In the News

Here is some stuff in the news today...

[Content Note: War] In Israel and Gaza: "Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to an indefinite ceasefire, putting an end to seven weeks of catastrophic loss of life and destruction—but on terms that are likely to leave many on both sides of the conflict wondering what had been achieved. ...The terms of the deal—brokered by the Egyptian government, and reached on the 50th day of the conflict—are expected to be similar to those agreed at the end of the previous war 21 months ago. Israel will open crossings on its border to allow the movement of people and goods, and extend the permitted fishing zone off the coast of Gaza. Rafah, the border between Gaza and Egypt will also be opened; reconstruction of Gaza will begin. More difficult issues will be deferred for further talks in about a month. They include Hamas's demands for an airport and seaport in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel's insistence of the disarmament of militant groups and the return of the remains of two of its soldiers killed in the fighting."

[CN: Police brutality] Why Civil Rights Groups Are Calling for the Ferguson Prosecutor to Step Down: "Prosecutors are law enforcers, like police. In most every case they take, they rely on police to provide them with cases, make arrests, present evidence, and even testify at trial. If prosecutors can't work with cops, they can't convict anybody. And they don't want to alienate those very same people, particularly because they often maintain personal relationships. As a result, when faced with a case charging the police, 'prosecutors face enormous pressure from both police and fellow prosecutors not to go forward with such cases,' explains law professor David A. Harris in a law review article on police accountability."

[CN: Police brutality] I don't even have words: "A coroner's report obtained exclusively by NBC News directly contradicts the police version of how Victor White III, a 22-year-old black man, died in the back seat of a Louisiana police cruiser earlier this year—but still says the man, whose hands were cuffed behind his back, shot himself. ...'You can't make me understand,' said Rev. Victor White II, 53, a Baptist minister and former substance abuse counselor. 'You can't make me understand how my son took his left hand, when he was handcuffed behind the back, and shot himself. I don't believe a thing they’re saying at this point.'" Yeah, I don't blame him.

[CN: War on agency] Today in pushing back on the strategy to chip away at Roe until it is an empty statute: "Friday, the Center for Reproductive Rights joined a federal lawsuit challenging a Louisiana TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) law set to take effect September 1. The suit, filed on behalf of health care workers in Baton Rouge, seeks an injunction against Louisiana HB 388, which requires abortion providers in the state to obtain local hospital admitting privileges. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed HB 388 into law in June. In the written complaint, the Center for Reproductive Rights argued that the law makes an impossible demand since hospitals will not be able to respond to providers about admitting privileges before the law takes effect."

[CN: Homophobia] In good news, the three-judge 7th Circuit panel who will hear today's same-sex marriage case are probably favorably disposed toward ruling in favor of equality.

[CN: Religious supremacy; war on agency] Imani Gandy says "The Obama Administration Should Stop Bending to the Religious Right's Will," and I agree with her. I know you are so shocked!

Here is a complete list of last night's Emmy winners. I'm thrilled the Emmys took my advice and just gave all the awards to Breaking Bad!

And finally! DOG POOL PARTY! (If you can't view the video, it's a pool party at a doggy daycare with SO MANY DOGS HAVING SO MUCH FUN!)