What's at Stake in Wisconsin's Budget Battle  —  Who's in charge of our political system—voters or unions?  —  This week President Obama was roundly criticized, even by many of his allies, for submitting a federal budget that actually increases our already crushing deficit.

Union Brothers and Sisters: Seize Opportunity to Show True Solidarity  —  The union-led school closures and demonstrations in Madison have left most ordinary Americans shaking their heads in disbelief.  Months ago, I penned a message to my fellow union brothers and sisters when I found myself …

House Votes to Cut $60 Billion, Setting Up Budget Clash  —  WASHINGTON — The House early Saturday approved a huge package of spending cuts, slashing more than $60 billion from domestic programs, foreign aid, and even some military projects, as the new Republican majority made good on its pledge …

Protesters back in Bahrain centre  —  Anti-government protesters reoccupy Pearl roundabout after troops and police withdraw from protest site in capital.  —  [WARNING: This video contains images that some viewers may find disturbing]  —  Thousands of protesters have reoccupied …

U.S.-TALIBAN TALKS  —  On August 22, 1998, Mullah Omar, the emir of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, made a cold call to the State Department.  The United States had just lobbed cruise missiles at Al Qaeda camps in his nation.  Omar got a mid-level diplomat on the line and spoke calmly.

Libya protests: 84 killed in growing unrest, says HRW  —  Former UK envoy to Libya: “The most exciting question is what happens in Tripoli” (Footage from Libyan TV and amateur sources)  —  The number of people killed in three days of protests in Libya has risen to 84, according to the New York-based group Human Rights Watch.

Just Wondering  —  A reader asks a good question about news coverage of events in Wisconsin: … Heh.  We all remember how liberal news coverage of tea party rallies rarely failed to note that they were “predominantly white.”  Somehow, that is no longer a salient fact …

Why Does College Cost So Much?  —  Robert B. Archibald and David H. Feldman are economists at the College of William & Mary, a public university in Virginia, and the authors of “Why Does College Cost So Much?”  If you want the brief version, you could look at an op-ed article by the two economists …

Somali Pirates Hijack Yacht With American Couple  —  KAMPALA, Uganda — An American couple sailing across the Indian Ocean in a small yacht was captured by Somali pirates on Friday, maritime officials in East Africa said, and the pirates appeared to be taking the Americans back to the Somali shore.

Lawmaker: Gov's plan has torn Wisconsin apart  —  Dem state senator says Scott Walker's proposal to end collective bargaining for most public employees is “absolutely, positively wrong”  —  Protests are continuing at the State Capitol in Madison against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker proposal …

Americans Say Reagan Is the Greatest U.S. President  —  Lincoln and Clinton next on the list; Washington fifth  —  PRINCETON, NJ — Ahead of Presidents Day 2011, Americans are most likely to say Ronald Reagan was the nation's greatest president — slightly ahead of Abraham Lincoln and Bill Clinton.

Planned Parenthood Funding Voted Down  —  Amendment Passes Despite Stunning Personal Testimony From Rep. Jackie Speier  —  The House of Representatives Friday passed a measure to end federal funding for abortion provider Planned Parenthood a day after Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif. …