Weekend talking points: 5 top stories
What happened this week? While protests raged in Libya, union showdowns escalated in the Midwest. And the threat of a government shutdown loomed

A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Thank you for signing up to TheWeek. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
1. Libya takes center stage
A violent crackdown has consumed Libya, where Moammar Gadhafi is under pressure to step down in the face of massive protests. Gadhafi has reportedly threatened to sabotage the North African country's oil supply, which would dramatically hurt western interests in the region. Some wonder whether Obama should do more to push the dictator out. View our continuing coverage of the Arab revolts.
2. The battle over unions spreads
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Showdowns between politicians and labor unions ramped up this week, spreading from Wisconsin to Indiana, and beyond. Democrats who fled their states to avoid voting on tough anti-union bills are disrespecting democracy, says our Bullpen columnist Ed Morrissey. Yet, according to polls, Americans largely back union rights. One journalist, in an apparent show of solidarity with Wisconsinites, even prank called Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.). But are labor unions ultimately doomed? See all of our stories on these union battles.
3. Here come the Oscars!
Sunday evening will bring the much-anticipated 83rd Academy Awards, and with it, an answer, finally, to the question of who will take home Best Picture honors. How will Hollywood deal with the mischievous (and anonymous) street artist Banksy, who is up for Best Documentary? And can James Franco and the possibly unfunny Anne Hathaway score as co-hosts? View our full coverage of the Oscars.
4. Will the government shut down on March 4?
The Obama administration and Congressional Republicans are at odds over a spending plan, and if they can't strike an agreement by the end of next week, key parts of the federal government will close for the foreseeable future. Republicans thus far seem to be sticking to their guns on the major cuts they say Americans want. And while we don't even know what the GOP's long-term plan is, says Bullpen writer Brad DeLong, that doesn't mean Obama's proposal is the solution either. Will either side break this stalemate? For more on the spending cuts clash, click here.
5. Could the economy get even worse?
This month marked the two-year anniversary of Obama's stimulus plan aimed at jump-starting the stalling economy. But economists are worried that the cost of staples like food and fuel will spike in 2011. And investors still may be making ill-advised choices, selling low and buying high. See more coverage of the economy.
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
Sign up to our 10 Things You Need to Know Today newsletter
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
-
10 things you need to know today: September 30, 2023
Daily Briefing Government shutdown looms after failed House vote, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein dies at 90, and more
By Justin Klawans Published
-
All about Zealandia, the Earth’s potential 8th continent
The Explainer The secret continent went undiscovered for over 300 years
By Devika Rao Published
-
A reckoning over looted art
The Explainer Thousands of artifacts in U.S. and European collections were stolen from their countries of origin. Should they be sent back?
By The Week Staff Published
-
Dianne Feinstein, history-making Democratic US senator, dies at 90
The Explainer Her colleagues celebrate her legacy as a trailblazer who cleared the path for other women to follow
By Theara Coleman Published
-
Will the cannabis banking bill get the Senate's green light?
Talking Point The SAFER Banking Act is advancing to the US Senate for the first time, clearing a major hurdle for legal cannabis businesses. Does it stand a chance?
By Theara Coleman Published
-
Trump surrenders in Georgia election subversion case
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries chosen to succeed Pelosi as leader of House Democrats
Speed Read
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
GOP leader Kevin McCarthy's bid for House speaker may really be in peril
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Are China's protests a real threat for Beijing?
opinion The sharpest opinions on the debate from around the web
By Harold Maass Published
-
Who is Nick Fuentes, the white nationalist who dined with Trump and Kanye?
Speed Read From Charlottesville to Mar-a-Lago in just five years
By Rafi Schwartz Published
-
Jury convicts Oath Keepers Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs of seditious conspiracy in landmark Jan. 6 verdict
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published