Monday, May 19, 2025

Politics

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, dismissed Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade as a “lagging indicator” and blamed the Biden administration’s past spending for the rising debt that prompted it. (See Details)

 Also on Meet the Press, former Vice President Mike Pence said that President Trump’s proposed tariffs would be the largest peacetime tax increase in U.S. history and would raise costs for American consumers. (More)

Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday he expects a “successful” call between Trump and Putin today ending the war in Ukraine. (See Details)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed a U.S. intelligence assessment that Venezuela’s government doesn’t control the Tren de Aragua gang, insisting instead that the regime exports and cooperates with the group. (More)

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Somalia is facing a devastating combination of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks. And now, children are wasting away from malnutrition, crying themselves to sleep from the sharp hunger pains in their bellies…

The situation in Somalia is desperate. People are dying. You might not have known that. There are no news crews there. Yet, it’s one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world today. Millions are at risk of starvation, as the fragile nation teeters on the brink of another famine… But you can help.

Christian humanitarian organization World Concern is present in Somalia and in the hardest-hit areas around the globe, providing urgently needed food, water, and emergency supplies to families in need in Somalia and in the 9 other countries where World Concern works.

Your gift now helps a family in desperate need.

Sports

Scottie Scheffler captured his third major title Sunday with a five-shot victory at the PGA Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. The world No. 1 battled early pressure from Jon Rahm and a brief tie at the turn, but regained control with steady play on Quail Hollow’s back nine, finishing with an even-par 71. (More)

Journalism, the racehorse, took home the 150th Preakness Stakes after falling behind by as many as five lengths early in the race. (See Video)

Philadelphia Phillies star reliever Jose Alvarado has been handed an 80-game suspension from MLB for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. (More)

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese reignited their rivalry on Saturday when Clark’s foul on Reese led to a verbal altercation. Clark’s Indiana Fever went on to win the game in blowout fashion, 93-58. (See Altercation)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | WNBA | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | NASCAR | F1

Finance

Tech giants OpenAI and Oracle are helping the United Arab Emirates develop what may become the world’s largest data center, covering 10 square miles and using about as much power as five nuclear reactors. (More)

➤ The guest list for President Trump’s private dinner for top $TRUMP meme coin holders has been finalized. While top holders are effectively anonymous, expert analysis suggests that 19 of the top 25 operate outside of the U.S. (See Details)

Ziploc and Newell Brands (the maker of Rubbermaid) are both under new class action lawsuits alleging their plastic containers can release harmful microplastics into food. (More)

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Car insurance costs to hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to hit $2,101 in 2025, overpaying isn’t an option. Switching providers could save you $1,300 yearly–don’t leave it on the table. View Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save. SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

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Somalia faces a crisis from natural disasters, conflict, poverty, and disease. The worst drought in 40 years devastated crops and livestock, while food imports from Russia and Ukraine were halted. Two in five Somali children now suffer from acute malnutrition. Christian humanitarian organization World Concern is present in Somalia and in the hardest-hit areas around the globe, providing urgently needed food, water, and emergency supplies to families in need in Somalia and in the 9 other countries where World Concern works.

Your generous gift today will deliver:
• Emergency nutripackets for malnourished children
• Food vouchers so families can eat immediately
• Water trucked to remote areas and delivered to thirsty families
• Hygiene supplies—soap, buckets, and more, to protect weakened bodies from disease

Give now!

Science & Technology

➤ Scientists say natural hydrogen trapped underground could power the planet for 170,000 years, offering a massive clean energy source if it can be economically extracted. (More)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a blood test that could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, allowing for more effective treatment plans through early detection. (See Details)

A bird expert advises what to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest: If it’s a featherless nestling, put it back in its nest if you can. If it’s a feathered fledgling, leave it alone. (More)

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After a 10-week blockade, Israel says it will allow a “basic amount of food” into Gaza to prevent a starvation crisis. Talks in Qatar to release 58 remaining hostages are deadlocked, with Hamas demanding a permanent cease-fire in exchange, something Israeli leaders have so far rejected. (More)

➤ Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, officially began his papacy Sunday with an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by 150,000 people, including world leaders and pilgrims. (See Photos)

Austrian singer JJ took home the title at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland. With eccentric themes, cross-continental flair, and plenty of glitter, Eurovision once again delivered spectacle and surprise. (Watch Video)

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➤ I don’t mean to alarm you, but if you have hearing problems, you need to see these shocking brain scans. Doctors were stunned by the brain damage caused after just one month of hearing loss. The good news? It’s not permanent and can be reversed—if you act now. Watch this short video to discover the surprising way to restore your hearing health.

Et Cetera

➤ Newly released footage shows New Jersey state troopers reacting to a major sinkhole that opened along Interstate 80 near Wharton the day after Christmas 2024. Officials now say two lanes could reopen by May 21, with the full highway expected back in service by June 25. (Watch Footage)

➤ An elementary student in England caused a school evacuation on Friday after bringing a World War II hand grenade to show-and-tell. (See Details)

➤ Nicole F. Aiello, who scored a U.K. No. 1 hit in 2004 as Frankee has spent the past eight years working as an NYPD officer in Staten Island’s 121st Precinct. (More)

Poll Position

Will you try Nutella Peanut?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Only at 3 a.m.
 

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you do crossword puzzles?

  1. Yes: 36%
  2. No: 49%
  3. I prefer Sudoku: 15%

Quote BoxDaily Quote

Quote

“I’m dumbfounded. It could lose power and drift. So the question is just how fast were they going. But why didn’t they use a rudder one way or another? One of the first things I would have done is drop my anchor or anchors.”

—  Retired navy Capt. Alfred S. McLaren on the Mexican navy ship Cuauhtémoc crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge

TriviaToday’s Trivia

What event inspired the creation of Nutella? 

Show me the answer

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