Democrats Dump Fox  —  The Huffington Post can confirm that the Nevada Democratic Party has decided to back out of a Fox News-sponsored presidential debate in August following Fox President Roger Ailes's recent remarks comparing Democratic Senator Barack Obama to al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.

Appeals Court Guts D.C. Gun Ban  —  A federal appellate panel today struck down parts of the District's gun law as unconstitutional, ruling that the city cannot bar people from keeping firearms in their homes.  —  The decision was a victory for six D.C. residents who said they wanted to keep firearms for self-defense.

Insurgent leader nabbed in Iraq raid  —  BAGHDAD - The leader of the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq was captured Friday in a raid west of Baghdad — his identity revealed by a fellow insurgent detained with him, an Iraqi military spokesman said.  —  Abu Omar al-Baghdadi was captured …

Priests to purify site after Bush visit  —  GUATEMALA CITY - Mayan priests will purify a sacred archaeological site to eliminate "bad spirits" after President Bush visits next week, an official with close ties to the group said Thursday.  —  "That a person like (Bush) …

Obey berates woman over war funding, later apologizes  —  House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) berated a woman who approached him in a Congressional corridor, claiming that "idiot liberals" don't understand the war supplemental spending bill process.

"IT'S THE FOX DESIGNING THE HENHOUSE"....David Cay Johnston reports today that the IRS is outsourcing its writing of tax rules to the very lawyers and accountants who create tax shelters and exploit loopholes for the superrich: … What an outrageous thing to say.

After Mastering Web Traffic, Google Runs Bus Line  —  MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — The perks of working at Google are the envy of Silicon Valley.  Unlimited amounts of free chef-prepared food at all times of day.  A climbing wall, a volleyball court and two lap pools.

They're Not in Your Club but They Are in Your League: Firedoglake at the Libby Trial  —  "What happens?  One blog puts more boots on the ground than any commercial news operation.  The writers bring more background, savvy and commitment to the case.  And they dominate in coverage of a big news event.

We Will Lose The War On Terror [BRD]  —  I was going home a few days ago, and a thought struck me.  Not an idle notion, or an intriguing idea, but a sickening, clammy, dead certainty.  The realization struck me with sufficient force that in another era I would have claimed that it was a vision from God.

Naughtywords  —  Yup, I use 'em—and when I do, it's not because I'm so moronic as to lift an image from a Google Search without even paying attention to what it says.  —  In case you can't make out the text, here's a still image in which they're clearer:  —  That's right.

Tape of Padilla interrogation is missing  —  MIAMI - A videotape showing Pentagon officials' final interrogation of al-Qaida suspect Jose Padilla is missing, raising questions about whether federal prosecutors have lost other recordings and evidence in the case.