JUST IN: Supreme Court Delivers Blow To Unions

Supreme Court Delivers Blow To Unions
Lonely Planet via Getty Images
The Supreme Court handed down its decision in Harris v. Quinn on Monday, saying partial public employees can't be required to contribute to unions.

According to SCOTUSblog, the 5-4 ruling is a "substantial obstacle to expanding public employee unions, but it does not gut them." SCOTUSblog also notes the case does not involve "full-fledge public employees," but rather says that union bargaining fees cannot be imposed on employees that are not full public employees.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the opinion in the ruling.
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Monday's Morning Email: ISIS Declares New Muslim State

We sadly did not crack Forbes' list of the top 100 most influential celebrities this year. Our write-in campaign about our undervalued ability to find cat videos apparently did not pass muster. This is THE MORNING EMAIL for Monday, June 30, 2014.

The Scuttlebutt

TOP STORIES

ISIS DECLARES BIRTH OF NEW MUSLIM STATE
"Alarming regional and world powers, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed universal authority when it dropped the local element in its name and said its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as leader of the Islamic State, was now caliph of the Muslim world - a mediaeval title last widely recognised in the Ottoman sultan deposed 90 years ago after World War One." Here's what such a declaration means. Meanwhile, Russia is issuing an "implicit rebuke" to the U.S. with its latest shipment of planes to Iraq. [Reuters]

FACEBOOK MAY HAVE MANIPULATED YOUR EMOTIONS...ON PURPOSE
"A newly published paper reveals that scientists at Facebook conducted a massive psychological experiment on hundreds of thousands of users by tweaking their feeds and measuring how they felt afterward. In other words, Facebook decided to try to manipulate some people's emotional states -- for science." The outcry has understandably been fast and furious. But don't worry guys, the author of the study said he was "sorry." [HuffPost]

SUPREME COURT SET TO RULE ON HOBBY LOBBY, UNIONS
"The [Supreme Court] meets for a final time Monday to release decisions in its two remaining cases before the justices take off for the summer. The cases involve birth control coverage under President Barack Obama's health law and fees paid to labor unions representing government employees by workers who object to being affiliated with a union." Check out CNN's primer on what the Hobby Lobby case means for Obamacare and the longterm ramifications of the ruling. And here's why union leaders are terrified. [NY Daily News]

STATESIDE: New VA Chief Nominee
Meet the man Obama is set to nominate for Veterans Affairs Secretary. Read the harsh appraisal Obama's aides gave of the current "corrosive culture" within the VA. Obama is expected to ask Congress for billions to tackle the growing border crisis. A United flight carrying 101 people had to make an emergency landing in Kansas after an evacuation chute deployed midflight. A woman set her house on fire trying to kill a spider. The man whose toddler died after being left in a hot car will appear before a judge today; both he and his wife had previously searched what temperature a child would die at in a hot car. At least nine people were injured after a gun battle erupted on New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street.

In cute attack news, here are hiccuping puppies.

INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: MERS Outbreak
The MERS outbreak can be blamed on a faulty Saudi Arabian response, The New York Times' latest investigation says. North Korea is set to indict two American tourists for committing "hostile acts against the country." New documents show American embassy workers sided with Iraqi contractor Blackwater over State Department investigators after a Blackwater top manager threatened to kill an investigator. Two building collapses in India have left 27 dead and many still trapped inside. And Boko Haram continues to leave a trail of carnage throughout Nigeria.

In friends for life news, these shelter dogs found each other.

BUY! SELL! BUY! Cybersecurity Scramble
Corporate cybersecurity is on the top of many corporate board's to-do lists after a rash of information breaches. Gas prices over the Fourth of July weekend are going to hurt your wallet. AP announced they're going to start using robots to write some business stories. YouTube's new crowd-funding feature could make you quite wealthy. These up and coming start-ups want to hire you. Blackstone's newest hedge fund is set to bet big. And forget schlepping to the suburbs for that bookcase you're never going to be able to put together without assistance: Ikea could soon be coming to urban areas.

In dads are the best news, check out this one's snake prank.

SCOUTING REPORT: What.A.Stud.
There's a new King James in town, and he has one heckuva left foot. Meet the World Cup players who will be fasting in accordance with Ramadan. A panel of mental health experts in Oscar Pistorious' trial deemed him mentally sane when he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Landon Donovon proved he's a human who has the capacity to be jealous. Here's the latest scuttle on where The Heat's big three are headed next season. And it looks like the Brooklyn Nets are going to need a new coach.

In cat news, this one is in a box.

CULTURE CATCH-UP: Josh Was Our Favorite
Rob Lowe's on board for a "West Wing" reunion under this one condition -- what we would give for one more chance to hear Martin Sheen wax philosophically. "Doctor Who" fans rejoice: here's the first trailer featuring the latest incarnation of the Doctor. We're rather confused about why Beyonce and Jay Z showed Justin Bieber's mug shot at their concert. Check out President Obama and Michelle talking about their first date. Take a look at the trickle-down effect of "Seinfeld." And say goodbye to any hope of beginning of the week productivity: here's what's new on Netflix.

In autocorrects never get old news, here are the latest texting fails.

LIVIN': Sunburn Hurts
Make sure you aren't making these sunscreen mistakes. These nibbles will keep you fuller for longer. All you need is some shuteye to cure a number of skin issues. New worst nightmare: being one of the people who was stuck hundreds of feet in the air in a broken SeaWorld theme park ride for HOURS. What food can you buy for $5 around the world? And awkward engagement photos will make you so very, very glad to be single.

In rubber ducky news, these animals love taking baths.

OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS: Prepare to Feel Old
Eminem's daughter Hailie is graduating with honors from high school. Kelly Rowland couldn't look happier in these baby bump swimsuit photos. Shia LeBeouf appears ready to fight with quite a lot of strangers these days. And Miley Cyrus has a new love in her life.

In chosen one news, this dog has quite the halo.

TWITTERATI

@PFTompkins: "I'd rather apologize later than ask permission first." - a person who has never sincerely apologized

@WSJ: An acrobat balanced on a cableway at a national park in China. More Photos of the Day: on.wsj.com/1nV3T22 pic.twitter.com/xQg6OGw4Cz


@DamienFahey: If you're selling a Hummer, don't forget to put a sign on it that says, "For Sale by A******".

@realjeffreyross: I wonder if Bono leaves his sunglasses on while he's takin a dump.

@CuteEmergency: puppy wedding


ONE MORE THING
You haven't lived if you haven't tried each state's signature comfort food.

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JUST IN: Netherlands Stuns Mexico With Last-Minute Goals

Netherlands Stuns Mexico With Last-Minute Goals
Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images
The Netherlands scored two late goals to defeat Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 at Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on Saturday.
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Friday's Morning Email: Iraq War Critics Silenced

In TGIF news, the rash of boozy popsicle recipes is something we are very, very pleased about. This is THE MORNING EMAIL for Friday, June 27, 2014.

The Scuttlebutt

TOP STORIES

UKRAINE SIGNS EU PACT
"Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday signed up to a trade and economic pact with the European Union, saying it may be the 'most important day' for his country since it became independent from the Soviet Union. It was the decision of his pro-Moscow predecessor, Viktor Yanukovych, to back out of the same EU association agreement in November that touched off massive protests in Ukraine that eventually led to Yanukovych's flight abroad, Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine." The agreement drew an "immediate threat of 'grave consequences' from Russia." [AP]

WHERE HAVE ALL THE IRAQ WAR CRITICS GONE?
Are there any Iraq war critics around? It's hard to tell, because the cable networks have not interviewed many of them. Meanwhile, the country appears now more than ever to have fragmented with a "de facto partition of the country into Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish cantons." And this mosque's safety could keep the country from plunging even deeper into conflict. [HuffPost]

100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF WWI
"With the death of the last veterans, World War I, which began 100 years ago, has moved from memory to history. But its resonance has not faded — on land and geography, people and nations, and on the causes and consequences of modern war." Take a look at the war's effects on national borders, the New York Times' archived coverage and 100 legacies from the war that live on today. [NYT]

STATESIDE: The Supremes Have Been Busy This Year
The Supreme Court handed down two more big rulings: one limiting executive power and the other eliminating any sort of buffer zone around abortion clinics. An AP investigation into New York prison suicides finds nine out of 11 suicides in the last five years could have been prevented. Take a look at a photo series about retired search and rescue dogs who served during 9/11. Check out all the properties in Detroit that were "on the brink of foreclosure this year." Here's how the Clinton's went from millions in debt to millions. Remember that time a sinkhole swallowed a bunch of Corvettes in a museum dedicated to the sports car? The hole is now a bigger tourist draw than the cars.

In sibling rivalry news, check out these fighting baby elephants.

INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE: Putin Just Wants to Be Popular
Here's why Vladimir Putin's approval ratings spell trouble. Authorities think they know how the passengers on missing Malaysian flight MH370 died. The White House wants $500 million for Syrian rebels. A gas pipeline exploded in India, killing 14 and shooting flames 80 feet into the air. And the U.S. is gradually eliminating its land mine stash, with the hopes of joining the Ottawa Convention. [Image via Tumblr]

In scary news, this kitten is afraid of the carpet.

BUY! SELL! BUY! Prison Calls Are Expensive
It costs a lot to send emails and make phone calls from prison. This map breaks down the geopolitical risks that could tank the market. The investigation into GM's faulty ignition now includes the supplier who made the part. Frozen food has fallen out of favor as fresh food becomes more popular. This is what the future of airport security looks like. And Uber's getting into the wedding business. [Image via Tumblr]

In one smart dog news, check out this one cheating on the treadmill.

SCOUTING REPORT: Trust Nate Silver, He's a Witch
Since the U.S. team lost their way into the World Cup's round of 16, Nate Silver breaks down the chances the U.S. team beats each team it could play. Check out the most ridiculous outfit from last night's NBA draft. Watch what happens when you try to push a double into a homerun. And Bill Simmons doesn't really like when teams help out Miami.

In everyone loves bbq news, this dog adores grilled corn on the cob.

CULTURE CATCH-UP: Michael Bay Has a Formula
Vulture's feature on "How to Tell You're a Woman in a Michael Bay Movie" is genius. It's a bloodbath on "The View" -- Sherri Shepard and Jenny McCarthy are out. Cam Gigandet took the time to talk smack about his old "O.C." co-stars -- that won't spoil our nostalgia for Marissa and Ryan's love. And extra funding for "The Reading Rainbow" reboot is coming from a surprising benefactor.

In bored news, this cat just keeps flushing the toilet.

LIVIN': Have You Found the One?
This is how you know you've found your soulmate. Here's the secret of how to handle passive-aggressive people. Be careful when you enter your iPhone passcode in public, as theives can identify the numbers from video of how your fingers move. Take a look at how to rock a tuxedo jacket. We want all of these summer ice cream flavors NOW. This depressing map details where Americans drink themselves to death. And here's why you're always lashing out the most at the people you love. Sorry, Mom -- you're the best.

In "King of the Hill" news, these goats love climbing all over this horse.

OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS: Monica Found Her Man
Courtney Cox is engaged!!! Shia LeBeouf was arrested at a Broadway play last night. Beyonce's latest concert getup seems to be missing a backside. Photos of Pippa Middleton and Lady Mary hanging out are too much for us to handle. Miranda Lambert talks the pressures of Hollywood on women. Kathy Griffin took it ALL off for a photo shoot with Tyler Shields. And Anna Wintour is about to get a daughter-in-law -- can you IMAGINE being that poor woman?

In retro news, here's Brad Pitt in an 80s Pringles commercial.

TWITTERATI

@FINALLEVEL: F*** cell phone batteries... They all suck.

@ItsTheSituation: B True


@questlove: that moment of silence....when you don't know you are on a HIGH POWERED CYCLONE AUTO FLUSH toilet when you stand up....on the phone...w her

@StephenAtHome: I'm on vacation for two weeks. But if you need me, I can still be reached by the Colbert Signal. Ask your police commissioner for details.

@HistoryInPics: Statue of Liberty, being constructed in France


ONE MORE THING
Find out what your drink of choice says about you. Be warned: these bartenders are brutally honest.

Got something to add? Send tips/quips/quotes/stories/photos/events/scoops to Lauren Weber (lauren.weber@huffingtonpost.com). Follow us on Twitter (@LaurenWeberHP). Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Get your own copy. It's free! Sign up here.


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