Today in Black History: Educator Dr. Ruth Simmons, the first Black president of Brown University, was born on this date in 1945 in Grapeland, Texas.

NOTE: We will not post tomorrow, July 4. Please have a safe and restful Independence Day weekend.

The New York Times

Cheney’s Back, Blitzing Rivals and Drawing Scorn

Editorial: Another Failure to Regulate Derivatives

To Hold Senate, Democrats Rely on Single Women

Where the Christian Right Is Strong

Deadlock in Congress Appears to Worsen as Midterms Loom

Obama Urges Congress to Fund Infrastructure Projects

Bratton Putting Desk Officers on Streets to Fight New York’s Summer Crime

Insurers on New York State’s Health Exchange Seek Significant Rate Increases

New York City Agrees to New Contract With Chief Municipal Union


The Christian Science Monitor

As Civil Rights Act turns 50, what was role of Freedom Riders? (+video)

'Rape culture' on campus: why Harvard's new policy is 'really important'

Surprise! Red and blue districts often agree on government policy.

Women call Goldman Sachs 'hostile' workplace, seek to expand bias suit

Murder of Palestinian teen ratchets up tension in Jerusalem (+video)


The Star Ledger

Lawrenceville School student president resigns over online photo controversy

Christie vetoes gun control bill to reduce size of ammunition magazines

Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson starts term by signing agreement allowing city to receive state aid

Critics blast Christie administration's new NJ affordable housing plan


The Detroit Free Press

Fund-raising effort looks to save Detroit Stars' home field

Point-blank shooting of Inkster toddler violated 'the code of the streets'

Detroit seeks Kwame Kilpatrick records in bankruptcy fight

East side fair brings life-saving tips to Detroit neighborhood

Detroit mom angry after cops put her 11-year-old in handcuffs


Philly.com

Arise Academy charter decides to fight back

Phila. soccer club unites African refugees

School official caught with gun retires

State Sen. LeAnna Washington wants a Philly jury


The Washington Post

Obama’s discontent with House GOP boils over

We’re No. 1? Americans increasingly don’t think so.

The Civil Rights Act became law 50 years ago today. Here’s how The Washington Post covered it.

Louisiana court rules state constitution doesn’t protect gun rights of felons

Thousands petition White House to rename Reagan airport after Tim Howard

Ex-Prince George’s leader Wayne Curry dies

Milloy: He restored ‘Prince’ to Prince George’s

Morgan State part of U.S. probe of sexual-violence reports


The Chicago Tribune

Major teachers union backs Quinn over Rauner

CPS issues $5.8 billion preliminary budget

Two added to the board for the Obama presidential library foundation

State high court to weigh in on Jon Burge pension


The Cleveland Plain Dealer

$100,000 fireworks bust largest in recent Cleveland history, started from citizen complaint

Ohio's facial recognition software program remains controversial despite reforms

Cleveland State University's child care center reopens - but few children return


The Los Angeles Times

Guilty verdicts in jail case don't let top sheriff brass off hook

University of California launches effort to reduce world hunger

New flood of immigrants unsettles some U.S. towns

LAUSD board agrees on testing alternative laptops


The Atlanta Journal Constitution

More than 1,000 take citizenship oath at Turner Field ceremony

Ethics complaint aimed at DeKalb Commissioner Rader?


USA Today

N.J. cheerleader shot execution-style on the street