AFL-CIO leader tries to quell pro-Sanders revolt  —  The labor federation's rules don't allow its state and local leaders to endorse presidential candidates, Richard Trumka says as the Vermont senator surges.  —  Richard Trumka has a message for state and local AFL-CIO leaders tempted to endorse Bernie Sanders: Don't.

State Silences Bakers Who Refused to Make Cake for Lesbian Couple, Fines Them $135K  —  Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian finalized a preliminary ruling today ordering Aaron and Melissa Klein, the bakers who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding, to pay $135,000 in emotional damages to the couple they denied service.

Smaller Majority “Extremely Proud” to Be an American  —  Story Highlights  —  WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Independence Day approaches, most in the U.S. say they are proud to be an American, including a slight majority, 54%, who are “extremely proud.”  The percentage saying they are “extremely proud” …

A few fans have written wondering whether I intended to utter a racist remark by referring to Justice Thomas as a “clown in blackface.”  —  “Blackface” is a lesser known theatrical term for a white actor who blackens his face to play a black buffoon.  In traditional theater lingo, and in my view and intent, that is not racist.

Courtroom school reunion between judge, suspect  —  Judge Mindy Glazer, suspect Arthur Booth attended middle school together  —  Author: Jeff Tavss, Executive Producer, jtavss@local10.com … MIAMI -  —  While most school reunions are held in hotel ballrooms or local gymnasiums …

Bubba Watson Says He Will Paint Over Confederate Flag On ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’ Car  —  As the tide continues to turn against Confederate flags, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson said Thursday that he too would remove the flag from one of its most visible cultural likenesses.

State chemist's addiction may have affected more drug cases than previously known  —  For years, Sonja Farak was addicted to cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines, the kind of drugs usually bought from street dealers in covert transactions that carry the constant risk of arrest.

Romney to host Christie in New Hampshire  —  Mitt Romney is opening up his sprawling New Hampshire vacation home to Chris Christie and his wife Mary Pat this weekend.  —  The two are planning to have dinner with the former GOP presidential candidate on Friday night at his home near Lake Winnipesaukee …

TV news crews robbed in S.F.; cameraman pistol-whipped  —  News crews from two television stations were robbed of cameras Thursday morning, and a camera operator was pistol-whipped by a man in a ski mask, as they reported on a homicide at Pier 14 in San Francisco.

For a Better Steak, Cook Directly on Charcoal  —  We've never been the kind of guys to worship outdoor grilling gear and technology.  When we were growing up, Dad set the tone, making do with a rusty hardware store hibachi and a metal chimney.  We've written about the ascetic thrill of using government-issue grills in state parks.

Why Is Donald Trump Polling So Well?  —  Name ID and support from the GOP base may be boosting Trump for now, but it will fade.  —  Macy's is ditching him, NBC has let him go, and Univision refuses to broadcast his famed beauty pageant.  But American voters are still entertaining the idea of President Donald Trump.

How Jeb Bush's rm made him rich — and created a nest egg for his family  —  Shortly after Jeb Bush left the Florida governor's office in 2007, he established his own firm, Jeb Bush & Associates, designed to maximize his earning potential as one of the country's more prominent politicians.

3 reasons the American Revolution was a mistake  —  This July 4th, I'm celebrating by taking a plane from the US to the United Kingdom.  The timing wasn't intentional, but I embrace the symbolism.  American independence in 1776 was a monumental mistake.  We should be mourning the fact that we left the United Kingdom, not cheering it.

Can't let go of Joe  —  Biden probably isn't running, but a small group of diehard fans insists he just might.  —  Joe Biden's trial balloon is being inflated without him.  —  Seriously, people who claim to be insiders say, he's going to run.  Probably going to run.  Definitely thinking about running.