Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Another shooting: “A police constable and a civilian were killed when a gunman opened fire Monday near the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. The gunman was injured in a gunbattle with police and later died, authorities said.”
* Syria: “Syrian rebels said Monday they had shot down a Syrian fighter jet for the first time, raising new questions about the opposition’s military capabilities, and whether Syria’s control of the skies might be threatened.”
* President Obama called the Mars rover team today to congratulate them. He also noted the appeal of mohawks.
* Iranian earthquakes killed at least 250 people on Saturday, and injured more than 2,000.
* As expected, House Republicans are still pretending to be outraged by the “Fast & Furious” controversy, and filed suit against Attorney General Eric Holder today.
* Egypt: “Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on Sunday purged the nation’s military leadership in a provocative move to expand his power and push aside generals who epitomized the inner circle of deposed leader Hosni Mubarak.”
* Drought: “The Obama administration announced Monday that it will make up to $170 million in new purchases to assist farmers struggling through the worst drought in years.”
* Brig. Gen. Tammy S. Smith, a 26-year veteran of the Army, is the now the first openly gay officer of flag rank in the United States military.
* And finally, Gabrielle Giffords has completed extensive rehabilitation in Houston, and over the weekend, moved back home to Tucson.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
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