Extreme weather, Father's Day and a new federal holiday: 5 things to know this weekend
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Americans celebrate Juneteenth
Saturday marks the first time Juneteenth will be celebrated as a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed legislation on Thursday. Juneteenth commemorates the day the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas in 1865, 2 1/2 years after the order became effective. The first known Juneteenth celebrations began in 1866. Writing in an opinion piece for USA TODAY, Rep. Cori Bush said:
This Juneteenth, I invite you to reflect on the promise of freedom. Freedom doesn't simply mean freedom from enslavement. Freedom is an affirmative goal, it is one that promises liberation, safety and peace of mind. It is the promise of a full and prosperous life.
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Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom from slavery. But it didn't mean freedom for all.
Usher says making Juneteenth a federal holiday was 'long overdue'
Our View: Juneteenth complements Independence Day
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Ultraconservative cleric wins Iran presidency
Ebrahim Raisi — who was sanctioned by the U.S. over his involvement in the mass execution of Iranian political prisoners in the 1980s — won Iran's presidential election after his main rivals conceded defeat Saturday. He’ll be the first Iranian president sanctioned by the American government even before entering office. Many had called the election a “sham,” including Iranians in Southern California who protested for hours Friday outside a polling location. One large sign read: "Iran Regime's Next President is a Mass Murderer.” The result of the election could impact a range of issues, including the nuclear deal, Iran’s economy and prisoner swaps.
Joe Biden points to G-7 summit, NATO, Putin meeting as 'defining' moment for democracy
Summer officially starts with extreme weather in parts of the U.S.
Sunday at 11:32 p.m. E.T. marks the summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere, with much of the U.S. expected to experience possibly dangerous weather. Cities across the west are seeing record-breaking, scorching temperatures. Just how hot? Death Valley, California reached 128 degrees this week. Forecaster expect the heat to continue in the region through the weekend. Meanwhile, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle are bracing for heavy rain and flooding. Gov. John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, which was drenched last month, has already declared a state of emergency.
Heat wave in the Western US: What’s behind the 'dangerous' triple-digit temperatures?
Experts say disaster relief plans need to center on women as hurricane season approaches
Biden doubles funding for states, local communities in preparation of hurricanes and wildfires
'Tornado Alley' is expanding, and millions across the South are at risk
Olympic swim trials continue after Lochte fails to qualify
The second weekend of Olympic Swim trials continues Saturday. Ryan Lochte will not be going to Tokyo after failing to qualify for the 200-meter individual medley, the race he currently holds the world record in. Meanwhile, Katie Ledecky is poised to qualify for the 800-meter freestyle finals on Saturday. Ledecky will be making history this summer when she competes in the women's 1600-meter freestyle, the first time women will be allowed to swim the mile at the Olympics. The final swim trial events will be aired on NBC Saturday and Sunday evening.
After shaking off nerves, Katie Ledecky tackles her toughest day at Olympic swim trials
Lochte flops: Olympic career likely over after 7th in 200 IM
Happy Father's Day to all those celebrating
Father's Day is this Sunday — and if you haven't yet gotten something to celebrate the dad in your life, there's still time to get a gift that doesn't require shipping. It's also a good time to think about what our father figures mean in our lives. Kevin Hart, who plays a widowed dad to a young daughter in the new Netflix movie "Fatherhood," told us how he related to his character being a father to four kids himself. Here are more Father's Day reading for you this weekend:
Sterling K. Brown details emotional ties to late dad in Oprah special
Anderson Cooper says he 'avoided' Father's Day after losing his dad
Father's Day and Pride Month merged for me when my dad came out and met a man he loved
A father's love: This dad pushed his son's wheelchair in marching band
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Extreme weather, Father's Day and Juneteenth: 5 things to know this weekend