SCOTUS upholds birthright citizenship. And, key results from Colorado's primaries
The Supreme Court yesterday upheld the long-established right to automatic American citizenship for children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status. The high court's decision rejects President Trump's most aggressive efforts to limit immigration in the United States. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, traced the origins of birthright citizenship back to the nation's founding. Roberts said that just as the colonists demanded "the rights of Englishmen" more than 250 years ago, Congress amended the Constitution after the Civil War to ensure automatic citizenship for any child born on U.S. soil. The ruling passed with a 6-to-3 vote. Altogether, five justices signed onto Roberts' majority opinion, while a sixth, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, said he would have struck down Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship based on a 1952 law, but left open the possibility of Congress putting limits on babies born to people who are in the U.S. illegally or on temporary visas. Justice Clarence Thomas authored the lead dissent, a 91-page document agreeing with Trump's assertion that the 14th Amendment only applies to former slaves and their descendants.
The U.S. Supreme Court Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images hide caption
Yesterday's primary elections in Colorado resulted in several upsets. A Democratic senator lost his bid for governor, and progressive candidate Manny Rutinel advanced to the November showdown for a House seat currently held by a Republican. That House race, between two Latino candidates, could play a crucial role in determining whether Democrats gain control of the chamber in the midterm elections. In Denver, voters picked 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros as the Democratic nominee over longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the state's 1st Congressional District. The victory continues the momentum for the Democratic Socialists of America. Last week, DSA-backed candidates won two New York primaries and several state assembly races. They also advanced to the November mayoral elections in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Take a look at Colorado's primary results.
A massive heat wave is pushing temperatures into the triple digits across much of the eastern United States, just as the crucial knockout rounds of the World Cup begin. Some areas are expected to set new heat records. In these rounds, a single loss means elimination for a team. An NPR analysis finds that this situation was predictable, as past weather patterns show that over one-third of the tournament's matches are at high risk of dangerous heat and humidity.
MIDDLETOWN, CT - MAY 27: Students toss their hats in the air at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony on May 27, 2018 at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Law professor Anita Hill spoke at the ceremony. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images hide caption
Today, after two decades, graduate students will no longer be able to take out unlimited federal student loans to cover the full cost of their education. The Trump administration is now capping graduate school loans for many students at $20,500 per year and a total of $100,000. Although a federal court has temporarily blocked a small part of this plan, the U.S. Education Department confirmed to NPR that the loan limits will begin on July 1. Republicans used last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act to eliminate the Grad PLUS program and limit graduate loan amounts. They reasoned that borrowers would opt for cheaper programs, prompting more expensive schools to lower their prices to stay competitive. But is that reasoning sound? Here's what the research shows:
Dogs might enjoy participating in daytime activities for July 4th — like this dog named Charlie, decked out for a parade in Salisbury, Mass., in 2024. But when fireworks start, veterinarians say it's time to keep pets inside and away from loud startling noises. Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
The July Fourth fireworks are expected to be larger than ever this year, not just in the U.S. capital but across the country as part of the celebration for America's 250th birthday. Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says that dogs and cats can hear and feel fireworks from four times farther away than humans can. Here are some tips for pet owners to help their animals cope with the loud explosions and bright flashes.
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