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Today’s Big Story

18-year sentence for Capital riot leader

On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Stewart Rhodes, the founder of far-right militia group Oath Keepers, to 18 years in prison for his role in the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Why it matters: Rhodes’ sentence is the longest given to anyone for their role in the Capitol riot so far. He is also the first of the Jan. 6 defendants convicted of seditious conspiracy to receive his sentence, and his punishment could set the bar for the remaining offenders.

Backstory: Last November, a Jury found Rhodes guilty of seditious conspiracy, which occurs when two or more people conspire to overthrow or take control of the U.S. government or prevent any U.S. law from happening. During the trial, the DOJ argued that Rhodes and a group of Oath Keepers developed a plot to stop the transfer of presidential power by recruiting members, stockpiling guns in a Virginia hotel, and organizing a “quick reaction force” if they were needed to support their plot. The guns were never used.

Prison time all around: Rhodes’ top lieutenant received 12 years behind bars and four other Oath Keepers are expected to be sentenced next week. Federal prosecutors also brought charges of seditious conspiracy against members of the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group, for their involvement in the riot. They will likely get double digit prison stays as well.

Little Stories

Business & Economy

*Nvidia stock exploded 27% in trading Thursday after first quarter results destroyed analyst estimates.

*Ford will partner with Tesla to give current and future vehicles access to over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in the U.S. and Canada starting in 2024. 

World

*Russia began moving tactical nuclear warheads to Belarus Thursday, just hours after the two nations signed a deal to deploy the weapons.

*A Killer whale wrecked a boat off the coast of Spain on Thursday, adding to the dozens of attacks on ships recorded this year in Spanish and Portuguese waters.

US News, Politics, & Government

*A Texas House Committee voted to recommend that state Attorney General Ken Paxton be impeached and removed from office.

*The Supreme Court limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to oversee certain bodies of water on Thursday, ruling that the agency can’t regulate wetlands that are isolated from larger bodies of water.

Sports & Entertainment

*The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 110-97 to avoid elimination as the teams travel back to Miami for game 6 with the Heat up 3-2.

*The Dallas Stars beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in overtime to stave off elimination in the NHL Western Conference final.

Science, Health, & Tech

*Apple is reportedly redesigning the iOS 17 lock screen to allow users to display calendars, notifications, weather, and potentially more live info. 

*Scientist use AI to discover a new antibiotic that can be used to kill a deadly hospital superbug.

Extras

*A guy stole a backhoe to drive to the airport to catch his flight.

*A couple’s taxidermy side hustle brings in 5 figures every month.

*Watch a 1-year-old see clearly for the first time with glasses.