1. EMMYS CONSIDER HOSTLESS CEREMONY: Fox and the Television Academy are considering having a hostless Emmys for the first time since 2003. Nominations will be announced July 16, which is when the network and the Academy might make a decision. The 71st Primetime Emmys will air September 22. Variety: “With so many iconic shows ending their run (and others celebrating anniversaries), it may be a good year to shift the focus away from one host and toward the programs. The idea, of course, is also inspired by this year’s Academy Awards telecast, which earned high marks (and improved ratings) despite not having a host at its core.”
2. FOUR INJURED IN SHOOTING AT TORONTO RAPTORS CELEBRATION: A shooting at the Toronto Raptors’ N.B.A. celebration and parade on Monday left four people injured. Afterward, Canadian officials told the public to continue having a peaceful celebration of the team’s win. CNN: “Justin Trudeau was present for the victory rally in downtown Toronto, where huge crowds had gathered to celebrate the Raptors' victory over the Golden State Warriors in the N.B.A. finals. Four people suffered ‘non-life threatening’ injuries in a shooting near the rally in Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said. Three people were arrested in two separate incidents connected to the shooting, he said.”
3. SUPREME COURT PASSES ON NEW SAME-SEX WEDDING CAKE CASE: The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday sent a case involving the owners of an Oregon bakery, who were fined for refusing to provide a cake for a lesbian commitment ceremony, back to state courts for another round of hearings. The dispute recalls last year’s high-profile case involving a Colorado baker who refused to provide a cake for a gay wedding, saying it would require him to act against his religious views and violate his free speech rights. NBC News: “The dispute began in 2013 when Rachel Cryer asked the owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa in suburban Portland for a cake to celebrate her commitment to another woman. Aaron Klein, who owned the bakery with his wife, Melissa, said creating a custom cake for a same-sex ceremony would violate the couple's religious beliefs. … One issue in the Oregon case, which also came up in last year's Masterpiece Cake case, is whether a cake is a work of art. The bakers said they spend hours designing and constructing their one-of-a-kind cakes. But the Oregon Court of Appeals found that ‘even when custom-designed for a ceremonial occasion, they are still cakes made to be eaten.’ It also said people who attend a wedding might consider the cake an expression of the views of the honored couple, not that of the bakers.”
