Beyond the hedges: Wisconsin governor stands firm, Unrest continues in Libya

2/24/11 6:00pm

National

Wisconsin governor stands firmAfter a negative reception of Governor Scott Walker's (R-WI) proposed bill to cut finances and rights of public-employee unions, he is still pushing for other Republican governors to present the same ideas in their own states. Walker said he has talked with Ohio Governor John Kasich and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and suggested that his counterparts in Michigan and Florida follow in his suit. Prompted by Walker's work in Wisconsin, tea party groups are organizing grass-roots attempts to support Walker and others advocating pension reform, limiting public-sector collective bargaining and spending cuts. Liberal groups have meanwhile been spurred into encouraging protests in Wisconsin and planning rallies in all state capitals for Saturday.

Source: Washington Post

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International

Unrest continues in Libya

Leader of Libya Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi is stock-piling forces in the Libyan capital of Tripoli to try and retain control against the week-old uprisings around the country. Qaddafi has gathered troops from the military which still remain loyal to him, as well as mercenaries from across northern Africa. These troops have been massing in the streets of Tripoli because, allegedly, they are willing to carry out kill orders other military members have refused. Residents said that the troops are heavily armed. Many Egyptians who were working in Libya have escaped; around 24,000 Egyptians have now crossed the border over to Egypt to avoid the violence, carrying with them some of the wounded and dead. Italian authorities report around 1,000 have died in the protests in Libya.

Source: New York Times

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