Happy Thursday. Best of luck to the Caps tonight in what’s a crucial game 5! How’s everyone in DC?
In today’s edition:
- The Supreme Court hears emergency cases about biological citizenship.
- Trump hints at a last-minute trip related to Russia and Ukraine talks.
- Walmart is planning to increase prices amid Trump’s tariffs.
- RFK Jr. swims in a bacteria-laden river.
Supreme Court’s 🏛️️
Decisions Looming:
Today, the Supreme Court begins its last day of deliberations before the summer break. A significant case about birthright citizenship is on the agenda. Let’s delve into it:
The Birthright Citizenship Case: Justice is being sought concerning an executive order from President Trump, which would prevent automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizens.
There are still many questions about what the court is likely to rule. As reported by The New York Times, this case is quite focused, examining not so much the legality of the policy, but whether judges can override national policies independently.
According to Politico’s Josh Gerstein, various outcomes could unfold. Check out his full report here.
As Gerstein notes: “Typically, when cases come to the court, there’s a clear question at play.”
Nonetheless, the stakes are high, as this case may have broad implications for Trump’s executive agenda.
Was this a last-minute debate? : Generally, yes. Most oral arguments wrap up in April, but this was an urgent issue that got added late.
Earlier today – Trump addressed birthright citizenship: He referred to the U.S. as a “silly country” for allowing it. Read Trump’s full statement.
🗨🗨️ Follow our live blog today.
On today’s agenda: The court reached a unanimous ruling to advance claims regarding irrational actions against the police. More details here.
➤ Remaining Cases:
Many notable cases are still pending. Zach Schunfeld and Ellery provide a rundown of significant cases, including:
➤ Gender maintenance care
➤ LGBTQ parental opt-outs at schools
➤ Efforts to restore parent-child planning in South Carolina
➤ Reverse discrimination
➤ Ghost guns
📝Check out explanations for all ongoing major cases.
I like to follow these cases a bit differently: scotusblog offers live analyses on TikTok starting at 10 AM.
At the White House ✈️️
Could there be a second Turkey day this year?:
President Trump is wrapping up his Middle East trip but may extend it by a day.
What’s driving this extension?: Trump suggested he might stop in Turkey for peace discussions concerning Ukraine and Russia.
Context: Ukrainian and Russian officials are convening in Turkey to negotiate amidst the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio was present, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was notably absent.
When asked about Putin’s no-show, Trump made a remark about his own importance to the situation, saying, “I told them, if I’m not going, why would he go?” He added, “If something comes up, I’ll head there on Friday if the situation is right.”
Friends or Foes? :
The Hill’s Amie Parnes reports that Democrats have been meeting with the President recently. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser had a visit last week with Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, who dropped by in April.
It’s getting a bit mixed in the White House: Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) visited Mar-A-Lago this year, and California Governor Gavin Newsom met Trump at the airport during a wildfire crisis.
Additionally: Democratic Governors Kathy Hochul of New York and Phil Murphy of New Jersey have also met with him.
Some Democrats show willingness to collaborate: Representative Jared Golden (D-Maine), who represents a Republican-leaning district, defended Trump’s tariff policy.
Why does this matter?: The Democrats are trying to rebuild their strategy ahead of the 2024 elections. While some are reluctant to engage with Trump, others are recognizing the implications of the November election results. Political strategists caution that there might be risks associated with cooperating with him.
Read more: “Trump is an unlikely White House guest: Democrats.”
➤ More Reading:
Washington Post: Trump is looking for a new plane. Similar interests have been expressed by Secretary of Homeland Security Noem.
Wall Street Journal: An analysis of Qatar’s multi-billion-dollar influence efforts in the U.S.
📈Other News
Walmart Raises Prices:
Walmart has announced plans to hike prices this month, owing to rising costs linked to Trump’s trade policies.
Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey shared with the Wall Street Journal that “The speed and scale of these price increases are historically unprecedented.”
Important note: Walmart’s profits declined, according to AP, in the first quarter.
Upcoming Events
The House and Senate are getting ready. President Trump is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (All Times EST)
1:50 PM: Trump arrives at the Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi.
1:45 PM: The Senate votes. 📆Today’s Schedule.
4 PM: First and last house votes. 📆Today’s Schedule.
Saturday night: The season finale of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, with actor Scarlett Johansson hosting.
Sunday, May 18th: Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend Pope Leo XIV‘s first Mass.
🐝 Internet Buzz
🍪Celebration Alert: Today is National Chocolate Chip Day. To celebrate, I’m baking brown butter chocolate chip banana bread. Here’s the recipe if anyone wants to join!
🦠Health Caution: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. swam in Rock Creek recently, but the creek has high bacteria levels, so swimming is not advised. 📸 Check out the photo – Yes, he’s fully submerged.
🐊In Memory of a Legend: Morris, the alligator from Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore,” passed away at 80, having appeared in numerous films and shows. He’s gone.
🤖 Insights on AI: OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman recently discussed generational differences in AI usage, noting older users treat it like a search engine while younger folks see it as a life consultant. 📹 Watch the clip here.
👋 To Wrap Up…
I’d like to leave you with a smile. Check out this angel appearing from the sky.
