Today's edition of quick hits:
* In an awful new controversy, some U.S. paratroopers took photographs of themselves posing with Afghan human body parts.
* The Zimmerman trial: "The Florida judge overseeing the murder case against George Zimmerman stepped aside on Wednesday at the request of Mr. Zimmerman's lawyer, who had questioned whether her assignment could create a potential conflict of interest."
* Senate Republicans announced yesterday they will "file a legal brief in support of a company challenging the constitutionality of recess appointments made by President Obama this year."
* What a misguided policy: "Ushered in amid promises that it would save taxpayers money and deter drug users, a Florida law requiring drug tests for people who seek welfare benefits resulted in no direct savings, snared few drug users and had no effect on the number of applications, according to recently released state data."
* As Ted Nugent meets with the Secret Service, Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) has offered support for the right-wing musician, giving him a pass for the violent rhetoric.
* Despite a lengthy investigation, it appears Rep. David Rivera (R-Fla.) will reportedly not face criminal charges this year, despite alleged personal and campaign financial irregularities.
* Americans generally don't know much about the Supreme Court.
* In recent years, as the climate crisis has grown more serious, coverage of climate change on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX has dropped significantly.
* The legendary Dick Clark died this morning after a heart attack. He was 82.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.