The Affordable Healthcare Act begins its first round of Supreme Court oral arguments; U.S. stocks bounce back after big falls earlier in the week; Trayvon Martin’s parents and thousands of demonstrators are expected to rally in Sanford, Fla., one month after Martin’s death; President Obama addresses arms tension in South Korea during a world nuclear summit; and film director James Cameron reports back after visiting the deepest abyss in the ocean. Meanwhile, ‘The Hunger Games’ breaks several box office records after its weekend debut; Rick Santorum defends his cursing at a New York Times reporter; and Jimmy Kimmel will host this year’s Emmy Awards.
Friday’s Democracy Day events in Philadelphia and Los Angeles were a huge hit! To read more about the day’s events, you can go here: http://cbsloc.al/GK82Bi. The New York Times also gave Democracy Day kudos for its impact on civic engagement: http://nyti.ms/GQUqab.
Kelly + Caitlin
CRUCIAL:
(via WSJ) Health Law Heads to Court: In taking up President Barack Obama’s health overhaul Monday, the Supreme Court wades into an issue that not only could sway this fall’s elections but also could help define for generations what Congress is and isn’t entitled to do. The court this week hears three days of arguments on the law’s constitutionality, with a ruling expected in late June. The administration and its allies say the court must uphold the law to ensure that Congress can tackle national problems by employing comprehensive solutions. In jeopardy, critics say, is the fundamental American conceit that the federal government should be restricted in what it can require of citizens, http://on.wsj.com/H3RE2I
Tens Of Thousands Expected Today At Florida Rally For Trayvon Martin, http://n.pr/GQ3yNK
A rally is scheduled at 4 p.m. ET in Sanford, Fla. today to recognize the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin shooting. Local Florida outlets are reporting that tens of thousands of people have indicated their attendance. The rally is being held outside of the Sanford civic center, where the Sanford City Commission is meeting to hear from Martin’s parents. Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton will also be attending the town hall meeting.
Dow jumps 100 points, http://cnnmon.ie/GSi3C9
U.S. stocks rose today with insightful words from Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke this morning. Bernanke said that investors have reason to believe interest rates will remain low based on the country’s need for job growth. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 0.8%, or 103 points. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also increased by 0.8%. United Technologies, Pfizer and Exxon made early gains. The S&P 500 is up 11% for the year while the Dow is 7% higher. The Nasdaq is up nearly 18% in 2012.
South Korea warns it may shoot stray rockets from North, http://bbc.in/H7wZ9h
North Korean officials have planned a rocket launch next month, saying that the testing is part of a peaceful space program; however, the United States and South Korea believe it could be a cover for testing long-range missiles since the launch will follow a new “southern trajectory” over South Korea rather than its original destination over Japan. South Korea defense officials have commented that they are studying measures to track and shoot down parts of the North Korean missile if it strays too far out of its original trajectory and violates their territory. President Barack Obama, who is visiting Seoul for a nuclear summit with other world leaders, has said that North Korea’s missile launch would result in sanctions and the country’s isolation.
Cameron: Earth’s deepest spot desolate, foreboding, http://bit.ly/GTVQRE
Movie director James Cameron reached seven miles below the western Pacific Ocean yesterday – a space explored by only two other people. When Cameron resurfaced, he reported the overwhelming sense of isolation in the black abyss, but did not mention any deep sea monsters. Cameron is the only person to dive to the deepest part of the ocean solo, at a depth of 35,576 feet. Cameron spent three hours at the location, 20 minutes longer than the other two explorers who visited the space over 52 years ago.
CULTURAL:
‘Hunger Games’ gorges on $214 million global debut, http://reut.rs/Hbbzcw
ABC Family acquires TV rights to ‘Hunger Games,’ http://usat.ly/H3A9QW
PETA Offers To Pay Kim Kardashian Flour Bomber’s Legal Fees, http://bit.ly/GReQgj
Are Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth Engaged? http://bit.ly/H1K6gI
Rick Santorum Defends Cursing Out ‘New York Times’ Reporter, http://huff.to/GTXvqs
Jimmy Kimmel to host Primetime Emmy Awards, http://nydn.us/GU77RZ
Tiger Woods wins Arnold Palmer Invitational for first PGA Tour win since 2009, http://bit.ly/GRu4Ss
