A California college community is at ease following the arrest of a man suspected of a stabbing spree at city parks this week. And a horse trainer has now been suspended indefinitely from the Kentucky Derby following the sudden deaths of two of his horses. These stories and more highlight the daily rundown for Friday, May 5, 2023.
Suspect behind deadly stabbings arrested
There is a sense of relief in Davis, California, a college town, after authorities arrested a man they say is responsible for three random stabbings at parks within the past week.
Carlos Dominguez was taken into custody. He was arrested for allegedly killing two people and attempting to murder a third stabbing victim. Police say 15 people called in to say they saw a person who matched the suspect’s description at a park, leading to the arrest.
According to U.C. Davis, the 21-year-old failed out of the university two days before the first stabbing.
Wagner boss threatens to pull troops out of Bakhmut
Control of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is the longest and likely bloodiest battle of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The Wagner Group has been fighting in the territory on behalf of Russia, and now its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is threatening to pull out of the region.
The Wagner boss posted a video message online infuriated over its treatment from Russia. He said his troops could leave as early as next week if they don’t get more ammunition and support from Russia. He said their losses are growing exponentially every day and that Ukraine has resources that outnumber theirs fivefold.
Biden, Harris meet with tech CEOs over AI
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with the heads of Google, Microsoft, and other companies developing artificial intelligence to assess the safety risks involved with AI.
Biden told the tech-CEO’s what they’re doing has quote “enormous potential and enormous danger.” Biden said the discussions were to educate and guide the White House on what is most needed to advance society with technology while also protecting American’s rights and safety.
Because AI can so easily mimic humans, governments around the world, along with big-name tech leaders, have raised concerns over the technology. Saying it could wipe out jobs, trick people and spread disinformation.
The Biden administration announced an investment of $140 million to establish AI research institutes. The White House is also expected to announce within the next few months how federal agencies can use AI tools.
TurboTax settlement payments begin next week
More than 4 million Americans will begin receiving payments next week as part of a $141 million settlement between all 50 states, and the tax software company Intuit, after its “free services” advertising was found to be deceiving.
The settlement stems from a 2019 report which found the company steered eligible low income tax filers away from free services and tricked them into paying a fee for filing with the company’s TurboTax software.
According to the settlement website, the payments will be mailed automatically. payments will range from around $30 to $85.
BMW issues warning over airbag recall
BMW is warning owners of about 90,000 older vehicles to park their cars immediately and not drive them because of a serious airbag recall.
BMW has issued a “do not drive warning” for vehicles made between 2000 and 2006, cautioning drivers that their airbags could fail and explode in a car accident. The cars had previously been recalled to replace faulty air bag inflators made by Takata.
BMW is asking affected owners to park their vehicles immediately and contact their dealership for a free repair. Towing will also be covered under the recall.
Horse trainer suspended over deaths
A horse trainer, working the Kentucky Derby races, has been indefinitely suspended following two highly unusual horse deaths. Both horses were trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.
The two horses died suddenly from unknown causes at the race track in Louisville, Kentucky. A third horse trained under Joseph will not be competing in the derby due to his suspension.
The company operating the derby said in a statement the suspension of the horse trainer comes as they have reasonable concerns about the condition of Joseph’s horses.
The suspension is indefinite until details surrounding the deaths are analyzed and understood. Officials say the safety of the horses and human athletes is their top priority.
Two other horses have died from injuries while running and training within a five day stretch at the racetrack. Joseph has responded to his suspension, saying it’s an unfair decision to make him the scapegoat. Joseph said he’s never had horses die like this before and is “broken” over their deaths.
