The New York Times presents Your Friday Briefing

A groundbreaking ruling has been made by the Supreme Court that could have a significant impact on university admissions in the United States. In a 6-3 decision, the court rejected race-conscious affirmative action at colleges and universities, deeming the admissions programs at both Harvard and the University of North Carolina to be unlawful. This decision marks a major departure from the long-standing practice of considering race as a factor in admissions, which has been a fundamental principle of higher education.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that the admissions programs at these institutions were in violation of the equal protection clause. He argued that these programs inevitably rely on race in a negative way, perpetuate racial stereotypes, and lack clear objectives.

However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a rare dissent from the bench, emphasizing the importance of affirmative action in combatting persistent racial discrimination. The justices’ opinions, spanning over 200 pages, were characterized by strong language and diverging narratives about the nation’s history and the role of race in contemporary society.

The ramifications of this ruling are expected to result in a significant demographic shift at elite institutions, with student populations becoming whiter and more Asian, while the representation of Black and Latino students may decline. Additionally, the decision may complicate diversity efforts in other settings, making it more challenging for employers to consider race in their hiring practices.

This decision reflects the conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court, with three justices appointed by Donald Trump, who have been swiftly taking on contentious issues such as abortion, guns, and now race, within a short span of time.

In France, violent protests and riots have erupted for the third consecutive night following the police shooting of a teenager. Demonstrators in more than a dozen cities set cars on fire, vandalized buildings, and launched fireworks outside police stations. The interior minister reported that 180 people were arrested and 170 officers were injured.

The victim, identified as 17-year-old Nahel M., was shot and killed by a police officer in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris. The initial reports suggested that the teenager had driven into the two officers at the scene, but a video of the incident contradicted this account, showing that the officer who fired the fatal shot was not in immediate danger as the car was driving away. These conflicting narratives have fueled the unrest.

As a result of these events, the officer involved has been placed under formal investigation for voluntary homicide and has been detained. Tens of thousands of police officers have been deployed across the country to prepare for further unrest.

Turning to Russia, early intelligence reports from U.S. officials indicate that a top general, Sergei Surovikin, has been detained by Russian authorities. It is believed that he may have been involved in or had knowledge of the planning for the failed rebellion by the Wagner private military company. It remains unclear whether he was formally arrested or held for questioning.

The fate of Surovikin has garnered substantial attention in Russia since U.S. spy agencies alleged that he was aware of the rebellion plot led by Yevgeny Prigozhin against Russia’s military leadership. Varying reports in the Russian news media have emerged, with some claiming that he has been arrested and others denying these claims.

In other news, the family of former Supremes member Cindy Birdsong has sought a legal conservatorship to oversee her affairs, alleging that her friend Rochelle Lander has exerted undue influence over her life and isolated her from loved ones. Meanwhile, the Mason Mount transfer saga continues as Manchester United deliberates whether to proceed or abandon their pursuit. Additionally, Oscar Piastri’s breakout season in Formula 1 has caught attention, with the McLaren driver earning five points in eight races.

Lastly, many opera singers have found that performing while pregnant enhances their vocal abilities. The reasons for this phenomenon are unclear but may be attributed to increased blood flow, pressure on the diaphragm, or heightened awareness of muscles and posture. However, pregnant performers often rely on the support and flexibility of the creative team to accommodate costume changes and other adjustments. Unfortunately, some singers have been unjustly removed from roles based on their appearance rather than their vocal talents.

As for what to cook, that is for you to decide!

Reference

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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