards the north Atlantic. There’s a third system already brewing off the West Coast of Africa. But with hot water across the sea surface, hurricane specialists predicted the system one could eventually take shape.
Cindy is the third named storm in the Atlantic, which normally doesn’t happen until Aug. 3. That puts 2023’s hurricane season six weeks ahead of schedule.
3M settles contaminated water lawsuits
3M has reached an agreement to pay more than $10 billion to settle contaminated water claims brought by multiple U.S. cities over “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. The company produces things like Post-it Notes, Scotch Tape, and N-95 masks.
3M was accused of contaminating water with its use of PFAS in its products. The payments would be made over a 13-year period to test and treat water supply for contamination.
The company still faces other lawsuits from other states and individuals. 3M plans to stop manufacturing PFAS in 2025.
