Start the week’s headlines with Boyd Matheson! Asma Uddin dives into how the Supreme Court can be the unifier we need in society. See how the liberal arts spirit needs to be reignited in higher education. Jess Craig joins to talk about the gap in humanitarian aid funding. Boyd breaks down what is happening in the Middle East currently and the upcoming presidential debates and More!

To round off the day, Boyd talks about his experience at speaking at Boy’s State this past weekend. It caused Boyd to reflect on the main fragmentation wedge in society: contempt. We have gotten too comfortable with contempt and it will put us in an e pluribus negative situation. Contempt always keeps us a good distance from others’ and our own humanity, and it is from our own doing. We need to get back to being one and not let contempt tear apart the society that we love.

We are returning to a conversation we had with Ezekiel Emanuel a few weeks ago about how the liberal arts tradition of broad-based learning can cultivate engaged citizens and analytical thinkers. As universities face mounting pressures from career-focused agendas, cultural battles, and skepticism, they must firmly reassert the timeless value of a well-rounded liberal arts foundation. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel emphasizes that revitalizing these democratic discussions and values is vital not just for individual flourishing, but for equipping the next generation of leaders to forge a more united society.

As the nation awaits the first head-to-head clash between President Biden and former President Trump in two weeks, the stakes could not be higher for shaping the trajectory of American democracy. The political theater and personal attacks that are sadly inevitable have led to people dreading the presidential debates and feeling hopeless of the American future. However, there are ways that we can all engage in these debates to elevate the national conversation and help voters make a fully informed choice about the future they wish for their families and country.

As the devastating war in Gaza continues, immense pressures are bearing down on all sides to find a resolution. Israelis themselves remain deeply divided over the conflict's aims and acceptable endgame, while the international community grows increasingly impatient for concrete progress. Earlier today, Prime Minister Netanyahu boldly dissolved Israel's wartime Cabinet, sparking concerns over his government's ability to charter a path forward. Brad Dress from The Hill helps answer the repercussions of this decision, both in Israel and globally.

Recent conflicts in areas around the world, like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Gaza, have strained the system of global humanitarian aid. Long running conflicts combined with the wars in Ukraine and Israel have displaced a record number of people, creating refugee crises all over the world. However the aid that is sent in is not distributed evenly. What does the situation look like for refugees and what is the best way forward? Jess Craig from Future Perfect joins the show to explain what is going on.