Good morning, and welcome to RedState's "Morning Minute" — a brief glimpse at which stories are trending at the moment and a look ahead at what the day may bring. Consider this your one-stop shop for news to kickstart your day. 

TOP O' THE MORNIN'

WATCH: Arrested Pro-Hamas Professor Goes Mental, and Her Areas of 'Expertise' Will Blow Your Mind

These are the nutjobs being paid six figures with taxpayer money to teach students at these major universities.

Blockbuster Appearance From His Former Attorney Blows Hole Through Michael Cohen's Testimony

No matter how you slice it, the jury, in their deliberations, will have to decide which Michael Cohen to believe. Good luck with that.

Dexter Taylor Gives Fiery Statement Before Judge Hands Down 10-Year Sentence for Gunsmithing Hobby

After Taylor delivered his comments, it was time for Judge Darkeh to issue the sentence. Before doing so, she complained about the many people in the media and on social media platforms who have criticized her handling of Taylor’s case. 

WHAT'S ON TAP?

Today on Capitol Hill...

They'll be at it again on the Hill today. Here are some of the goings on (still get a kick out of some of the hearing titles): 

• House Oversight and Accountability — “Intruder Alert: Assessing the CCP’s Ongoing Infiltration of U.S. Military Installations”
• House Oversight and Accountability — “Overseeing the Overseers: A Hearing with NIH Deputy Director Lawrence Tabak”
• House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party — "All Roads Leading to Beijing? The CCP's Global Development Offensive"
• House Homeland Security — “Unmanned Aerial Systems: An Examination of the Use of Drones in Emergency Response”
• House Judiciary/House Oversight and Accountability — (including) Report Recommending that the House of Representatives Cite United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland for Contempt of Congress
• House Committee on House Administration — American Confidence in Elections: Preventing Noncitizen Voting and Other Foreign Interference
• Senate Foreign Relations — Hearings to examine Department of State modernization and management, focusing on building a Department to address 21st century challenges
• House Homeland Security — “Security Risk: The Unprecedented Surge in Chinese Illegal Immigration”
• Joint Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) —  Hearings to examine Ukraine and its defensive needs

White House What's Up

Not much on President Joe Biden's schedule for Thursday, aside from a meet and greet late morning with the plaintiffs from the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision (handed down 70 years ago tomorrow). The event appears to be closed to press — wonder why? 

Full Court Press...

Court's back on in Manhattan Thursday, with the state's star witness, Michael Cohen, back on the stand for further cross-examination by Trump's defense team. Given the way things have unfolded thus far, expect there to be some more fireworks today. 

A couple blocks away, the trial of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) continues in the Southern District of New York. The jurors were sworn in, and opening statements presented on Wednesday. Now, the prosecution will begin presenting its case. 

And...it's another hand-down day at the Supreme Court. Expect several decisions to be announced by the Court beginning at 10:00 am Eastern. 

MORNING MUSING

I'm not going to claim to be a soothsayer or anything, but literally had this conversation a week-and-a-half ago: Who's keeping Red Lobster in business? Full confession: It's definitely not me. The last time I can recall being in a Red Lobster, I was probably all of 10 years old. I'm not super big on seafood, to begin with, and if I do get a hankering for some salmon or something of that sort, I have several solid options that don't involve fast food or a chain restaurant. It appears I'm not alone in my non-patronizing of the seafood staple, as the chain has announced the closure of 87 stores in 27 states. On the one hand, it matters little to me personally. On the other hand, you hate to see it (and the continuing-to-flail economy). 

LIGHTER FARE 

Hey, look - leftist economics!   

Local Hero Prevents Red Lobster From Closing Down By Continuing To Order Endless Shrimp https://t.co/SCxzY7uIUn pic.twitter.com/dWlcQN4yjC

— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) May 15, 2024