#### Trump's NRA Address
**Point 1**: Former President Donald Trump criticized President Biden, calling for a drug test ahead of debates and labeling him as "high as a kite" during his State of the Union address, while also urging NRA members to vote in the upcoming election. [foxnews.com, thehill.com]
**Point 2**: Trump endorsed by the NRA, highlighted the importance of gun owners' votes, claiming their turnout could significantly influence election results, and attacked Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as "radical left". [foxnews.com, thehill.com]

#### NRA's Internal Struggles and External Reactions
**Point 1**: The NRA faces internal challenges following a corruption verdict, with reform candidates pushing for leadership changes. Despite this, the organization maintains its political and financial influence. [thereload.com, madison.com]
**Point 2**: Outside the NRA meeting, about 150 protesters rallied for stricter gun regulations, highlighting the NRA's role in opposition to legislative changes aimed at addressing gun violence. [wfaa.com]

Trump Rallies NRA Amid Leadership Turmoil and Public Protests

#### The Aftermath
**Point 1**: A violent storm, described as a derecho, hit Houston and the Gulf Coast, causing extensive damage, including at least five deaths and leaving over 600,000 without power. [abcnews.go.com]  
**Point 2**: The destruction led to the closure of schools, with significant damage reported in some districts. Efforts are underway to restore power and assess school conditions for reopening. [khou.com, click2houston.com]

#### Response and Recovery
**Point 1**: The White House declared the storm a "major disaster," enabling federal aid. FEMA is coordinating recovery operations in the affected areas. [abcnews.go.com]  
**Point 2**: Amid the chaos, community members and officials are working to support those most affected, including vulnerable residents with critical health needs, highlighting the challenges faced in the disaster's aftermath. [fox26houston.com]

*Note: For continuous updates on power restoration and school reopenings, residents are encouraged to refer to official communications from relevant authorities and districts.*

Major Storm Ravages Houston, Declared a "Major Disaster"

#### The Flag Incident
**Point 1**: An upside-down American flag, associated with the "Stop the Steal" movement, was flown outside Justice Samuel Alito's Virginia home in January 2021, a gesture his wife made in response to a neighbor's offensive language. [foxnews.com, nationalreview.com, theguardian.com]
**Point 2**: Justice Alito and his wife were embroiled in a dispute with neighbors over a "F--- Trump" sign near a children's bus stop, escalating to personal attacks and culminating in the flag display. [foxnews.com, nationalreview.com]

#### Reactions and Implications
**Point 1**: The incident has sparked calls for Alito's recusal from cases related to the 2020 election, with critics alleging it casts doubt on his impartiality, especially as the Supreme Court considers Trump's immunity in election-related matters. [cnbc.com, foxnews.com]
**Point 2**: Amidst the flag controversy, the Supreme Court faces heightened scrutiny over its role in the 2024 election and ethical concerns, with some questioning the impact on public trust and the court's ability to rule impartially on key election issues. [theguardian.com, winchesterstar.com, cnbc.com]

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Addresses Controversy Over Upside-Down Flag

#### Shifts in Voter Support
**Point 1**: President Biden's hold on Georgia is slipping, with recent polls indicating former President Trump leads, fueled by diminishing support among Black, people of color, and younger voters. [dailymail.co.uk, ajc.com]
**Point 2**: Complications arise from Biden's handling of the war in Gaza, with many young Black and brown voters expressing frustration and disillusionment, potentially impacting their support. [knau.org, ajc.com]

#### Campaign Responses and Concerns
**Point 1**: Biden and his campaign are actively working to appeal to the coalition that secured his 2020 victory, emphasizing the threat Trump poses to democracy and the importance of voter turnout. [thehill.com, ajc.com]
**Point 2**: Concerns over voter enthusiasm and turnout are high, with some sectors feeling disillusioned by Biden's policies on issues like Gaza and housing costs, while others point to successful achievements not effectively communicated. [dailymail.co.uk, ft.com]

Biden Faces Uphill Battle to Retain Georgia Amid Changing Dynamics

#### Indictment and Service
**Point 1**: Rudy Giuliani, former attorney to President Donald Trump, was served with an indictment in relation to the 2020 election results overturn attempt in Arizona at his 80th birthday party in Palm Beach, Florida. [washingtontimes.com, dailymail.co.uk, cnn.com, lawandcrime.com, newsnationnow.com]
**Point 2**: Arizona officials, including Attorney General Kris Mayes, confirmed the service, emphasizing that "nobody is above the law." The indictment alleges Giuliani's involvement in a scheme to alter election results. [washingtontimes.com, dailymail.co.uk, cnn.com, lawandcrime.com, newsnationnow.com]

#### Responses and Legal Context
**Point 1**: Giuliani's taunting social media posts, claiming evasion until a certain deadline, were followed by his service with the indictment, a move officials depicted as ensuring accountability. [washingtontimes.com, dailymail.co.uk, cnn.com, lawandcrime.com, newsnationnow.com]
**Point 2**: This event marks a significant development in a broader legal battle involving nearly 20 individuals, including prominent Trump allies, accused of election interference in Arizona specifically and reflects ongoing legal challenges related to the 2020 election. [washingtontimes.com, dailymail.co.uk, cnn.com, benzinga.com, lawandcrime.com]

Giuliani Served Indictment at Palm Beach Birthday Bash Amidst Arizona Election Case

#### Pre-Event Tensions
**Point 1**: President Joe Biden's upcoming commencement speech at Morehouse College has sparked mixed reactions, with some students and faculty expressing discontent over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Protests and demands to rescind the invitation have highlighted the divide. [washingtontimes.com, gpb.org, fox5atlanta.com]
**Point 2**: Morehouse College President David Thomas and White House official Steve Benjamin met with students and faculty to address concerns, emphasizing dialogue and downplaying fears of disruption. Despite the controversy, the speech was never considered for cancellation. [washingtontimes.com, thegrio.com]

#### Political and Social Context
**Point 1**: The event reflects broader challenges for Biden with key demographics, such as Black voters and younger generations, amid criticisms of his Middle East policy. These tensions underscore a need for the administration to address evolving perspectives within its support base. [gpb.org, marketwatch.com]
**Point 2**: Amidst the backdrop of international and domestic political implications, the controversy has not led to the cancellation of the speech. Instead, it has become an opportunity for engagement and reflection on complex issues facing the nation, including the Biden administration's efforts to appeal to diverse voter groups. [fox5atlanta.com, marketwatch.com]

Biden Addresses Morehouse College Amid Controversy

#### Initial Sentence and Reactions
**Point 1**: David DePape, convicted for the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, received a 30-year prison sentence for assault and attempted kidnapping, with no additional terrorism charges applied. [foxnews.com, wsj.com, bbc.com]
**Point 2**: Prosecutors had sought a 40-year sentence, emphasizing DePape's lack of remorse and the need for deterrence against political violence, a proposal that was not fully adopted by the court. [nypost.com, kron4.com, wsj.com]

#### Legal Developments and Family Statements
**Point 1**: A federal judge granted a motion to reopen DePape's sentencing due to his not being given an opportunity to speak, with the hearing set for May 28. This follows a procedural error where DePape was not asked if he wished to make a statement. [cnn.com, kqed.org]
**Point 2**: The Pelosi family, in their victim impact statements, expressed the ongoing trauma and physical effects of the attack on Paul Pelosi, advocating for a "very long" sentence as a form of justice and deterrence. [foxnews.com, bbc.com, wsj.com]

David DePape Sentenced to 30 Years for Pelosi Attack, New Sentencing Hearing Ordered

#### Committee Chaos and Personal Attacks
**Point 1**: A House Oversight Committee hearing devolved into chaos with personal attacks, notably when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked Rep. Jasmine Crockett's appearance, leading to a heated exchange. [nbcnews.com, cbsnews.com]
**Point 2**: The altercation extended to include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who defended Crockett and herself became a target of Greene's comments, escalating the confrontation. [foxnews.com, nypost.com]

#### Response and Fallout
**Point 1**: Crockett announced a "Crockett Clapback Collection" of T-shirts, capitalizing on her viral insult towards Greene but faced criticism for misspelling her name on the merch. [foxnews.com, nypost.com]
**Point 2**: The incident drew widespread attention and condemnation, with calls for more decorum in Congress and some critics questioning the suitability of the involved representatives for office. [foxnews.com, newsweek.com, ktvb.com]

Tensions Escalate in Congress Following Feud and Merchandise Announcement

#### Arrests and Charges
**Point 1**: Nineteen individuals, including six University of Pennsylvania students, were arrested for attempting to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall. Seven face felony charges, one for assaulting an officer. [newsmax.com, foxnews.com, cbsnews.com, timesofisrael.com, upi.com]
**Point 2**: The protests follow a pattern of anti-Israel demonstrations, demanding universities divest from companies linked to Israel. Similar actions were reported at the University of Chicago. [newsmax.com, cbsnews.com, upi.com]

#### Broader Context and Responses
**Point 1**: The University of Pennsylvania and other institutions have been navigating how to address these protests, balancing student activism with campus security and operations. [newsmax.com, timesofisrael.com]
**Point 2**: The demonstrations are part of a larger movement spanning across the U.S. and to other countries, highlighting tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict and calls for university divestment. [newsmax.com, whyy.org]

Pro-Palestinian Protests Escalate on U.S. College Campuses

#### Fond Remembrances
**Point 1**: Alice Stewart, renowned for her work on GOP campaigns and as a CNN commentator, was found deceased in Fairfax County, Virginia. Law enforcement suspects no foul play, attributing her death to a medical emergency. [dallasexpress.com, timesnownews.com, washingtonpost.com, nydailynews.com, thehill.com, nzherald.co.nz]
**Point 2**: Colleagues and public figures, including CNN CEO Mark Thompson, Senator Ted Cruz, and CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, expressed deep sorrow over Stewart's sudden death, highlighting her political insight and unwavering kindness. [dallasexpress.com, timesnownews.com, washingtonpost.com, nydailynews.com, thehill.com, nzherald.co.nz]

#### Career and Contributions
**Point 1**: Stewart's career spanned from local reporting to key roles in several GOP presidential campaigns, including communications director for Ted Cruz's 2016 bid. She joined CNN as a political commentator in 2016. [dallasexpress.com, washingtonpost.com, nydailynews.com, thehill.com, nzherald.co.nz]
**Point 2**: Known for her ability to offer a conservative perspective as an independent thinker, Stewart's impact extended to co-hosting a political podcast and serving on the senior advisory committee at Harvard University's Institute of Politics. [nzherald.co.nz, dallasexpress.com]

CNN Commentator Alice Stewart Passes Away at 58

#### Preparations and Process
**Point 1**: The Dali cargo ship, trapped in the Patapsco River since colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, is scheduled to be refloated and moved to a Baltimore marine terminal on Monday, primarily to Seagirt Terminal. [wjla.com, cnn.com, baltimoresun.com]
**Point 2**: The refloating operation involves clearing obstructions, securing the ship with tugboats, and is timed to coincide with high tide. It's a meticulous process expected to take about three hours. [wjla.com, cnn.com]

#### Implications and Investigations
**Point 1**: The incident, which led to the collapse of the bridge and the deaths of six workers, has prompted extensive salvage and investigation efforts involving the FBI, US Coast Guard, and more. [cnn.com, nbcnews.com]
**Point 2**: Maryland's Attorney General seeks authorization to hire law firms for anticipated legal battles, including potential lawsuits against the ship's owner and other parties involved in ship operations. [marylandreporter.com]

Dali Cargo Ship Set to Refloat and Move to Baltimore Terminal After Key Bridge Incident

#### Debate Arrangements and Responses
**Point 1**: Despite President Biden and former President Trump agreeing to two early debates scheduled for June and September, Biden's team has rejected the idea of additional debates, insisting on keeping the previously agreed upon two as the only matchups for the 2024 presidential election. [nypost.com]
**Point 2**: Trump, on the other hand, has expressed a desire for more debates, announcing an acceptance of a proposed fourth debate against Biden on NBC and Telemundo, specifically aiming to engage with the Hispanic community. However, this additional debate has not been confirmed by the network, nor has Biden publicly responded to the invitation. [nypost.com, forbes.com]

#### Campaign and Public Reactions
**Point 1**: The decision to forego the traditional debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates and opt for earlier, network-organized debates has sparked criticism, with the co-chair of the Commission blaming two top Biden advisers for the shift away from the longstanding debate structure. [thehill.com]
**Point 2**: Public and political figures, including George Conway and Bill Maher, have weighed in on the upcoming debates, with Maher expressing skepticism about Biden's electoral success and Conway advising Biden to approach Trump's debating style with humor, considering him a "nut job." [foxnews.com, nj.com]

Biden and Trump Set for Early 2024 Debates Amid Controversy and Additional Debate Requests

#### Honoring a Fallen Hero
**Point 1**: Senior Airman Roger Fortson, killed in a deputy-involved shooting, was remembered for his service and character at a funeral in Stonecrest, GA, attended by hundreds including Air Force members and civil rights leaders. [seattletimes.com, military.com]
**Point 2**: Col. Patrick Dierig praised Fortson's pre-Air Force qualities, emphasizing how the military "merely polished a diamond" in his eulogy, highlighting Fortson's commitment to core values. [weartv.com, military.com]

#### Calls for Justice and Community Response
**Point 1**: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson's family, characterized the shooting as unjust and called for accountability, contrasting with the sheriff's office's claim of self-defense. [foxnews.com, newsweek.com]
**Point 2**: Community activists and Fortson's family continue to demand answers, with specific concerns over racially biased policing and the handling of the case by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and the FDLE. [pnj.com, abcnews.go.com]

Tributes and Investigations Surround Airman Roger Fortson's Funeral

#### Budget Revisions and Deficit Size
**Point 1**: Gov. Gavin Newsom's May Revise unveils plans to tackle a $27.6 billion deficit, including cuts to over 10,000 government jobs and state operations, without new taxes. [signalscv.com, foxnews.com, mercurynews.com]
**Point 2**: However, criticism arises from both sides of the aisle, with some legislators calling the deficit larger, estimated at nearly $74 billion, and labeling the budget as relying on "tricks and gimmicks". [foxnews.com, presstelegram.com]

#### Education Funding and Proposition 98
**Point 1**: Newsom's budget proposes adjustments to baseline school funding, sparking controversy and claims of the plan being unconstitutional by educational leaders, potentially leading to litigation. [mercurynews.com, abc7.com, kcra.com]
**Point 2**: The proposed $8.8 billion adjustment in school funding for the 2022-23 fiscal year is contested as a manipulation of Proposition 98, which guarantees minimum funding for schools under California law. [mercurynews.com, abc7.com, kcra.com]

#### Legislative Analysts' Office and Future Perspectives
**Point 1**: The Legislative Analyst's Office projects a larger budget gap than Newsom's administration, estimating a $55 billion shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing the need for careful budget deliberations. [sacbee.com, kcra.com]
**Point 2**: Despite differing initial estimates, recent reports suggest a converging understanding between the administration and the Legislative Analyst's Office on California's fiscal challenges, highlighting the complexity of revenue projections in the state. [sacbee.com, kcra.com]

Newsom Faces Criticism Over California's Growing Budget Deficit and Proposed Cuts

#### Courtroom Dramas Unfold
**Point 1**: Former President Donald Trump and Senator Bob Menendez are separately on trial in adjacent Manhattan courthouses, with Trump facing charges related to hush money payments and Menendez accused of bribery and corruption. [foxnews.com, nytimes.com]
**Point 2**: Trump's trial, a spectacle drawing public and political figures, focuses on allegations of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, with high public interest evidenced by long queues and reported payments for line standing. [mynorthwest.com, mediaite.com, newsweek.com, the-sun.com]

#### Public and Political Reactions
**Point 1**: The proximity of the two trials highlights the contrast in public and political attention, with Trump's trial overshadowing Menendez's despite both cases involving significant political figures and accusations. [foxnews.com, nytimes.com]
**Point 2**: Republican lawmakers have notably attended Trump's trial, expressing support, while the trials' simultaneous occurrence has led to an unusual intersection of public fascination and political strategy. [foxnews.com, newsweek.com]

US News

MAY. 19, 2024

Trump Rallies NRA Amid Leadership Turmoil and Public Protests

Former President Donald Trump criticized President Biden, calling for a drug test ahead of debates and labeling him as "high as a kite" during his State of the Union address, while also urging NRA members to vote in the upcoming election...

Updated 2 hours ago

Trump Rallies NRA Amid Leadership Turmoil and Public Protests

Former President Donald Trump criticized President Biden, calling for a drug test ahead of debates and labeling him as "high as a kite" during his State of the Union address, while also urging NRA members to vote in the upcoming election...

Major Storm Ravages Houston, Declared a "Major Disaster"

A violent storm, described as a derecho, hit Houston and the Gulf Coast, causing extensive damage, including at least five deaths and leaving over 600,000 without power...

Updated 2 hours ago

Major Storm Ravages Houston, Declared a "Major Disaster"

A violent storm, described as a derecho, hit Houston and the Gulf Coast, causing extensive damage, including at least five deaths and leaving over 600,000 without power...

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Addresses Controversy Over Upside-Down Flag

An upside-down American flag, associated with the "Stop the Steal" movement, was flown outside Justice Samuel Alito's Virginia home in January 2021, a gesture his wife made in response to a neighbor's offensive language...

Updated 2 hours ago

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Addresses Controversy Over Upside-Down Flag

An upside-down American flag, associated with the "Stop the Steal" movement, was flown outside Justice Samuel Alito's Virginia home in January 2021, a gesture his wife made in response to a neighbor's offensive language...

Biden Faces Uphill Battle to Retain Georgia Amid Changing Dynamics

Giuliani Served Indictment at Palm Beach Birthday Bash Amidst Arizona Election Case

Biden Addresses Morehouse College Amid Controversy

David DePape Sentenced to 30 Years for Pelosi Attack, New Sentencing Hearing Ordered

Tensions Escalate in Congress Following Feud and Merchandise Announcement

Pro-Palestinian Protests Escalate on U.S. College Campuses

CNN Commentator Alice Stewart Passes Away at 58

Dali Cargo Ship Set to Refloat and Move to Baltimore Terminal After Key Bridge Incident

Biden and Trump Set for Early 2024 Debates Amid Controversy and Additional Debate Requests

Tributes and Investigations Surround Airman Roger Fortson's Funeral

Newsom Faces Criticism Over California's Growing Budget Deficit and Proposed Cuts

Trump and Menendez Trials Converge in New York City