House lawmakers are debating President Trump's tax cut legislation, the centerpiece of his economic agenda, aiming for approval by Thursday. The bill renews the 2017 tax cuts and includes new benefits like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay.

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis reportedly suggests Trump's proposed bill ("One Big Beautiful Bill Act") would be "More Beautiful for Top 10%" of households in terms of changes to household resources compared to the bottom 10%.

Legal Developments: Supreme Court Ruling on Alien Enemies Act, The Court did not rule on whether the government can invoke the AEA itself, but on the due process afforded to detainees.

Elon Musk's Stated Reduction in Political Spending

The Department of Justice settled a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, killed during the January 6th insurrection while breaching the Capitol, for $5 million.

Pittsburgh Mayoral Primary: A centrist Democrat, Bill Peduto (incumbent) was defeated by a more moderate candidate, O'Connor, by a 53% to 47% margin.

A centrist candidate, Nicușor Dan, won the runoff election with 53.6% of the vote, defeating a "far-right populist" George Simion (46.4%).

ICE Arrests of Public Officials: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on May 9 outside an ICE detention center and charged with trespassing after attempting to inspect the facility with three Democratic members of Congress from New Jersey: Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez.

Wisconsin Superior Court judge Hannah Dugan pleaded not guilty to charges of obstructing an official proceeding and concealing a person from arrest, stemming from allegedly helping a defendant leave the courthouse through a specific door.

John Yoo stated there is "no justification" for invoking the Alien Enemies Act without Congressional ratification and court approval.

Current Debt-to-GDP Ratio: As of May 2025, the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 122%, a level last seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and approaching the World War II peak of 126% in 2020

Post-WWII: The ratio peaked at 106% in 1946 but significantly decreased to 32% by 1974 due to "economic growth and fiscal discipline."

The past few days have been marked by a mix of dramatic political maneuvering from the Trump administration, notable legal developments, and a significant religious event with the election of a new Pope. The Trump administration continues to engage in actions perceived as performative and lacking substantive planning, particularly regarding trade and immigration. Legal challenges and appointments also reflect ongoing political battles. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church elected an American Pope with a background and perceived theological leanings that are generating considerable discussion and contrasting reactions.

the Trump administration's tendency towards dramatic announcements and initiatives that appear to lack detailed planning or significant real-world impact.

Trade Deal Announcement:

Surgeon General Nomination Changes:

$1,000 Self-Deportation Incentive:

Republican Efforts to Indoctrinate Through Education:

Legal Battles and Political Influence on Institutions:

Election of Pope Leo XIV: An American Pope with a Contrasting Profile

The Concept of Malicious Compliance in Education