A heat wave in Texas, a drop in the nation's test scores and the summer solstice.

That's some of what we'll get to on the 7 from the Washington Post.

I'm Jeff Pierre. It's Wednesday, June 21st, the first day of

summer and the longest day of the year. Let's get you caught up with today's seven stories.

Number one, the missing submersible near the Titanic wreck still hasn't been found. Noises were detected underwater yesterday in the search area,

but nothing has been located so far.

The submersible, which is called a Titan,

disappeared on Sunday.

It was part of a paid expedition to the Titanic shipwreck,

which is located in the North Atlantic.

Five people, including a captain, are on board.

A massive search is underway, but time is running out. The vessel may only have enough oxygen to last until tomorrow morning.

Number two, Hunter Biden reached a plea deal in a long-running tax investigation.

The President's son plans to plead guilty to two minor tax crimes and admit to lying on a form used to purchase a gun.

The deal needs to be approved by a federal judge, but this will likely keep him out of jail.

Federal authorities began investigating Hunter Biden's finances in 2018.

The investigation mostly centered on whether he paid taxes properly.

This will probably come up during President Biden's 2024 presidential campaign, along with former President Donald Trump's many and ongoing legal troubles.

Number three, in Arkansas law banning gender-affirming care was struck down.

The law was passed in 2021. It was the first in the US to block medical treatment for transgender young people who are transitioning.

A federal judge ruled it unconstitutional yesterday.

For now, the ruling only affects Arkansas, but its impact could extend to a growing number of states with similar bands, especially once it's appealed.

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