Celebrate United States Current Affairs

The Center for Life Enrichment is bringing U.S. Current Affairs, an impressive roster of topics to bring you up-to-date on the Supreme Court, the Mueller investigation, viruses/vaccines, journalism/disinformation, Biden and “blue” reviews, China and Russia, and more. First up, it’s Meet Noel Francisco, the Solicitor General of the U.S.From 10:00 A.M. to noon Friday, July 1,in theCLE Lecture Hall. Cost is $25/$35. Francisco will discuss the role of the Solicitor General, the official who represents the interests of the U.S. before the Supreme Court. Noel served as the 47th Solicitor General, 2017-2020. Join guest attorneys in an insightful exchange with Francisco regarding his service during the Trump administration.The Mueller Investigation:Lessons from an Insider is offered from 10:00 A.M. to noon on Monday, July 11, at the CLE Lecture Hall. Cost is $25/$35.As a member of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller’s investigation team, Andrew Weissmann will speak about the threat of continuing cyber-attacks on our political and economic system by foreign actors; and whether criminal investigation and prosecution can be effective tools to hold wrongdoers accountable. As we emerge from two years of pan-demic, there’s no more timely topic than Viruses and Vaccines:From Cowpox Virus to Modern mRNA Vaccines,set for 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Thursday, July 12,in the CLE Lecture Hall.Cost is $25/$35. Dr. Maria Gainey will explore the his-tory of vaccines and disease prevention from smallpox in 1796 to the advance-ment of modern-day virus treatment.Supreme Court:Year in Reviewis of-fered from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 13, in theCLE Lecture Hall. Cost is$25/$35. It’s an overview of the Court’s decision-making process and review of 2021’s rulings on subjects such as: freedom of religion, affirmative action, the scope of congressional regulatory power, the scope of executive branch rulemaking power, previability abortion, and a judge’s duty to recuse in certain situations. He will also discuss the role of the Court’s recent appointees in shaping a more conservative majority and what that bodes for the future of the Court as an institution.Journalism Amid Disinformation brings NBC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell to CLE from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Friday, July 29. Cost is$25/$35. Ms. Caldwell will discuss her experience at the United States Capitol during the January 6 attack on the Capitol and how she has covered Congress, the people, and the building. (Almost) Two Years In:Assessing President Biden’s Term, is set for 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Thursday, August 11. Miles Coleman, Associate Editor of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics authoritative, nonpartisan Newsletter on American campaigns and elections, will discuss the thin Democratic majority, and its fierce Republican opposition. This lecture examines the course of Biden’s presi-dency and looks at what it may mean for 2024. Cost is $25/$35. Coleman returns Friday, August 12, for Looking Less Blue:Forecasting the 2022 Midterm Elections. His second offering discusses the typical midterm drag that the White House’s party faces. Republicans benefitted mid-term when Trump was president. Now, with a Democratic president, the shoe is on the other foot. Democrats do not have much room for error in defending their Congressional majorities. Cost is $25/$35. To gain a better insight into Russia and China, consider one of the following:China and the Continuing Rise of President Xi Jinpingon Wednesday August 24, and Revanchist Russia, A Partner or Enemyon Thursday, August 25. CLE selects the nation’s finest profes-sors, scholars, internationally-published journalists, and military officials to present their programs.

by Donna Rhodes