The US Supreme Court is divided over birthright citizenship, with justices debating how lower courts should handle President Trump’s executive order on the issue. The order states that children born in the US to parents who entered the country illegally or on a temporary visa are not entitled to automatic citizenship. Lower courts have found the order to be unconstitutional.
The court heard arguments from Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who argued that the 14th Amendment has been misinterpreted for over 127 years and only applies to former slaves. Justice Brett Kavanaugh pressed Sauer with practical questions, including how states would handle newborns in such cases.
Some justices have criticized Sauer’s argument, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson calling it a “catch me if you can kind of regime.” The debate highlights the complexities of citizenship laws and the tension between state and federal authority.
Meanwhile, President Trump has returned to Washington after a four-day trip through the Persian Gulf region. He struck business deals and was treated like royalty by leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
In other news, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial continued with testimony from witnesses and alleged victims. His ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura testified that their relationship was marked by violence and blackmail.
A new series on menopause is being highlighted as Generation X and millennials are shaking off the stigma surrounding the topic. The Menopause Society offers an online database of doctors trained in treating menopause and perimenopause.
In entertainment news, Apple TV+’s Murderbot debuts today, starring Alexander Skarsgård, and a new book by humorist Dave Barry was released this week. Tomorrow is the grand finale of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, celebrating melody, rhythm, and fabulousness.
Finally, three things to know before you go: Harvard University has identified an old copy of the Magna Carta as authentic, Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to acquire Foot Locker for $2.4 billion, and Smokey Robinson is under investigation for multiple sexual assaults.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/16/g-s1-67061/up-first-newsletter-birthright-citizenship-trump-persian-gulf-gaza-diddy-cassie