In other news 6-24

Published 10:35 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Banning of the Confederate flag on the rise

EBay Inc. said on Tuesday it will ban Confederate flags and related items containing the flag’s image from its website, calling the flag a “symbol of divisiveness and racism.” — CNBC News

Creator of pink lawn flamingo dies at 79

Don Featherstone was a classically trained painter, a talented sculptor and artist who became famous for creating the pink plastic lawn flamingo — the ultimate piece of American suburban kitsch. Featherstone died Monday at age 79. — San Jose Mercury News

Obama to announce change in hostage laws

President Obama will announce that the government will no longer threaten criminal prosecution of the families of American hostages who are held abroad by groups like the Islamic State if they attempt to pay ransom for the release of their loved ones. — The New York Times

Pizza delivery driver discovers cockfighting ring

A rooster fighting and breeding compound was discovered by a pizza delivery driver in Winter Haven, Fla., authorities said. “We really appreciate this pizza delivery driver calling us. Frankly, I can’t understand why someone would ask for a pizza delivery during an illegal cockfight,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. — WFTV News

Rap mogul ‘Diddy’ arrested on assault charges

Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is free on bail after being arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, among other counts, stemming from an alleged incident on the UCLA campus, according to police and school officials. — The Los Angeles Times