- The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (which gives travel warnings, advice, and restrictions) lifted its advisory against traveling to Tokyo following March’s tsunami and earthquake; however, it is still advised that no one travels north of Tokyo unless it is essential.
- Laurent Gbagbo, former president of the Ivory Coast, is expected to come out of the presidential bunker where he has been hiding for months in wake of the country’s civil war, sparked by its November elections. However, it does not appear the civil war will be coming to a close anytime soon.
- Qaddafi and his forces in Libya are still going strong, increasing attacks on the city of Misurata. Libyan rebels are upset at NATO for the lack of aid coming their way; however, NATO is having difficulty devising of an air campaign that would ultimately force Qaddafi into surrender.
- Idaho House passes Senate Bill 1165 that criminalizes abortions performed after 20 weeks. There is no clause for rape or incest. The only representatives from North Idaho who opposed the measure that were present for the vote were both representatives of Moscow. The total vote count was 54-14. It now moves on to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk to be signed into law
- Though Idaho Senate Bill 1033, which would amend the Idaho Human Rights Act to include language that forbids discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation has been blocked from hearings in the state legislature, Idahoans are still showing their support for the measure. The latest campaign involves citizens posting sticky notes on the door of the hearing room of the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee, insisting Chairman Curt McKenzie (R-Nampa) to hold a hearing on the bill, which would allow it to go forward in the legislative process.
- As Japan embarks on the process of rebuilding after a massive 8.9 magnitude on Friday, Japanese citizens are already beginning to return to work, even as reports persist that the country’s nuclear power plants still pose a danger to the population. Relief funds and efforts are swarming to the island nation, including American search-and-rescue workers.
- Instability continues in Libya, as opposition to the ruling regime has turned violent in response to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s brutal repression of initially peaceful demonstrations. el-Qaddafi himself insists that without him Libya will fall to religious extremism.
Filed under What's going on
Tagged as Activism, Curt McKenzie, discrimination, earthquake relief, Gaddafi, gender identity, human rights, Idaho Human Rights Act, Idaho Senate Bill 1033, Japan, Libya, Muammar el-Qaddafi, nuclear, nuclear power, recall, Scott Walker, sexual orientation, Wisconsin
- Libya has followed Tunisia and Egypt in protests calling for the resignation of government leaders. The violence in Libya has already surpassed that of Egypt and Tunisia with an estimated 600-2,000 dead. You can watch live progress of the conflict on Aljazeera.
- This week is National Eating Disorders Week and the Women’s Center has been hosting several body image related events throughout the week including yoga classes and a free screening of the film “Real Women Have Curves” Friday Feb. 25 in the Women’s Center.
- Legislation to strip government funding of Planned Parenthood has passed in the House and Senate will be voting on the measure later this week. Planned Parenthood provides contraception, STD treatment, and sex education for those without healthcare.
- President Obama is now urging Congress to stop enforcing the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. While politicians are debating Obama’s motivation for eliminating the act, it could have a significant impact on same-sex marriage in the United States.
