U.S. SUPREME COURT building in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case challenging the use of affirmative action in determining who gets admitted to colleges and universities.

According to the Associated Press, during discussion and debate over allowing less-academically achieving students to be admitted in an effort to compensate for past racial discrimination it appeared that the conservative majority – six to three – on the court might be poised to strike down such policies as racially biased.

Supporters of affirmative action say eliminating the practice would cause the number of Black and Latino students to plunge at highly-selective schools.

Interest rates won’t rise this time

NO rate hike is coming for now (Shutterstock).

After 10 consecutive increases in interest rates, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday left them where they were – around 5.25 percent. According to The New York TImes, the Fed officials said they needed more time to assess how the economy was reacting to its policy of raising rates to battle inflation.

At a news conference, Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell said that any future increases would come at a “more moderate pace.”

Also in the news … Miami Mayor Frances Suarez has entered the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Sports: Shohei goes deep, but Halos lose

Shohei Ohtani blasted his 21st homer – best in the American League – on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t enough as the Los Angeles Angels lost 6-3 to the Texas Rangers in Arlington Wednesday night.

Reid Detmers held the home team in check for six innings, but the relief corp was touched for five late runs. With the loss, the Halos are 38-32 and remain in third place in the American League West.

Weather: Warmer and then …

As we head into our West Orange County weekend, the weather will turn warmer and then cool off for a while. The forecast for Thursday is for morning clouds and afternoon sun with a daytime high of 71 and an overnight low of 62. Friday will be similar but warm to 75 (61). Saturday looks like partly cloudy but 78 (62), dropping to 73 (62) on Sunday.