Today's edition of quick hits:
* Chaos in Egypt: "At least 235 people were killed and 2,001 injured, the country's health ministry said, but the toll looked certain to rise as unrest spread from Cairo to other parts of the country."
* Bradley Manning spoke today at the sentencing part of his court martial. "I'm sorry I hurt people. I'm sorry that I hurt the United States," he said. "I'm apologizing for the unexpected results of my actions. The last three years have been a learning experience for me."
* Israel: "Shortly before Israelis and Palestinians sat down Wednesday for the first direct negotiations here in five years, Israeli war planes struck two sites in Gaza in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave."
* Jackson sentenced: "Former Illinois lawmaker Jesse Jackson, Jr., was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to spending $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. He will also face 36 months of probation, 500 hours of community service and continued mental health care."
* Wall Street: "Federal authorities announced criminal charges on Wednesday against two former JPMorgan Chase employees accused of disguising losses on a trade that spun out of control last year, a rare show of government force against Wall Street risk-taking."
* Several Republican lawmakers from Arizona balked at Hurricane Sandy aid for New Jersey and New York. Now they're wondering where the federal aid is for areas affected by Arizona wildfires.
* If you missed Sam Stein's terrific report on the effects of sequestration cuts on scientific research, it's excellent and well worth your time.
* So typical: "Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) invited the rodeo clown who sparked controversy by donning a mask of President Obama at the Missouri state fair to perform in Texas, his office said Wednesday."
* And I have plenty of typos, but this one from Virginia gubernatorial hopeful Ken Cuccinelli (R) is amusing: "My #1 goal is to secure VA's economic future, including for our children & that beings with education." Always check your spelling when writing about education. Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.