TUESDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* For a welcome change, the markets rallied today.
* Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke believes the stimulus package could lead to some economic growth next year, but a full recovery will take “more than two or three years.” Bernanke also spoke against the idea of governors rejecting unemployment insurance.
* The Senate confirmed Hilda Solis as Labor Secretary, 80 to 17. It’s about damn time.
* Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) urged Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) today to resign from the Senate. Burris refused.
* News from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is even more discouraging.
* There will be a White House envoy to Darfur.
* US Airways pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger not only made the case for more and stronger unions, he also made the case against deregulation.
* In a surprise move, Rupert Murdoch, chairman of the New York Post, personally apologized for the controversial chimp/stimulus cartoon.
* A step closer on D.C. voting rights.
* Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D): please stop talking.
* Can someone please hire some capable staffers for Tim Geithner at the Treasury Department?
* I wonder what the New York Times‘ editors were thinking.
* Given that we’re talking about “the single most pressing fiscal challenge we face by far,” the AP really should be more careful.
* And finally, Fox News’ John Gibson is feeling litigious.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.