Today’s edition of quick hits:
* The United States launched airstrikes in Yemen yesterday “that killed as many as seven militants, the second American missile attack in the country since the CIA and other spy agencies disrupted an al-Qaeda airline bomb plot.”
* Afghan officials are reporting that their own military commanders have “refused more than a dozen times within the past two months to act on U.S. intelligence regarding high-level insurgents,” fearing civilian casualties.
* U.S. consumer confidence has risen to its highest level in more than four years, exceeding forecasts.
* It’s a good thing we didn’t let Detroit go bankrupt: “U.S. auto sales are on pace for the best showing since 2007 and a third straight year of at least 10 percent gains, only the fourth such streak since the Great Depression, as more-confident buyers return to showrooms.”
* North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue (D) responded to the state passing the anti-gay Amendment One measure by saying, “We look like Mississippi.”
* Nancy Keenan, the president of Naral Pro-Choice America, will step down at the end of the year “to make room for a new, younger leader.” Update: Kennan will be talking with Rachel tonight on the air, so be sure to tune in.
* A sharp piece this morning from Greg Sargent on the importance of the “amnesia strategy” in 2012. * This is not at all a good time to end unemployment insurance. * And I have a hunch msnbc’s Tamron Hall won’t want to chat with Tim Carney anytime soon after this interesting exchange earlier today. Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
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