Blocked

Why the bump stock ban failed. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( June 19, 2024 We’ll start off today on Capitol Hill, where Senate Democrats failed to pass a new gun control measure — we’ve got the details, below. Out in the Hamptons, we’ll share [the dramatic details of Justin Timerlake’s arrest](. Then, we’re honoring Juneteenth by explaining [the importance of this holiday]( and [how to celebrate it](, and highlighting [Black-owned brands to shop](. Let’s begin.   In the News [Hunter and Joe Biden]( Getty Images Blocked On Tuesday, Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic-led effort that would’ve banned bump stocks after the Supreme Court made them legal (again) last week. Here’s the score: Why did Republicans block a ban? GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts objected to an immediate vote on a bipartisan measure known as the BUMP Act, calling it a “gun-grabbing overreach” that could potentially be used to ban other firearm accessories. What are bump stocks? These controversial devices can be attached to a semiautomatic weapon, allowing a shooter to fire bullets at almost the same rate as a machine gun. Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich said they're “tailor-made” for mass shootings. Wait, aren’t they illegal? President Trump banned bump stocks after the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, when a gunman killed 58 people and wounding hundreds more in 11 minutes. On Friday, SCOTUS ruled that the government was wrong to classify the devices as machine guns and struck down that decision. What’s next? Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer vowed on X that his party "will not stop working for commonsense action to end gun violence." In the meantime, this ruling won’t affect state bans on bump stocks in more than a dozen states, including California.   More Stories [Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un walk down a red carpet lined with children holding multicolored balloons]( Getty Images Russia's President Putin is in North Korea for the first time in 24 years, reinforcing the camaraderie between the nations. There's evidence that Pyongyang has supplied Russia with weapons in its war against Ukraine, and a new bilateral agreement is expected to strengthen their bond — a major point of concern for the West. At least one person has been reported dead in the wildfires tearing across New Mexico. Meanwhile, heat emergencies have been declared across the Northeast, with the heat index topping 100 degrees in interior Maine. A Florida plastic surgeon has been charged in the death of his wife after she suffered a cardiac arrest on his operating table. Benjamin Brown, 41, delayed calling 911 after Hillary Brown showed signs of toxicity from the anesthetic and had a seizure. Willie Mays, widely regarded as the greatest center fielder ever, has died at 93. The "Say Hey Kid" began his career in the Negro League and ended with the Mets. President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, saying it's "because of giants like Mays, (that) someone like me could even think about running for president."   In Conversation "The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor," U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared in a NY Times op-ed, in which he demanded these apps come with a warning label. I spoke to Dr. Murthy about how this designation would really protect kids, what tech companies need to be doing, and more. [Check out our eye-opening conversation right here](.   Celebrating Juneteenth [Kardea Brown]( KCM/Getty The newest federal holiday commemorates the day the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. (Click here for [even more background on this significant day](.) Not sure how to celebrate? Food Network’s Kardea Brown opens up about [how and why she observes Juneteenth](, the color that plays an important role in its symbolism, and more.   Fake News You might've seen [videos circulating online]( (including in outlets like the New York Post) that appear to show President Biden freezing or in a state of confusion at recent fundraisers. The White House officially clapped back against the clips, calling them “cheap fake” videos that have been manipulated "in bad faith." Biden’s deputy press secretary Andrew Bates punctuated the message with a zinger: “Their ethical standards could deal with a little unfreezing.”   Must-Reads [Justin Timberlake]( In Handcuffs We've got the details on Justin Timberlake's drunk driving arrest, including what he said to police and a look at his mug shot. [Read More »]( [Gloved hand scraping mold off a wall]( If These Walls Could Talk The average person spends a whopping 90% of their time inside — where there could be a major health hazard lurking. Here's more. [Read More »]( [Ryan Cooper doing a lunge with his arms in the air]( Going Strong Sick of waking up on the wrong side of the bed? Try this 20-minute yoga flow from Ryan Cooper to get your zen back. [Read More »](   A Closer Look [Abstract picture of female scientist looking into a microscope]( Getty Images Radiation treatment can make a radical difference for cancer patients, but if you've experienced anxiety about the possible negative side effects, you're far from alone. To help separate fact from fiction, an oncologist explains [what you should know about radiation therapy]( — including a cutting-edge test that can provide you with valuable insights, like the risk of local recurrence and whether radiation may help you. [LEARN MORE]( [Supported by Exact Sciences](   Photo of the Day [Team USA uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren: Navy blazers and jeans]( Business Wire Ralph Lauren, who's outfitting Team USA at the Olympics for the ninth time, just released the Opening and Closing Parade uniforms for the 2024 games. The tailored blazer, striped shirt, and tapered jeans above offer a modern twist on the classic American look and patriotic palette. Want to feel like you're part of the team? [Shop the collection here](.   Hello, Good Buys! [Blush, Mielle rosemary mint scalp and hair oil, red bathing suit, lip cheek and eye pigment]( KCM/Getty You probably already make it a point to shop Black-owned brands, so we're spotlighting some stellar ones to add to your basket: - Mielle: The haircare line's safe and effective products will make your locks feel healthier than ever. [This Rosemary oil]( went viral for helping those experiencing hair loss. - Danessa Myricks Beauty: The self-taught makeup artist got her start in marketing, but soon launched [her own innovative beauty brand](, which is now considered one of the best on the market. Seriously, her products melt into your skin. - lemlem: Supermodel Liya Kebede bridges the gap between ethics and fashion with her apparel company, which works directly with traditional artisans in Africa to create [beautiful vacation-ready swimwear]( and clothes. For even more recommendations, check out the curated sections of Black-founded or -owned businesses at [Nordstrom](, [Target](, and [Sephora](.   [The Shop Edit. Love shopping as much as we do? Subscribe to our latest newsletter and you'll never miss another trend, money-saving sale, or hard-to-find gem!]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2024 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.