WHAT STAFF WRITER PHILIP RUCKER IS READING TODAY »
U.S. to Toughen Finance Rules Wall Street Journal | In a scoop this morning, the Wall Street Journal outlines the Obama administration's plan to revamp oversight of the troubled financial markets. The plan includes giving the Federal Reserve more power.
Obama's Grass-Roots PlansWashington Post | Obama will activate his extensive campaign apparatus for the first time since taking office today, begining an all-out grass-roots effort to urge Congress to pass his $3.55 trillion budget, reports Chris Cillizza.
TThe Pirate LatitudesVanity Fair | Vanity Fair's William Langewiesche pens a gripping reconstructive narrative of last year's attack by Somali pirates of the luxurious French cruise ship Le Ponant.
High-Powered and Low-KeyWashington Post | Michael A. Fletcher writes a wonderful profile of the high-powered and low-key Valerie Jarrett, one of Barack and Michelle Obama's closest friends who now is senior White House adviser.
Minutiae? In This White House, Call It News New York Times | There's a hearty appetite for personal minutiae and trivia about Obama's top aides. Peter Orszag likes Diet Coke, Rahm Emanuel goes to Safeway in Dupont Circle and David Axelrod dines at Monocle. Mark Liebovich dissects the trend.