New governors warn of budget cuts, and more

New governors warn of budget cuts

New governors are taking the helm in 26 states, and all of them are warning of the need for major budget cuts in the face of massive deficits, revenue shortfalls, and a sluggish economy. “The year ahead will demand courage and sacrifice,” said Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, in a speech echoed in every state.

The Wall Street Journal

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Tea Party may challenge Scott Brown in 2012

Mass. Sen. Scott Brown, whose upset win in a special election last year was the first major victory for the Tea Party movement, may face a primary challenge in 2012—from the Tea Party movement. Christen Varley of the Greater Boston Tea Party says Brown has voted for several Obama administration initiatives, is not “conservative enough,” and may face challenges from “multiple people”.

The Boston Globe

Air Force to deploy the Gorgon Stare

The Air Force is deploying a new, drone-based surveillance system in Afghanistan called Gorgon Stare, which has nine video cameras and can monitor all outdoor human activity in entire towns and villages. The $17.5 million device, which will be mounted on Predator and Reaper drones within the next two months, may later be used by the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S.

The Washington Post

Sales of midsize sport-utility vehicles jump

Sales of fuel-efficient small cars were flat last year, with sales of the leading hybrid, the Toyota Prius, declining

1.7 percent. Sales of midsize sport-utility vehicles, by contrast, jumped 41 percent.

The Washington Post