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.

Delirious Joy in Bahrain  —  BAHRAIN — There's delirious joy in the center of Bahrain right now.  People power has prevailed, at least temporarily, over a regime that repeatedly used deadly force to try to crush a democracy movement.  Pro-democracy protesters have retaken the Pearl Roundabout …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

House votes 244-179 to kill U.S. funding of IPCC  —  Just before 2 a.m. on February 19, the war on climate science showed its grip on the U.S. House of Representatives as it voted to eliminate U.S. funding for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  The Republican majority …

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.

Opinion: What Does Government Do? … Pop quiz.  What's the biggest single job the federal government undertakes?  —  National defense?  Nope.  —  Homeland security?  Wrong.  —  Transportation?  Not even close.  —  Law enforcement?  No way.  —  Education?  Getting colder.  —  Foreign aid?

Conservative budget amendment fails House amid fissure among Republicans  —  Updated at 3 p.m.:  —  A conservative budget proposal that would have cut an additional $22 billion across federal agencies on top of the $61 billion in cuts already proposed by House Republicans failed …

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. …