CIVIL RIGHTS

Federal prosecutors have closed a probe into America's self-proclaimed toughest sheriff -- Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz. -- on abuse of power with no charges filed.

The RNC has reportedly chosen Clint Eastwood as Thursday's mystery speaker but there are most outspoken choices that better represent the party's actual stance on hot-button issues.

A sign in front of Steven Showers' California home has made his home the topic of neighborly outrage. The 14-foot tall buzzing neon obelisk pleads for passersby to "Save the GOP." A relatively unthreatening sentiment, right? Except the rest of the glowing red and green text labels Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney a "racist."

Five more major companies said they had quit the controversial conservative American Legislative Council, a Washington, D.C., based body that lobbies for right-wing legislation such as “stand your ground” laws in state legislatures.

All told, the number of ‘fat’ Americans far surpasses those of any racial, ethnic or religious minority.

When Cameron appeared on Tuesday’s “Today” show to discuss his new documentary, “Monumental,” co-hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb quickly steered the conversation toward the controversy surrounding Todd Akin’s “legitimate rape” comment. It was almost like a dare: Say something outrageous, Kirk.

He has always been disappointingly awkward, uncharismatic and uninteresting.

Qantas and Virgin Australia Airlines have recently been criticized for their seating policy, which prohibits adult men from sitting next to unaccompanied minors.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is being treated for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic. The form of the disorder that he has, called bipolar II depression, is a treatable one that afflicts many Americans who are still able to live successful, fruitful lives despite suffering from the ailment.

On Sunday, the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) released a media advisory that offers guidelines for journalists reporting on the tragedy that left seven people dead at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis.

A new super PAC called FightBigotry.com will "connect the dots to explain the one political vulnerability of President Obama that no one else has the stomach to bring up."

The Black Lips participated in the "kiss-in" protest at a Chick-fil-A outlet and posted a picture of themselves kissing on the band's Facebook page.

Gay rights organizations have declared Friday to be "National Same-Sex Kiss Day" in response to Wednesday's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

New research has found that U.S. President Barack Obama is related to the first documented black African enslaved for life in America, though the connection was made through the President's Caucasian mother's lineage.

"This is not only damaging us but the whole [Russian] judicial system. It's a disgrace," one of Pussy Riot's lawyers, Nikolai Polozov, commented at the start of the trial on Monday.

As non-Persians, they have long faced discrimination, particularly with respect to employment, housing, and civil rights.

The Department of Justice is investigating whether Pennsylvania's new voter identification law discriminates against minorities, according to a letter released on Monday.

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, the Islamic world will have much to reflect upon this year. In Syria, a civil war looms if it hasn't already arrived. In Egypt, a fledgling democracy is being tested. In Afghanistan, an exhaustive American war is coming to a dubious end.

Reported incidents of discrimination by Apple Store employees against people of Iranian descent are increasing, raising the likelihood that what appeared to be a few cases of prejudice may turn into a legal and diplomatic scandal. Further, the company's virtual non-response to the reports exposes it to being played by Tehran, which has already become involved.

Outfest, which kicks off on Thursday at various venues around Los Angeles, turns 30 this year, a milestone that presents its organizers with the opportunity to reflect upon both where it's been and where it's heading.

Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend who amassed several championships during his career, is the recipient of 2012 Liberty Medal.