TUESDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Iraq’s “National Sovereignty Day” marred by violence: “At least 26 people were killed Tuesday in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, marring a national holiday declared to celebrate the departure of U.S. combat troops from Iraqi cities after six years and three months of war.”
* The White House lauded the key transition day in Iraq, but Robert Gibbs told reporters, “I will keep the banner printers from doing anything crazy.”
* Another tragic plane crash: “A Yemeni jetliner carrying 153 people crashed in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday as it came in for a landing on the island nation of Comoros. Yemeni officials said a teenage girl survived.”
* A North Korean ship, monitored under U.N. sanctions, reversed course today and headed back toward the south coast of China.
* As if the past couple of weeks weren’t enough: “Police officers and militia forces crowded the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, setting up checkpoints and making clear that the government had zero tolerance for any further public expressions of defiance to the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a day after the powerful Guardian Council certified his landslide victory.”
* The United Nations approved a measure today condemning the removal of President Manuel Zelaya from power in Honduras. The U.N.’s move comes on the heels of condemnations from the U.S., the E.U., and a variety of Latin American countries.
* Mark Sanford apparently plans to resist calls for his resignation, saying it’s God’s plan for him to finish his term.
* Justice Samuel Alito’s perspective in the Ricci case is generating considerable attention, but not in a good way.
* Sen. Robert Byrd (D) of West Virginia was released from the hospital today. The 91-year-old senators is reportedly home, “resting comfortably.” It’s unclear when he might return to work.
* This fall, San Francisco will be the first city to require composting. (thanks to doubtful for the tip)
* Someone should probably let Joe Scarborough know what “out of touch” means. He seems confused about it.
* And finally, Sen.-Elect Al Franken (D), who will be sworn in next week, will apparently be able to hit the ground running. His staff is already in place, and party leaders have reserved spots for him on four committees — including those tackling health care reform and judicial nominees.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
