FIRST SHOTS: Paterson aide charged with assault, affordable housing mob in Georgia

The Upshot

Welcome to "First Shots," a daily morning roundup of early-bird news and a preview of what's to come later.

• David W. Johnson, an aide for New York Gov. David Paterson, has been charged with assault. (The New York Times)

• The average compensation for a federal employee has grown to more than double what private sector workers earn. (USA Today)

• A federal court in California is expected to rule today on whether to keep a temporary stay on recent Prop 8 ruling that overturned the state's ban on same sex marriages: (CNN)

• A "person of interest" has been arrested in the Michigan-Virginia-Ohio serial killer case. (The Washington Post)

• Iraq's most senior officer, Lieutenant General Babakir Zebari, said that the Iraqi army won't be ready to ensure the country's security for another ten years--and that U.S. troops should stay another 20 years. (Voice of America)

• An estimated 30,000 people lined up yesterday to apply for affordable housing in East Point, Georgia, amid stifling heat. A mob scene ensued that left 62 people injured. (Atlanta-Journal Constitution)

• Two homeowners have been charged with discrimination after refusing to sell their home to a black couple in Chicago. (NBC Chicago)

• It was a night of fiery speeches and awkward dancing. Check out coverage of Rep. Charlie Rangel's birthday party... with video. (CNN)

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