Undermining the CDC's reputation + struggling with Harris's identity

+ Happy 150th birthday, Maria Montessori US Edition - Today's top story: If Trump refuses to accept defeat in November, the republic will survive intact, as it has 5 out of 6 times in the past [View in browser]( US Edition | 6 September 2020 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Welcome to Sunday! Our top five articles of the week are listed below. For months, experts have encouraged mask wearing as a way to protect those around us from COVID-19. Several weeks ago, we published an article by Monica Gandhi of UC San Francisco presenting evidence that masks also protect the wearer by limiting the amount of virus they breathe in. If you’re not among the half a million people who’ve already read this reassuring piece, it’s [worth a read today](. Emily Costello Deputy Editor Trump has refused to say he will accept the outcome of the upcoming election. Alex Wong/Getty Images [If Trump refuses to accept defeat in November, the republic will survive intact, as it has 5 out of 6 times in the past]( Alexander Cohen, Clarkson University Five of the six contested presidential elections in U.S. history were resolved and the country moved on -- one ended in civil war. What will happen if the upcoming election is contested? Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee. Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images [With Kamala Harris, Americans yet again have trouble understanding what multiracial means]( Jennifer Ho, University of Colorado Boulder While the debates about Kamala Harris’ multiraciality may seem new, they are similar to the commentary other high-profile mixed-race people in the US have received about their racial identities. - [Maria Montessori challenged and changed how kids are taught, and remains influential today]( Catherine McTamaney, Vanderbilt University The innovative educator studied engineering and practiced medicine before devoting her life to spreading a new educational philosophy. - [I’m a public health researcher, and I’m dismayed that the CDC’s missteps are causing people to lose trust in a great institution]( Catherine Lynne Troisi, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston The CDC has long been a trusted source of health information, keeping the public not only safe but calm in times of disease outbreaks. Public health officials fear now for its reputation. - [Joe Kennedy III challenges Ed Markey in 2020’s weirdest primary race]( Robert Boatright, Clark University (This article was written before Tuesday's victory by Markey) There aren't any clear ideological differences between the two, and Senate incumbents who aren't embroiled in scandal rarely, if ever, lose. So what's Kennedy's calculation? You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111