The Short List: Obama scores on Iran deal; meet Homo naledi; NYPD claims case of mistaken identity

Republicans say fight over Iran nuke deal ain't over yet

President Obama scored a big win Thursday as Senate Democrats blocked a resolution to reject the Iran nuclear deal. The House and Senate has a week to vote for a resolution of disapproval, or the agreement will take effect. What is the deal anyway? It means the U.S. and five other world powers will lift sanctions on Iran. In return, Iran says it won't develop nuclear weapons, at least for a decade. Republicans, particularly those running for president in 2016, had strong words of opposition: "It's going to be holy hell," said Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

A cave of wonders. And deep inside, a new human species. Meet Homo naledi.

Tantalizing fossils were discovered in the dark reaches of a cave called Rising Star inSouth Africa. They're being billed as the newest branch on the human evolutionary tree. What the scientists found. Naledi is a strange mishmash of parts. It had hands and feet much like those of other members of the biological group called Homo, which includes, Homo sapiens (i.e., us). Its brain, though, was only about as big as an orange. Who the scientists were. It took a team including six female scientists, chosen for their small size and research expertise, to retrieve the fossils. One slot leading to the fossil chamber is just over 7 inches wide. Why "naledi"? It's the word for "star" in the African language Sotho. How old are the bones, really? The fossils' age is unknown, but they could be more than 2.5 million years old. Or they could be relatively recent — in the grand scheme of things. Homo sapiens emerged in Africa roughly 200,000 years ago, so the bones are at least that old. More on the naledi fossils from National Geographic.

NYPD says ex-tennis player was thrown to the ground in case of mistaken identity

The latest face in the use of excessive force may be a familiar one. American ex-tennis player James Blake was standing in front of his hotel this week when he was tackled to the ground and cuffed by a plainclothes NYPD officer. New York Police CommissionerBill Bratton said it was a case of mistaken identity, and Blake "looks like the twin brother" of the suspect. Though Bratton defended the officer, he said he'd like to apologize to Blake in person. Tennis stars have come out in force in support of Blake, including Andy Roddick who tweeted: "James is the most honest and straightforward guy I know. It's ridiculous what happened." Blake, for his part, said: "I do think most cops are doing a great job keeping us safe, but when you police with reckless abandon, you need to be held accountable."

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