As the Supreme Court prepares to wrap up its term, several high-profile cases remain on the docket. One of the most significant cases involves affirmative action in college admissions, as the court considers whether race can continue to be a factor in admissions decisions. The outcome could potentially overturn long-standing precedent and impact the efforts to achieve diversity on campus.

In addition to affirmative action, the Supreme Court is also considering challenges to President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program. Critics argue that the program exceeds the Department of Education's authority and is an unlawful attempt to erase billions of dollars of federal student loan debt.

These cases have drawn attention and speculation, with opinions and dissents expected to be delivered from the bench. The court's rulings on these issues could have far-reaching implications for higher education and the student loan landscape. The decisions may also spark debates over the role of race in admissions and the power of federal agencies.

As the public awaits the court's final decisions, all eyes will be on how the justices navigate these contentious issues and shape the future of affirmative action and student loan forgiveness.

After a four-day deliberation, former Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson has been acquitted of all charges related to his inaction during the Parkland school shooting in 2018. The jury ruled that Peterson was not guilty of felony child neglect and other charges.

Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his disappointment with the verdict, stating that Peterson's failure to respond resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Judd called Peterson a coward, emphasizing that he was paid to protect the children and failed to do so.

During the trial, Peterson's attorney argued that he was unable to locate the shooter's exact location due to echoes. However, prosecutors presented evidence that Peterson did not follow protocols for confronting an active shooter.

The deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School claimed the lives of 17 people. Peterson could have faced a nearly 100-year prison sentence and the loss of his $104,000 annual pension if found guilty.

The acquittal of Peterson raises questions about the accountability and responsibility of school resource officers in preventing and responding to acts of violence on school grounds. The verdict also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling active shooter situations.

The air quality in Philadelphia has dropped to "unhealthy" levels for all residents as smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to move into the area. Philadelphia, along with the entire state of Pennsylvania, remains under a "code red" air quality alert. Delaware has also issued a "code red" alert, and New Jersey is under a "code orange" alert. The air quality index in Philadelphia reached 180, classified as "unhealthy" for all. As a result, city pools will be closed and summer camps run by the city will be moved indoors. The Philadelphia Department of Health advises residents to cancel outdoor events and gatherings and to close all windows and doors to minimize air pollution in the home. If residents must go outdoors, wearing a high-quality mask and avoiding areas of high congestion, such as main streets or highways, is recommended. Poor air quality in Philadelphia is expected to persist into Friday.

The central United States is currently experiencing an extreme drought, with crops suffering, rivers running low, and communities in desperate need of rain. Experts are calling it the worst drought in the region since 2012, and in some areas, it is reminiscent of the catastrophic drought that occurred in 1988. Farmers like Mike Shane from Illinois are seeing their corn crops stunted and yields significantly reduced. The impact of this drought on consumers may not be immediate, as most of the affected corn is used for feed, ethanol, and export. However, farmers are bearing the brunt of the consequences, facing financial losses regardless of their reduced production.

Several factors contribute to the severity of this drought. Climate change and fluctuating weather patterns play a significant role, as well as poor water management practices. The lack of precipitation and high temperatures are exacerbating the situation, causing the soil to dry out and water sources to be depleted. The consequences of this drought are far-reaching, affecting not only farmers and their livelihoods but also the economy and food supply chain.

Efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of the drought, such as implementing water-saving measures and encouraging sustainable farming practices. However, the central U.S. will continue to face challenges until sufficient rain brings relief to the parched land.

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout has been elected to his 11th All-Star Game and four Texas Rangers were chosen by fans for the American League's lineup for the July 11 game at Seattle's T-Mobile Park.

Trout, who plays for the Los Angeles Angels, will be making his 11th appearance at the All-Star Game. He will be joined by four Texas Rangers players who were chosen by fans. This year's game will take place at Seattle's T-Mobile Park.

The four Rangers players chosen by fans are catcher Jonah Heim, shortstop Corey Seager, rookie third baseman Josh Jung, and second baseman Marcus Semien. This marks the first time that the Rangers have had four players selected for the All-Star Game.

In addition to Trout and the four Rangers players, there were nine other first-time All-Star Game starters chosen by fans. This includes rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who is from Seattle.

The Texas Rangers reached the midpoint of the season with a record of 49-32, putting them on track for their first winning season since 2016. They will also host next year's All-Star Game.

Former Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson has been acquitted of all charges related to the deadly Parkland school shooting in 2018. Peterson, who was the school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at the time of the shooting, was accused of failing to confront the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people. Jurors deliberated for 19 hours over four days before ruling that Peterson was not guilty of felony child neglect and other charges.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed disappointment with the verdict, stating that Peterson's inaction resulted in children losing their lives. Judd emphasized that Peterson's duty was to protect the children and that he failed in that obligation. Peterson could have faced a nearly 100-year prison sentence and loss of his $104,000 annual pension if convicted.

During the trial, Peterson's attorney argued that he was unable to locate the shooter due to echoes and defended his actions. However, a training supervisor testified that Peterson did not follow protocols for confronting an active shooter.

The acquittal of Scot Peterson has sparked controversy and raised questions about accountability in school shootings. The trial has reminded the public of the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the ongoing debate surrounding school safety.

Former School Resource Officer Scot Peterson, who was accused of failing to confront the gunman during the 2018 Parkland massacre, has been acquitted on all charges. Peterson was the only person other than the shooter to face charges related to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which claimed the lives of 17 students and staff. The verdict comes after a closely watched trial that lasted 4 ½ years. Peterson had faced charges of child neglect with great bodily harm, child neglect without great harm, culpable negligence, and perjury.

During the reading of the verdict, Peterson placed his head on the table and sobbed while being consoled by his attorney. His wife also wept in the courtroom gallery. Prosecutors did not comment on the outcome of the case. Peterson's defense argued that he followed his training and was confused about the location of the shots, while the prosecution contended that he failed to fulfill his duty as a school resource officer. This case marked the first time a law enforcement officer was charged with child neglect as a "caregiver." However, the jury determined that Peterson was not guilty on all charges.

The Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina has sparked debate over the concept of meritocracy in American education. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. argued that race-conscious admissions policies demean the dignity and worth of individuals by judging them based on ancestry instead of merit. However, the focus should shift to a more pressing question: Why is there only one golden goose of opportunity?

The emphasis on meritocracy as the solution to social inequality in America has pushed politicians to promote educational attainment as the pathway to success. But this approach fails to address the systemic issues that limit access to prestigious institutions for marginalized communities.

The ruling leaves universities searching for alternative admissions strategies. One potential response is eliminating "legacy" admissions policies and merit scholarships, which often favor wealthy white applicants. Another approach would be to increase outreach efforts to well-qualified minority applicants. However, institutions like the University of Michigan, which had to abandon affirmative action due to state restrictions in 2006, argue that these methods are ineffective.

Instead of focusing on who gets access to opportunity, the question should be why opportunities are limited in the first place. The ruling against affirmative action policies only scratches the surface of a much deeper problem in American society.

Cities across the United States are experiencing severely poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada. Chicago, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. have been ranked as the three cities with the worst air quality in the world. The smoke is expected to continue spreading south, leading to persistently poor air quality. Canada is currently facing its most severe fire season on record, with over 250 fires burning out of control. Health experts are advising Americans to stay indoors with air conditioning or wear N95 masks when outdoors.

In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an air quality advisory for all counties in the eastern half of the state. Fine particulate levels are expected to be near or above EPA health standards, which could be harmful to sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, teenagers, and outdoor workers. The DNR recommends reducing outdoor activities and taking more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.

The increase in wildfires and poor air quality can be attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change and a century-long policy of suppressing wildfires. The forests in the United States have become tinderboxes, making them more susceptible to catastrophic wildfires. With an 80 million-acre forest restoration backlog, it is evident that urgent action is needed to address this issue.

As the prevalence of wildfires and poor air quality continues to rise, it raises the question: Is this the new normal? Climate change and forest management practices are factors that need to be urgently addressed to protect the environment and the health of communities affected by these wildfires.

Former Broward County sheriff's deputy Scot Peterson has been found not guilty of child neglect, culpable negligence, and perjury in relation to his actions during the Parkland school shooting in 2018. Peterson, who was the school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at the time of the shooting, failed to confront the gunman and instead backed away from the building. He was acquitted of seven counts of child neglect and three counts of culpable negligence for the deaths and injuries of 10 people on the third floor of the building. Peterson was also found not guilty of one count of perjury for misrepresenting his actions to the police.

Critics, including other police officers, accused Peterson of cowardice in the face of the heavily armed gunman. His behavior outraged the Parkland community, and he was widely condemned in the media. However, in the trial, the jury determined that Peterson was not guilty of the charges brought against him. The shooting resulted in the death of 17 people and the injury of 17 others. The gunman was sentenced to life in prison last year.

The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to strike down affirmative action in college admissions, declaring that race cannot be a factor in the process. The conservative majority overturned admissions policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, stating that universities have wrongly focused on the color of an individual's skin rather than their achievements and skills. The decision has left institutions of higher education scrambling to find new ways to achieve diverse student bodies. The dissenting justices, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, criticized the decision, calling it a setback for progress and a tragedy for all. Former President Donald Trump praised the ruling as a great day for America, while President Joe Biden is expected to comment on the decision later. The verdict may have broader implications beyond college admissions, potentially affecting other race-conscious practices such as scholarships and recruitment. Universities will now have the responsibility of implementing the ruling while attempting to maintain racial equity in their admissions processes.

With recent rulings from the Supreme Court on affirmative action and pending decisions on student loans, the college admissions process is undergoing significant changes. This has left many prospective students with questions about the right strategies to use when applying to college. From understanding different types of student loans to navigating the application process, there are several aspects that applicants need to be aware of.

One of the key questions is whether students should disclose their race or ethnicity in the application process. The Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action might have an impact on this aspect. Additionally, students are also wondering if it makes sense to start at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university.

To help address these inquiries, national correspondent Anemona Hartocollis, Your Money columnist Ron Lieber, and personal finance expert Tara Siegel Bernard are ready to answer your questions. They will draw on their own expertise as well as insights from education experts to provide the most helpful advice.

If you are a prospective college applicant and have questions about the evolving college admissions landscape, now is the time to get them answered. Submit your questions and stay informed about the latest changes that may affect your college journey.

When the Supreme Court recently struck down the use of race as a factor in college admissions, they dealt a blow to affirmative action in America. This practice, created under the Kennedy administration, aimed to give equal opportunities to Black Americans and people of color. However, over the years, white women have become the main beneficiaries of affirmative action programs.

Right-wing activists have long fought against affirmative action, claiming it perpetuates racial preferences. But the reality is that racial preference is deeply ingrained in many American institutions, from segregated churches to redlining. Even now, the undervaluation of Black homes persists.

The Supreme Court's decision to reconsider affirmative action in college admissions could have far-reaching consequences. Programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, which aim to achieve campus diversity, could be at risk. The court's conservative justices, during oral arguments, seemed inclined to rule against these programs.

In addition to affirmative action, the Supreme Court is also considering challenges to President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program. Republican-led states and conservatives argue that the program is an unlawful attempt to erase billions of dollars in federal student loan debt.

As the court releases its final decisions for the term, the outcomes of these cases could shape the future of racial justice and higher education in America. Is affirmative action on its deathbed, or will it find a way to endure?

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for all of Pennsylvania due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The drifting smoke has caused concerns about air quality throughout the Great Lakes region and parts of the central and eastern United States. Erie, Pennsylvania, is experiencing the worst air quality in the state, with levels at 196 as of Wednesday morning. Pittsburgh and Indiana County are also reporting unhealthy air quality levels. The DEP warns that conditions could worsen throughout the day, particularly in western Pennsylvania. The smoke is expected to impact air quality in Pennsylvania through Saturday, with some possible relief on Sunday. An atmospheric inversion is keeping the smoke-filled air closer to the surface and is preventing mixing with air from higher elevations. In West Virginia, the smoke has cast a haze and poor air quality across northern, western, and central parts of the state. Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis are also reporting very unhealthy or worse air quality due to the fires.

The air quality in the Midwest, particularly in parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, has worsened due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The smoke has resulted in orange to red air quality levels, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups and everyone.

The duration of the smoky conditions depends on the low-level winds and the progression of the wildfires in Ontario and Quebec provinces in Canada. An air quality alert has been issued for several areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin until various times on Thursday.

In addition to the diminished air quality, the Midwest is also facing the possibility of severe weather. Thunderstorms have already developed in parts of northern Minnesota and central regions, and they are expected to move eastward into Tuesday night. More showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for Wednesday, with a slight risk of severe weather including large hail and damaging winds in the Mississippi River area from the Twin Cities to Winona and La Crosse.

Fortunately, the air quality is expected to gradually improve, especially by Friday morning. As for the severe weather, the threat will persist into Wednesday evening, and there may be additional chances for showers and storms until Sunday morning.

Overall, residents in the affected areas should continue to monitor air quality alerts and stay informed about weather conditions to ensure their safety.