NYTimes stories and editorials I’m reading this morning:

• Israeli Court Orders Changes to Barrier in West Bank
  The Israeli Supreme Court today said the route of the country’s West Bank separation barrier is causing too much harm to the local Palestinian population.
• Thousands of Protesters in Hong Kong Take Aim at Beijing
  Tens of thousands of protesters on Thursday challenged Beijing’s refusal to allow them to elect their own leaders. 
• Dude, Where’s That Elite? (By BARBARA EHRENREICH)
  With Michael Moore as the left’s most visible spokesman, it’s time to retire the “liberal elite” label.
• Those Were the Days (By BRUCE BARTLETT)
  The publication of Bill Clinton’s memoirs has led many conservatives to reassess their memories of his presidency.

And some NPR Morning Edition stories:

• After Several Lean Years, States See Revenue Surpluses
  Last year, many U.S. states found themselves in serious financial straits. This year, tax revenues are up, and more than half the states have a budget surplus. But their budgetary woes are far from over. NPR’s Wendy Kaufman reports.
• Cassini Becomes First Craft to Enter Saturn’s Orbit
  After a six-and-a-half-year journey, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft becomes the first to enter Saturn’s orbit. The bus-sized spacecraft will spend the next several years exploring the planet, its rings and its moons. NPR’s Richard Harris reports.
• Ear Surgeries Seek to Heal Painful Saddam Legacy
  Among the legacies of Saddam Hussein’s reign are the thousands of Iraqis with missing or mutilated ears. Slicing off an ear was standard punishment for army deserters. Now the new Iraqi government is footing the bill for ear replacement surgery. NPR’s Emily Harris reports.