Latest News: Affirmative Action Ruling, France Riots, Vatican Investigates Texas Bishop

This article is adapted from today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click here.

SCOTUS Overturns Affirmative Action In College Admissions

The Supreme Court ruled against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina’s affirmative action policies today.

The court ruled that the race-based admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina are unconstitutional. The court voted 6-3 in the University of North Carolina case and 6-2 in the Harvard case. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a Harvard graduate and former Harvard board member, recused herself from the Harvard case.

That decision drew markedly different reactions from Republican and Democratic officials and political pundits, as expected.

A spokesperson for Donald Trump’s campaign said, “America is a better nation as a result of the historic rulings led by Donald Trump’s three Supreme Court nominees.”

President Biden meanwhile, appeared to encourage universities to work around the ruling through other means.

“They should not abandon their commitment to ensure student bodies of diverse backgrounds and experiences that reflect all of America,” he said. “What I propose for consideration is a new standard where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome when selecting among qualified applicants.”

Biden ended his remarks by calling the legitimacy of the court into question:

CNN’s Arlette Saenz: “President Biden, the Congressional Black Caucus said the Supreme Court has thrown into question its own legitimacy. Is this a rogue court?

President Biden: “This is not a normal court.” pic.twitter.com/7BNJagP1P1

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) June 29, 2023

Meanwhile, multiple sources have confirmed that the area outside of the Supreme Court was evacuated while police responded to reports of a “suspicious package.”

Riots In France

About 180 people in France have been arrested as the country has been rocked with violent riots after a police officer shot a teenager in a Paris suburb.

On Tuesday, 17-year-old Nahel M. was shot during a confrontation with police after they attempted to stop a vehicle he was in. Following the shooting, cities across France filled with protesters, with some turning violent. Dozens of cars and buildings were set on fire as police headquarters were targeted for violence.

Texas Bishop Investigated By The Vatican?

An outspoken Catholic bishop in Texas who has harshly condemned President Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was targeted with an apparent investigation by the Vatican.

Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, has routinely slammed Biden on social media, including earlier this year when the president cited Pope Francis to buttress his claim that federal funding for abortions should continue. The pope ordered a formal investigation into Strickland and his diocese.

The apostolic visitation was reportedly headed by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson and Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J. On Thursday, in the wake of the alleged investigation, Strickland tweeted, “The greatest blessing & joy in my life is to shepherd the flock of Tyler,” adding that he prays that “speaking truth with clarity & charity will inspire America’s Bishops to join me in speaking truth.”

Double-Strike Looming In Hollywood

Hollywood has until midnight this Friday to avoid a rare double strike as it negotiates new wages with The Screen Actors Guild. The union’s some 160,000 members have threatened to go on strike, stop work, and picket if an agreement cannot be reached.

If nothing comes to fruition, Hollywood production of shows and movies would essentially grind to a halt. The industry is already dealing with a writer’s strike that has lasted nine weeks.

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