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Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows How Many Federal Holidays US Has Compared to Other Countries
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Newsweek has created a map showing how many federal holidays the United States has compared to other countries, after President Donald Trump said there were "too many non-working holidays in America." Trump called for the number of holidays to change in a post on Truth Social on Juneteenth, June 19, which celebrates the day when, in 1865, the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. It became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation into law, but it has been celebrated by the African American community for more than 150 years and has been a recognized holiday in Texas for decades. The Context Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed. The workers don't want it either! Soon we'll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year. It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Harvard University's Jeffrey Alan Miron, a senior economics lecturer, said that he does not think reducing the number of federal holidays would make an economic difference. This would "probably have only a minor impact on the economy," he told Newsweek. "Private efforts will end up replacing federal holidays to a significant degree. For example, many businesses will close on Christmas, regardless of federal policy." How Do U.S. Holidays Compare To Other Countries? The United States, France, Canada, Ukraine, Ecuador, Israel, Singapore and Luxembourg have 11 federal holidays, according to the World Population Review. Nations that have fewer include the United Kingdom, Belgium and Ireland (10) as well as Netherlands and Serbia (nine) and Mexico (eight). India has the most public holidays (42), followed by Nepal (35), Iran and Myanmar (26) and Sri Lanka (25). What Are All 11 U.S. Federal Holidays? Here is a list of each federal holiday in the United States, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. New Year's Day - January 1 Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK Day) - third Monday of January Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) - third Monday of February Memorial Day - Last Monday in May Juneteenth National Independence Day - June 19 Independence Day - July 4 Labor Day - first Monday in September Columbus Day - second Monday in October Veterans Day - November 11 Thanksgiving Day - November 27 Christmas Day - December 25 What People Are Saying White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, on whether President Donald Trump would commemorate Juneteenth, told reporters on Thursday: "I'm not tracking his signature on a proclamation today. I know this is a federal holiday. I want to thank all of you for showing up to work. We are certainly here. We're working 24/7 right now." Democratic strategist Matt McDermott, on X, formerly Twitter: "There are too many holidays, Trump whines — after literally campaigning on making Juneteenth a federal holiday to pander to Black voters. No principles. No shame. Just the con." Former President Joe Biden, on X: "One of the proudest moments of my presidency was making Juneteenth a federal holiday. It's a day of liberation. It's a day of remembrance. And it's a day of celebration. Today, it was an honor to be in Galveston where freedom rang out 160 years ago." What Happens Next Trump has not said that he wants to cancel Juneteenth as a federal holiday, but if he wanted to, he would not be able to do so unilaterally. The only way to cancel a federal holiday would be for Congress to pass a bill, which the president could then sign into law.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: Instead of cutting Muni service, here's what S.F. can do to balance agency's budget
Regarding 'Muni is cutting service on five S.F. bus lines. Here's when the changes go live' (San Francisco, June 18): If Muni service cuts will save only $7.2 million, how many more cuts will we have to stomach to cover the projected $322 million deficit? Muni is an essential service for thousands of San Franciscans, including me. I take Muni every single day, including on the 5 and the 31 lines, which are among the cuts. Cutting or reducing service on these lines sets a terrible precedent; how many cuts will billionaire Mayor Daniel Lurie, who's probably never had to take Muni in his life, think are acceptable to balance the budget? The new budget shows Lurie's priorities: preserving tax breaks for billionaires and corporations while cutting the essential services working people need. Increasing taxes for billionaires and corporations by just a small fraction would easily fund all Muni lines. We must not let Mayor Lurie privatize public transit and sell it back to us at a steep price. The people need affordable and reliable public transit, and we will accept nothing less. Rhys Hedges, San Francisco Suisun City forever At a time when headlines often paint California as stagnant and dysfunctional, Suisun City is showing true leadership by advancing a reimbursement agreement tied to the possible annexation of the California Forever project. This bold move signals a commitment to tackling the state's housing crisis and reviving a core California value: the ability to build. California once led the nation in dreaming big, from aerospace to Silicon Valley, and built homes to match that ambition. But in recent decades, growth has slowed due to regulatory barriers, soaring costs and resistance to change. Suisun City's decision represents more than local planning; it is a vision for a future that includes homes and space for industries like advanced manufacturing, keys to restoring the middle class and keeping young Californians close to home. The City Council acted decisively and transparently, modeling the leadership that California needs. At the California Building Industry Association, we believe this is the path forward: communities that welcome innovation, embrace responsibility and reignite the California Dream. Suisun City just showed us what real leadership looks like. Bravo. Dan Dunmoyer, president and CEO, California Building Industry Association College preference unfair AB7, which has passed the California Assembly and is being debated in the state Senate, allows college admission preference in the state to descendants of slavery in the United States. The idea of favoring African American students for college admissions over others, when California was a free state, is an affront to the rest of us who have felt the sting of discrimination, too. Yes, California upheld the Fugitive Slave Act and practiced discrimination in everything else, from housing to equal education. However, if we are being fair, we need to consider those other groups that suffered discrimination but do not represent 'America's original sin' when applying to California universities. Thousands of Japanese Americans in California were imprisoned during World War II. Mexicans had their land stolen from 1848 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo up to modern times in places like Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles, where a neighborhood was razed to make way for Dodger Stadium. Jews were once kept out of universities and subjected to repressive quotas at places like the USC. AB7 is a travesty and an affront to all of us who also suffered, and it needs to die in the state Senate. President for all President Donald Trump wants immigration enforcement to focus on Democratic cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and, I'm sure, San Francisco. Perhaps he needs to be reminded that he is the president of the United States, not just the states that voted for him, but all of them.
15 hours ago
- General
Communities across America celebrate Juneteenth
From Galveston, Texas to Knoxville, Tennessee, communities across the country are celebrating Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of the last African American enslaved people in Texas.
USA Today
18 hours ago
- General
- USA Today
Today is Juneteenth: Is there mail? Are banks closed? What to know about federal holiday
Today is Juneteenth: Is there mail? Are banks closed? What to know about federal holiday Show Caption Hide Caption New Yorkers honor lost African American holiday older than Juneteenth An African American holiday older than Juneteenth was almost lost. These New Yorkers are bringing back Pinkster, which was outlawed in the 1800s. Juneteenth will be marked on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Juneteenth commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston to take control of Texas and ensure the slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation. It's known as America's Second Independence Day, and it's celebrated today, June 19. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It's the longest-running African American holiday, and it became a federal holiday a few years ago. Juneteenth celebrations across the High Desert will include food, music, dancing, art and other activities. Here's what to know about the holiday. Is Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2025? Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in 2025, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It is one of 11 federal holidays observed every year. The others are: New Year's Day Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Washington's Birthday/Presidents Day Memorial Day July 4 Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day When is Juneteenth observed in 2025? Juneteenth will be marked on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Unlike other federal holidays, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving, which are observed on a specific day of the week, Juneteenth is celebrated on the actual day. What does Juneteenth celebrate? Juneteenth commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston to take control of Texas and ensure the slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the History Channel. Juneteenth — short for June nineteenth — marks the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Why is it called Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a portmanteau of June 19, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston. It became known as "Juneteenth" by the newly freed slaves of Texas, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture at the Smithsonian. When did Abraham Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation? President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. But its effect was limited, according to the National Archives. It only applied to states that seceded during the Civil War, leaving slavery intact for slave states that stayed with the Union. It also could not be enforced until Confederate states were under Union control, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Therefore, it took until June 19, 1865, for slaves in Texas to be freed. Slavery in America was formally abolished with the 13th Amendment, which was ratified Dec. 6, 1865. When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday? Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, according to USA TODAY, after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that same month. Juneteenth began rising to prominence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, sparked protests across the country against police brutality, USA TODAY reports. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., first introduced the Juneteenth bill in 2020 following the killings of Floyd and Breonna Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky. His initial attempt to pass the bill was unsuccessful. Is there mail delivery on Juneteenth? Is the post office open? Does FedEx deliver? No. As a federal holiday, the U.S. Postal Service is closed that day, and there will be no mail delivered. FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on June 19, according to the company's website. FedEx Office locations will also be open, USA TODAY reports. Are banks open on Juneteenth? Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, meaning the organization that regulates the nation's banking system is closed, according to Banks aren't required to close for Federal Reserve holidays, but they often do. Transactions made during these holidays won't be posted until the next business day. Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Juneteenth, USA TODAY is reporting. Capital One Cafes will remain open. Is the stock market open or closed on Juneteenth? The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website. Is trash pickup delayed for Juneteenth? Trash pickup may be delayed because of Juneteenth, depending on the hauler. Contact your municipality or private provider to learn more.
Chicago Tribune
19 hours ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Flossmoor Juneteenth celebration continues to grow in fifth year
Richton Park's Destiny Watson is a person who likes to look ahead. Watson, 27, is the founder and CEO of You Matter 2 and one of the goals is to make the future better for youths in the Southland with programs and initiatives. But on Thursday morning, she had a chance to look back both figuratively and literally. You Matter 2 is the group that does the heavy lifting for the Juneteenth celebration in Flossmoor. Watson and You Matter 2 held its fifth celebration overall and fourth parade through the village. It was a chance for people to look back as Juneteenth celebrated June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and reading the Emancipation Proclamation that President Abraham Lincoln signed two years earlier. Watson appreciates looking back on the history but as she marched at the front with the You Matter 2 group, she couldn't help but feel good about looking back and seeing 19 more groups and 450 people behind her as more than 1,000 people lined Flossmoor Road to cheer them on. 'To look back and see the line and groups of people — it was huge,' Watson said. 'The parade keeps growing every year. This was definitely our biggest one.' The parade stepped off at the Western Avenue Elementary School and went along Flossmoor Road until it reached Parker Middle School, where a block party continued the celebration. The parade featured dancers, cheerleaders and drums as well as groups coming out to celebrate and distribute candy to the younger parade watchers. Toward the end of the route, Calumet City's Deneen Holmes held a sign celebrating the holiday. 'It's a happy thing,' Holmes said. 'I love being Black and it's a celebration of freedom and a celebration of culture and we love that we can have this in the south suburbs for everyone to support and celebrate.' Holmes said she came last year with her family and loved the parade and the dancers. 'I love seeing the kids dance and the younger people get involved. It was a pleasure to watch,' she said. One of the groups marching was the Alpha Phi Alpha Theta Mu Lambda organization. Its members didn't dance or cheer, but it has been a presence in the south suburbs. Like You Matter 2, Alpha Phi Alpha promotes academic excellence and service in the area. Andre Sutton, the corresponding secretary for the chapter, sits on the executive board and said it benefits young people from Homewood, Flossmoor, Harvey, South Holland and other areas. 'We develop leaders and have a mentorship program where we mentor young African American men,' he said. 'We have members as young as 18 to members who are in their 60s and 70s.' Sutton said the Flossmoor Juneteenth celebration keeps growing. 'It's good to see families and it's good to see local people out here,' he said. 'It's great to see children out here having a great time and doing something positive in the community.' Watson helped get the ball rolling in 2021 with a festival in the parking lot at Homewood-Flossmoor High School days after Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared June 19 a state holiday and then-President Joe Biden signed legislation to make it a national holiday. 'It started with a vision, honestly, to bring our community together and celebrate Juneteenth,' Watson said. 'To see it grow every year and to see the turnout, it's a good feeling to see that people still want to come out and support it.' Watson, Kalyn Victor, Matthew Hill and Nicholas Amuh are the four running the show for You Matter 2 and put in a lot of work with the celebration. Watson said it's worth it to make people aware of the past plight of African Americans. 'I think there is more learning but with us having this presence, it gives people a chance to ask questions and learn more,' she said. 'And it gives us a bigger platform to reach the community.' Holmes said progress is being made with the holiday. 'I definitely think that it's more widespread,' Holmes said. 'A lot of Black culture is not necessarily celebrated nationally, but it's celebrated within our homes and within our families. 'So, it's nice to see that we can come and connect with the community.'
