Today we’re covering:

• 😷 Mask mandates are returning,

• 🎥 Why Trump is skipping this week’s debate,

• 🎓 Universities sneak affirmative action into admissions,

• And everything else you need to know.

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TRENDING IN AMERICA

The battle to maintain race-based admissions

Here is what’s going on: Despite the Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action in public colleges in June and with the backing of the Biden administration, certain prestigious universities are endeavoring to uphold racial preferences in their admissions procedures.

• Details Revealed: Johns Hopkins University has incorporated an additional essay prompt for applicants, inquiring about "a facet of your identity (such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, community, etc.) or a life encounter that has molded you as a person." Harvard University has also introduced a comparable prompt.

• Furthermore: Initially, Columbia University Law School required all applicants to provide a video of themselves; however, they reversed this decision after facing allegations of attempting to discern applicants' racial backgrounds based on their appearances.

Why it is important: These initiatives could potentially clash with the Court's decision. The Court stipulated that universities can take into account an applicant's reflection on how race influenced their life, whether it's related to discrimination, inspiration, or other factors. However, the Court also ruled that universities cannot simply establish a system through application essays or similar methods that go against the current legal framework.

As Expected: Prestigious liberal universities expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court's ruling upon its release. Affirmative action stands as a core tenet of progressive ideologies, while merit-based selection is deemed morally just. Nonetheless, a substantial 82 percent of Americans hold the view that race should not play a role in college admissions.

2024 ELECTION

Trump and Tucker Carlson challenge Murdoch as mainstream media's influence wanes

Here is what’s going on: Rather than participating in Fox News' inaugural 2024 GOP debate on Wednesday evening, former President Donald Trump has opted to engage in a pre-recorded interview with former Fox host Tucker Carlson. This move is viewed as a form of counterprogramming against the mainstream media outlet's prime-time event. Prior to this announcement becoming public last week, Fox made efforts to persuade Trump to take part in the debate. 

For what reason: Trump has asserted on Truth Social, his social media platform, that he will not partake in any primary debates due to his substantial lead over other Republican presidential contenders. His collaboration with Tucker Carlson is perceived as a direct challenge to Fox, particularly following the unexpected termination of Carlson's association with the company in April

• The Approach: From Trump's perspective, engaging in debates would merely provide rival candidates with a chance to erode his lead in the polls. He believes that the potential downsides of participating far outweigh any potential benefits.

• Details Revealed: Fox News initially offered support to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis early in the 2024 race. Initially, the network provided favorable coverage, but this shifted when DeSantis' campaign faced challenges. Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox, personally encouraged Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to enter the race against Trump. Meanwhile, Trump's relationship with Fox has soured, as he believes the network has been presenting him in an unfavorable light.

• Furthermore: The 2024 election stands out from previous ones due to the diminishing control of mainstream media over the political narrative. Trump's actions involve challenging Fox News, a major player in the media landscape. In addition, various candidates such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert Kennedy Jr. are adopting unconventional approaches by campaigning through smaller outlets and podcasts, showcasing a shift away from traditional media channels

TRENDING IN AMERICA

Could there be a resurgence of COVID mask and testing mandates?

Here is what’s going on: Reports indicate a surge in COVID-19 cases within the United States, prompting health authorities to monitor a novel coronavirus variant referred to as pirola. As a result, indications are emerging that the reintroduction of mask and testing mandates could be imminent. However, given that only a limited number of parole cases have been documented globally, the extent of this resurgence remains uncertain.

Indications: Recent developments suggest potential shifts in response. Notably, the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs have allocated substantial funds to contractors for COVID-19 testing resources and training. Furthermore, Alex Jones from Infowars asserts that Border Patrol and the Transportation Security Administration might enforce mask mandates for their employees in the upcoming autumn months. Jones references information from alleged whistleblowers to support this claim.

• Within the private sector: notable actions have been taken. A college located in Georgia and the California-based film studio Lionsgate have both recently introduced mask mandates this week.

Why it is important: A scientific review conducted this year, encompassing numerous studies, concluded that masks exhibited minimal to negligible impact in curbing the transmission of COVID-19. Furthermore, considering the wider dissemination of natural immunity to the virus, the associated risk appears to be reduced compared to previous circumstances.

Furthermore: A significant portion of this information was available even during the pandemic's earlier stages. However, government actions, including the implementation of mask mandates and, in some cases, vaccine mandates, were carried out in collaboration with scientific institutions that were perceived to lack credibility and competence.