5 things to know for June 13: Gun laws, January 6, Covid, White nationalists, Stocks

A Google engineer claims that one of the tech company’s unreleased artificial intelligence programs advanced so much that it has achieved a level of consciousness. Google and many in the AI community quickly shut down the engineer’s claims, but the mere idea is sparking fascinating conversations – and stoking fears – about the potential for what this technology can do.

Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

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1. January 6

The chairman of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol told reporters that the panel won’t criminally refer former President Donald Trump or others to the Justice Department. Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson’s statement on Monday drew quick reactions from other members of the committee, revealing the panel is split over how to handle potential criminal referrals of Trump and his associates for prosecution. In Monday’s hearing, Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren laid out evidence that Trump knew he had lost the 2020 election, was told he had lost on dozens of occasions, and not only refused to accept it but actively pushed conspiracy theories and other false claims that he knew were wrong to stir up his party’s base. In response, Trump lashed out in a 12-page statement trashing the committee’s work. 

2. Stocks

Stocks plunged again Monday, officially pushing the S&P 500 into bear market territory – which happens when stocks close down 20% or more from their most recent high. In short, stocks are tumbling due to inflation and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to tame it, experts say. One month ago, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said that the central bank was not “actively considering” raising interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point to fight inflation, but Wall Street is now worried that Powell may have to change his tune. The S&P 500, the broadest measure of Wall Street, is down more than 21% from its high reached in early January – and cryptocurrencies have also joined the meltdown. Bitcoin fell below $23,000 today as investors bailed out of risky assets.

3. Gun laws

The vast majority of Republican senators are showing they are hesitant to fully embrace the announced gun safety framework, with many telling CNN they want more details before saying where they stand. It’s a sign of just how hard it will be for Republicans to hold on to the support they have and expand it, as pro-gun groups and others whip up supporters against the framework. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia – the most conservative Democrat in the Senate – defended the newly reached bipartisan agreement on Monday, adding it takes “no rights away, no privileges away” from gun owners. Separately, Ohio’s governor Monday signed a Republican-backed bill into law that makes it easier for teachers and staff to carry guns on school premises.

4. Ukraine

The embattled Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk is nearly completely controlled by Russian forces, according to Ukrainian military officials. The third of three main bridges to the city was deemed impassable on Monday, making evacuations extremely difficult. Meanwhile, the human rights group Amnesty International has accused Russia of war crimes during its efforts to capture the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, documenting the alleged use of cluster munitions and “other indiscriminate means of attack which killed and injured hundreds of civilians.” Ukraine’s national police said authorities are also investigating the deaths of more than 12,000 civilians across the country.

5. Yellowstone

Severe flooding has shut down Yellowstone National Park and left some people in surrounding communities trapped without safe drinking water, officials say. All park entrances have been closed to visitors through at least Wednesday, officials announced, citing “record flooding events” and a forecast of more rain to come. Images of the damage show bridges partially collapsed and washed out roads across the park – 96% of which is in Wyoming, 3% in Montana and 1% in Idaho. The Yellowstone River, which runs through the park and several Park County cities, swelled to a record high this week due to recent heavy rainfall and significant runoff from melting snow in higher elevations.

BREAKFAST BROWSE

America’s most outstanding restaurant is…

Green light! The wildly popular series is making a highly anticipated return.

Tony Awards

Broadway’s best were recognized Sunday night at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. View the full list of winners here. 

Country music superstar Toby Keith announces he’s been fighting stomach cancer

Keith said he plans to return to the stage after taking time to rest and recover.

Rebranded McDonald’s restaurants are unveiled in Russia

Due to the war in Ukraine, McDonald’s removed all of their golden arches from Russia. This is what the restaurants look like now. 

Woman sets record swimming 26.22 miles in a mermaid fin

Swimmer Merle Liivand encountered loads of marine life on her impressive journey – and was even stung by a jellyfish. 

TODAY’S NUMBER

115

That’s how much a gallon of regular gas now costs on average nationwide, according to data from AAA today. While a $5 national average set a new record this past weekend, $5 gas has become unpleasantly common in much of the US. Friday’s readings showed more than 30% of stations nationwide were already charging more than $5 a gallon. And about 10% of stations are currently charging more than $5.75 a gallon.

TODAY’S QUOTE

“We remain concerned about the prospects for what would be a seventh nuclear test over multiple administrations. We know that the North Koreans have done preparations for such a test. We are being extremely vigilant about that.”

– Inia Seruiratu, Fiji’s minister for defense, saying that climate change posed the biggest security threat in the Asia-Pacific region. Fiji has been battered by a series of tropical cyclones in recent years that caused devastating flooding that displaced thousands from their homes and hobbled the island’s economy.

TODAY’S WEATHER

Check your local forecast here>>>

AND FINALLY

Today is National Flag Day

Do you know how tea got its name? Watch this short video to learn a few unexpected facts about the hot and fragrant beverage. (Click here to view)