Third Front: As Russian troops help rebels carve out Ukraine territory, the European Union is meeting to discuss stiffer sanctions. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said, “The opening of new fronts and use of regular Russian forces is not acceptable and represents a grave transgression.”

Russia appears to be trying to create a semi-autonomous pro-Russian state in eastern Ukraine. President Putin has referred to the rebels as the “Novorossyia Militia” …. Novorossyia means “New Russia.”

Texas Abortion: A federal judge has struck down a new rule that would have forced the closure of more than half the remaining abortion clinics in Texas. Judge Lee Yeakel said the rule requiring abortion clinics to meet the building standards of surgery centers placed an undue burden on a woman’s right to an abortion. The Texas legislature has passed laws in the name of women’s safety that are really intended to end legal abortions in that state.

On Track: NASCAR driver Tony Stewart said he had great sympathy for the fellow driver he ran over and killed during a sprint car race three weeks ago, but he’s returning to racing after a three week hiatus. “I miss being back in the racecar,” Stewart told reporters. “I think being back in the car this week with my racing family will help me get through this difficult time.”

Fellow driver Kevin Ward spun out and got out of his car to point an accusing finger at Stewart, who ran over Ward on his next turn around the short track. An investigation may take another couple of weeks.

Followup:

>The Missouri police officer who pointed an assault rifle at protesters in Ferguson, Mo. and said, “I will fucking kill you,” has resigned.

>The experimental drug ZMapp has cured 18 monkeys of Ebola virus.

>The developer of a luxury New York apartment building with a separate “poor door” for low-income residents is making changes to give the lower rent tenants access to a nicer lobby and a rooftop deck … but the poor door stays.

>Iceland’s volcano ash alert has been lifted.

Gaza: Rebuilding Gaza after its latest war with Israel will take as long as 20 years, according to an international agency that assesses post-conflict damage. Damage is estimated at $6 billion and hampering reconstruction will be the restriction on importing concrete imposed by Israel and Egypt. Hamas uses concrete for military purposes.

Bagged: The California legislature has passed a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags. It’s to cut down on litter in the streets and plastic in the ocean. Some local governments, including Los Angeles, have banned plastic bags, and people adjust just fine.

The Obit Page: Former Navy Warrant Officer John Walker, who was sentenced in 1986 to life in prison for passing codes and other information to the Soviet Union, has died in prison at age 77. A spy ring that included Walker’s son, brother, and a friend operated for 17 years allowing the Russians to decode millions of Navy messages. He did it for the money.

Sig Out: Much to the surprise of people who never knew she was there, Chelsea Clinton is leaving NBC News. Having never worked previously as a reporter, she was paid $600,000 a year to be a “Special Correspondent. An NBC executive praised Clinton’s work, which basically amounted to reading out loud. And not very well.

Beeeeeer Heeeeeere: Just in time for Labor Day and football season, Austin Beerworks in Texas has introduced a seven-foot, 82-pound case of beer for just $99. They are not exactly flying off the shelves … they are getting lugged, and they’re in short supply. They sold out in a day. The 99-pack of “Anytime Ale” is called “The Peacemaker.” They just have a different form of logic in Texas.

-30-