Today’s edition of quick hits.
* Bloodshed in Baghdad: “Car bombs and a suicide attacker struck crowded areas in Baghdad and former insurgent strongholds to the north and west of the capital Tuesday, killing dozens and breaking a recent lull in violence in the predominantly Sunni areas. The attacks were a deadly reminder of the threat posed by suspected Sunni insurgents even as clashes between Shiite militia fighters and U.S.-Iraqi forces continued elsewhere.”
* Good: “The United States military said Monday that it would release an Associated Press photographer who has been jailed in Iraq without trial for two years on accusations of terrorism and kidnapping. The announcement came after two rulings over the previous week by panels of Iraqi judges, who said that the photographer, Bilal Hussein, was covered by an amnesty law and should be released. But such decisions are not binding on the coalition forces in Iraq, and it was not clear at first whether the military would continue to hold him.”
* The worst numbers on food inflation in 17 years: “Inflation at the wholesale level soared in March at nearly triple the rate that had been forecast as energy prices kept rising and food costs posted a much bigger jump than anticipated.”
* Not a big surprise: “Deborah Jeane Palfrey was convicted this afternoon of racketeering and other charges after a federal court jury determined that her upscale escort service was actually a front for prostitution. Jurors deliberated less than eight hours before returning the verdicts against Palfrey, 52, who stood impassively, with her hands folded in front of her, as the decision was read. She will remain free pending her sentencing July 24.”
* Bush is apparently poised to give a speech tomorrow on a new climate change policy. Don’t get your hopes up — the White House is apparently pushing on global warming because Bush administration officials “fear a coming regulatory nightmare.”
* Before a speech to veterans today, a disabled vet gave Barack Obama an American flag lapel pin. Taking away Fox News’ fun, he wore it.
* Bush has gone 39 consecutive months without majority public approval. It’s the longest streak since pollsters came into existence.
* I’ll have more on McCain’s economic speech tomorrow, but until then, a “gas-tax holiday“? Really? And people wonder why it’s so difficult to take McCain’s campaign seriously.
* On a related note, MSNBC personalities are really bad at math. Shaving 18 cents off the price of a gallon of gas will not reduce prices at the pump by “20 percent.”
* Why is Rupert Murdoch joining the Associated Press’ board of directors?
* Very good advice: “The Bush administration’s latest story line about Iraq — that Iran is now the primary problem there — should be greeted with profound skepticism. Not only is it the latest in a series of rationales for U.S. involvement in Iraq, most of which have turned out to be based on flawed intelligence, misrepresentations or outright dishonesty. But there are at least two illegitimate reasons why the White House would want the American public to see Iran as a threat right now.”
* Have you signed the Sam Seder petition yet? 4,000 names and counting….
* Donald Rumsfeld is working on a memoir for a 2010 release. As a likely reflection of publishers’ interest, Rumsfeld is going with a conservative subsidiary of a publisher, and will not receive an advance. (thanks to Wiley for the heads-up)
* Don’t say Harry Reid has no sense of humor: “Senator Majority leader Harry Reid was asked just now about whether the ongoing nomination fight is hurting the party. ‘It makes me bitter,’ he said.”
* How did Fox News personality Megyn Kelly impress her colleagues at the Republican network? According to Brit Hume, Kelly “seemed to get what we’ve talked about with ‘fair and balanced news’ …. She came in believing there was a left bias in the news. That’s not common.” He quickly created an opening for her. So that’s what Fox News means by “fair and balanced.”
Anything to add? Consider this an end-of-the-day open thread.