Good morning, it's Saturday, May 30, and a teenager this week spelled 32 words in 90 seconds to win the national spelling bee, which is as wild as it sounds.
Also in today's Digest: a Blue Origin rocket explosion (Quick Hits), a fateful surprise for adopted twin sisters (Humankind), the hidden superpower of pigeons (Etc.), and much more.
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A federal judge yesterday blocked key parts of President Donald Trump's plan for the Kennedy Center, ordering the removal of his name from the building within two weeks and halting its planned two-year closure for renovations.
The ruling found the center's board exceeded its authority when it voted to rename the venue and approve the shutdown, noting only Congress can officially rename federally established institutions. The judge also said the board failed to deliberate properly before approving the changes. The closure was set to begin in July as part of a $257M renovation plan; Trump has argued the building is outdated. Officials involved in the project are expected to appeal the ruling.
The Kennedy Center was conceived in the 1950s as a bipartisan effort to build a national cultural center and was later nurtured by President John F. Kennedy, who helped raise funds, including through a televised gala featuring then-7-year-old cellist Yo-Yo Ma (watch archival footage). The project was completed after JFK's assassination in 1963 and was renamed in his honor before opening in 1971. |
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Federal judge temporarily blocks anti-weaponization fund.
The $1.77B fund was proposed by the Trump administration, with the stated justification of compensating individuals who were unfairly targeted by the federal government. The money is drawn from the Justice Department's Judgment Fund, which is typically used to settle lawsuits, but the specific use has drawn bipartisan criticism from Congress. |
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before Congress.
Ousted in April by President Donald Trump, reportedly in part over frustration with her handling of the Epstein files, Bondi fielded questions yesterday on the department's handling of material related to the deceased sex criminal. Reports from the transcribed interview suggest Bondi largely placed the responsibility on current acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. |
Blue Origin rocket explodes on launchpad.
The New Glenn rocket, which malfunctioned during a "hot fire" engine test, was expected to deploy the latest batch of satellites for Amazon Leo, the space-based internet service. Watch the explosion here. |
Spinosaurus likely "cried" salty tears.
Paleontologists discovered evidence the predatory theropod, which hunted in brackish waters roughly 100 million years ago, had specialized tear glands that helped remove salt from the creature's bloodstream. |
... also, see a recreation of a Spinosaurus on the hunt (More, w/video). |
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Soldier returns home early to surprise his sister during a prom photo shoot. (More, w/video) |
Two friends sustain yearslong bond through handwritten letters, showing how to keep friendships alive across distance and time. (More) |
Adopted twin sisters return lost photo booth pictures at a mall, then discover the strangers in the photos are their birth mother and aunt. (More) |
After surviving a stroke, an Iowa barber offers customers free blood pressure screenings with every haircut. (More, w/video) |
Making children laugh can strengthen their brains, boost stress resilience, and improve learning and emotional regulation. (More) |
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In partnership with Fisher Investments |
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Dear readers—We're taking an intermission next month to feature stories about dads and fatherhood. Share a memory, lesson, or note of gratitude here for a chance to be featured. In the meantime, enjoy a sampling of submissions about mothers. |
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"During my teen years in the '60s and '70s, my mom and I butted heads over many things. We were both strong women, after all. She used to say I always asked 'Why?' to everything. But in the end, we became best friends! She encouraged me to think for myself (don't just follow the crowd); to learn how to do things myself, rather than hire someone ('THAT'S how you make money!'); to stand up for myself and what I believed in! And kindness. These lessons have served me well over the years." |
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— Mari H. in San José, Costa Rica |
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"I never saw my mother get angry or raise her voice. Twice, when grocery shopping and different cashiers were being disrespectful to customers, my mother said, with her usual kindness, 'Honey, are you having a bad day?' Each time, the cashier apologized for their behavior and had a smile and kind words when we left." |
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— Steven V. in Paso Robles, California |
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"My mother was what they all called a doozy. A little wild and a lot of fun, and loved to talk to everyone. She wore hats every day for her last 40 years or so, all decorated with her favorite silk flowers. After her stroke, to get her spirits up, I asked her to decorate some hats for the nursing home ladies for Mother's Day. She was the belle of the ball, handing them all out. Now, every year, in her honor, my chapter of Red Hat sisters collects hats from local thrift stores, and gets together and does the same for a nursing home in our community." |
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— Candace W. in Port St. Lucie, Florida |
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"My mom made me an Easter basket every year until I was 49 years old. When I turned 50, I was expecting an Easter basket, as I had gotten every year since childhood. But nooo! I did not get one! So, I called her and said, 'Mom, where's my Easter basket? Did you forget?' She says, 'No, you are just wayyy too old for an Easter basket now.' My response was, 'Couldn't you at least wait until I was 50!' We both laughed so hard we were in tears. I plan on giving my grandchildren one until they're 50!" |
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— Billie J. in Atlanta, Georgia |
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The 1440 Explores Podcast |
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🎥 Tired of doomscrolling? "1440 Explores" is your antidote. Our flagship podcast—hosted by 1440 Editor-in-Chief Sony Kassam—dives into the people, ideas, and systems shaping the world. Here are a few listener-favorite episodes on YouTube: |
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> How the US presidency became so powerful and why it keeps growing (More) |
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> Silicon Valley's origin story and the contradictions behind it (More) |
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> The power couple who helped create the cellphone and wireless world (More) |
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"Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers." |
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