In Wisconsin, in the midst of a deep state budget crisis, thousands of public sector employees have been protesting a bill that would slash their collective bargaining rights. Is this a preview of budget fights to come in other states? Also, House Republicans continue the largest series of spending cuts in recent history. Has their enthusiasm taken them too far? Finally, in the Middle East, state security forces have stepped up violence against protestors, in Bahrain, Yemen, and Libya. (Arianna Huffington is away.)
Banner image: Protesters fill the courtyard and steps outside the State Capitol building on February 16, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Protesters were demonstrating against Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers. Photo: Mark Hirsch/Getty Images