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Today marks a pivotal moment as the Supreme Court hears historic arguments regarding the Trump administration's challenge to the constitutional provision that guarantees automatic citizenship to all babies born in the U.S. The 14th Amendment clearly states that all persons born on U.S. soil are citizens. However, on his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at denying citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents who were either undocumented or temporarily present in the country.
The Justice Department, anticipating a likely defeat on the grounds that the 14th Amendment means what it says, has shifted its focus to a more technical question regarding the authority of federal district court judges. Immigrant rights groups, alongside 22 states, have contested Trump's order in court. Notably, three judges have deemed the president's directive blatantly unconstitutional, and three appeals courts have opted not to lift the restrictions while appeals are ongoing. The current legal battle centers on the administration's assertion that federal judges lack the power to block enforcement of Trump's executive order on a nationwide scale.
A recent NPR/Ipsos poll indicates that a majority of Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship, reflecting significant public sentiment against the proposed changes.
As House Republicans work to advance Trump's “big beautiful bill,” committees are making necessary adjustments to meet a fast-approaching Memorial Day deadline. For months, Trump has touted this legislation as essential for achieving key components of his domestic policy agenda, including significant changes to immigration and tax policy.
Just yesterday, three committees finalized their segments of the bill, which propose extending the 2017 tax cuts, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and making cuts to the Medicaid program and the food assistance program known as SNAP. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson faces the challenge of uniting his party to secure the narrow majority required for passage, especially as many Senate Republicans are already dismissing the bill before it even reaches the Senate.
Tomorrow, the budget committee is set to convene to consolidate all the approved bills, followed by a vote from House leadership next week. The Freedom Caucus has expressed resistance to the proposed measures, arguing they lack sufficient plans for deficit reduction and that changes to Medicaid work requirements will not be implemented quickly enough. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that approximately 8.6 million individuals enrolled in Medicaid could lose their coverage as a result of the proposed changes.
In an unexpected move, Trump's announcement to lift sanctions against Syria has raised eyebrows in Israel. Historically, Syria has been viewed as an adversary by Israel, but Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed a desire for peaceful relations, stating that the country wants no trouble with Israel. During Trump's ongoing trip to the Middle East, he has been vocal about his approach to Syria.
NPR's Hadeel Al-Shalchi reported that Damascus Governor Maher Marwan emphasized Syria's aspiration for peace, indicating that it cannot afford to be an opponent to Israel or any other nation. However, Israeli media have conveyed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Trump to reconsider lifting sanctions, as Israel perceives Sharaa and his regime as threats that necessitate defensive measures.
In a substantial move, Congressional Republicans are seeking to implement one of the most significant reforms to the federal student loan program in history. This proposed overhaul, included in their reconciliation package, aims to significantly impact millions of borrowers across the country.
The new plan would eliminate most current student loan repayment options and establish a single repayment plan for future borrowers, with terms ranging from 10 to 25 years based on the total debt amount. Monthly payments would be calculated by dividing the total owed, including interest, into equal installments.
While current borrowers would not be eligible for this new repayment plan, they can still utilize older options, which vary from standard repayment plans lasting from 10 to 30 years. The Republicans are also introducing a Repayment Assistance Plan for both future and current borrowers, allowing payments to be based on total adjusted gross income. This plan would also waive any remaining interest after a borrower makes their payment, preventing loan amounts from increasing over time.
Maintaining adult friendships can become challenging once children enter the picture. Parents often worry that their child-free friends may not be interested in their new lifestyle, while those without children might assume that parents are too busy or exhausted to socialize.
Life Kit offers an illustrated guide packed with strategies to strengthen friendships during this transition. It encourages parents to be mindful of the balance of conversation topics during gatherings to ensure that no one feels excluded. Flexibility is key; consider organizing activities that can include children, such as chores or errands.
Open communication is essential as well. Don’t shy away from discussing your feelings about the changes in your life, as these conversations can either fortify your relationships or reveal shifts in your connections. For more insights on nurturing friendships after becoming a parent, listen to this episode of NPR's Life Kit.
A viral post on Reddit inspired hundreds in San Francisco to embark on a quest for hidden treasure, with the prize being around $10,000 worth of gold, currency, and historic artifacts.
In another story, a man who experienced psychosis believed he was a sleeper agent for the U.S. government with a mission on the moon. His boss played a crucial role in getting him the psychiatric treatment he needed after he exhibited concerning behavior.
Finally, a recent study highlights that nearly 19 million children in the U.S. live in households with at least one parent struggling with a substance use disorder.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
