Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Syria: “Syrians poured into the streets Friday in some of the largest antigovernment protests yet despite the shutdown of much of the country’s Internet network, which has been crucial to demonstrators’ ability to mobilize and a major source of information for those outside the country. The worst violence Friday appeared to be in the restive city of Hama, where at least 40 protesters were killed in a continuation of a brutal nationwide government crackdown that has lasted for months, according to local activists.”
* John Edwards, indicted: “Former vice presidential nominee John Edwards was indicted Friday on charges of violating federal election law for allegedly using nearly $1 million in illegal campaign donations to conceal an extramarital affair during his 2008 run for the Democratic presidential nomination. In a brief statement to reporters Friday afternoon, Edwards admitted that he has ‘done wrong’ but denied breaking the law.”
* The illness metaphor, which happens to be accurate, makes a comeback: “President Barack Obama on Friday told workers at a Chrysler plant in Toledo, Ohio, that the economy is on a bumpy ‘road to recovery,’ hours after the release of a lackluster jobs report. ‘This economy took a big hit,’ Obama said. ‘Just like if you have a bad illness … it’s going to take a while for you to mend, and that’s what’s happening to our economy.’”
* U.S. efforts in Libya are not popular on the Hill: “The House of Representatives voted Friday to harshly rebuke President Obama for continuing to maintain an American role in NATO operations in Libya without the express consent of Congress…. The resolution, which passed 268 to 145, was offered by Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio to siphon off swelling Republican support for a measure sponsored by Representative Dennis J. Kucinich.”
* Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the vice-chair for finance at the National Republican Campaign Committee. Given that his auto dealership has been accused of violating election laws, maybe he should take on different responsibilities?
* Good for them: “Two senior New Hampshire Republicans in the state house resigned their leadership positions late last night, saying that they couldn’t stay in their spots after their party turned against labor unions. ‘It is evident now that pro-worker Republican views like mine are not respected under this leadership team,’ said House Deputy Majority Leader Matt Quandt, one of the two who resigned.”
* Are Canadian doctors fleeing their country to practice in the United States? Um, no.
* The Department of Education has finally issued new rules for for-profit colleges. Are they strict enough? Not even close.
* House Speaker John Boehner has agreed to go golfing with President Obama. Perhaps Fox News will take the week off from saying the president goes golfing too much, since a Republican will be with him?
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
