Here is your R&D for March 4th:
Gallup Finds U.S. Unemployment Hitting 10.3% in February from Gallup
According to Gallup’s unemployment measurement, which differs from the official statistics released by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, unemployment in the U.S. went from 9.8% at the end of January to 10.3% at the end of February. Gallup also finds that underemployment surged to 19.9% at the end of last month.
Chavez Libya talks offer rejected from Al Jazeera
Although Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez offered to mediate between the Libyan government and rebel forces, his proposal has been rejected by rebels and the United States and France. Chavez is close with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and has opposed Western military action against the Libyan government.
Why worry about China’s nuclear warheads? from the Japan Times
This interesting article from the Japan Times discusses Chinese nuclear policy, which may be valuable to extempers if they draw a question on China’s military strategy. Similarly, with tensions between India and Pakistan continuing, a START accord may be needed among these three Asian powers to retain stability in the region.
Gov. Snyder defends plan to tax pensions from Business Week
State budget fights continue as Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is defending his plan to tax pensions by arguing that Michigan needs to change and the time to do so is now. Michigan is facing a $1.4 billion shortfall in the upcoming budget year.
Democratic senators ditch 2012 runs from Politico
At last count, five Democratic senators have decided not to run for re-election in 2012 and that increases the probability of Republicans gaining the chamber in 2012. Democrats won a majority in 2006, but are now faced with defending those seats in the next cycle.