WEDNESDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Unrest returns to the streets of Tehran.
* Interesting: “In a landmark ruling, an Italian judge on Wednesday convicted a base chief for the Central Intelligence Agency and 22 other American C.I.A. operatives of kidnapping a Muslim cleric from the streets of Milan in 2003.” Kevin added: “Let me get this straight: the Italian judge was happy to convict a bunch of Americans who he knew would never pay a price since they’ll never be extradited, but he wasn’t willing to convict the Italians involved in all this, who would have paid a price. You’ll excuse me, I hope, if I don’t exactly see this as a triumph of judicial independence.”
* Not surprisingly, the Fed left interest rates near zero.
* A House vote on health care reform on Saturday?
* A Senate vote on extending unemployment benefits today?
* Sen. James Inhofe (R) of Oklahoma stopped by the Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on a climate change bill, refused to discuss the basis of his opposition, and left to continue his boycott. What a clown.
* In related news, a tri-partisan group of senators — John Kerry, Lindsey Graham, and Joe Lieberman — announced their combined efforts to advance a climate bill.
* Harold Meyerson makes the case for the House health care reform bill. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities also touts its strengths.
* Election-day victories for higher ed.
* John Stossel thinks he’s being criticized because he’s at Fox. John, trust me, you were criticized plenty before.
* Louisiana Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwelll resigned. It’s about time.
* Why is Newsweek co-hosting a discussion on energy policy with an oil-industry lobbying group?
* MSNBC’s Chris Matthews thinks it’s awful to talk about whether Chris Christie is overweight. MSNBC’s Chris Matthews also thinks it’s great to talk about whether Al Gore is overweight.
* When Sarah Palin’s book becomes a best seller, remember that it helps to have right-wing outlets buying copies in bulk and selling them for under $5.
* Have I mentioned lately how glad I am that government intervention prevented a depression?
* Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) isn’t sure what “dithering” means, but he’s pretty sure President Obama is guilty of it.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
