Birthright Citizenship, Trump Firings & Oversees Visit

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🗳️ Politics & Governance

Supreme Court Hears Birthright Citizenship Case
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today on President Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship to children born to at least one U.S. citizen or lawful resident. The justices appeared divided, with conservative members questioning the scope of nationwide injunctions issued by lower courts, while liberal justices criticized the policy as unconstitutional and contrary to long-standing precedent. Reuters+1NPR+1

Legal Challenges Over Inspectors General Firings Continue
Legal challenges persist regarding President Trump’s dismissal of over a dozen inspectors general earlier this year. Critics argue the firings were politically motivated and undermined federal oversight. Some of the dismissed inspectors general had been investigating matters potentially affecting the interests of prominent Trump allies. American Oversight

💰 Economy & Business

Retail Sales Show Minimal Growth in April
U.S. retail sales edged up 0.1% in April, indicating a slowdown in consumer spending. Economists attribute the tepid growth to high interest rates and the impact of tariffs dampening demand. Reuters

Mortgage Rates Remain Below 7%
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stayed below 7% for the 17th consecutive week, encouraging increased homebuyer activity. Purchase applications are up 18% compared to last year. Freddie Mac

🌍 International Affairs

Trump Visits U.S. Military Base in Qatar
President Trump visited Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, addressing U.S. troops and promising substantial pay raises. The visit is part of his Middle East tour, which includes discussions on regional security and potential trade agreements. The Washington Post

U.S. Ends Military Strikes in Yemen Following Ceasefire
The U.S. has concluded its military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, known as Operation Rough Rider, following a ceasefire brokered by Oman. The Houthis agreed to halt attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, though they stated the ceasefire does not apply to actions against Israel. Wikipedia

🎭 Entertainment & Culture

Lili Taylor Cast in ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
Actress Lili Taylor has been cast as Mags in Sunrise on the Reaping, the upcoming prequel to the Hunger Games series.The film will explore the early history of Panem and the origins of the Hunger Games.

Blippi Launches New Series at Disney World
Children’s entertainer Blippi is set to debut a new YouTube series, Blippi’s Colorful Day at Walt Disney World, starting May 15. The series will feature educational adventures throughout the Disney parks. WDWMagic

Actor Banned from Cannes Red Carpet Amid Allegations
French actor Théo Navarro-Mussy has been banned from the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet due to sexual assault allegations. Festival organizers made the decision in conjunction with the film’s producers, citing the seriousness of the accusations. Reuters+1The Guardian+1

📊 Markets Snapshot – Thursday, May 15, 2025

Major Indices:

  • S&P 500: 5,924.21 (+54.39, +0.93%)

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: 42,278.19 (+127.44, +0.30%)

  • Nasdaq Composite: 19,064.96 (−81.85, −0.43%)

Commodities:

  • Gold (Spot Price): $3,250.64/oz

  • Crude Oil (WTI): $61.72/barrel

Cryptocurrency:

  • Bitcoin (BTC): $103,870.00 (+$133.00, +0.13%)

Note: Prices are as of market close and subject to change.

🗓️ Sports – Schedules & Stats

⚾ MLB Final Scores:

  • Nationals 2 – Braves 5

  • Twins 4 – Orioles 0

  • White Sox 1 – Reds 7

  • Rays 8 – Blue Jays 3

Upcoming Games:

  • Astros @ Rangers – 8:05 PM ET

  • Athletics @ Dodgers – 10:10 PM ET

🏀 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference Semifinals:

  • Game 6: Thunder vs. Nuggets – 8:30 PM ET

    • Series: OKC leads 3–2

    • Players to Watch:

      • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 32.7 PPG

      • Nikola Jokić: 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG

🏎️ Indy 500 Practice – May 15, 2025:

  • Top Speeds:

    • Josef Newgarden – 226.632 mph

    • Scott Dixon – 225.457 mph

    • Conor Daly – 224.893 mph

    • Pato O’Ward – 224.467 mph

    • Ryan Hunter-Reay – 223.983 mph

    • Álex Palou – 223.799 mph

🎂 Notable Birthdays

  • David Krumholtz, actor – 47

  • Jasper Johns, artist – 95

Thanks for reading. See you tomorrow.

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