5 things you need to know Friday
1. U.Va. student injured during arrest will discuss case
Officials on Thursday decided not to prosecute Martese Johnson, the University of Virginia student who was injured during his arrest outside a bar in Charlottesville, Va. Now, the 20-year-old black man on Friday is expected to address the case, which has stirred more controversy over the way black males are treated by police. Johnson was arrested March 18 and charged with public intoxication or swearing and obstruction of justice without force. His case sparked outcry when photos and videos of the arrest emerged, showing him pinned to the ground with a bloody face. The Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney said it was in the best interest of everyone not to pursue any charges against Johnson.
2. Strauss-Kahn acquitted of 'aggravated pimping'
A French court decided Friday to clear Dominique Strauss-Kahn of "aggravated pimping" charges after the former International Monetary Fund chief admitted to participating in sex parties while he was "saving the world" from one of its worst financial crises. The verdict is the last step in four years of legal drama for Strauss-Kahn that began when a New York hotel maid accused him of sexual assault in 2011, killing his presidential ambitions in France. That case was later settled out of court.
3. USA needs win vs. Sweden for calmer path through World Cup
The USA on Friday has its second and most critical game of the Women's World Cup: If they win against Sweden, they set themselves on a much easier path through the knockout stage. A loss means a nightmarish gauntlet of long distance travel, an unfavorable rest schedule and a trickier path through the tournament. Victory will be sweet for the team that faces controversy right now because of Hope Solo's ongoing domestic violence problems. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called for U.S. Soccer to explain why she is representing the USA.
4. Repressive regime hosts first European Games
The first European Games opened Friday, but the event is being overshadowed by the repressive host country, a former Soviet republic known for vast oil wealth, zero tolerance of dissent and allegations of government corruption. Azerbaijan has spent nearly $1 billion to fly in 6,000 athletes from about 50 countries. Human rights groups and some foreign journalists say they are barred from the opening ceremonies. "Azerbaijan wants to have these games in a criticism-free zone," says Levan Asastiani of Amnesty International.
5. 'Orange' is back for Season 3 — after a surprise release
Thanks to the abrupt departure of Orange Is the New Black's head hen, Vee (Lorraine Toussaint), Litchfield Prison finds a new world order in Season 3, which is binge-ready Friday — after a surprise early release late Thursday evening. Expect an overall lighter tone, says Uzo Aduba (Crazy Eyes). Orange picked up more than 20 awards in its first two seasons, including three Emmys and two SAG Awards. Netflix also announced they will have a Season 4 in 2016. Paste BN's Kelly Lawler (@klawls) will be up early watching. Follow her for reactions (not spoilers). Here's everything else new to Netflix in June (we see you, Scandal!)
And, the essentials:
Weather: The East Coast will be a steam bath on Friday while a few storms pelt the Rockies and Great Lakes.
Stocks: Wall Street stock futures traded flat.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Silicon Valley, Orange is the New Black and Veep.
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